Left Ventricular Reconstruction Surgery Research Articles

Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Pseudoaneurysm Compresses Left Anterior Descending Artery: A Case Report and Review of Literature

A case of a 49-year-old man with a history of buprenorphine-substituted heroin was admitted for acute heart failure after three months of bioprosthetic aortic replacement to treat infective endocarditis. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was 35% and a periprosthetic mass with an aorto-ventricular fistula. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) pseudoaneurysm measuring 69 x 45 mm that compressed left anterior descending (LAD) artery with downstream myocardial ischemia. Patient was treated by an urgent surgery, including an exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm, a left ventricular reconstruction surgery and a bioprosthetic aortic replacement. Patient went through a difficult postoperative period. Finally, he was safely discharged with a low EF (34%) from hospital to rehabilitation center with a Life vest. This case spotlights a rare devastating complication of a LVOT pseudoaneurysm compresses LAD artery and how surgery could decompress the false aneurysm and stabilize ischemia.

Surgical ventricular restoration for rabbit dilated cardiomyopathy model: Preliminary study

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiovascular disease in dogs. It is primarily treated with beta-blockers. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the efficacy of surgical ventricular restoration on daunorubicin-induced DCM in rabbits. The DCM model was generated in six rabbits by intravenous administration of daunorubicin (4 mg/kg/week) for 6 weeks. Echocardiography was performed before and after left ventricular (LV) reconstruction surgery to evaluate the LV function. The surgery was performed using non-absorbent prosthetic sheets and 5–0 polypropylene sutures, between the left anterior descending branch and the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery. We measured LV function 3 weeks postoperatively and collected the hearts for histopathological examination. We observed significant improvements in the LV internal dimension volume at both end-diastole and end-systole compared to the preoperative values. Fraction shortening showed a substantial improvement from 23.8 ± 1.4% to 30.9 ± 1.3%. In addition, the ejection fraction increased from 35.3% to 51.9%. On histological examination, the left ventricular wall was markedly thin. Furthermore, we observed fibrosis between the myocardial cells around the sutured site. The LV volume and LV functions significantly improved postoperatively. However, further investigation is required to determine the long-term effects of surgical ventricular restoration.

Results of Left Ventricular Reconstruction With and Without Mitral Valve Surgery

This study aims to compare the midterm outcomes of left ventricular reconstruction with those of left ventricular reconstruction plus mitral valve surgery in patients with left ventricular aneurysm due to anterior myocardial infarction and moderate mitral regurgitation. A total of 523 patients (75 who underwent left ventricular reconstruction plus mitral valve surgery and 448 who underwent left ventricular reconstruction) with concomitant moderate mitral regurgitation were included in the study population. All-cause mortality was considered the primary endpoint. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and subsequent mitral valve surgery, were considered secondary endpoints. Multivariable proportional hazards Cox regression models were used to assess the associations between groups and outcomes. In the sensitivity analysis we excluded patients who did not undergo coronary artery bypass graft and repeated the statistical analysis above. The median follow-up time among all patients was 41 months. There was no significant difference between the left ventricular reconstruction plus mitral valve surgery and the left ventricular reconstruction groups with regard to all-cause mortality (P= .208) and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (P= .817) after adjustment for covariates. In the sensitivity analysis there was no significant difference between the left ventricular reconstruction plus mitral valve surgery and left ventricular reconstruction groups with regard to all-cause mortality (P= .158) and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (P= .651) after adjustment for covariates. The clinical outcomes of left ventricular reconstruction are comparable with those of left ventricular reconstruction plus mitral valve surgery in patients with left aneurysm and moderate mitral regurgitation.

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Left ventricular reconstruction surgery in ischemic heart disease: a systematic review of the past two decades.

The aim of this paper is to systematically review the existing literature reporting on patients recruited during the past twenty years regarding the role of left ventricular (LV) reconstruction in ischemic cardiomyopathy in terms of efficacy and mortality and provide an updated overview of the current evidence. The PubMed and Cochrane bibliographical databases were thoroughly searched for the following MeSH terms: "ventricular reconstruction" OR ventriculoplasty OR "ventricular aneurysm" OR "ventricular restoration." Original studies -recruiting patients during the past twenty years- on LV reconstruction surgery in more than five cases and reporting on the associated peri- or postoperative mortality were deemed eligible. Twenty-seven studies were included and provided data for 3220 patients with a mean age of 61 years. Angina was present in 66.6% (510/766) of the patients, while nine out of ten (635/699) had a history of myocardial infarction. Average preoperative ejection fraction was 29.9% and end-systolic volume index was 93.6 mL/m2. With respect to complications, low cardiac output syndrome and the need for intra-aortic balloon pump were prevalent in 9.3% (79/850) and 18.8% (334/1773), respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 7.1% (230/3220) and late-mortality (mean follow-up of 36.9 months) was 19.6% (548/2791), while the rate of MACCE was 40.1% (367/915). Five-year mortality was 29% (340/1171). Our findings provide a current perspective of the role of LV reconstruction in the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy suggesting its benefit in survival. Taking into consideration the existing debate, further studies are required so that a solid conclusion to be made.

