Efficacy of endoventricular patch plasty in large postinfarction akinetic scar and severe left ventricular dysfunction: comparison with a series of large dyskinetic scars

Massive inferior wall aneurysm presenting with ventricular tachycardia and refractory cardiomyopathy requiring multiple interventions: A case report

BACKGROUND

Inferior wall left ventricular aneurysms are rare, they develop after transmural myocardial infarction (MI) and may be associated with poorer prognosis. We present a unique case of a large aneurysm of the inferior wall complicated by ventricular tachycardia (VT) and requiring surgical resection and mitral valve replacement.

CASE SUMMARY

A 59-year-old male was admitted for VT one month after he had a delayed presentation for an inferior ST-segment elevation MI and was discovered to have a large true inferior wall aneurysm on echocardiography and confirmed on coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. Due to the sustained VT, concern for aneurysm expansion, and persistent heart failure symptoms, the patient was referred for surgical resection of the aneurysm with patch repair, mitral valve replacement, and automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion with significant improvement in functional and clinical status.

CONCLUSION

Inferior wall aneurysms are rare and require close monitoring to identify electrical or contractile sequelae. Coronary CT angiography can outline anatomic details and guide surgical intervention to ameliorate life-threatening complications and improve performance status.

A new classification of chronic postinfarction aneurysms of the left ventricle in patients with coronary artery disease

The article highlights the historical moments of how the concepts for the diagnosis and treatment of postinfarction aneurysms of the left ventricle were developed, and the possibilities of the main diagnostic methods. As a rule, patients with chronic postinfarction aneurysms of the left ventricle have severe damage to their coronary bed, requiring invasive correction (coronary artery stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting), which must be performed either before or during the intervention to eliminate the left ventricular aneurysm. A new classification of chronic postinfarction aneurysms of the left ventricle is proposed, which takes into account rather the type of myocardial blood supply and the severity of damage to the coronary bed, than the actual features of aneurysms. It determines the stages and tactics of treatment of patients with chronic postinfarction aneurysms of the left ventricle, focusing on the problem of coronary revascularization.

Clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of the Dor procedure in adults with ischemic cardiomyopathy

Ischemic cardiomyopathy continues to be a major contributor to congestive heart failure, which places a significant burden on our healthcare system. Improving medications and different coronary revascularization strategies are the mainstays in the management of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Although medications and mechanical circulatory support are playing an ever-increasing role, cardiac transplantation remains the gold standard for treating advanced heart failure. Given the small number of available and suitable donor hearts, transplantation is limited for the majority of patients. Surgical ventricular restoration has repeatedly been suggested as a viable alternative in managing heart failure in select patients, as it is believed that surgically returning the ventricle to its original dimensions is possible and associated with favorable outcomes. The purpose of this manuscript is to comprehensively review the current literature on various surgical strategies for ventricular restoration. We also contextualize the published data with respect to ventricular function, volume, structure, arrhythmias, mitral regurgitation, and clinical outcomes.

Organ-saving surgical alternatives to treatment of heart failure

Over time, various surgical treatment strategies have evolved to manage advanced heart failure (HF). Scientific and technological breakthroughs through the last 50 years have put forward various surgical alternatives to patients with advanced HF encompassing surgical ventricular restoration to surgical gene therapy and stem cell replacement of the diseased ventricles. Organ-saving surgical options which used to be promising included dynamic cardiomyoplasty, partial resection of ventricle and cardiac wrapping with Acorn CorCap cardiac support device. These procedures were eventually abandoned due to negative outcomes and without proven disadvantages. Another organ-saving surgical option currently being considered but still make little sense is cardiac regeneration by stem cell therapy, i.e., cardiomyocyte restoration and replacement. Presently, the organ-saving surgical alternatives to treat end-stage HF are revascularization for ischemic cardiomyopathy, mitral valve surgery (repair or replacement) for ischemic mitral incompetence (IMI), left ventricular (LV) aneurysmectomy (surgical ventricular restoration) and mitral valve repair for IMI. These aforementioned procedures have become quite established approaches and with increasing experience are continuously being modified to improve outcome. Various mechanical circulatory support systems have emerged over time to improve functional status of patients with advanced HF, either as a bridge to heart transplantation or as a bridge to myocardial recovery. Likewise offered in those with contraindications to transplantation. Ventricular assist devices (VAD) can keep patients alive until an eventual transplantation. This article reviews the variety of the myriad of alternative organ-saving surgical alternatives that have been available or are currently available provided to patients with end-stage HF, their advantages and deficiencies, as well as prospects in HF therapy.

