SKELETAL-MUSCLE VENTRICLES - FRONTIERS IN 1995

Skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) constructed from electrically condit ioned latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) may become an alternative for assi sting the failing heart. Left and right heart circulatory assist using SMVs has been performed successfully in both acute and chronic animal models. The configurations used to connect SMVs to the circulation ha ve included a left atrium to aorta bypass, a left ventricle apex to ao rta bypass, aortic counterpulsators, a cavopulmonary bypass, and a rig ht ventricle to pulmonary artery bypass. One SMV used as an aortic cou nterpulsator functioned effectively in the circulation for more than 2 7 months. Recent application of the pericardium to the SMV as an inner layer and design changes in the connection of the SMV to the circulat ion have reduced the risk of thrombus formation and SMV rupture. Altho ugh several problems have yet to be solved, the goal of the SMV as a p ermanent circulatory assist device without the limitation of an extern al power source seems within reach.