HEART-SURGERY IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCT ION - INDICATIONS AND RESULTS

The therapy of acute myocardial infarction has made major advances in the last 10 years. Cardiac surgeons have to adapt their strategies to the more aggressive management of acute myocardial infarction. Only in mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction is cardiac su rgery nowadays the therapy of choice. In cardiac rupture and ventricul ar septal defect, surgery is the only therapeutic option. In ischemic mitral regurgitation, cardiac surgery is required in the event of conc omitant cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema after intra-aortic ballo on pump placement. Coronary artery bypass surgery may be indicated at low risk in patients with unstable angina pectoris when PTCA is not fe asible or has failed, or in catheter emergencies.