Using Cormatrix for the reconstruction of the left ventricle: A case report

A left ventricular aneurysm is a complication that occurs after a myocardial infarction. It usually involves apical or anterolateral wall of the left ventricle (85%) and most often follows left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. The wall of the true aneurysm contains endocardium, epicardium and fibrous scar tissue. It can be functionally akinetic or diskynetic. If patients present with symptoms such as heart failure, angina or ventricular arrhythmias, elective surgery is indicated. Surgical approach that is used most often is endoventricular circular ventriculoplasty described by Dor et al. Materials most commonly used for endoventricular repair are pericardial and polytetrafluoroethylene patches, but they are prone to calcification and retraction. CorMatrix is a tissue scaffold made from decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa. It is rich in collagen, glycosaminoglycans and growth factors. Experimental studies performed on animals showed that implantation of extracellular matrix in the infracted area of the heart was followed by the appearance of contractile elements and altering typical scar tissue formation.