Repair of ventricular rupture following mitral valve replacement.

Left ventricular rupture is reported to occur in 0.5-2% of patients following mitral valve replacement and results in a high mortality rate. Three types of left ventricular rupture have been identified, each attributed to a different mechanism. Failure of repair has been due to repeated tearing of the ventricular muscle and resulting hemorrhage. We describe the repair of left ventricular rupture following mitral valve replacement with buttressed dacron patch. The repair is designed to eliminate the tension placed on the suture line. In addition, specific recommendations are made to avoid left ventricular rupture during mitral valve replacement.