Progressive pressure expansion in skeletal muscle ventricle conditioning

Skeletal muscle ventricle (SMV) conditioning typically results in reduced muscle performance. This study investigated the effects of progressive SMV resting pressure expansion and dynamic muscle training on SMV pumping capability. SMVs were formed from latissimus dorsi muscle in five goats. Three experimental SMVs were conditioned against a compliant pneumatic implant system. SMV resting pressure was progressively increased as the SMV adapted to each increment. Resting pressure rose from 40 to 100-120 mmHg over an 8 week period of time. Two control SMVs were conditioned against a non expanded incompressible implant. Both experimental and control SMVs were electrically burst stimulated for at least 6 weeks after an initial 2 week vascular delay interval. Results demonstrate that 1) experimental SMVs increased in volume; 2) SMV passive and active (evoked isovolumetric pressure) pressure-volume curves adapted to the increasing or static resting volume; and 3) two of three experimental SMVs generated greater stroke volumes than control SMVs across a range of counterpulsation pressures and electrical stimulation parameters. Progressive pressure expansion using a compliant implant system improved final SMV pumping performance and merits further investigation.