Regional left ventricular function does not predict survival in ischaemic cardiomyopathy after cardiac surgery

ObjectivesTo define the prognostic contribution of global and regional left ventricular (LV) function measurements in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy randomised to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) with (n=501) or...

Time series analysis of physiologic left ventricular reconstruction in ischemic cardiomyopathy

ObjectiveThe history of left ventricular reconstruction has demonstrated that the full spectrum of recoverable physiologic parameters is essential for a good functional result. We report the long-term outcome of a new surgical technique that arranges myocardial fibers in a near-normal disposition, also recovering left ventricular twisting. MethodsBetween May 2006 and October 2013, 29 consecutive patients with previous anterior myocardial infarction and heart failure symptoms underwent physiologic left ventricular reconstruction surgery and coronary revascularization. Patients were examined by means of standard echocardiography and 2-dimensional speckle tracking at 8 time steps until 7 years after surgery. Ten geometric and functional parameters were evaluated at each step and analyzed by the linear mixed model test. ResultsHospital mortality was 0%. The mean percentage of indexed end-diastolic and end-systolic volume reduction was 45.7% and 50.9%, respectively. Ejection fraction and all of the volumes were significantly different in the postoperative period with a steady correction during time. Diastolic parameters were not worsened by surgical reconstruction. Ejection fraction and deceleration time showed a significant improvement during time. Left ventricular torsion increased immediately after the surgical correction from 2.8 ± 4.4 degrees to 8.7 ± 3.9 degrees (P = .02) and was still present 4 years after surgery. ConclusionsSurgical conduction of ventricular reconstruction should be standardized to achieve the full spectrum of recoverable physiologic parameters. The renewal of ventricular torsion should be pursued as an adjunctive element of ventricular efficiency, mainly in ventricles that work at a critical level in the Frank–Starling relationship and pressure-volume loop.

Impact of Surgical Ventricular Restoration on Cardiac Function, Ischaemic Mitral Regurgitation and Long-term Survival

Objectives: Adverse cardiac remodelling is a major cause of morbidity and mortality post myocardial infarction. The role of surgical ventricular restoration compared to medical and electrophysiological treatments has recently come under intense scrutiny. We aimed to evaluate 10-year clinical outcomes of surgical ventricular restoration in our institution. Methods: From January 2001 to 2011, surgical ventricular restoration was performed in 126 consecutive patients (M2.3: 1F), mean age 65.5 (44-86) years. All patients presented with angina, heart failure and/or ventricular tachycardia. Post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm was present in all patients and ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with a large akinetic left ventricle in 11.6%. The preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 33.1 ± 8.9%. Multi-vessel disease was present in 117/126(93%) patients. Mitral regurgitation more than grade+2 was found in 39/126(31%). The mean Logistic EuroSCORE was 13.8 ± 5.9%. A minimum of two-year post-operative follow-up was obtained on all patients. Results: Most patients underwent endoventricular or elliptical patch repair; 94% had concomitant coronary revascularisation with a median of 2 grafts and 5% had mitral valve repair. Intra-aortic balloon pump was placed preoperatively in 24/126 (19%) patients while 21/126 (17%) needed inotropic support for more than 24 h. Postoperative stroke occurred in 2 patients. In-hospital mortality was 7/126 (5.5%). All cause cardiovascular mortality at ten years was 12/126 (9.5%). Mean follow-up in operative survivors was 8.2 ± 1.2 years. Actuarial survival was 95.3%, 90.6%, 86.3% and 79.1% at 1-month, 1, 5 and 10-years. Echocardiographic follow-up demonstrated a reduction in the mean left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left atrial diameter. Ejection fraction improved over first year from 33.1 ± 8.9 to 45 ± 8.6% (P<0.006). Conclusions: Left ventricular reconstruction surgery is a good surgical option for treatment of post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm.

