A ventricular resection is a type of surgery that removes scar tissue or a tumor from a heart chamber to restore function. Often, a reconstruction or repair procedure follows this.
The heart has four chambers, all of which help get blood to cells and tissues. The left ventricle serves a crucial function, pushing oxygen-rich blood through a flap known as the aortic valve, which then pumps blood around the body.
Resection (tissue removal) and repair of the left ventricle can help remove damaged or overgrown tissue. This may be necessary following a heart attack or in cases of ventricular aneurysm.
This article explains why people receive ventricular resection and repair and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
A ventricular resection and reconstruction aims to remove tissue from the left ventricle that is affecting function. This may be scar tissue that does not beat in time with the rest of the heart, or a ventricle tumor that is affecting the way the heart works.
Sometimes, the left ventricle can become too large due to underlying heart problems, so the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This can lead to heart failure.
However, surgery to remove tissue from, or resect, the left ventricle
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People may need ventricular resection after a heart attack or due to a ventricular aneurysm.
A heart attack is a
Ventricular resection can also help relieve symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) that are not responding to medications.
Often, the heart muscles become large and inefficient due to CHF — a common condition in which the heart cannot pump hard or effectively enough to meet the body’s needs. Lifestyle changes and medications can help people live with CHF. However, severe CHF or CHF that gets worse may require surgery.
Some tumors,
Learn about how to recognize the signs of a heart attack.
A person will usually have to stay in the hospital the night before surgery. To prepare for ventricular resection and reconstruction, they will undergo several tests.
These can include:
- echocardiogram, which shows the physical structure of the ventricle and connected valves as well as how they work
- a heart MRI, which produces detailed images of the ventricle
- cardiac catheterization, in which a cardiologist threads a long, thin, flexible tube through the veins and into the heart before injecting a contrast solution and using an X-ray to check for blockages
During ventricular resection and reconstruction, a surgeon connects an individual to a heart-lung machine that takes over the breathing and heartbeat. The surgeon can then safely stop the heart and operate.
The surgeon cuts through the breast bone and removes scar or tumor tissue from the ventricle. Then, they close the edges of the hole together or use a small piece of tissue to close the gap.
The surgeon then restarts the heart and removes the heart-lung machine, attaching drainage tubes. They will close the breastbone using stainless steel wire and move the individual to the intensive care unit (ICU) for the recovery period.
People often require a breathing tube until they wake from the anesthetic, and then the ICU team removes it.
The procedure takes place while the person is under general anesthetic.
Following ventricular resection, a person will need to recover in the hospital for around 5 to 7 days. A
Most people are able to leave the bed on the day following surgery. Several days later, the care team will remove the drainage tubes, and a cardiac rehabilitation team will work with the individual to support improved strength in preparation for leaving the hospital.
Ongoing, close follow-up care is necessary once the person leaves the hospital. People who live alone or who have not recovered well from the procedure may need to stay in a cardiac rehabilitation center near their home.
Ventricular resection is an intensive procedure with several risks. A doctor will explain these in detail and make sure people are aware of the possible risks before starting.
- atrial fibrillation
- reduced output from the heart
- infection
- arrhythmia
- sepsis
- blood clots
- heart attack
- further heart failure
What is the survival rate for ventricular resection?
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However, the outlook for each person will be different. A person’s doctor can provide them with more accurate information based on their individual circumstances.
How long does ventricular surgery take?
How long ventricular surgery takes can depend on the type of procedure. For ventricular resection, a person may need to stay in the hospital for about 1 week. The surgeon can provide more information about how long they expect the procedure itself to take, and what a person can expect afterward.
Ventricular resection and reconstruction involve removing scar tissue or tumors from the left ventricle. This may be necessary if a person experiences heart failure after a heart attack or ventricular aneurysm.
During ventricular resection and reconstruction, the surgeon opens the chest, stops the heart, and places the individual on a heart-lung machine. They remove the damaged tissue and repair the hole.
A person may stay in the hospital for about 1 week after the procedure, including a 4-day stay in the ICU.
The individual may need rehabilitation to regain strength before leaving. A person’s doctor can provide more information about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.