Conventional cardiac surgery in patients with end-stage coronary artery disease: yesterday and today

Surgical therapy of combined coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure, also referred to as end-stage CAD, has evolved throughout the years and patients are currently being offered traditional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with or without surgical ventricle restoration (SVR), interventions for ischemic mitral valve regurgitation, heart transplantation or implantation of mechanical cardiovascular support systems. Among surgical methods, operative myocardial revascularization (with or without ventricle restoration) is still playing an important role, aiming at restoration of proper myocardial perfusion, especially if heart muscle viability is present. Facing the donor shortage, CABG may constitute a valuable alternative to transplantation in selected patients. In individuals considered not suitable for surgical revascularization, implantation of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) not only appears as a salvage procedure, but also allows for reevaluation of future therapy directions. This article aims at providing an overview of evolving and current surgical practices in patients with end-stage CAD.

Restoring ventricular restoration: A call to re-evaluate a surgical therapy considered ineffective

The technique of surgical restoration of postischemically dilated left ventricles (SVR) has almost disappeared from operating theaters after the Surgical Treatment of IsChemic Heart failure (STICH) Trial demonstrated no treatment effect in patients with CAD and ejection fraction below 35%. Criticism on the trial was expressed stating that surgical expertise and patient selection (i.e., almost no aneurysm patients included) may have been inadequate to test the procedure s potential. Gaudino and colleagues now propose to conduct an analysis comparing the STICH patient population to a group of comparable SVR patients treated by a center with documented specific expertise for this technique. We here address the background of the trial and the following controversy and suggest a rationale why the suggested analysis has the potential to add valuable information to the field.

Basic fibroblast growth factor attenuates left-ventricular remodeling following surgical ventricular restoration in a rat ischemic cardiomyopathy model

OBJECTIVE

Although surgical ventricular restoration for ischemic cardiomyopathy is expected as an alternative or bridge to heart transplantation, post-operative remodeling of left ventricle (LV) needs to be addressed. This study aimed to examine the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which induces angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in ischemic myocardium, to prevent remodeling after surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) using a rat ischemic cardiomyopathy model.

METHODS

Four weeks after coronary artery ligation, rats were divided into two groups: rats treated with SVR alone (SVR; n = 21), and rats treated with SVR and local sustained release of bFGF using gelatin hydrogel sheet (SVR + bFGF; n = 22). Cardiac function was assessed by serial echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Cardiac tissue sections were histologically examined for vascular density and fibrosis.

RESULTS

Higher systolic function and lower LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were observed in rats treated with SVR + bFGF (SVR vs SVR + bFGF; Ees: 0.22 ± 0.11 vs 0.33 ± 0.22 mmHg/μL, p = 0.0328; LVEDP: 12.7 ± 7.0 vs 8.5 ± 4.3 mmHg, p = 0.0230). LV area tended to be lower in rats treated with SVR + bFGF compared to rats treated with SVR alone (left-ventricular end-diastolic area: 0.66 ± 0.07 vs 0.62 ± 0.07 cm², p = 0.071). Vascular density tended to be higher in rats treated with SVR + bFGF than those without bFGF (23.3 ± 8.1 vs 28.8 ± 9.5/mm², p = 0.0509).

CONCLUSIONS

BFGF induced angiogenesis and attenuated remodeling after SVR which secured the efficacy of SVR in a rat ischemic cardiomyopathy model.

Biomaterials and heart recovery: cardiac repair, regeneration and healing in the MCS era: a state of the "heart"

Regenerative medicine is an emerging interdisciplinary field of scientific research that, supported by tissue engineering is, nowadays, a valuable and reliable solution dealing with the actual organs shortage and the unresolved limits of biological or prosthetic materials used in repair and replacement of diseased or damaged human tissues and organs. Due to the improvements in design and materials, and to the changing of clinical features of patients treated for valvular heart disease the distance between the ideal valve and the available prostheses has been shortened. We will then deal with the developing of new tools aiming at replacing or repair cardiac tissues that still represent an unmet clinical need for the surgeons and indeed for their patients. In the effort of improving treatment for the cardiovascular disease (CVD), scientists struggle with the lack of self-regenerative capacities of finally differentiated cardiovascular tissues. In this context, using several converging technological approaches, regenerative medicine moves beyond traditional transplantation and replacement therapies and can restore tissue impaired function. It may also play an essential role in surgery daily routine, leading to produce devices such as injectable hydrogels, cardiac patches, bioresorbable stents and vascular grafts made by increasingly sophisticated biomaterial scaffolds; tailored devices promptly fabricated according to surgeon necessity and patient anatomy and pathology will hopefully represent a daily activity in the next future. The employment of these devices, still far from the in vitro reproduction of functional organs, has the main aim to achieve a self-renewal process in damaged tissues simulating endogenous resident cell populations. In this field, the collaboration and cooperation between cardiothoracic surgeons and bioengineers appear necessary to modify these innovative devices employed in preclinical studies according to the surgeon's needs.

