Ventricular Septal and Free Wall Rupture Complicating Acute MI.

This article discusses rupture of the free wall of the left ventricle and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Although both entities occur infrequently, they remain prominent causes of death from acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Rupture of the free wall varies from an acute tear to a slow, incomplete, or subacute rupture. A VSD resulting from an AMI may be simple or complex. A simple rupture is a direct opening in the ventricular system. A complex rupture ascribes an undulating course. Although VSD is potentially amendable to surgical therapy, free wall rupture is usually immediately fatal. Because rapid identification with aggressive treatment potentially influences patient outcome, cardiovascular nurses need to be able to rapidly identify patients experiencing these cardiac rupture syndromes. Nurses provide the important physiologic and psychosocial support that is necessary for patient survival and successful adaptation