CLINICAL-RESULTS OF DYNAMIC CARDIOMYOPLASTY

Thirty-five cardiomyoplasty procedures were performed in five patients with dilated and 30 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathies. Russian- made cardiomyostimulators (CMS) were implanted in these patients. Twen ty-one patients underwent a one-step procedure using a left thoracotom y for cardiomyoplasty, while in 14 patients, a two-step procedure that included a mid-line sternotomy was carried out. During the average fo llow-up period of 9 +/- 2.1 months, studies were carried out that show ed in survivors improved clinical functional status and decreased hear t failure symptoms. Evidence of revascularization of the ischemic myoc ardium from the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) wrap was obtained by ang iography and radioactive scintigraphy. In five patients, the CMS had t o be removed due to complications, and in all these patients, their cl inical functional status deteriorated following the cessation of cardi omyostimulation.