Left Ventricular Reconstruction for Postinfarction Left Ventricular Aneurysm: Review of Surgical Techniques

Different surgical techniques, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, have been used to reverse adverse left ventricular remodeling due to postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm. The most appropriate surgical technique depends on the location and size of the aneurysm and the scarred tissue, the patient's preoperative characteristics, and surgeon preference. This review covers the reconstructive surgical techniques for postinfarction left ventricular aneurysm.

Spatiotemporal delivery of nanoformulated liraglutide for cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction

The local, intramyocardial injection of proteins into the infarcted heart is an attractive option to initiate cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI). Liraglutide, which was developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, has been implicated as one of the most promising protein candidates in cardiac regeneration. A significant challenge to the therapeutic use of this protein is its short half-life in vivo. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects and long-term retention of liraglutide loaded in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) nanoparticles (NP-liraglutide) on experimental MI. PLGA-PEG nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to efficiently load liraglutide and release bioactive liraglutide in a sustained manner. For in vitro test, the released liraglutide retained bioactivity, as measured by its ability to activate liraglutide signaling pathways. Next, we compared the effects of an intramyocardial injection of saline, empty NPs, free liraglutide and NP-liraglutide in a rat model of MI. NPs were detected in the myocardium for up to 4 weeks. More importantly, an intramyocardial injection of NP-liraglutide was sufficient to improve cardiac function (P<0.05), attenuate the infarct size (P<0.05), preserve wall thickness (P<0.05), promote angiogenesis (P<0.05) and prevent cardiomyocyte apoptosis (P<0.05) at 4 weeks after injection without affecting glucose levels. The local, controlled, intramyocardial delivery of NP-liraglutide represents an effective and promising strategy for the treatment of MI.

Effects of Surgical Ventricular Restoration on Left Ventricular Shape, Size, and Function for Left Ventricular Anterior Aneurysm

Background:

Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) has been performed to treat left ventricular (LV) aneurysm. However, there is limited analysis of changes in LV shape. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in LV shape induced by SVR and the effects of SVR on LV size and function for LV aneurysm.

Methods:

Between April 2006 and March 2015, 18 patients with dyskinetic (dyskinetic group) and 12 patients with akinetic (akinetic group) postinfarction LV anterior aneurysm receiving SVR with the Dor procedure at Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital were enrolled in this study. A retrospective analysis was carried out using data from the echocardiography database. LV shape was analyzed by calculating the apical conicity index (ACI). LV end-diastolic volume index, end-systolic volume index, and ejection fraction (EF) were measured. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare means at different time points within each group.

Results:

Within one week after SVR, LV shape became more conical in the two groups (ACI decreased from 0.84 ± 0.13 to 0.69 ± 0.11 [t = 5.155, P = 0.000] in dyskinetic group and from 0.73 ± 0.07 to 0.60 ± 0.11 [t = 2.701, P = 0.026] in akinetic group; LV volumes were decreased significantly and became closer to normal values and EF was improved significantly in the two groups). On follow-up at least one year, LV shape remained unchanged in dyskinetic group (ACI increased from 0.69 ± 0.11 to 0.74 ± 0.12, t = −1.109, P = 0.294), but became more spherical in akinetic group (ACI significantly increased from 0.60 ± 0.11 to 0.75 ± 0.11, t = −1.880, P = 0.047); LV volumes remained unchanged in dyskinetic group, but increased significantly in akinetic group and EF remained unchanged in the two groups.

Conclusions:

SVR could reshape LV to a more conical shape and a more normal size and improve LV function significantly early after the procedure in patients with dyskinetic or akinetic postinfarction LV anterior aneurysm. However, LV tends to be more spherical and enlarged in the akinetic group on at least 1-year follow-up.

