A comparison of the early and midterm results after dynamic cardiomyoplasty in patients with ischemic or idiopathic cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study is to determine the efficiency of the cardiomyoplasty procedure on patients with cardiomyopathy of different origins (ischemic and idiopathic origins). METHOD: Between June 1993 and August 1995, 24 patients underwent dynamic cardiomyoplasty with the left latissimus dorsi muscle in our institution. Early and midterm results, as well as the changes in hemodynamics and functional status during follow-up, were compared. RESULTS: Early mortality rate was 20.8% (five patients). Concomitant coronary revascularization, a preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction below 20%, and a functional capacity of class IV (intermittently) were associated with early mortality. The mean follow-up time was 17.3 months. Survival analysis (including early mortality) extending to the twenty-fourth month revealed no difference between the ischemic and idiopathic groups (55% vs 85%, respectively, p = 0.09). Functional status improved in the both groups. Ejection fractions were improved after cardiomyoplasty in all patients, regardless of their cause. Cardiac indices were higher 6 months after the operation. Changes in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, peak pulmonary artery pressure, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume were not significant. CONCLUSION: Although cardiomyoplasty improves functional capacity and hemodynamics in patients with both idiopathic and ischemic cardiomyopathy, the idiopathic group is thought to achieve optimal benefit with regard to lower complication rates and lower early mortality expectancy owing to the absence of concomitant coronary revascularization.