LEFT VENTRICULOPLASTY - A NEW OPTION FOR END-STAGE CARDIOMYOPATHY

To treat end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy, we have performed volume re duction left ventriculoplasty (as introduced by Randas Batista in Braz il) in four patients since December 1996. All patients had end-stage i diopathic cardiomyopathy. Mitral valve replacement was also performed in three patients. In all four patients, improvement of left ventricul ar function was noted. One patient died of respiratory failure on the 12th postoperative day. The other three patients recovered successfull y from the operation (i.e., they were discharged from hospital with th e functional status in New York Heart Association Class I or II). We c onclude that the Batista operation provides a real hope for patients w ith end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy.