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Skeletal muscle. New techniques for treating heart failure
A Koroteyev1, A Pochettino, H Niinami
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Research Center of Surgery, Soviet Union, Moscow.
AORN Journal
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) show promise for treating heart failure, offering potential long-term function. While clinical use is experimental, SMVs may improve cardiac output and benefit both adults and children with cardiac deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Current clinical treatments for heart failure include cardiomyoplasty, which is safe and avoids thrombosis.
- Clinical improvement with cardiomyoplasty may stem from enhanced cardiac output, not just reduced ventricular distension or placebo effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term functionality of skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) as a potential therapy for heart failure.
- To explore the feasibility of SMVs for treating congenital cardiac deficiencies in children.
Main Methods:
- Experimental implantation of skeletal muscle ventricles in animal models.
- Long-term monitoring of device function and animal health.
Main Results:
- One dog demonstrated successful long-term function of a skeletal muscle ventricle for one year.
- Evidence suggests clinical improvement may be linked to enhanced cardiac output.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal muscle ventricles are currently experimental but show potential for long-term cardiac assist.
- Further research is needed to refine SMVs for lower filling pressures and broader clinical application, including pediatric congenital heart defects.