Left ventricular reconstruction: update to left ventricular aneurysm/reshaping techniques

The increase in left ventricular (LV) volume after a myocardial infarction (MI) is a component of the remodelling process and is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Hence, the current management strategy for ischaemic LV dysfunction has been aimed at reversing the remodelling process. Surgical LV reconstruction (LVR) has been introduced as an optional therapeutic strategy aimed at reducing LV volumes through the exclusion of the scar tissue, thereby restoring the physiological volume and shape and improving LV function and clinical status. Until recently, several studies have shown that surgical LVR is effective and relatively safe, with a favourable 5-year outcome. However, in spite of the large amount of reports drawn on various data sets, the additional benefit of LVR to CABG remains debated. We briefly discuss the rationale for surgically reversing LV remodelling through LVR, and, more extensively, the technique and the indications to the best of our knowledge.