Procedure

Left ventricular aneurysm/reshaping techniques

Cardiac Surgery, San Donato Hospital, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy

^* Corresponding author: ^* Tel.: +39-02-52774519; fax: +39-02-52774327. E-mail: menicanti{at}libero.it

Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) is an emerging technique aiming to restore left ventricular geometry and function in dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy. It applies not only to the classic aneurysm (Type 1) but also to the true ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (Type 3) and to the intermediate type (Type 2). This type classification based on systolic morphology allows patient selection. SVR is performed under total cardiac arrest with antegrade crystalloid cardioplegia, following complete coronary revascularization, almost always on the left anterior descending artery and mitral repair through ventriculotomy, when needed. Results on more than 1000 patients show that SVR is safe and effective in improving pump function, clinical status and survival in patients with post-infarction ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Key Words: Myocardial infarction • Left ventricular remodeling • Myocardial surgical re-shaping