Skeletal Muscle as a Myocardial Substitute

Abstract

Summary

Although skeletal muscle currently offers a realistic means for providing functional support of the failing myocardium, more research is required to define the optimal mode of assist. The mechanism by which cardiomyoplasty augments cardiac function is unclear, although symptomatic improvement following the procedure is being increasingly reported.

Skeletal muscle ventricles, on the other hand, have the potential to replace left ventricular function and have pumped effectively in the circulation for more than 1 year. With continued improvements in SMV design, the future for this mode of support is optimistic. The efficacy of some other forms of circulatory support using skeletal muscle remains to be elucidated.