Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002; 50(2): 82-86
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-26699
Original Cardiovascular
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Operative Procedure and Volumetry in
Experimental Biomechanical Hearts

N.  W.  Guldner1 , P.  Klapproth1 , M.  Großherr2 , M.  Stephan1 , R.  Noel3 , H.-H.  Sievers1
  • 1Clinic of Cardiac Surgery, Lübeck Medical University, Germany
  • 2Clinic of Anaesthesiology, Lübeck Medical University, Germany
  • 3Dept. of Animal Care, Lübeck Medical University, Germany
This paper was presented an the 30th Meeting of the German Society for Thoracic andCardiovascular Surgery in Leipzig, February 18 - 21, 2001.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
30 April 2002 (online)

Abstract

Background: To date, skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) have been integrated into the circulation by a second operation following construction, vascular delay and several weeks of electrical conditioning. Recently, intra-thoracic SMVs around a mock system contracted against a pressure of 70 mmHg for several months immediately after construction in the presence of clenbuterol. This indicates that the two-step procedure may be exchanged for a clinically favorable one-step operation. The stroke volume is tested intra-operatively. Methods: In twelve Boer goats, the latissimus dorsi muscle was folded in a double layer around a polyurethane chamber, which was integrated into descending thoracic aorta. This muscular flow-through chamber containing a stabilizing inner layer denoted “Biomechanical Heart” (BMH) showed immediate activity against systemic pressure. The conductance catheter method was applied for analysis of intra-operative stroke volume. Results: The one-step operative procedure employed was practicable in all 12 goats. Operative complications were eliminated without difficulty. Intraoperative application of the conductance catheter resulted in BMH with a stroke volume of 55 ± 14 ml. In the best BMH on postoperative day 132, a continuous pumping capacity of 1.4 l/min was measured. This BMH functioned up to day 414 postoperatively, and failed due to a rupture of the pumping chamber. Conclusion: This operative procedure and dynamic volumetry of experimental Biomechanical Hearts might be relevant for clinical use.

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Priv. Doz. Dr. med. Norbert W. Guldner

Klinik für Herzchirurgie, Medizinische Universität zu Lübeck


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Email: guldner@medinf.mu-luebeck.de

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