Latissimus Dorsi muscle as a graft applied to the heart: Evaluation of electrophysiological and mechanical characteristics

Experiments were performed in canine Latissimus Dorsi muscle, during isometric contraction elicited by electrical stimulation. Measurements were carried out to evaluate the relationship between Force, Intramuscular Pressure, Electromyografic activity and Regional Thickness and to assess the muscle functional characteristics. Stimulation protocol consisted of stimulation with increasing frequency (10–50 Hz) followed by a fatigue test (30 Hz). Force response correlated linearly (R > 0.9) with the other parameters measured and the measurements carried out enabled the evaluation of the mechanical and electrical properties of the muscle.