Society of Thoracic Surgeons Risk Score and EuroSCORE-2 Appropriately Assess 30-Day Postoperative Mortality in the STICH Trial and a Contemporary Cohort of Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction Undergoing Surgical Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: The STICH trial (Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure) demonstrated a survival benefit of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score and the EuroSCORE-2 (ES2) are used for risk assessment in cardiac surgery, with little information available about their accuracy in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. We assessed the ability of the STS score and ES2 to evaluate 30-day postoperative mortality risk in STICH and a contemporary cohort (CC) of patients with a left ventricle ejection fraction ≤35% undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting outside of a trial setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: The STS and ES2 scores were calculated for 814 STICH patients and 1246 consecutive patients in a CC. There were marked variations in 30-day postoperative mortality risk from 1 patient to another. The STS scores consistently calculated lower risk scores than ES2 (1.5 versus 2.9 for the CC and 0.9 versus 2.4 for the STICH cohort), and underestimated postoperative mortality risk. The STS and ES2 scores had moderately good C statistics: CC (0.727, 95% CI: 0.650-0.803 for STS, and 0.707, 95% CI: 0.620-0.795 for ES2); STICH (0.744, 95% CI: 0.677-0.812, for STS and 0.736, 95% CI: 0.665-0.808 for ES2). Despite the CC patients having higher STS and ES2 scores than STICH patients, mortality (3.5%) was lower than that of STICH (4.8%), suggesting a possible decrease in postoperative mortality over the past decade. CONCLUSIONS: The 30-day postoperative mortality risk of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with left ventricular dysfunction varies markedly. Both the STS and ES2 score are effective in evaluating risk, although the STS score tend to underestimate risk. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00023595.

Implication of right ventricular dysfunction on long-term outcome in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with or without surgical ventricular reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Whether right ventricular dysfunction affects clinical outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting with or without surgical ventricular reconstruction is still unknown. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of right ventricular dysfunction on clinical outcome in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with or without surgical ventricular reconstruction. METHODS: Of 1000 patients in the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure with coronary artery disease, left ventricular ejection fraction 35% or less, and anterior dysfunction, who were randomized to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting or coronary artery bypass grafting + surgical ventricular reconstruction, baseline right ventricular function could be assessed by echocardiography in 866 patients. Patients were followed for a median of 48 months. All-cause mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization was the primary end point, and all-cause mortality alone was a secondary end point. RESULTS: Right ventricular dysfunction was mild in 102 patients (12%) and moderate or severe in 78 patients (9%). Moderate to severe right ventricular dysfunction was associated with a larger left ventricle, lower ejection fraction, more severe mitral regurgitation, higher filling pressure, and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (all P < .0001) compared with normal or mildly reduced right ventricular function. A significant interaction between right ventricular dysfunction and treatment allocation was observed. Patients with moderate or severe right ventricular dysfunction who received coronary artery bypass grafting + surgical ventricular reconstruction had significantly worse outcomes compared with patients who received coronary artery bypass grafting alone on both the primary (hazard ratio, 1.86; confidence interval, 1.06-3.26; P = .028) and the secondary (hazard ratio, 3.37; confidence interval, 1.36-8.37; P = .005) end points. After adjusting for all other prognostic clinical factors, the interaction remained significant with respect to all-cause mortality (P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: Adding surgical ventricular reconstruction to coronary artery bypass grafting may worsen long-term survival in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy with moderate to severe right ventricular dysfunction, which reflects advanced left ventricular remodeling.

Extent of coronary and myocardial disease and benefit from surgical revascularization in ischemic LV dysfunction [Corrected].