LEFT VENTRICULAR REMODELLING AND MITRAL VALVE REMODELLING IN CORONARY HEART DISEASE PATIENTS WITH POST-SURGERY PROGRESSION OF MITRAL REGURGITATION

The progression of ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) after coronary arty bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains one of the most complex and still unresolved problems in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD).Aim. To study myocardial function, left ventricular (LV) remodelling, and mitral valve (MV) remodelling in CHD patients with MR progression after isolated CABG or CABG combined with LV reconstructive surgery.Material and methods. In total, 101 CHD patients after CABG were included in the analysis.Results. The mechanisms of MR progression after isolated CABG differ from those after CABG and LV reconstructive surgery. After the former, LV remodelling progresses both locally and globally, while after the latter, the LV remodelling progression is predominantly global. The patients with post-surgery MR progression differ from their peers without MR in terms of all key parameters of MV geometry.Conclusion. The leading mechanism of MR progression is local and global LV remodelling, which leads to papillary muscle dislocation and MV leaflet tension and restricted motion. The categories of patients with a high risk of post-surgery MR progression are defined.

O conceito renovado da operação de Batista na cardiomiopatia isquêmica

The reconstruction of the left ventricle (LV) is effective in the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy with large akinetic or dyskinetic areas. However, late survival outcomes are related to the remnant left ventricular cavity size, thus eliminating intracavitary patch placement provides additional LV reduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the results with left ventricular reconstruction surgery using the concept of maximum ventricular reduction, with systematic patch abolition.Seventy-six consecutive patients with ischemic heart disease (age 30-78 years, mean 57.6 ± 10.1), evolving in functional class III and IV underwent surgical ventricular reconstruction with no use of intracavitary patches or Teflon strips for closing the left ventriculotomy.The left ventricular end-systolic diameter decreased from 52.3 ± 5.4 in the preoperative period to 45.2 ± 6.9 mm in the postoperative period. LV ejection fraction increased from 34.2% ± 10.4% to 45.5% ± 9.4%. Associated CABG was performed in 75/76 patients with a mean of 2.4 grafts per patient. The 30-day mortality was 3/76 (3.9%). At an average follow up of 39 months, the majority of the patients (91.4%) remain in functional class I and II.The concept of maximizing LV reduction with systematic patchless reconstruction is feasible, safe and effective, the early and late outcomes comparing favorably to previous series reported in the medical literature. Additionally, the concept meets the contemporary pathophysiologic basis of heart failure.

The role of surgical technique in determining the outcome of left ventricular reconstruction: a difficult assessment

We read with interest the review article of Klein and coworkers [1] who provide interesting insights about the outcome of left ventricular reconstruction surgery using different surgical techniques. In their article, the authors used a pooled-data analysis from a subset of studies within the total amount of 62 articles retrieved. This analysis, which included a fuddled number of patients, was designed to compare different surgical techniques in respect of early and late outcome. The authors concluded that the endoventricular reconstruction (EVR) technique demonstrated a reduced risk for early and late mortality compared to the linear repair (LR) technique. Pooled-data analysis is a powerful statistical tool aimed to achieve enough power from many underpowered studies. However, a prerequisite for this approach is that the choice of the technique should not be biased by different clinical conditions of the patients. The best practice should be pooling only data from randomized controlled trials, but we agree that they are practically absent in the literature. However, many studies included in this analysiswerebiasedbya surgical choice of the technique based on different size and extension of the left ventricular aneurysm: the general attitude was to use a LR for lesions not affecting the interventricular septum, leaving the EVR to anteroseptal aneurysms with an important septal involvement [2—4]. We could retrieve 8 articles reporting a total of about 1000 patients where this bias was present. Other studies compared the two techniques in consecutive periods of time, generally with the LR performed in the first years, and the EVR in the last [5]. Of course, many technical improvements apart from the surgical technique have been achieved in recent years, and this could introduce another source of bias. Finally, and most important, the comparison was made between institutions routinely performing LR or EVR. As a consequence, the results may reflect

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Early and late outcome of left ventricular reconstruction surgery in ischemic heart disease

