Background
The present study examined a cardiac passive restraint device which applies epicardial pressure (HeartNetTM Implant) in a clinically relevant model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to determine effects on hemodynamic and myocardial blood flow patterns.
Methods
DCM was established in 10 pigs (3 weeks atrial pacing, 240 beats per minute). Hemodynamic parameters and regional left ventricle (LV) blood flow were measured under baseline conditions and following acute HeartNet (Paracor Medical Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) placement. Measurements were repeated following adenosine infusion, allowing maximal coronary vasodilation and coronary flow reserve determination.
Results
LV dilation and systolic dysfunction occurred relative to baseline as measured by echocardiography. LV end diastolic dimension increased and LV fractional shortening decreased (3.8±0.1 vs 6.1±0.2cm and 31.6±0.5 vs 16.2±2.1%, both p<0.05 respectively) consistent with the DCM phenotype. The HeartNet was successfully deployed without arrhythmias and a computed median mid-LV epicardial pressure of 1.4 mmHg was applied by the HeartNet throughout the cardiac cycle. Acute HeartNet placement did not adversely affect steady state hemodynamics. With the HeartNet in place, coronary reserve was significantly blunted.
Conclusions
In a large animal model of DCM, the cardiac passive restraint device did not appear to adversely affect basal resting myocardial blood flow. However, following acute HeartNet placement, LV maximal coronary reserve was blunted. These unique results suggest that cardiac passive restraint devices which apply epicardial transmural pressure can alter myocardial blood flow patterns in a DCM model. Whether this blunting of coronary reserve holds clinical relevance with chronic passive restraint device placement remains unestablished.