Early results with cardiac support device implant in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

Objective - To evaluate the possible beneficial echocardiographic, functional and quality of life improving effects of passive containment surgery using the CorCap(TM) Cardiac Support Device in heart failure patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Design - Eight patients with dilated cardiomyopathy subjected to cardiac surgery received the Cardiac Support Device. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 4) underwent coronary artery bypass surgery receiving one to three bypass grafts. In the idiopathic cardiomyopathy group ( n = 4) mitral valve plasty was performed in two patients while two patients received the Cardiac Support Device only. Results - All patients survived the surgery and were discharged to home. There was a gradual, sustained improvement in cardiac dimensions ( left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter) and functional improvement ( ejection fraction, 6-min walk, NYHA functional class) as well as quality of life. These beneficial effects developed more rapidly and more extensively in the idiopathic cardiomyopathy group. Conclusion - Addition of the Cardiac Support Device to conventional cardiac surgery, or applied alone, is safe and simple. The device seems to reverse ventricular dilatation and improve functional capacity and wellbeing of heart failure patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Further studies will delineate what patient population will best benefit from passive containment surgery using the CorCap(TM) Cardiac Support Device.