Ventricular Reconstruction
Reshaping a Damaged Heart After Heart Attack
Ventricular aneurysm. The area left of the red line is an aneurysm. If a heart attack occurs in the left lower chamber of the heart (left ventricle), scar tissue will form. Over time, this scar tissue can weaken and thin out to become an aneurysm--an abnormal bulge of tissue. This aneurysm--in conjunction with other heart problems--can cause the heart to enlarge, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in heart failure.
Scar removal and patch placementIn a ventricular reconstruction surgery, surgeons remove part of the aneurysm scar tissue to reshape the heart and restore it to its normal, conical shape. Typically, a small patch is sewn into place where the aneurysm once was. With the patch in place, surgeons sew tissue over the patch. Other procedures, such as valve repair or coronary artery bypass may be performed during the ventricular reconstruction operation.
Patch in place, reshaped ventricleVentricular reconstruction does not cure heart failure. The goal of the surgery is to help the heart improve its ability to pump blood effectively, thereby reducing chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms associated with heart failure. Before ventricular reconstruction surgery, the only option to help patients with large left ventricular aneurysms was heart transplantation.
View a brief animated video (MPEG) of ventricular reconstruction (3.4 MB).
Ventricular reconstruction surgery is a complex procedure that is best performed by experts with special training. University of Chicago cardiac surgeons are highly experienced at performing ventricular reconstruction, and have been doing the procedure for several years. In addition, our surgeons have developed improvements to the procedure, and have lectured around the world to share these advances in surgical technique.
More Information
- Diagnostic and Medical Care
- Surgical Care
- Ventricular Reconstruction
- Ventricular Assist Devices
- Heart Transplantation
- Research
