An alternative to left ventricular volume reduction

Abstract Background: Left ventricular (LV) remodeling leading to ventricular dilatation is ultimately a maladaptative process according to the law of Laplace. To counteract the wall stress increase, a new concept of reducing the LV cavity radius by changing the LV globular shape to a bilobular one through the insertion of transventricular splints has emerged. This procedure is tested in a model of congestive heart failure. Methods: A bovine model was used ( n = 9). Following splint insertion through a sternotomy, boluses of 2 liters of crystalloid were injected. After every bolus, hemodynamic measurements were performed without and with the splints tightened to a 10% and 20% stress level reduction, respectively. Comparisons between the 3 measurements were performed with analysis of variance test ( p Results: Splint tightening significantly reduced right and left heart pressures for central venous pressure (CVP) >10 mm Hg (CVP: 14.7 ± 5.2, 12.1 ± 5, 10.6 ± 4.7 mm Hg, p p p p Conclusions: In this model, hemodynamic parameters are improved with the splints for higher values of CVP, supporting the concept of reshaping the remodeled LV. This technique has the potential to improve patients with congestive heart failure.