Left Ventricular Reconstruction for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Used since 1984, left ventricular reconstruction (LVR) by endoventricular circular patchplasty (EVCPP) appears useful for pure dyskinesia (true aneurysm) or ventricular akinesia. The technique is conducted under a totally arrested heart; coronary revascularization is accomplished first. The mitral valve is checked by TEE and repaired if necessary. Endocardectomy and cryotherapy are used in case of ventricular tachycardia. At the limit between scarred and normal tissue, a continuous suture is tied on a balloon inflated at the theoretical diastolic volume of the patient, and a patch is fixed inside the ventricle. Autologous tissue can be also used. The experience of the author is more than 1000 cases since 1984. The global hospital mortality of the whole series is 7.3%, and 13% in patients with very poor ejection fraction (< 30%). In the series of the last 3 years, these mortality rates are 4.8% and 7.9%, respectively. Both geometry and performances of the LV are improved, and the mean increase of ejection fraction is between 10 and 15 points. Three causes can explain delayed impairment; continuum in remodeling, lack in diastolic capacity, or absence of mitral repair. After an infarct, with or without successful coronary recanalization, that leaves a large asynergic scarred ventricle (50% of LV circumference), LVR is recommended to avoid or prevent permanent congestive heart failure with global dilatation. In end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, and poor response to full medical therapy, LVR, with acceptable risk, could slow down the remodeling and avoid or delay heart transplantation.