Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Isolation and Functional Characterization of Human Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from Fresh Surgical Samples
Published on: April 21, 2014
Phenotype Characterization and Course of Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy and
Michael J Bonios1, Iakovos Armenis1, Nektarios Kogerakis1
1Heart Failure and Transplant Units, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece.
Background:
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) may be complicated by heart failure. Management of advanced heart failure in this context is challenging.
Methods:
We reviewed our center's experience with advanced heart failure therapies in patients with ARVC. Three rapidly deteriorating patients with ARVC with biventricular heart failure were found. Their management and outcomes are presented. Data on ventricular fibrosis were available in 2 of them and are also included.
Results:
The first patient underwent initially successful paracorporeal pulsatile biventricular assist device (BiVAD) implantation. However, a large ischemic stroke occurred 2 weeks later, and the patient died after 2 months. The second patient underwent urgent BiVAD implantation after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support because of cardiogenic shock, but his course was complicated by multiorgan failure due to systemic infection and the patient died. The last patient, being at Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support 3-4 profile, underwent heart transplant with uneventful recovery. Extensive fibrosis was present in both ventricles of 2 patients undergoing pathology examination.
Conclusions:
Patients with ARVC and advanced biventricular heart failure are characterized by extensive ventricular fibrosis and considerable risk, but data on their management are limited. Biventricular circulatory support is associated with suboptimal outcomes, and prioritization for heart transplant seems preferable.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

