The original version is available at http://www.samj.org.za/Four patients underwent ventricular aneurysmectomy for congestive cardiac failure. In addition, 1 patient with an aneurysm and 3 patients with acute myocardial infarcts, ranging from 16 to 28 days postinfarction, underwent emergency surgery for recurrent malignant arrhythmias. The preoperative treatment, cardiac catheterization data and surgical findings are outlined. The overall survival rate is 75% for a mean followup period of 12.5 mth (range 8-22 mth). It is concluded that aneurysmectomy, for congestive cardiac failure, and infarctectomy, for life threatening ventricular arrhythmias, are gratifying and worthwhile procedures.Publishers' Versio
