Understanding Ventricular Reconstruction Surgery
Ventricular reconstruction surgery, also known as surgical ventricular restoration (SVR), is a procedure designed to treat heart failure resulting from damage to the left ventricle. This surgical technique aims to restore the heart’s normal shape and function by removing scar tissue and reshaping the ventricle.
Why is Ventricular Reconstruction Performed?
This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have experienced:
• A heart attack that resulted in scar tissue formation
• Ischemic cardiomyopathy
• Left ventricular aneurysms
• Enlarged hearts due to various causes
The primary goal of ventricular reconstruction is to improve the heart’s pumping efficiency and alleviate symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.
The Surgical Procedure: Step by Step
1. Preparation: The patient is placed under general anesthesia and connected to a heart-lung machine to maintain blood circulation during the surgery.
2. Accessing the heart: The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to expose the heart.
3. Identifying and removing scar tissue: The surgeon locates the aneurysm or scarred area of the left ventricle and carefully separates it from healthy tissue.
4. Reshaping the ventricle: After removing the damaged tissue, the surgeon reshapes the remaining heart muscle to restore a more normal, conical shape.
5. Patch placement: In some cases, a small patch is sewn into place where the aneurysm was removed to help maintain the new shape.
6. Closing the incision: The surgeon then closes the heart and chest incision.
Recovery and Outcomes
Following the surgery, patients typically spend several days in the hospital for monitoring and initial recovery. The full recovery process may take several weeks to months, depending on the individual’s overall health and the extent of the surgery.
Studies have shown that ventricular reconstruction surgery can lead to significant improvements in heart function and quality of life for many patients. It has been found to reduce left ventricular volumes and improve systolic function, leading to symptomatic improvement in those with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Is Ventricular Reconstruction Right for You?
Determining whether you’re a candidate for ventricular reconstruction surgery involves a comprehensive evaluation by a cardiac team. Factors considered include:
• The extent and location of heart damage
• Overall heart function
• Presence of other cardiac conditions
• General health and ability to undergo major surgery
Your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests such as echocardiograms, cardiac MRIs, or cardiac catheterization to assess your suitability for the procedure.