[Reconstructive heart surgery is possible also in severe heart failure]

Patients with severe heart failure due to valvular disease or coronary artery disease often benefit from conventional heart surgery even in the presence of severe left ventricular dysfunction. If a conventional procedure is not possible, left ventricular reconstructive surgery can be of value in selected cases. In cases of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, the Batista procedure can improve left ventricular function, whereas in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, with or without left ventricular aneurysm, an endoventricular patch plasty with septal exclusion might be of value. Some patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe mitral regurgitation can benefit from a simplified mitral valvuloplasty.