Ventricular enlargement for underdeveloped right ventricle and associated anomalies

Abstract

An operation to enlarge the right ventricular cavity by placing a two-layer patch in the outflow of the right ventricle was evaluated in 9 puppies and 2 adult dogs. Autologous pericardium and Dacron fabric were sutured to the endocardium and epicardium, respectively, with a space left between. During follow-up to 22 months, right ventricle maximum pressure response was evaluated on acute pulmonary occlusion, angiography, treadmill exercise, and pathology. Postoperative hemodynamics were considered excellent, although residual dye in the right ventricle after each beat was seen on angiography. All animals completed the exercise tests without difficulty. The right ventricle pressure responses were the same in the study dogs as in the 4 normal control dogs. Shrinkage of the pericardial patch was notable, and inflow and outflow epicardial Dacron patches decreased in area by 40 and 12 per cent, respectively. Inflow patches showed greater inflammatory responses histologically. This study indicated that this operation is applicable without a gross disturbance in right ventricular function.