Posterior ventricular restoration treatment for heart failure: a review, past, present and future aspects

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the major causes of death and occurs in more than 15,000,000 patients worldwide. The incidence is expected to increase in parallel with the aging population. Most current therapies for CHF are medications, and biventricular pacing implantation as appropriated by cardiologists, or surgical interventions. The heart transplantation for indicated patients is still gold standard surgery although the 10-year survival rate is approximately 60% based on the worldwide data. However, the cardiac transplantation remains epidemiologically insignificant because of donor pool limitations. New strategies for treating CHF are needed. In addition to conventional cardiac surgery, surgical ventricular restoration was reported as a promising surgical therapy in 1990s. After the first report of partial left ventriculectomy in which posterior wall was widely resected for dilated heart, many controversial clinical and animal research studies have been reported. In this review, the principles of posterior cardiac restoration therapy will be discussed. An overview of posterior cardiac restoration, structure, and torsion are presented. By understanding the structure of cardiac muscle, shape, and torsion of left ventricle for surgical restoration, the procedure can be performed based on appropriate indication and this knowledge can be used to optimize and improve its efficacy. The use of mechanical support devices has recently become commonplace in many centers, and the use of implantable ventricular assist devices as destination therapy will increase. Surgeons will be able to select several options of the treatment for CHF by understanding the advantages and disadvantages of those surgical treatments.

A combined cellular and surgical ventricular reconstruction therapeutic approach produces attenuation of remodeling in infarcted rats

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular reconstruction (LVR) has been shown to provide transient benefits to the LV structure and function of infarcted hearts; however, long-term results have been disappointing as LVR-induced benefits are typically not sustained. We hypothesized that administration of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), which promote myocardial repair and regeneration, may result in long-term preservation of the beneficial effects of LVR in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

Wistar Kyoto rats underwent myocardial infarction (MI) and two weeks later were randomized into 3 groups: in Group 1 (n=9), LVR was performed by plication of the infarcted apex and CDCs were injected in the infarct border zone (IBZ); group 2 animals (n=9) underwent LVR and received vehicle solution in the IBZ; and Group 3 animals (n=10) were injected with vehicle solution in the IBZ without undergoing LVR. Echocardiograms were performed at baseline, 4 days post-apex plication, and at 3 months post-MI.

RESULTS

At baseline, all animal groups had a comparable LVEF, LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and LV end-systolic volume (ESV). Four days post-LV apex plication, Group 1 and Group 2 animals exhibited comparable significant improvement in EF and comparable significant reduction in LVEDV and LVESV. Three months post-MI, Group 1 animals had a decreased LVEDV, decreased LVESV, less impaired CS, increased peak systolic torsion and increased EF compared to animals in Groups 2 and 3.

CONCLUSION

In infarcted rat hearts, intramyocardial delivery of CDCs in conjunction with LVR resulted in significant and sustained amelioration of LV remodeling and improvement in LV function compared to LVR alone.

Bi-layered polyurethane - Extracellular matrix cardiac patch improves ischemic ventricular wall remodeling in a rat model

As an intervention to abrogate ischemic cardiomyopathy, the concept of applying a temporary, local patch to the surface of the recently infarcted ventricle has been explored from a number of design perspectives. Two important features considered for such a cardiac patch include the provision of appropriate mechanical support and the capacity to influence the remodeling pathway by providing cellular or biomolecule delivery. The objective of this report was to focus on these two features by first evaluating the incorporation of a cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) component, and second by evaluating the impact of patch anisotropy on the pathological remodeling process initiated by myocardial infarction. The functional outcomes of microfibrous, elastomeric, biodegradable cardiac patches have been evaluated in a rat chronic infarction model. Ten weeks after infarction and 8 wk after patch epicardial placement, echocardiographic function, tissue-level structural remodeling (e.g., biaxial mechanical response and microstructural analysis), and cellular level remodeling were assessed. The results showed that the incorporation of a cardiac ECM altered the progression of several keys aspects of maladaptive remodeling following myocardial infarction. This included decreasing LV global mechanical compliance, inhibiting echocardiographically-measured functional deterioration, mitigating scar formation and LV wall thinning, and promoting angiogenesis. In evaluating the impact of patch anisotropy, no effects from the altered patch mechanics were detected after 8 wk, possibly due to patch fibrous encapsulation. Overall, this study demonstrates the benefit of a cardiac patch design that combines both ventricle mechanical support, through a biodegradable, fibrillary elastomeric component, and the incorporation of ECM-based hydrogel components.

Ventricular volume and myocardial viability, evaluated using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, affect long-term results after surgical ventricular reconstruction

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the outcomes of surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) for ischaemic cardiomyopathy and to identify ideal candidates for this procedure using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 50 patients who underwent SVR and were preoperatively evaluated using cardiac MRI from 2004 to 2014. Cine MRI and gadolinium-enhanced MRI were performed to evaluate left ventricular (LV) volume and scarring. The midterm (median, 2.5 years) risk factors of cardiac death or major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups-those with preoperative indexed LV end-systolic volume (LVESVI) of ≤100 ml/m² (Group 1), those with LVESVI of >100 and ≤130 ml/m² (Group 2) and those with LVESVI of >130 ml/m² (Group 3)-and examined.

