Early repair of traumatic ventricular septal defect.

Traumatic ventricular septal defect may present as an isolated injury following blunt chest trauma. Medical therapy is indicated in small defects. Defects 2 cm. or larger usually lead to death or marked cardiac disability. Surgical repair can usually be done as an elective procedure with good results and a low mortality rate. However, with some patients early repair is necessary as a lifesaving measure. By using the approach through the apex of the heart, a better exposure and more secure repair is obtained without compromising a large portion of myocardium.