BACKGROUND: Patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction have higher operative risk with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). However, those whose early risk is surpassed by subsequent survival benefit have not been identified. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine the impact of anatomic variables associated with poor prognosis on the effect of CABG in ischemic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: All 1,212 patients in the STICH (Surgical Treatment of IsChemic Heart failure) surgical revascularization trial were included. Patients had coronary artery disease (CAD) and ejection fraction (EF) of ≤35% and were randomized to receive CABG plus medical therapy or optimal medical therapy (OMT) alone. This study focused on 3 prognostic factors: presence of 3-vessel CAD, EF below the median (27%), and end-systolic volume index (ESVI) above the median (79 ml/m(2)). Patients were categorized as having 0 to 1 or 2 to 3 of these factors. RESULTS: Patients with 2 to 3 prognostic factors (n = 636) had reduced mortality with CABG compared with those who received OMT (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56 to 0.89; p = 0.004); CABG had no such effect in patients with 0 to 1 factor (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.44; p = 0.591). There was a significant interaction between the number of factors and the effect of CABG on mortality (p = 0.022). Although 30-day risk with CABG was higher, a net beneficial effect of CABG relative to OMT was observed at >2 years in patients with 2 to 3 factors (HR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.75; p<0.001) but not in those with 0 to 1 factor (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.31; p = 0.535). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with more advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy receive greater benefit from CABG. This supports the indication for surgical revascularization in patients with more extensive CAD and worse myocardial dysfunction and remodeling. (Comparison of Surgical and Medical Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease [STICH]; NCT00023595).

Percutaneous left ventricular partitioning in patients with chronic heart failure and a prior anterior myocardial infarction: Results of the PercutAneous Ventricular RestorAtion in Chronic Heart failUre PaTiEnts Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of a novel percutaneous left ventricular partitioning device (VPD) in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and a prior anterior myocardial infarction. BACKGROUND: Anterior myocardial infarction is frequently followed by left ventricular remodeling, HF, and increased long-term morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in a multinational, nonrandomized, longitudinal investigation. The primary end point was an assessment of safety, defined as the successful delivery and deployment of the VPD and absence of device-related major adverse cardiac events over 6 months. Secondary (exploratory) efficacy end points included changes in hemodynamics and functional status and were assessed serially throughout the study. RESULTS: Ventricular partitioning device placement was not attempted in 5 (13%) of 39 subjects. The device was safely and successfully implanted in 31 (91%) of the remaining 34 patients or 79% of all enrolled patients. The 6-month rate of device-related major adverse cardiac event occurred in 5 (13%) of 39 enrolled subjects and 5 (15%) of 34 treated subjects, with 1 additional event occurring between 6 and 12 months. For patients discharged with the device to 12 months (n = 28), New York Heart Association class (2.5 ± 0.6 to 1.3 ± 0.6, P < .001) and quality-of-life scores (38.6 ± 6.1 to 28.4 ± 4.4, P < .002) improved significantly; however, the 6-minute hall walk distance (358.5 ± 20.4 m to 374.7 ± 25.6 m, P nonsignificant) only trended toward improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The left VPD appears to be relatively safe and potentially effective in the treatment for patients with HF and a prior anterior myocardial infarction. However, these limited results suggest the need for further evaluation in a larger randomized controlled trial.

Impact of concomitant aortic regurgitation on long-term outcome after surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Prognostic value of concomitant aprtic regurgitation (AR) in patients operated for severe aortic stenosis (AS) is not clarified. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the impact of presence and severity of concomitant AR in patients operated for severe AS on long-term functional capacity, left ventricular (LV) function and mortality. METHODS: Study group consisted of 110 consecutive patients operated due to severe AS. The patients were divided into AS group (56 patients with AS without AR or with mild AR) and AS+AR group (54 patients with AS and moderate, severe or very severe AR). Follow-up included clinical examination, six minutes walk test (6MWT) and echocardiography 12 and 104 months after AVR. RESULTS: Patients in AS group had lower LV volume indices throughout the study than patients in AS+AR group. Patients in AS group did not have postoperative decrease in LV volume indices, whereas patients in AS+AR group experienced decrease in LV volume indices at 12 and 104 months. Unlike LV volume indices, LV mass index was significantly lower in both groups after 12 and 104 months as compared to preoperative values. Mean LVEF remained unchanged in both groups throughout the study. NYHA class was improved in both groups at 12 months, but at 104 months remained improved only in patients with AS. On the other hand, distance covered during 6MWT was longer at 104 months as compared to 12 months only in AS+AR group (p = 0,013), but patients in AS group walked longer at 12 months than patients in AS+AR group (p = 0,002). There were 30 deaths during study period, of which 13 (10 due to cardiovascular causes) in AS group and 17 (12 due to cardiovascular causes) in AS+AR group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the survival probability was similar between the groups. Multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus (beta 1.78, p = 0.038) and LVEF < 45% (beta 1.92, p = 0.049) as the only independent predictor of long-term mortality. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the preoperative presence and severity of concomitant AR has no influence on long-term postoperative outcome, LV function and functional capacity in patients undergoing AVR for severe AS.