RESULTS

In total, 17 patients exhibited MACEs at follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 5-year rate of freedom from MACEs was 66%. The Cox hazard model indicated that preoperative LVESVI was the only significant predictor for MACEs (P = 0.006; hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.04). Moreover, a significant reduction in LVESVI and an increase in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were observed early after SVR (preoperative versus postoperative: LVESVI, 110 ± 44 vs 68 ± 28 ml/m², P < 0.001; LVEF, 24.3 ± 10.3 vs 32.0 ± 10.4%, P < 0.001) and at follow-up (LVESVI, 61 ± 28 ml/m², P < 0.001; LVEF, 36.5 ± 11.5%, P < 0.001). Although no difference was observed between the groups at follow-up, LVEF and LVESVI primarily improved in Group 2. LVEF improvement was significantly greater in Group 2 than in Group 1 (%increase in LVEF: Group 1, 6%; Group 2, 18%; P = 0.008). In patients with a preoperative LVESVI of >130 ml/m², the number of non-viable segments was a significant risk factor for MACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with preoperative LVESVI ranging from 100 to 130 ml/m² had fairly better outcomes, and the percentage improvement in LVEF and the percentage reduction in LVESVI were more pronounced in these patients. Hence, accurate preoperative assessments of LV volume and viability testing using cardiac MRI studies are essential for better stratification of the SVR procedure.

Posterior restoration procedures and the long-term results in indicated patients with dilated cardiomyopathy †

OBJECTIVES

Non-transplant surgery for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been in the process of development. We performed posterior restoration for dilated akinetic or dyskinetic lesions in patients with DCM and obtained favourable outcomes. The early and long-term results of the procedures are discussed.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2013, posterior restoration procedures (PRPs) for DCM were electively performed in 58 patients (17 with ischaemic and 41 with non-ischaemic DCM). There were 45 men and 13 women with a mean age of 56 ± 12 years old. The mean preoperative ejection fraction was 24% and the preoperative New York Heart Association functional class was Class III in 24 and Class IV in 34 patients with intravenous inotrope support. Indications for PRPs were determined by using speckle-tracking echocardiography of the posterior region of the left ventricle before surgery (GE ultrasound machine, Vivid 7 or Vivid E9). After cardioplegic arrest, mitral surgery or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed and the posterior left ventricular (LV) muscle between bilateral papillary muscles was incised or resected. The LV apex was preserved and cryoablation was applied between the cut edge and the posterior mitral annulus. All patients were followed up by transthoracic echocardiography.

RESULTS

In addition to PRP, mitral surgery was performed in 56 (plasty 51, replacement 5), tricuspid annuloplasty in 21, CABG in 17, cardiac resynchronization therapy in 6 and LV lead implantation in 27 patients. Perioperative intra-aortic balloon pumping was used in 9 patients and there was no hospital mortality. After the operation, 35 patients (60%) improved their functional class to Class I or II. In the late follow-up, there were 14 cardiac deaths (congestive heart failure 10, ventricular arrhythmia 4). The 3- and 8-year survival rates were 77 or 66%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

DCM with posterior akinesis or dyskinesis indicated by speckle-tracking echocardiography can be surgically treated with PRP. Our results demonstrated that 60% of the selected patients could avoid heart transplantation with relief of their symptoms.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with triple-vessel disease and enlarged ventricles

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is a popular treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease, especially for high-risk patients. However, whether OPCAB can lead to better clinical outcomes than on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (ONCAB) in patients with enlarged ventricles remains controversial. This prospective randomized study was designed to characterize comparison of early clinical outcome and mid-term follow-up following ONCAB versus OPCAB in patients with triple-vessel disease and enlarged ventricles.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

Prospective randomized trial of patients treated at The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, over a 3-year period (2007-2010).

METHODS

A total of 102 patients with triple-vessel disease and enlarged ventricles (end-diastolic dimension >=6.0 cm) were randomized to OPCAB or ONCAB between July 2007 and December 2010. The in-hospital out.comes were analyzed. The study included a mid-term follow-up, with a mean follow-up time of 49.40 (12.88 months).

