A simple method of left ventricular reconstruction without patch for ischemic cardiomyopathy

Interest in reconstructive surgery for ischemic cardiomyopathy has increase d. We prospectively studied patients undergoing left ventricular reconstruc tion for ischemic cardiomyopathy. This report describes our technique for n o-patch repair of left anterior descending aneurysms or akinetic areas. Pat ients are selected for surgery with discreet left anterior descending scar, usually detected by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan and three -dimensional echocardiography, with compensated heart failure or other indi cations for surgery such as severe coronary artery disease or mitral regurg itation. (C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.