Coronary-artery bypass surgery in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The role of coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure has not been clearly established. METHODS: Between July 2002 and May 2007, a total of 1212 patients with an ejection fraction of 35% or less and coronary artery disease amenable to CABG were randomly assigned to medical therapy alone (602 patients) or medical therapy plus CABG (610 patients). The primary outcome was the rate of death from any cause. Major secondary outcomes included the rates of death from cardiovascular causes and of death from any cause or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes. RESULTS: The primary outcome occurred in 244 patients (41%) in the medical-therapy group and 218 (36%) in the CABG group (hazard ratio with CABG, 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 1.04; P=0.12). A total of 201 patients (33%) in the medical-therapy group and 168 (28%) in the CABG group died from an adjudicated cardiovascular cause (hazard ratio with CABG, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.00; P=0.05). Death from any cause or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes occurred in 411 patients (68%) in the medical-therapy group and 351 (58%) in the CABG group (hazard ratio with CABG, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.85; P<0.001). By the end of the follow-up period (median, 56 months), 100 patients in the medical-therapy group (17%) underwent CABG, and 555 patients in the CABG group (91%) underwent CABG. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized trial, there was no significant difference between medical therapy alone and medical therapy plus CABG with respect to the primary end point of death from any cause. Patients assigned to CABG, as compared with those assigned to medical therapy alone, had lower rates of death from cardiovascular causes and of death from any cause or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Abbott Laboratories; STICH ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00023595.).

Steroids and statins: an old and a new anti-inflammatory strategy compared.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the anti-inflammatory effects of methylprednisolone (MP) and atorvastatin and analysed their influences on clinical variables in patients undergoing coronary revascularization. METHODS: Ninety patients with compromised left ventricular ejection fraction (≤30%) undergoing elective coronary surgery were equally randomized to one of three groups: statin group, treatment with atorvastatin (20 mg/day) 3 weeks before surgery; methylprednisolone group, a single shot of methylpredniosolone (10mg/kg); and control group. RESULTS: Postoperative IL-6 was higher in the control group when compared to the methylprednisolone and statin groups (p<0.01). IL-6 was higher in the statin-treated patients (p<0.05 versus methylprednisolone). Administration of methylprednisolone as well as statin treatment increased postoperative cardiac index, left ventricular stroke work index, decreased postoperative atrial fibrilation rate and reduced ICU stay (p<0.05 versus control). The number of patients requiring inotropic support was lower in the methylprednisolone group when compared with the other two groups (p<0.01). Tracheal intubation time was reduced in patients who received methylprednisolone (p<0.01 versus control). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative administration of either methylprednisolone or atorvastatin reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine release, improved haemodynamics, decreased postoperative atrial fibrilation rate and reduced ICU stay in patients with significantly impaired cardiac function undergoing coronary revascularization. Treatment with methylprednisolone was associated with less inotropic support requirements and reduced mechanical ventilation time.

[Tumours of the heart: diagnostic dilemma].

INTRODUCTION: Mitral annular calcification is a degenerative process of the fibrosus support structure of the mitral apparatus, usually spreading over the posterior mitral leaflet. CASE OUTLINE: A 66-year-old woman with shortness of breath and palpitations was referred to our institution. Echocardiography showed a round, echo-dense mass, resembling a tumour, in the posterior mitral annulus, with the third degree mitral regurgitation. Based on the findings, surgical treatment was suggested involving removal of the tumour and correction of mitral valve insufficiency. During surgery the posterior annulus was incised, whitish caseous material was aspirated and the developed cavity was closed. A bioprosthetic valve was placed in the mitral position.The aspirated material was sent to bacteriological and histological analysis. Eight days after surgery control echocardiography and CT scan of the heart showed absence of the mass. Pathohistological finding was nonspecific. Bacteriology showed Staphylococus spp. Thirteen days after surgery the patient was discharged in stabile condition. CONCLUSION: Mitral annular calcification is a common degenerative disorder particularly in elderly persons. As the diagnosis very often remains unrecognised imitating a tumor formation, precise diagnostics is necessary before possible surgery.