RESULTS

No significant differences were recorded in the baseline clinical characteristics of ONCAB and OPCAB groups. A statistical difference was found between the two groups at the time of extubation, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, blood requirements, incidence of intra-aortic balloon pump support, pulmonary complications, stroke, reoperation for bleeding, and inotropic requirements > 24 hours (P < .05). The number of anastomoses performed per patient, the incidence of postoperative ventricular arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, new-onset atrial fibrillation, hemodialysis, infective complications, recurrent angina, and percutaneous reintervention were similar between the 2 groups (P > .05). The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension was significantly smaller at 6 months' follow-up in the 2 groups than it was before operation ( < .05). No differences in hospital mortality and mid-term mortality between OPCAB and ONCAB groups were found. During the follow-up, no patient in either group had undergone repeat coronary artery bypass grafting.

CONCLUSION

No differences in early and mid-term mortality were found between OPCAB and ONCAB in patients with triple-vessel disease and enlarged ventricles. However, OPCAB seems to have a beneficial effect on postoperative complications.

Left-ventricular aneurysms: from disease to repair

Myocardial infarction may be complicated by the formation of a left-ventricular aneurysm that distorts the normal elliptical geometry of the ventricle to produce a dilated spherical ventricle with limited contractile and filling capacities. One of the consequences is congestive heart failure, which may be refractory to medical therapy and require surgical treatment. Surgical methods to restore the volume and shape of the left ventricle have evolved over the years. Nevertheless, although surgery for left-ventricular aneurysms has been performed for almost 50 years, the most appropriate approach is still controversial. This review gives an overview of the postinfarction left-ventricular aneurysm, tackling issues from the disease itself to surgical and other techniques of ventricular remodeling.

Preoperative regional left ventricular wall thickening determined by quantitative gated SPECT as a predictor of mid-term surgical results for ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to elucidate whether regional left ventricular wall thickening (LVWT) determined by quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) is useful in predicting surgical outcomes for ischemic (ICM) and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study group comprised 53 patients with either ICM (n=30, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)=24.7±7.1%) or NICM (n=23, LVEF=24.0±6.3%) scheduled for surgical repair underwent preoperative QGS to evaluate regional LV function. LVWT of 20 segments derived from QGS was normalized by being divided by the normal value of each LV level. Normalized values of the segments were summed to be representative of each area. For 16 of the 30 patients with ICM and 17 of the 23 patients with NICM, surgical ventricular restoration and papillary muscle approximation (PMA) were performed for surgical repair and, for the rest, PMA alone was done for both ICM and NICM patients. Adjunctive coronary artery bypass grafting for ICM patients was added when necessary. Mean follow-up periods were 2.5±1.8 years for ICM and 2.2±2.4 years for NICM. Posterior regional LVWT in NICM (normalized sum value <0.61 n=7, ROC: AUC=0.80) predicted cardiac events (chronic heart failure and cardiac-caused death). The one-year cardiac event-free rates were 22.2% and 85.1% and the 2 years rates were 11.1% and 48.6% for the lower posterior WT group and higher posterior WT group respectively (P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior LVWT can be a predictor for postoperative cardiac events in patients with NICM.

Impact of left ventricular remodelling on outcomes after left ventriculoplasty for ischaemic cardiomyopathy: Japanese surgical ventricular reconstruction group experience

OBJECTIVES

Surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) for patients with severe left ventricular (LV) remodelling due to ischaemic cardiomyopathy is still controversial, because the Surgical Treatment for Ischaemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial demonstrated that SVR not only has no beneficial effect on survival compared with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone, but also is worse for those with a larger LV. Therefore, we assessed the impact of LV remodelling on the outcomes after SVR for ischaemic cardiomyopathy in Japan, using Di Donato's LV shape classification.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2010, 627 patients underwent SVR for ischaemic heart failure in 11 Japanese hospitals. To assess the patients with an LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤ 35% like the STICH trial, considering the severity of LV remodelling, the patients with a preoperative LVEF of >35%, no preoperative LV volume assessment and no preoperative LV shape classification were excluded. Finally, 323 patients were selected as the study subjects. The LV shape was divided into three types according to Di Donato's classification. Types 1 and 3 indicate the aneurysmal and globally akinetic LV, respectively. Type 2 is the intermediate shape.

RESULTS

Type 1, 2 and 3 LV shapes were observed in 85 (26%), 104 (32%) and 134 (42%) of the patients, respectively. The preoperative LV volume and diameter increased if the LV became more akinetic (Type 3 > 2 > 1, P < 0.001). LVEF was lower in those with more akinetic LV (P = 0.002). The preoperative LV end-diastolic volume index and LVEF in Type 3 patients were 133 ± 47 ml/m(2) and 22 ± 7%, respectively. Mitral valve repair was more frequently performed for patients with the Type 3 LV shape (65%) than for the others (P < 0.001). The hospital mortality rates were 2.4, 2.9 and 7.4% for Type 1, 2 and 3 patients, respectively (P = 0.16). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated no significant difference in mortality among the three groups (log-rank P = 0.37). The 5-year survival rates were 81, 70 and 73% for Type 1, 2 and 3 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of LV remodelling did not affect survival after SVR plus CABG. The results of SVR were acceptable even for those with globally akinetic LV due to ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Postmyocardial infarction left ventricular dysfunction - assessment and follow up of patients undergoing surgical ventricular restoration by the endoventricular patchplasty

BACKGROUND

Surgical ventricular restoration with endoventricular patchplasty improves left ventricular function and restores left ventricular shape.

