[Passive volume-reducing surgery in heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. Results from a pilot study account for careful optimism]

Abstract

Twelve patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure subjected to cardiac surgery received the CorCap Cardiac Support Device (CSD), a polyester fabric with bi-directional compliance placed around the dilated, failing heart. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 6) additionally underwent coronary artery bypass surgery receiving 1-3 bypass grafts. In the idiopathic cardiomyopathy group (n = 6) mitral valve plasty was performed in four patients in combination with the CSD, while two patients received the CSD only. Twelve months follow-up revealed a gradual, sustained improvement in cardiac dimensions and functional improvement as well as in quality of life. We conclude that addition of the CSD to conventional cardiac surgery, or applied alone, seems to reverse ventricular dilatation and improve functional capacity and well being of heart failure patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Further studies will delineate what patient population will best benefit from passive containment surgery using the CSD.