Percutaneous implantation of the left ventricular partitioning device for chronic heart failure: a pilot study with 1-year follow-up.

AIMS: To assess short-term safety defined as the successful delivery and deployment of the ventricular partitioning device (VPD) implant, as well as 12-month functional, clinical, and haemodynamic effectiveness. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ventricular partitioning device implantation was successful in 15/18 (83%) patients with anteroapical regional wall motion abnormalities following myocardial infarction. In one patient, the VPD was removed 3 days post implantation and the patient subsequently died due to extra-cardiac sepsis. When compared with baseline, there was significant improvement at 6 and 12 months following VPD implantation in NYHA class (2.21 +/- 0.57 vs. 1.28 +/- 0.46 vs. 1.23 +/- 0.4.3, respectively, P < 0.001 for both), left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume (189 +/- 45 vs. 142 +/- 29 vs. 151 +/- 48 mL/m(2), respectively, P < 0.001 for both), and LV end-diastolic volume (260 +/- 47 vs. 208 +/- 33 vs. 222 +/- 58 mL/m(2), respectively, P < 0.001 for both). After 12 months, an improvement in LV ejection fraction was noted (28 +/- 7 vs. 32 +/- 7 vs. 33 +/- 9%, respectively, P = 0.02) as well as improvement in 6 min walk distance (382 +/- 123 vs. 409 +/- 7 vs. 425 +/- 140 m) when compared with pre-procedural values. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that VPD implantation is safe and feasible, and that VPD implantation improves LV haemodynamics and functional capacity in the 12 months following the procedure.

[Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia occurring after surgical treatment of atrial myxoma--a case report].

INTRODUCTION: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an acquired, prothrombotic disorder, caused by antibodies to a complex of heparin and platelet factor 4 (PF4) that activates platelets, resulting in the release of procoagulant microparticles, thrombocytopenia occurrence, generation of thrombin, and frequent thromboses. CASE OUTLINE: We present a case of severe HIT in a 68-year-old female, which occurred after cardiosurgery of the left atrial myxoma with the aim to point out the importance of differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in patients recently exposed to heparin. Platelet count dropped on the eleventh postoperative day, six days after unfractioned heparin and enoxaparine threatment, to 4x10(9)/I.The correct diagnosis failed to be made at first. Since thrombocytopenia remained refractory to a corticosteroid treatment and platelet transfusion, the patient was hospitalized on the 13th postoperative day at the Institute of Haematology. The diagnosis of HIT was confirmed with the high-probability clinical score (4T's) and strongly positive anti-heparin-PF4 (PaGIA) test as well as positive platelet aggregation test. The treatment started with a smaller therapeutic doses of danaparoid than recommended of 750 U intravenous bolus and was followed by continuous infusions of 100 U per 1 h and intravenous gammaglobulins in full dosage for four days. The platelet count started to rise on the third day and it was completely normalized on the 5th day of the therapy. CONCLUSION: Treatment of severe HIT with small doses of danaparoid supplemented by intravenous gamma globulin was successful. Additional awareness of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is needed, especially of HIT in differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in patients recently exposed to heparin.

Preconditioning with glucose-insulin-potassium solution and restoration of myocardial function during coronary surgery.

