Resection of posterior ventricular aneurysm, replacement of mitral valve, and coronary bypass.

A 58-year-old man had sudden and progressive heart failure after a severe myocardial infarction. Aggressive medical treatment consisting of diuretics, vasopressors, and digitalis failed to improve his condition significantly. Cardiac catheterization disclosed a critical stenosis in the left anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery, a large posterior left ventricul aneurysm, and severe mitral insufficiency. Intermittent third degree heart block developed after admission. Surgical correction resulted in a dramatic recovery, and three years after operation he is fully recovered and asymptomatic.