Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
07:24
Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR
Published on: April 8, 2013
Regression of cellular hypertrophy after left ventricular assist device support
A Zafeiridis1, V Jeevanandam, S R Houser
1Department of Internal Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Circulation
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy reverses cardiac remodeling by reducing myocyte size and improving heart shape. This cellular change contributes to improved mechanical performance and reduced wall stress after LVAD implantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Heart Failure Research
Background:
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is known to improve cardiac geometry.
- The underlying pathological mechanisms driving this
- reverse remodeling
- remain unclear.
- Understanding cellular changes is crucial for optimizing LVAD therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of LVAD support on cardiac myocyte size and shape.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms of reverse remodeling in the failing heart.
Main Methods:
- Cardiac myocytes were isolated from explanted hearts of patients with heart failure (with and without LVAD support) and from nonfailing hearts.
- Myocyte dimensions (volume, length, width, thickness) were quantified using validated techniques.
- Echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular dimensions and mass in LVAD patients.
Main Results:
- Myocytes from failing hearts showed increased volume, length, width, and length-to-thickness ratio compared to normal myocytes.
- Long-term LVAD support significantly reduced myocyte volume (28%), length (20%), width (20%), and length-to-thickness ratio (32%).
- LVAD support did not alter myocyte thickness but was associated with reduced left ventricular dilation and mass.
Conclusions:
- Regression of cellular hypertrophy is a key mechanism in LVAD-induced reverse remodeling.
- Parallel changes at the organ and cellular levels contribute to reduced wall stress.
- LVAD therapy promotes favorable geometric alterations, potentially improving cardiac mechanical performance.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
01:26Cellular Adaptation II: Hypertrophy
Hypertrophy is the increase in the size of individual cells, resulting in the enlargement of a tissue or organ. Unlike hyperplasia, which involves an increase in cell number, hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in cell volume. This process often occurs in response to higher functional demand or hormonal stimulation, leading to the production of more structural proteins and organelles, thereby enhancing the cells' work capacity.There are two primary types of hypertrophy: physiological...