Acute cardiovascular changes of partial left ventriculectomy without mitral valve repair

We assessed the acute cardiovascular changes of partial left ventriculectom y (PLV) in a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) without mitral regurgitation. Acutely, PLV reduced left ventricular (LV) end-diasto lic dimension and volume while increasing LV ejection fraction and cardiac output due to increased HR and SV. Substantial increases in LV filling pres sure, possibly due to high LV end-systolic and diastolic elastances, were o f concern clinically and the mechanism(s) of change remain unclear. However , one year follow-up showed remarkable improvements in NYHA and VO2 max whi le maintaining reduced LV volume, increased LVEF, and trivial MR. (Ann Thor ac Surg 1999;67:1470-2) (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.