The Dor procedure: what has changed after fifteen years of clinical practice?

Postmyocardial Infarction Ventricular Aneurysm: JACC Focus Seminar 5/5

Ventricular aneurysm represents a rare complication of transmural acute myocardial infarction, although other cardiac, congenital, or metabolic diseases may also predispose to such condition. Ventricular expansion includes all the cardiac layers, usually with a large segment involved. Adverse events include recurrent angina, reduced ventricular stroke volume with congestive heart failure, mitral regurgitation, thromboembolism, and ventricular arrhythmias. Multimodality imaging is paramount to provide comprehensive assessment, allowing for appropriate therapeutic decision-making. When indicated, surgical intervention remains the gold standard, although additional therapy (heart failure, anticoagulation, and advanced antiarrhythmic treatment) might be required. However, the STICH (Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure) trial did not show any advantage from adding surgical ventricular reconstruction to coronary artery bypass surgery in terms of survival, rehospitalization or symptoms, compared with revascularization alone. Finally, implantable cardiac defibrillator may reduce the risk of fatal arrhythmias.

AATS 2023: Left ventricular restoration with scar exclusion in the surgical treatment for ischemic heart failure

OBJECTIVE

Post-infarction myocardial scar as detected by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is associated with adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling and negatively affects the prognosis. We sought to analyze the impact of left ventricular restoration (LVR) with asynergic scar exclusion on long-term outcomes for patients with ischemic heart failure (IHF).

METHODS

From January 2005, 134 consecutive patients with IHF underwent scar-exclusive LVR. Among the 131 survivors, 108 patients had paired late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-CMR preoperatively and one year after, and represent the study population. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether their post-LVR residual percentage of scarred LV perimeter was <35% (%Scar <35; n = 55) or more (%Scar ≥35; n = 53). We compared the two groups, by looking at LGE-CMR outcomes, and at long-term survival and cardiac event (hospitalization for cardiac causes)-free survival.

RESULTS

Postoperative LV end-systolic volume index decreased significantly and ejection fraction increased with significant increase in stroke volume index (P < 0.05 for both). LV diastolic function of the left atrial volume index was significantly improved in patients with residual %Scar <35 than in those with %Scar ≥35 (P interaction = 0.005). Median survival in patients with residual %Scar <35 and ≥ 35 were 8.3 (4.5-12.2) years and 6.8 (1.8-11.8) years respectively (P = 0.106). Median cardiac event-free survival in patients with %Scar <35 and ≥ 35 were 8.0 (3.9-12.1) years and 4.8 (0.8-8.8) years respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Scar-exclusive LVR yielded sustainable improvement in LV function and favorable long-term survival regardless of the extent of residual scar. The LVR should be performed to attain scar exclusion in the surgical treatment for IHF, which in turn might protectively affect LV diastolic function and cardiac event-free survival.

Morphological and immunological markers of repeated heart remodeling after surgical reconstruction of the left ventricle in ischemic cardiomyopathy

INTRODUCTION

Effective treatment of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is one of the most challenging issues in modern cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the state of cardiomyocytes and myocardial extracellular matrix, as well as to identify informative markers of an unfavorable prognosis for surgical treatment of ICM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgical treatment of ICM between 2011 and 2018 at a single center. Patients were divided into groups depending on the presence of repeated left ventricle (LV) remodeling in one-year follow-up after surgical reconstruction of the LV in ICM patients.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients with ICM were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 57.9 ± 7.8 years. According to the results of the study, the area of cardiomyocyte nuclei differed statistically significantly among the regions with varying degrees of impaired local contractility (p = 0.042). According to the results of the pairwise comparison in dyskinetic areas of the myocardium, the area of cardiomyocyte nuclei was higher than in normokinetic areas (p = 0.042). A moderate positive correlation was found between the LV ejection fraction measured in one-year follow-up period after surgery and the number of CD163-positive cells (p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

In the myocardium of patients with LV reverse remodeling in the long-term postoperative period, perivascular fibrosis occurs more frequently than in patients with progressive LV remodeling. The number of M2-anti-inflammatory macrophages prevails in the myocardium of the patients with reverse remodeling compared with patients with progressive remodeling.

Pediatric hydatid cyst with ventricular aneurysm and surgical treatment with dor procedure, case report

BACKGROUND

Cardiac involvement of hydatid cyst disease (HCD) is a rare presentation but may lead to life-threatening complications such as cyst rupture and should be treated surgically.

METHODS

A 10-year-old male patient with cranial and complicated cardiac HCD lesions that caused lower extremity peripheral arterial occlusion and aneurysmatic dilatation in the left ventricular apex is presented.

RESULTS

Although the patient was in the pediatric age group, the Dor procedure was successfully applied to preserve the ventricular geometry. The Dor procedure for a ventricular aneurysm caused by a cardiac hydatid cyst (CHC) was rarely applied in the pediatric age group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this case differs from other CHCs previously reported in the literature due to the advanced stage of the disease, atypical clinical presentation, and rare complications despite the young age of the case. The surgical method used in treating the patient makes the subject more interesting.

State-of-the-Art Review: Technical and Imaging Considerations in Hybrid Transcatheter and Minimally Invasive Left Ventricular Reconstruction for Ischemic Heart Failure

Negative left ventricular (LV) remodeling consequent to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by an increase in LV volumes in the presence of a depressed LVEF. In order to restore the shape, size, and function of the LV, operative treatment options to achieve volume reduction and shape reconstruction should be considered. In the past decade, conventional surgical LV reconstruction through a full median sternotomy has evolved towards a hybrid transcatheter and less invasive LV reconstruction. In order to perform a safe and effective hybrid LV reconstruction, thorough knowledge of the technical considerations and adequate use of multimodality imaging both pre- and intraoperatively are fundamental. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of the individual procedural steps from both a cardiological and surgical point of view is required.

A historical appraisal of the techniques of left ventricular volume reduction in ischemic cardiomyopathy: Who did what?

Resection or exclusion of scars following a myocardial infarction on the left anterior descending artery territory started even before the beginning of the modern era of cardiac surgery. Many techniques were developed, but there is still confusion on who did what. The original techniques underwent modifications that brought to a variety of apparently new procedures that, however, were only a "revisitation" of what described before. In some case, old techniques were reproposed and renamed, without giving credit to the surgeon that was the original designer. Herein we try to describe which are the seminal procedures and some of the most important modifications, respecting however the merit of who first communicated the procedure to the scientific world.

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.

Non-heart transplant surgical approaches with mitral valve operation and surgical ventricular reconstruction for non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: a Japanese multicenter study

OBJECTIVES

There is uncertainty over the efficacy of additional surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) associated with mitral valve operation for non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study aims to assess mid-term outcomes of these non-heart transplant surgical approaches for DCM.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively 106 patients (median age 64, 44 females) who underwent isolated mitral annular plasty (MAP; n = 34), mitral valve replacement (MVR; n = 29), and SVR associated with MAP (SVR + MAP; n = 43) for DCM, in 11 Japanese hospitals. We analysed mid-term outcomes, specifically freedom from cardiac death and cardiac event.

RESULTS

Hospital deaths occurred in 16 patients (15.1%) and cardiac deaths in 36 patients (34.0%) during the study period of 4.4 ± 3.5 years. Freedom from cardiac death at 7 years in patients undergoing MAP, MVR, and SVR + MAP were, respectively, 79.1%, 82.6%, and 29.5% (P < 0.0001). Freedom from cardiac event at 7 years in patients undergoing MAP, MVR, and SVR + MAP were, respectively, 42.8%, 59.9%, 22.6% (P = 0.0004). In the multivariable analyses, preoperative tricuspid regurgitation (TR) grade was the only risk factor for both cardiac death and event, whereas MVR for DCM emerged as a protective factor for cardiac event.

CONCLUSIONS

This study could not show any benefit of additional SVR, by means of volume reduction, to MAP, because the baseline characteristics were different even after the stratification of DCM grade. MVR can be performed with favorable mid-term outcomes even in patients with advanced DCM, while patients undergoing MAP with/without SVR had more frequent MR recurrence or cardiac events. Interestingly, the right ventricular feature is a predictor of both cardiac death and events, with the TR grade being a predictor of poor mid-term outcomes.

[Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: Current State of the Problem]

In this article we present discussion of the current state of the problem of surgical treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). The pathophysiological aspects of left ventricular remodeling in patients with ICM are also covered. A detailed characterization of methods for assessing the myocardial viability is given and their role in patients with ICM is shown. The problem of right ventricular dysfunction in ICM is discussed. Main attention is focused on the methods of surgical treatment of ICM. Limitations of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) study are analyzed. The article is intended for cardiologists, general practitioners and cardiac surgeons.

A single center's experience with total arterial revascularization and spiral aneurysmorrhaphy for ischemic cardiac disease

The restoration of left ventricular (LV) geometry in combination with coronary artery bypass grafting for the treatment of ischemic cardiac disease remains controversial. We hereby present the experience of our center with total arterial myocardial revascularization (TAMR) and spiral aneurysmorrhaphy for ischemic heart disease. A retrospective analysis of 101 patients with advanced cardiovascular disease who underwent TAMR and spiral aneurysmorrhaphy was performed. Spiral aneurysmorrhaphy is a modification of the linear aneurysmorrhaphy and was applied to patients who had a LV aneurysm with a diameter of less than 5 cm. Peri-operative and in-hospital data were retrieved. The majority of the patients were male (87.13%) with a mean age of 63.1 years. Mean pre-operative ejection fraction (EF) was 35.7% ranging between 20 and 65%. An average of 3.23 grafts was required per patient. Early mortality was 6.93% (one intra-operative and six in-hospital deaths). Addition of concomitant valve surgery was associated with prolonged total operative, cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time (p < 0.001), increased need for blood (p = 0.012) and plasma (p = 0.038), longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay (p = 0.045) and higher rate of post-operative cerebrovascular accident (p = 0.011). Furthermore, patients with a pre-operative EF between 30 and 50% had a shorter ICU stay (p = 0.045) and LoS (p = 0.029) compared with patients with EF <30%. Early mortality and post-operative complication rates following this combined procedure are in consistency with the relevant available data suggesting its feasibility regardless of the EF or addition of concomitant surgeries. Data from the follow-up of these patients are required to examine the long-term efficacy of this surgical modality.

Left Ventricular Aneurysmectomy: Tailored Scar Excision and Linear Closure

Coronary artery bypass surgery with or without aneurysmectomy is used to treat patients with left ventricular aneurysm. There is debate about patient selection and the appropriate surgical technique. We analyzed the results of 102 consecutive patients who underwent left ventricular aneurysmectomy and reconstruction using a modified linear closure technique between 1992 and 2003. The mean age was 62 years, 81% of the patients were male, and 47% had an ejection fraction < 35%. The locations of the left ventricular aneurysms were anteroapical (75%), apical (21%), and posteroinferior (4%); 23% contained thrombi. Additional procedures included aortic valve replacement in 4, mitral valve repair in 1, and coronary bypass grafting in 98 patients; 3 underwent isolated repair of left ventricular aneurysm. Hospital mortality was 7% and long-term survival was 76% at a mean follow-up of 39 months. Most patients improved symptomatically postoperatively. Left ventricular aneurysm repair with tailored scar excision and a modified closure technique is associated with acceptable mortality and long-term survival.

Left ventricular reconstruction: update to left ventricular aneurysm/reshaping techniques

The increase in left ventricular (LV) volume after a myocardial infarction (MI) is a component of the remodelling process and is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Hence, the current management strategy for ischaemic LV dysfunction has been aimed at reversing the remodelling process. Surgical LV reconstruction (LVR) has been introduced as an optional therapeutic strategy aimed at reducing LV volumes through the exclusion of the scar tissue, thereby restoring the physiological volume and shape and improving LV function and clinical status. Until recently, several studies have shown that surgical LVR is effective and relatively safe, with a favourable 5-year outcome. However, in spite of the large amount of reports drawn on various data sets, the additional benefit of LVR to CABG remains debated. We briefly discuss the rationale for surgically reversing LV remodelling through LVR, and, more extensively, the technique and the indications to the best of our knowledge.

A large pseudoaneurysm of the left cardiac ventricle in a 57-year-old patient after urgent coronary artery bypass grafting and surgical mitral valve replacement due to acute myocardial infarction

We present a rare case of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm in a patient after inferior wall myocardial infarction. The infarction was complicated with acute mitral insufficiency, pulmonary edema, and cardiogenic shock. Urgent surgical mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting were performed. After several months, the patient was hospitalized again because of deterioration of exercise tolerance and symptoms of acute congestive heart failure. A large pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle was recognized and successfully treated surgically.

Restoration of optimal left ventricular apical geometry and rotation following surgical ventricular restoration using rectangular patch plasty technique: a pilot study using cardiac magnetic resonance

OBJECTIVES

Clinical outcomes of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) have been confirmed by Registry data. Accurate assessment of left ventricular (LV) morphology and function can help optimize these outcomes.

METHODS

LV remodelling in 7 patients (NYHA class 3 ± 1.2) with post-myocardial infarction LV aneurysms was characterized by the regional LV volume (RLVV) computed by dividing the LV in cine steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) at each slice level into six radial segments. Rotation of the LV apex and base was analysed using tagged CMR. The apical conicity ratio was used to characterize the restored apical geometry.

RESULTS

The mean end-diastolic volume (EDV) was 174.8 ± 100.3 ml and the mean ejection fraction (EF) was 18.8 ± 7.8%. Following SVR, all patients had significant clinical improvements (NYHA Class I), and significant increases in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to 38.8 ± 4.4%. The LV volumes and regional volumes at the base and apex decreased with a trend towards significance. The mean preoperative apical conicity ratio (ACR) was 1.90 ± 0.43 and, following SVR by endoventricular linear patch plasty (EVLPP), was 1.35 ± 0.3 (P = 0.02). The percent decrease in the ACR following SVR from baseline was 28.68 ± 10.98%. The apical EF increased from 1.19 ± 13.9 to 15.8 ± 8.2% (P = 0.028). The basal rotations improved from 3.13 ± 2.1 to 4.69 ± 2.94° (P = 0.04). The apical rotations also improved significantly from 2.48 ± 1.23 to 3.93 ± 2.45° (P = 0.05) and reversed to the normal anticlockwise direction.

CONCLUSIONS

SVR by geometric repair using a rectangular intracavitary patch helps restoration of a physiological apex with normalization of apical rotation reflecting a near-physiological LV function.

Applications of computational modeling in cardiac surgery

Although computational modeling is common in many areas of science and engineering, only recently have advances in experimental techniques and medical imaging allowed this tool to be applied in cardiac surgery. Despite its infancy in cardiac surgery, computational modeling has been useful in calculating the effects of clinical devices and surgical procedures. In this review, we present several examples that demonstrate the capabilities of computational cardiac modeling in cardiac surgery. Specifically, we demonstrate its ability to simulate surgery, predict myofiber stress and pump function, and quantify changes to regional myocardial material properties. In addition, issues that would need to be resolved in order for computational modeling to play a greater role in cardiac surgery are discussed.

Stroke volume paradox in heart failure: mathematical validation

BACKGROUND

In some patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, despite large increases in ventricular size with decreased cardiac output, the paradox of preserved stroke volume has been observed. Following surgical ventricular restoration, despite marked improvements clinically and in ventricular volumes and ejection fraction, a decrease in stroke volume was observed.

METHODS

101 consecutive patients with postinfarction left ventricular aneurysms were studied by 2-dimensional echocardiography and contrast ventriculography at baseline, and 57 of these patients at 1.7 to 2.2 years (mean 1.95 ± 0.44 years) after surgical ventricular restoration.

RESULTS

Surgical ventricular restoration resulted in a decrease in end-diastolic volume index of 40.2 mL (95% confidence interval: 33.6-46.7) and stroke volume index of 10.0 mL (95% confidence interval: 6.6-13.5), and an increase in ejection fraction of 6.7% (95% confidence interval: 5.5-7.9). The stroke volume index had a significant linear relationship with the end-diastolic volume index at rest in patients with end-diastolic volume index < 150 mL (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). In patients with end-diastolic volume index >150 mL, this linear relationship was not seen. The change in end-diastolic volume index and stroke volume index had a significant linear relationship (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) that persisted at 1.95 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In ischemic cardiomyopathy, stroke volume increases linearly with increases in end-diastolic volume up to a certain magnitude of end-diastolic volume, beyond which it decreases. Hence, following surgical ventricular restoration, decreases in stroke volume are not a reflection of impaired cardiac function.

Analysis of patient-specific surgical ventricular restoration: importance of an ellipsoidal left ventricular geometry for diastolic and systolic function

Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) is a procedure designed to treat heart failure by surgically excluding infarcted tissues from the dilated failing left ventricle. To elucidate and predict the effects of geometrical changes from SVR on cardiac function, we created patient-specific mathematical (finite-element) left ventricular models before and after surgery using untagged magnetic resonance images. Our results predict that the postsurgical improvement in systolic function was compromised by a decrease in diastolic distensibility in patients. These two conflicting effects typically manifested as a more depressed Starling relationship (stroke volume vs. end-diastolic pressure) after surgery. By simulating a restoration of the left ventricle back to its measured baseline sphericity, we show that both diastolic and systolic function improved. This result confirms that the increase in left ventricular sphericity commonly observed after SVR (endoventricular circular patch plasty) has a negative impact and contributes partly to the depressed Starling relationship. On the other hand, peak myofiber stress was reduced substantially (by 50%) after SVR, and the resultant left ventricular myofiber stress distribution became more uniform. This significant reduction in myofiber stress after SVR may help reduce adverse remodeling of the left ventricle. These results are consistent with the speculation proposed in the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure trial (20) for the neutral outcome, that "the lack of benefit seen with surgical ventricular reconstruction is that benefits anticipated from surgical reduction of left ventricular volume (reduced wall stress and improvement in systolic function) are counter-balanced by a reduction in diastolic distensibility."

Surgical left ventricular radius enlargement by patch insertion on the beating heart: a new experimental aneurysm model

We presented a novel experimental aneurysm model for studies in left ventricular (LV) reconstruction techniques and assessed LV function. In eight pigs, the LV radius and geometry were enlarged surgically on the beating heart by inserting an aortic allograft construct. Haemodynamics and LV dimensions were assessed by echocardiography at baseline and under dobutamine stress. Surgery was successfully performed without lethal blood loss or arrhythmias. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic short-axis areas increased from 13.0 ± 1.7 to 17.0 ± 4.3 cm(2) (P = 0.001) and from 4.0 ± 0.9 to 13.0 ± 2.6 cm(2) (P = 0.001), respectively. Stroke volume decreased from 56 ± 11 to 33 ± 16 ml (P = 0.001). Incremental dobutamine infusion concurred with a biphasic response on fractional area shortening. Mitral valve insufficiency ranging from grades 2 to 4 was observed. In the pig, a novel, reproducible aneurysm model for acute cardiac dysfunction was created on the beating heart. Innovative (surgical) strategies for (staged) reconfiguration of the ventricle, e.g. adjustable Dor procedures and stepwise volume restraining cardiac support devices, can be tested for efficacy using this acute model.

Response to heart failure therapy: ventricular volume changes vs. shape changes

The prolate ellipsoid left ventricular geometry is crucial for its unique contraction and relaxation patterns. Perturbations in optimal cardiac function preceding overt heart failure ensue when this ellipsoid shape assumes a more spherical configuration; this is the stage when therapy should be intensified. The dynamic shape changes during the cardiac cycle in valvular regurgitation, when ventricular volumes are within the normal range, have proved that shape changes are clearly dissociated from volume changes in the early stages. In advanced heart failure, several therapeutic interventions to decrease the ventricular equator and hence the volume, have been tried with variable success. However, the ventricular shape may still be spherical, leading to suboptimal function. The aim in any therapy for heart failure should therefore be to achieve near normal left ventricular anatomy and physiology, with shape assessment as the surrogate marker of therapeutic success.

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.

Surgical Ventricular Restoration: An Operation to Reverse Remodeling - Clinical Application (Part II)

The first part of the article dealt with the basic science behind the evolution of ventricular restoration procedures and the rationale for the use of novel surgical techniques. The second part describes the preoperative workup of patients in advanced heart failure, the core information required to determine the surgical approach and the essential principles and techniques of ventricular restoration. It then examines the effects of ventricular restorative procedures on pump function and clinical outcomes, the results of the worldwide experience with ventricular restoration and concludes with more recent advances in this field.

Review article: the new concept of interventional heart failure therapy--part 1: electrical therapy, treatment of CAD, fluid removal, and ventricular support

Congestive heart failure is a chronic and debilitating disease responsible for high cardiac morbidity and mortality in the world and is associated with more than 290 000 deaths in the United States each year. Recent advances in heart failure therapy target many of the mechanical and structural aspects of heart failure that are not addressed by drug-based therapies; these include abnormalities in electrical conduction, coronary artery or valvular architecture, and in ventricular size and shape. To target these abnormalities, newer therapies have largely been mechanical and device-based in nature and can be collectively described as interventional therapy. Interventional therapy includes the use of interventional medical therapy, electrical-based devices to augment ventricular function, catheterization-based devices for the treatment of underlying coronary artery disease and valvular disease, machines for the removal of excess fluid, mechanical pumps to assist the ventricles, surgical techniques aimed at reshaping the ventricles, the use of tissue therapies such as stem cell transplantation or complete heart transplant, palliative care, and self-care. This article is the first in a 2-part series that will review interventional heart failure therapy and present the most recent data supporting its use.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and outcomes in patients undergoing surgical ventricular restoration

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) levels have been shown to be increased at baseline in patients undergoing surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) of the left ventricle. However, changes in the values of this marker in the early postoperative period and its prognostic significance remain less known in these patients. We evaluated 31 consecutive patients undergoing SVR who had NT-pro-BNP determined a day before SVR and from postoperative days 0 to 4. Major morbidity was defined as > or =1 of the following: ventilation >48 hours, stroke, acute renal failure, low cardiac output, reoperation, or mediastinitis. The association of preoperative NT-pro-BNP with perioperative outcomes was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to test its discrimination power. Major morbidity occurred in 16 patients (52%) with only 1 death within 30 days of SVR. Mean preoperative NT-pro-BNP was 4.5-fold higher in patients with postoperative major morbidity than in those without it (3,022 +/- 2,981 vs 676 +/- 533 pg/ml, p = 0.007). On multivariate analysis, preoperative NT-pro-BNP was independently associated with major morbidity after adjusting for baseline confounding, particularly age, ejection fraction, and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (odds ratio 1.002, 95% confidence interval 1.001 to 1.003, p = 0.032). Preoperative NT-pro-BNP had a high discrimination power on receiver operating characteristic analysis for major morbidity (area under the curve 0.84, sensitivity 68%, and specificity 88% for 1,304 pg/ml). Although NT-pro-BNP levels decreased after SVR in patients without major morbidity, their levels remained persistently increased in those with it. In conclusion, preoperative NT-pro-BNP determination may be of value in stratifying the risk for major morbidity after SVR.

End-systolic volume following surgical ventricular reconstruction impacts survival in patients with ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy

AIMS

A left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) > or =60 mL/m(2) has been shown to be associated with increased cardiac mortality after a reperfused myocardial infarction (MI). The reduction in LVESV following surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) is reported to be between 19% and 50% but its impact on prognosis is not well-established. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the impact on survival of a residual LVESV index (LVESVI) of > or = or <60 mL/m(2) following SVR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients undergoing SVR at our Centre between July 2001 and March 2009 were eligible to be included in this study if they had a preoperative LVESVI of > or =60 mL/m(2) and an LVESVI measurement performed at discharge (7-10 days after surgery). Two hundred and sixteen patients (aged 64 +/- 9 years, 33 women) satisfied these criteria. Coronary artery bypass graft was performed in 197 patients (91.2%) and mitral repair in 63 patients (29%). Left ventricular ESVI had decreased by 41% at discharge in the overall population. Patients were grouped according to the residual LVESVI at discharge as follows: Group 1, LVESVI > or = 60 mL/m(2) (n = 71), and Group 2, LVESVI < 60 mL/m(2) (n = 145). In both groups, LVESVI decreased significantly with respect to baseline, by 29% in Group 1 and by 47% in Group 2. At multivariate analysis, the presence of a non-Q-wave MI and a preoperative internal diastolic diameter of 65 mm were the strongest predictors of a residual post-operative LVESVI of > or =60 mL/m(2). Risk of all-cause death was significantly higher in Group 1. Post-operative LVESVI of > or =60 mL/m(2) was an independent predictor of mortality at follow-up [Exp(B) = 10.7, CI: 2.67-42.9, P = 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Our findings confirm the role of LVESVI in predicting survival following SVR; the lack of additional improvement in survival with SVR observed in the STICH trial might be due to the inadequate volume reduction (-19%).

Quality of Life after 114 Months of Follow-up following Geometric Reconstruction of the Left Ventricle by Endoventriculoplasty with Septal Exclusion

Background: The purpose of this study was to present the surgical experience of the Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of West of Paran (ICCOP) with respect to the treatment of left ventricle aneurysms by endoventriculoplasty with septal exclusion (EVSE) and to evaluate the quality of life of these patients after a 114-month follow-up.Methods: Between April 1999 and April 2006, 28 patients underwent EVSE. Preoperative, transoperative, and late postoperative clinical and echocardiographic variables were analyzed retrospectively. In addition, latepostoperative quality of life was evaluated with questionnaire SF-36 (Brazilian version). The mean age (SD) of the group was 59.0 9.5 years, and 23 of the patients were male. Seventeen patients were in New York Heart Association functional class IV, and the mean preoperative EuroSCORE was 8.2 2.3. The mean preoperative values for the ejection fraction (EF) and the end-systolic and end-diastolic left ventricular volumes were 32.3% 9.2%, 113.9 36.0 mL, and 179.2 48.4 mL, respectively.Results: The in-hospital mortality rate was 14.3%, with the major causes of morbidity being low cardiac output syndrome and arrhythmias. The mean follow-up period was 5.9 3.4 years. The left ventricular EF and the aortic cross-clamping time were the significant factors for hospital and late mortality (P = .0222, and P = .0123, respectively). The actuarial survival curve showed survival rates of 82.1 7.2%, and 54.7 22.9%, before and after 107 months of follow-up. The overall score for the quality of life showed an improvement.Conclusion: EVSE surgery is an effective option for treating this group of patients, with improvement noted in left ventricular function and in the patients' quality of life, despite the high in-hospital mortality.

Resizable ventricular patch plasty in the porcine left ventricle: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

: Endoventricular circular patch plasty is a method used to reconstruct the ventricular cavity in patients with (post) ischemic left ventricular aneurysm or global dilatation. However, late redilatation with mitral regurgitation has been reported, in which postoperative apex shape seems to play an important role. We studied the feasibility of ventricular volume downsizing with a variably shaped patch in porcine hearts.

METHODS

: In five in vitro and two acute animal experiments, a dyskinetic aneurysm was simulated with a pericardial insert. Reducing patch surface by changing patch shape diminished end-diastolic volume. In vitro, static end-diastolic volume was determined for each patch shape using volumetry and echocardiography. In the acute animal experiments, preliminary observations of patch behavior in live material were made, and pressure/time relationship, dPdTmax, was registered.

RESULTS

: In vitro, bringing the convex patch into a flat plane reduced LV volume from 66 ± 7 mL (aneurysm) to 49 ± 5 mL. Four of 5 patch shapes further reduced volume to a mean of 38 ± 7 mL (P = 0.03). The in vitro echocardiographic measurements correlated with volumetry findings (r = 0.81). In the acute animal experiments, dPdTmax varied with patch shape, independent of volume changes.

CONCLUSIONS

: In this pilot study, in vitro shape configuration of the resizable ventricular patch resulted in a calibrated end-diastolic volume reduction. The data of the two in vivo pilot experiments clearly indicate that change in patch configuration in the situation of more or less unchanged end-diastolic volume had impact on cardiac performance. Future studies must substantiate the results of this observation.

Left ventricular aneurysm in a child with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome

We describe the case of a 23-month-old girl with combined immunodeficiency syndrome and a left ventricular aneurysm. Due to the size of the aneurysm and development of an intramural thrombus, repair was performed after confirmation of bone marrow transplant engraftment. Endoventricular circular patch plasty (Dor procedure) was performed, with excellent outcome and normalization of ventricular geometry and function.

Surgical ventricular restoration: left ventricular shape influence on cardiac function, clinical status, and survival

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction can result in a spectrum of left ventricular (LV) shape abnormalities. Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) can be applied to any, but there are no data that relate its effectiveness to LV shape. Moreover, there is no consensus on the benefit of SVR in patients with a markedly dilated ventricle, without clear demarcation between scarred and normal tissue. This study describes postmyocardial infarction shape abnormalities and cardiac function, clinical status, and survival in patients undergoing SVR.

METHODS

Echo studies of 178 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Three types of LV shape abnormalities were identified: type 1 (true aneurysm), type 2 (nonaneurysmal lesions defined as intermediate cardiomyopathy), and type 3 (ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy).

RESULTS

SVR induced significant improvement in cardiac and clinical status in all patients, regardless LV shape types. Although not significant, mortality was higher in types 2 and 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and not just the true aneurysm can be successfully treated with SVR. Shape classification may be useful to improve patient selection and compare results from different institutions that are otherwise impossible to compare.

Impact of surgical ventricular restoration on diastolic function: implications of shape and residual ventricular size

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available on left ventricle (LV) diastolic function in patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy submitted to surgical ventricular restoration (SVR). The purpose of this study was to assess postoperative diastolic function changes and identify potential predictors of its worsening.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-six patients (65 +/- 9 years) with previous anterior myocardial infarction were evaluated before and after SVR. Hemodynamic and geometric parameters including the sphericity index and conicity index were measured. Diastolic function was explored using the transmitral flow velocity pattern, and four classes were defined: normal, abnormal relaxation, pseudonormal, and restrictive pattern. Diastolic function was defined as unchanged (no difference in diastolic pattern), improved (at least one class less), or worsened (at least one class more or, in the case of preoperative restrictive pattern, an early transmitral flow velocity to atrial flow velocity [E/A] ratio increase of at least 20%).

RESULTS

The filling pattern before SVR was normal in 7 patients (4.8%), abnormal relaxation in 99 (68%), pseudonormal in 28 (19%), and restrictive in 12 (8.2%). After SVR, the filling pattern was unchanged in 105 patients (72%), improved in 14 (9.6%), and worsened in 27 (18.4%). Based on the univariate analysis, the preoperative conicity index and the end-diastolic volume difference (the result of surgical volume reduction) were associated with a diastolic pattern worsening.

CONCLUSIONS

Diastolic function did not change or improve in the majority of patients. In the minority of patients who experienced worsening, this was associated with the preoperative LV shape and residual volume.

Left ventricular regional wall curvedness and wall stress in patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Geometric remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) after myocardial infarction is associated with changes in myocardial wall stress. The objective of this study was to determine the regional curvatures and wall stress based on three-dimensional (3-D) reconstructions of the LV using MRI. Ten patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and 10 normal subjects underwent MRI scan. The IDCM patients also underwent delayed gadolinium-enhancement imaging to delineate the extent of myocardial infarct. Regional curvedness, local radii of curvature, and wall thickness were calculated. The percent curvedness change between end diastole and end systole was also calculated. In normal heart, a short- and long-axis two-dimensional analysis showed a 41 +/- 11% and 45 +/- 12% increase of the mean of peak systolic wall stress between basal and apical sections, respectively. However, 3-D analysis showed no significant difference in peak systolic wall stress from basal and apical sections (P = 0.298, ANOVA). LV shape differed between IDCM patients and normal subjects in several ways: LV shape was more spherical (sphericity index = 0.62 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.52 +/- 0.06, P < 0.05), curvedness at end diastole (mean for 16 segments = 0.034 +/- 0.0056 vs. 0.040 +/- 0.0071 mm(-1), P < 0.001) and end systole (mean for 16 segments = 0.037 +/- 0.0068 vs. 0.067 +/- 0.020 mm(-1), P < 0.001) was affected by infarction, and peak systolic wall stress was significantly increased at each segment in IDCM patients. The 3-D quantification of regional wall stress by cardiac MRI provides more precise evaluation of cardiac mechanics. Identification of regional curvedness and wall stresses helps delineate the mechanisms of LV remodeling in IDCM and may help guide therapeutic LV restoration.