Directed epicardial assistance in ischemic cardiomyopathy: Flow and function using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Jeremy R. McGarvey, Norihiro Kondo, Manabu Takebe, Kevin J. Koomalsingh, Walter R.T. Witschey, Alex J. Barker, Michael Markl, Satoshi Takebayashi, Toru Shimaoka, Joseph H. Gorman, Robert C. Gorman*, James J. Pilla

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) is a result of increased myocardial workload, adverse left ventricular (LV) geometric remodeling, and less efficient LV fluid movement. In this study we utilize cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate ventricular function and flow after placement of a novel directed epicardial assist device. Methods: Five swine underwent posterolateral MI and were allowed to remodel for 12 weeks. An inflatable bladder was positioned centrally within the infarct and secured with mesh. The device was connected to an external gas exchange pump, which inflated and deflated in synchrony with the cardiac cycle. Animals then underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during active epicardial assistance and with no assistance. Results: Active epicardial assistance of the infarct showed immediate improvement in LV function and intraventricular flow. Ejection fraction significantly improved from 26.0% ± 4.9% to 37.3% ± 4.5% (p < 0.01). End-systolic volume (85.5 ± 12.7 mL versus 70.1 ± 11.9 mL, p < 0.01) and stroke volume (28.5 ± 4.4 mL versus 39.9 ± 3.1 mL, p = 0.03) were also improved with assistance. End-diastolic volume and regurgitant fraction did not change with treatment. Regional LV flow improved both qualitatively and quantitatively during assistance. Unassisted infarct regional flow showed highly discoordinate blood movement with very slow egress from the posterolateral wall. Large areas of stagnant flow were also identified. With assistance, posterolateral wall blood velocities improved significantly during both systole (26.4% ± 3.2% versus 12.6% ± 1.2% maximum velocity; p < 0.001) and diastole (54.3% ± 9.3% versus 24.2% ± 2.5% maximum velocity; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Directed epicardial assistance can improve LV function and flow in ischemic cardiomyopathy. This novel device may provide a valuable alternative to currently available heart failure therapies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)577-585
Number of pages9
JournalAnnals of Thoracic Surgery
Volume96
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2013

Funding

This work was supported by grants from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland ( HL63954 , HL73021 , HL103723 , HL108330 , and HL115828 ). Drs R. Gorman and J. Gorman were supported by individual Established Investigator Awards from the American Heart Association , Dallas, Texas.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Surgery

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