METHOD

The study included patients who presented with transmural anterior myocardial infarctions between June 2007 and May 2008. Briefly the technique included - coronary revascularization, resection of the endocardial scar, left ventricular reconstruction using an endoventricular synthetic patch. Left ventricular geometric parameters were studied preoperatively, early postoperatively, at 3 and 6 months and statistically analyzed by SPSS 14 software package.

RESULTS

The ejection fraction increased from 33.5 ± 5.02 to 37.77 ± 7.17 immediate postoperatively. The preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction - a mean of 33.25% (±5.02%), increased by 10.3%-11% at the third and fourth follow up respectively after surgical ventricular restoration (p ≤ 0.001). The left ventricular end systolic volume index improved from a mean of 48.84 ± 11.37 preoperatively to 24.66 ± 5.92 postoperatively (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical ventricular restoration in our study has clearly demonstrated a positive effect on LV geometry.

Surgical ventricular restoration for the treatment of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is an emerging epidemic affecting 15 million people in the USA and Europe. HF-related mortality was unchanged between 1995 and 2009, despite a decrease in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Conventional explanations include an aging population and improved treatment of acute myocardial infarction and HF. An adverse relationship between structure and function is the central theme in patients with systolic dysfunction. The normal elliptical ventricular shape becomes spherical in ischemic, valvular, and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Therapeutic decisions should be made on the basis of ventricular volume rather than ejection fraction. When left ventricular end-systolic volume index exceeds 60 ml/m², medical therapy, CABG surgery, and mitral repair have limited benefit. This form-function relationship can be corrected by surgical ventricular restoration (SVR), which returns the ventricle to a normal volume and shape. Consistent early and late benefits in the treatment of ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with SVR have been reported in >5,000 patients from various international centers. The prospective, randomized STICH trial did not confirm these findings and the reasons for this discrepancy are examined in detail. Future surgical options for SVR in nonischemic and valvular dilated cardiomyopathy, and its integration with left ventricular assist devices and cell therapy, are described.

Myoblast sheet can prevent the impairment of cardiac diastolic function and late remodeling after left ventricular restoration in ischemic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Impairment of diastolic function and late remodeling are concerns after left ventricular restoration (LVR) for ischemic cardiomyopathy. This study aims to evaluate the effects of combined surgery of myoblast sheets (MS) implantation and LVR.

METHODS

Rat myocardial infarction model was established 2 weeks after left anterior descending artery ligation. They were divided into three groups: sham operation (n=15; group sham), LVR by plicating the infracted area (n=15; group LVR), and MS implantation with LVR (n=15; group LVR+MS).

RESULTS

Serial echocardiographic study revealed significant LV redilatation and decrease of ejection fraction 4 weeks after LVR in group LVR. MS implantation combined with LVR prevented those later deteriorations of LV function in group LVR+MS. Four weeks after the operation, a hemodynamic assessment using a pressure-volume loop showed significantly preserved diastolic function in group LVR+MS; end-diastolic pressure (LVR vs. LVR+MS: 9.0±6.6 mm Hg vs. 2.0±1.0 mm Hg, P<0.05), end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (LVR vs. LVR+MS 42±23 vs. 13±6, P<0.05). Histological examination revealed cellular hypertrophy and LV fibrosis were significantly less and vascular density was significantly higher in group LVR+MS than in the other two groups. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated significantly suppressed expression of transforming growth factor-beta, Smad2, and reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs in group LVR+MS.

CONCLUSIONS

MS implantation decreased cardiac fibrosis by suppressing the profibrotic gene expression and attenuated the impairment of diastolic function and the late remodeling after LVR. It is suggesting that MS implantation may improve long-term outcome of LVR for ischemic heart disease.

Left ventricular aneurysm repair without ventriculotomy

We describe a simple technique for left ventricular aneurysm without ventriculotomy. After confirming there is no thrombus in the left ventricular aneurysm, the aneurysm is pushed into the left ventricle and fixed with horizontal mattress sutures and running vertical sutures. This technique has quite low risk of bleeding.

