Skeletal muscle. New techniques for treating heart failure

Presently, only cardiomyoplasty has been used clinically. This is not surprising because it is a relatively safe operation to perform, avoids problems of thrombosis, and is unlikely to do harm. Evidence is beginning to emerge that clinical improvement may be due to enhanced cardiac output and not simply to limiting ventricular distension or to a placebo effect. We consider skeletal muscle ventricles to be experimental; however, our experiment in which one dog continues to do well after one year demonstrates that long-term function is achievable. Many problems remain. Further refinement may enable SMVs to work at even lower filling pressures. Although the great majority of cardiac failure occurs in adults, a significant number of children are born with congenital cardiac deficiencies for whom skeletal muscle assist also may offer potential therapy.