Beneficial effects of a cardiac support device on left ventricular remodeling after posterior myocardial infarction: an evaluation by echocardiography, pressure-volume curves and ventricular histology.

PURPOSE: Posterior myocardial infarction (MI) can induce LV remodeling and ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). The protective effects of a cardiac support device (CSD) against LV remodeling and IMR after posterior MI have been poorly documented.

METHODS

Posterior MI was induced by ligation of the left circumflex coronary artery in beagle dogs. After 7 days, the dogs were randomized to a CSD placement (CSD group, n = 8) or no treatment (CTL group, n = 8).

RESULTS

At 3 months after MI, the LV remodeling was less marked and the LV and RV systolic functions were better in the CSD group than in the CTL group. Neither the RV nor LV diastolic function (min dP/dt, Tau and EDPVR) was disturbed by the CSD. IMR was consistently prevented in our canine model.

CONCLUSION

Early application of a CSD after posterior MI can attenuate LV remodeling without causing any deterioration of the biventricular diastolic function.