The administration of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solution has beeen shown to exert cardioprotective and immunomodulatory properties in coronary disease. 49 patients (pts.) for coronary surgery were randomly assigned to receive high-dose GIK treatment (30% glucose, insulin 2 IU.kg(-1).l(-1) and K(+) 80 mmo/l solution; 1 ml/kg/h); low-dose GIK treatment (10% glucose, insulin 32 IU l(-1) and K(+) 80 mmol/l solution; 1 ml/kg/h) or control treatment (Ringer solution 1 ml/kg/h). Haemodynamic measurements were done for four time points: T1 - after induction of anaesthesia; T2 - after the operation; T3 - 6 h after the operation and T4 - 24 h after the operation. Significant recovery of cardiac function was evident in high-dose GIK (H-GIK) and low-dose GIK (L-GIK) groups after 24 h (cardiac index improved considerably (p = 0.0002)), with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.005). LVSWI covariated with PCWP, improved over time in group H-GIK (p = 0.0008) and between the groups (p = 0.046). Oxygen supply-consumption ratio evidently improved in the GIK groups, while inotropic drug support was used in 5.5% pts. in group H-GIK vs. 13% in group L-GIK and 31% pts. in control (C) group. Glucose-insulin treatment has a potential cardioprotective effect in coronary surgery. The effect is independent of the glucose-insulin concentration and amount.

First-in-man implantation of left ventricular partitioning device in a patient with chronic heart failure: twelve-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The ventricular partitioning device (VPD) (Cardiokinetix Inc., Redwood City, Calif) is a novel device that is deployed percutaneously in the left ventricle in patients with anteroapical regional wall motion abnormalities after a myocardial infarction (MI) to partition the ventricle and segregate the dysfunctional region. In this case report we present the first implantation of the VPD in a human, with a 12-month efficacy and safety follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 48-year-old man had an anterior MI in 2004. A coronary angiogram showed an occlusion of the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery with no stenosis on other major epicardial vessels. Echocardiography revealed a dilated left ventricle (62 mm) with anteroapical wall motion abnormalities, no apical thrombus, a calculated ejection fraction of 26.8% (by Simpson biplane formula), and an end-systolic volume index (ESVi) of 76.8 mL/m(2). The VPD implant was delivered percutaneously from the femoral artery by the standard techniques for left-sided heart catheterization. The postimplantation course was uneventful. Echocardiography on discharge showed the VPD implanted at the apex, with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30.9% and an ESVi of 57.2 mL/m(2). Left ventricular ejection fraction and ESVi remained improved during the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates that VPD implantation in this particular patient was feasible and that it may provide a nonsurgical approach to prevent or reverse left ventricle remodeling.

Continuous aortic flow augmentation: a pilot study of hemodynamic and renal responses to a novel percutaneous intervention in decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Diminished aortic flow may induce adverse downstream vascular and renal signals. Investigations in a heart failure animal model have shown that continuous aortic flow augmentation (CAFA) achieves hemodynamic improvement and ventricular unloading, which suggests a novel therapeutic approach to patients with heart failure exacerbation that is inadequately responsive to medical therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 24 patients (12 in Europe and 12 in the United States) with heart failure exacerbation and persistent hemodynamic derangement despite intravenous diuretic and inotropic and/or vasodilator treatment. CAFA (mean+/-SD 1.34+/-0.12 L/min) was achieved through percutaneous (n=19) or surgical (n=5) insertion of the Cancion system, which consists of inflow and outflow cannulas and a magnetically levitated and driven centrifugal pump. Hemodynamic improvement was observed within 1 hour. Systemic vascular resistance decreased from 1413+/-453 to 1136+/-381 dyne.s.cm(-5) at 72 hours (P=0.0008). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased from 28.5+/-4.9 to 19.8+/-7.0 mm Hg (P<0.0001), and cardiac index (excluding augmented aortic flow) increased from 1.97+/-0.44 to 2.27+/-0.43 L.min(-1).m(-2) (P=0.0013). Serum creatinine trended downward during treatment (overall P=0.095). There were 8 complications during treatment, 7 of which were self-limited. Hemodynamics remained improved 24 hours after CAFA discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with heart failure and persistent hemodynamic derangement despite intravenous inotropic and/or vasodilator therapy, CAFA improved hemodynamics, with a reduction in serum creatinine. CAFA represents a promising, novel mode of treatment for patients who are inadequately responsive to medical therapy. The clinical impact of the observed hemodynamic improvement is currently being explored in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Left ventricular volume reduction surgery: The 4th International Registry Report 2004.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: An international registry of left ventricular volume reduction (LVVR) procedures, including partial left ventriculectomy, has been expanded, updated, and refined to include 568 cases voluntarily reported from 52 hospitals in 12 countries. RESULTS: Gender, age, ventricular dimension, ethnology, myocardial mass, presence or absence of mitral regurgitation, as well as transplant indication, had little effect on event-free survival, which was defined as either absence of death or ventricular failure requiring mechanical assist or transplantation. Poor preoperative patient condition such as New York Heart Association classification IV, depressed contractility and decompensation requiring an emergency procedure were associated with reduced event-free survival. Other risk factors included an early surgery date, lack of experience, dilated cardiomyopathy as the underlying pathology and extended myocardial resection. Performance of LVVR reached a peak by 1998, but was largely abandoned by 2001, except in Asia, where experienced institutes continue to perform it in patients in better condition with preserved myocardial contractility. CONCLUSION: Avoidance of risk factors appears to have contributed to the recent survival improvement and may help stratify patients for LVVR. While performance has been decreasing, the concept has been extended to other LVVR and less invasive procedures, which are now under clinical trials.