A systematic review of the literature was performed to determine early and late mortality associated with left ventricular (LV) reconstruction surgery and to assess the influence of different surgical techniques, concomitant surgical procedures, clinical and hemodynamic parameters on mortality. The MEDLINE database (January 1980-January 2005) was searched and from the pooled data, hospital mortality and survival were calculated. Summary estimates of relative risks (RR) were calculated for the techniques that were used and for concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve surgery. The risk-adjusted relationships between mortality and clinical and hemodynamic parameters were assessed by meta-regression. A total of 62 studies (12,331 patients) were identified. Weighted average early mortality was 6.9%. Cumulative 1-year, 5-year and 10-year survival were 88.5%, 71.5% and 53.9%, respectively. Endoventricular reconstruction (EVR) showed a reduced risk for both early (RR=0.79, p<0.005) and late (RR=0.67, p<0.001) mortality compared to the linear repair (early: RR=1.38, p<0.001; late: RR=1.83, p<0.001). Early and late mortality were mainly cardiac in origin, with as predominant cause heart failure in respectively 49.7% and 34.5% of the cases. Ventricular arrhythmias caused 16.6% of early deaths and 17.2% of late deaths. Concomitant CABG significantly decreased late mortality (RR=0.28, p<0.001) without increasing early mortality (RR=1.018, p=0.858). Concomitant mitral valve surgery showed both an increased risk for early (RR=1.57, p=0.001) and late mortality (RR=4.28, p<0.001). No clinical or hemodynamic parameters were found to influence mortality. It is noteworthy that only one third of patients included in the current analysis were operated for heart failure (14 studies, 4135 patients). In this group we noted an early mortality of 11.0% with a late mortality (3-year) of 15.2%. This analysis of pooled literature data showed that LV reconstruction surgery is performed with acceptable mortality and EVR may be the preferred technique with a reduced risk for early and late mortality. Concomitant CABG improved outcome, whereas the need for mitral valve surgery appeared an index of gravity. No clinical or hemodynamic parameters were found to influence mortality; specifically LV ejection fraction and LV volumes both did not predict outcome.

Left Ventricular Reconstructive Surgery in Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Complicated With Cardiogenic Shock

The feasibility of left ventricular restoration for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy complicated with cardiogenic shock remains unclear. We report early and mid-term outcomes of surgical interventions including left ventricular restoration for patients with cardiogenic shock. From April 2001 to June 2007, 10 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who developed cardiogenic shock underwent left ventricular restoration combined with mitral annuloplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting. All had been supported by a maximum dose of inotropic agents, 8 had required an intraaortic balloon pump, and 1 had required extracorporeal life support. Mean left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indices were 142 +/- 33 mL/m(2) and 113 +/- 28 mL/m(2), respectively, and ejection fraction was 0.21 +/- 0.059. There was no mortality at 30 days. Five patients demonstrated significant recovery after the operation. Three patients simultaneously underwent left ventricular assist system (LVAS) implantation with left ventricular restoration because of preexisting severe end-organ failure, and 2 of them were subsequently weaned from LVAS, although 1 required reimplantation. The other 2 patients eventually underwent LVAS implantation in the early postoperative period. Two patients who required prolonged LVAS support underwent successful heart transplantation. Seven patients are alive at a mean follow-up of 1.9 years. Patients who required prolonged LVAS support had significantly longer duration of heart failure symptoms (p = 0.04) and higher mean pulmonary artery pressure (p = 0.02) preoperatively. Early combined surgical interventions including left ventricular restoration can be a choice of treatment even in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy complicated with cardiogenic shock. Additional use of the LVAS followed by bridge to recovery or transplantation should be appropriately applied in these critically ill patients.

Long-Term Results of Left Ventricular Reconstructive Surgery in Patients With Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Left ventricular restoration (LVR) is increasingly used for treatment of chronic heart failure following myocardial infarction. The present multi-institutional retrospective study analyzed the long-term efficacy and limitations of LVR. Seventy-two (58 males, mean age 62+/-10) patients who underwent LVR between January 1999 and June 2007 were included. Preoperatively, 50 (68.5%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV. Mean left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes were 145+/-43 ml/m(2) and 111+/-40 ml/m(2), respectively, and ejection fraction was 25+/-7.4%. Other concomitant operative procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting in 55 (76.4%), and mitral valve procedures in 38 (52.8%). Thirty-day mortality was 2.8%. Actuarial survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 95.3%, 80.45 and 71.0% respectively. Mean ejection fraction significantly improved to 39+/-11%, and left ventricular volumes were significantly reduced in the early postoperative period. During a mean of 3.3+/-2.4 years of follow up, these improvements were still significant in the late period. Of the survivors, 90% were in NYHA functional class I or II. LVR can be performed with a low operative mortality and provide satisfactory long-term survival by restoring the dilated left ventricle and improving systolic function.

Transesophageal Echocardiography of the Edge-to-Edge Technique of Mitral Valve Repair

A 66-year-old man with a history of a large anteroapical myocardial infarction presented to the operating room for three-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting and left ventricular (LV) reconstructive surgery (Dor procedure). His baseline intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a dilated LV with an end diastolic diameter 7 cm and an ejection fraction 20%. A central jet of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) was present, causing systolic flow reversal in the pulmonary veins. The mechanism appeared to be dilation of the mitral valve (MV) annulus and tethering of both the anterior and posterior leaflets. A coaptation defect was clearly seen along the entire commissural line (Video clip 1, Please see video clip available at www.anesthesia-analgesia.org). After initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and completion of the coronary artery bypass grafting, the LV was opened and a pericardial patch sewn into place to exclude the infarcted area of myocardium. Because of the high risk of the procedure and an already long bypass time (more than 2.5 h), the decision was made not to open another area of the heart to deal with the patient’s severe MR. Instead, before closing the LV, an Alfieri stitch was placed, using the double-orifice technique (Fig. 1). This was done to increase the area of coaptation between the two leaflets. The patient was successfully weaned from CPB with inotropes and an intraaortic balloon pump. Transesophageal echocardiography examination after chest closure showed only mild MR (Video

Stroke Volume Alterations in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Reconstructive Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of 3,131 Cases

Stroke Volume Alterations in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Reconstructive Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of 3,131 Cases

An Experimental Rabbit Model for Off-Pump Left Ventricular Reconstruction Following Left Ventricular Aneurysm

Cardiac electromechanical remodeling following left ventricular reconstruction (LVR) surgery is not fully understood. Further development of an animal model will facilitate investigations in this area. In the present study, we aimed to establish a novel LVR procedure without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass in a rabbit left ventricular (LV) aneurysm model. LV aneurysm was created in 6 rabbits by ligation of the distal left coronary artery. More than a month later, LVR aneurysm surgery was performed off-pump using a purse-string suture around the aneurysm. Cardiac dimensions and function were evaluated using echocardiographic techniques perioperatively and 4 weeks after LVR surgery. Six structurally normal hearts were used as controls. LVR surgery was successfully performed in all 6 rabbits. Both LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV, 4.6 +/- 0.9 to 3.3 +/- 0.6 mL; P < .01) and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV, 2.5 +/- 0.6 to 1.5 +/- 0.2 mL, P < .01) were decreased immediately postsurgery versus presurgery, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was increased (44.5 +/- 5.3 to 55.6 +/- 4.8%, P < .001). For comparison, in normal rabbits (n = 6), LVEDV, LVESV and LVEF were 3.1 +/- 0.7 mL, 1.2 +/- 0.5 mL, and 64.5 +/- 8.8%, respectively. During follow-up, one rabbit died 3 weeks after surgery from an unknown cause. In the remaining 5 animals, improvements of LVEDV (3.7+/- 0.4 mL, P < .05), LVESV (1.7 +/- 0. 3 mL, P < .01), and LVEF (53.1 +/- 2.8%, P < .01) were maintained versus presurgery values for more than 4 weeks after LVR. Off-pump LVR of rabbit LV aneurysm is an effective and less invasive surgery that resulted in sustained improvement in cardiac function with no gross intraoperative or postoperative mortality. This may be a useful model for investigations of electromechanical remodeling following LVR.

Effect of Left Ventricular Reconstruction Surgery on Mitral Regurgitation as Assessed with Echocardiography

Background: Left ventricular (LV) reconstruction surgery (LVR) was applied to treat end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). The existence of post-operative severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is well known to be a strong predictor of poor prognosis. Therefore, we evaluated the severity of MR in patients with ICM who underwent LVR.

La reconstruction ventriculaire à l'origine du traitement chirurgical de l'insuffisance cardiaque

The surgical method of ventricular reconstruction described by Dor is recalled with the clinical report of a patient who presented a ventricular aneurysm. The left ventricular reconstructive surgery is based on an anatomical design of the heart described by Torrent-Guasp, where the normal orientation of the left ventricular muscle fibers, oblique in direction, is found parallel with the base of the heart at the time of ventricular dilation. By giving again an elliptic form to the left ventricle, the left ventricular reconstructive surgery improves the cardiac function of the patient who developed a bulky aneurysm after an infarction. Based on this concept, other techniques of ventricular reconstruction intended for patients presenting dilated cardiomyopathy, of ischemic origin or not, are being studied.