Aortic valve replacement combined with the endoventricular patch technique for aortic valve stenosis complicated by ischemic heart disease

The indication for aortic valve replacement (AVR) combined left ventricular (LV) plasty in the patient with aortic valve stenosis (AS) complicated by ischemic heart disease is controversial. We describe a case of AS with ischemic heart disease of a patient who underwent a successful surgical treatment, AVR combined with the endoventricular patch technique. The patient was an 82-year-old woman who suffered from heart failure, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III. The heart failure derived from AS and ischemic heart disease with severely compromised LV function. She underwent AVR combined with the endoventricular patch technique and the postoperative course was uneventful. She has been well with NYHA class I for about 5 years after the operation without heart failure.

Surgical ventricular restoration improves the left ventricle basal wall function using quantitative gated SPECT

OBJECTIVE

It is not clear whether surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) or procedures approaching mitral complex for controlling functional mitral regurgitation (MR) affect the regional left ventricular wall function. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the regional LV function after SVR using overlapping left ventriculoplasty (OLVP) using quantitative gated myocardial perfusion SPECT (QGS).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Forty-one heart failure patients, including those with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (n = 25) and non-ICM (NICM) (n = 16), underwent SVR and/or papillary muscle approximation (PMA). The rest myocardial perfusion SPECT were performed before and early after operation (mean 25.8 ± 10.6 days). These patients were divided into 4 groups based on the surgical procedures (SVR and/or PMA) and etiology of patients (ICM or NICM) as follows: SVR (with or without PMA) of ICM, SVR of NICM, PMA of ICM and PMA of NICM groups. The regional wall thickening was compared before and after the operation between the four groups.

RESULTS

NYHA functional classes were improved after the operation in all four groups. MR grade was also improved in three groups other than SVR of the ICM group. The left ventricular basal wall thickening was improved postoperatively in following three groups (SVR of ICM: 12.7 ± 3.8% to 16.5 ± 4.6% p <0.05, PMA of ICM: 11.1 ± 4.3% to 14.9 ± 4.8% p <0.05, SVR of NICM: 5.8 ± 6.6% to 12.3 ± 6.4% p <0.05), whereas PMA of the NICM group did not show an improvement. Wall thickening in the middle and distal levels was not improved in all groups.

CONCLUSION

OLVP improved NYHA functional classes, and also improved the regional wall function at the basal level of the left ventricle. In contrast, lone PMA did not improve or impair the regional wall function at any of the levels.

Surgical ventricular restoration to reverse left ventricular remodeling

Heart failure is one of the major health care issues in the Western world. An increasing number of patients are affected, leading to a high rate of hospitalization and high costs. Even with administration of the best available medical treatment, mortality remains high. The increase in left ventricular volume after a myocardial infarction is a component of the remodeling process. Surgical Ventricular Restoration (SVR) has been introduced as an optional therapeutic strategy to reduce left ventricular volume and restore heart geometry. So far, it has been established that SVR improves cardiac function, clinical status, and survival in patients with ischemic, dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Since its first description , SVR has been refined in an effort to standardize the procedure and to optimize the results. This review will discuss the rationale behind surgical reversal of LV remodeling, the SVR technique, its impact on cardiac function and survival, and future expectations.

Impact of surgical ventricular restoration on ventricular shape, wall stress, and function in heart failure patients

Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) was designed to treat patients with aneurysms or large akinetic walls and dilated ventricles. Yet, crucial aspects essential to the efficacy of this procedure like optimal shape and size of the left ventricle (LV) are still debatable. The objective of this study is to quantify the efficacy of SVR based on LV regional shape in terms of curvedness, wall stress, and ventricular systolic function. A total of 40 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after SVR. Both short-axis and long-axis MRI were used to reconstruct end-diastolic and end-systolic three-dimensional LV geometry. The regional shape in terms of surface curvedness, wall thickness, and wall stress indexes were determined for the entire LV. The infarct, border, and remote zones were defined in terms of end-diastolic wall thickness. The LV global systolic function in terms of global ejection fraction, the ratio between stroke work (SW) and end-diastolic volume (SW/EDV), the maximal rate of change of pressure-normalized stress (dσ*/dt(max)), and the regional function in terms of surface area change were examined. The LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were significantly reduced, and global systolic function was improved in ejection fraction, SW/EDV, and dσ*/dt(max). In addition, the end-diastolic and end-systolic stresses in all zones were reduced. Although there was a slight increase in regional curvedness and surface area change in each zone, the change was not significant. Also, while SVR reduced LV wall stress with increased global LV systolic function, regional LV shape and function did not significantly improve.