Semiquantitative histomorphometric analysis of myocardium following partial left ventriculectomy: 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Although partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) may have beneficial clinical effects in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), there are no reports on effects of PLV on myocardial histology. The objective of this study was to assess histological properties of the LV myocardium 1 year following PLV as compared to histology at the time of the operation. METHODS: The study group consisted of 15 consecutive PLV survivors, predominantly male (13/15), aged 45+/-12 years. Surgical specimens and endomyocardial biopsies, taken 12 months postoperatively, were processed routinely and stained with Masson-trichrome. The following morphometric parameters were assessed semiquantitavely: (1) degree of hypertrophy and attenuation; (2) nuclear evidence of hypertrophy; (3) myofibrillar volume fraction; (4) degree of degenerative vacuolar changes; and (5) fibrosis volume fraction. RESULTS: Both New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and ejection fraction (EF) improved 12 months following surgery as compared to preoperative values (2.40+/-0.69 vs. 3.33+/-0.49, p<0.001, and 33.21+/-12.05% vs. 20.21+/-9.07%, p<0.001, respectively). Morphometric analysis demonstrated postoperative decrease in the degree of attenuation as compared to preoperative values (1.40+/-0.51 vs. 2.47+/-0.64, p<0.01), as well as a decrease in fibrosis volume fraction (2.07+/-0.80 vs. 2.67+/-0.49, p<0.001) and nuclear hypertrophy (1.27+/-0.46 vs. 1.67+/-0.62, p<0.05). On the other hand, postoperative increase in myofibrillar volume fraction (1.87+/-0.61 vs. 1.40+/-0.61, p<0.01) was noted. CONCLUSION: One year postoperatively, PLV has favourable effects on myocardial morphology that parallels improvement in the patient's functional status and LV systolic function.

Partial left ventriculectomy--The Third International Registry Report 2002.

BACKGROUND: An international registry of partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) has been expanded, updated, and refined to include 440 cases voluntarily reported from 51 hospitals in 11 countries. RESULTS: Gender, age, ventricular dimension, etiology, ethnology, myocardial mass, operative variation or presence or absence of mitral regurgitation as well as transplant indication had no effects on event-free survival, which was defined as either absence of death or ventricular failure requiring ventricular assist device or listing for transplantation. Preoperative patient condition such as NYHA functional class IV, depressed contractility, and decompensation requiring an emergency procedure were associated with reduced event-free survival. Other risk factors included early date of surgery, lack of experience, and extended myocardial resection. Performance of PLV reached a peak by 1998 and was largely abandoned by 2000 except in Asia, where experienced institutes continue to perform PLV in patients in better condition with preserved myocardial contractility. CONCLUSION: Avoidance of delineated risk factors appears to improve recent survival and may help stratify high- or low-risk patients for PLV. An integrated approach with mechanical and biological circulatory assist may improve prognosis for patients with dilated failing hearts. While frequency of PLV has decreased, the concept of ventricular volume reduction has been extended to other volume reduction procedures and less invasive procedures now under clinical trial.