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Evolution of human cardiac myocyte dimension during prolonged mechanical support
L Jacquet1, T Zerbe, K L Stein
1Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pa.
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Long-term use of the Novacor left ventricular assist system (LVAS) does not cause left ventricular atrophy in heart failure patients. Mechanical support helps normalize cardiac myocyte size, preserving left ventricular function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pathology
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding myocardial cellular atrophy with prolonged use of left ventricular assist systems (LVAS) in animal models.
- Potential for LVAS to negatively impact left ventricular function necessitates investigation in human subjects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of the Novacor LVAS on human left ventricular function.
- To determine if prolonged mechanical circulatory support leads to myocardial atrophy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cardiac myocyte dimensions in patients requiring long-term Novacor LVAS support.
- Comparison of myocyte size in supported patients versus those with end-stage cardiac disease not requiring support.
Main Results:
- Cardiac myocyte dimensions were initially larger in patients requiring LVAS support.
- Myocyte size decreased within days of LVAS initiation, returning to typical sizes for chronic end-stage cardiac disease.
- No further myocyte shrinkage was observed after the initial adjustment period.
Conclusions:
- The Novacor LVAS does not appear to be associated with left ventricular atrophy.
- Long-term clinical use of the Novacor LVAS may not be detrimental to left ventricular function.