Una estrategia sin stent en síndrome coronario agudo sin aterosclerosis: disección coronaria espontánea / Stentless strategy in a non-atherosclerotic acute coronary syndrome: spontaneous coronary dissection

Resumen Aunque la aterosclerosis representa la principal causa de enfermedad coronaria y, en consecuencia, de síndrome coronario agudo, otras entidades pueden identificarse como causantes. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con infarto agudo de miocardio causado por una disección espontánea de la arteria coronaria.

Abstract Although atherosclerosis represents the leading cause of coronary artery disease and, therefore acute coronary syndrome, several other entities may be also identified. We present the case of a patient with acute myocardial infarction caused by a spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

Impairment of Multiple Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism Pathways in the Heart of Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy Patients.

Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC) is an inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy occurring in 30% of the 6 million infected with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi in Latin America. Survival is significantly lower in CCC than ischemic (IC) and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Previous studies disclosed a selective decrease in mitochondrial ATP synthase alpha expression and creatine kinase activity in CCC myocardium as compared to IDC and IC, as well as decreased in vivo myocardial ATP production. Aiming to identify additional constraints in energy metabolism specific to CCC, we performed a proteomic study in myocardial tissue samples from CCC, IC and DCM obtained at transplantation, in comparison with control myocardial tissue samples from organ donors. Left ventricle free wall myocardial samples were subject to two-dimensional electrophoresis with fluorescent labeling (2D-DIGE) and protein identification by mass spectrometry. We found altered expression of proteins related to mitochondrial energy metabolism, cardiac remodeling, and oxidative stress in the 3 patient groups. Pathways analysis of proteins differentially expressed in CCC disclosed mitochondrial dysfunction, fatty acid metabolism and transmembrane potential of mitochondria. CCC patients' myocardium displayed reduced expression of 22 mitochondrial proteins belonging to energy metabolism pathways, as compared to 17 in DCM and 3 in IC. Significantly, 6 beta-oxidation enzymes were reduced in CCC, while only 2 of them were down-regulated in DCM and 1 in IC. We also observed that the cytokine IFN-gamma, previously described with increased levels in CCC, reduces mitochondrial membrane potential in cardiomyocytes. Results suggest a major reduction of mitochondrial energy metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in CCC myocardium which may be in part linked to IFN-gamma. This may partially explain the worse prognosis of CCC as compared to DCM or IC.

Resonancia magnética cardiaca: utilidad de la secuencia de realce tardío 3D (RT-3D) en electrofisiología / Cardiac magnetic resonance: usefulness of the 3D late enhancement sequence (RT-3D) in electrophysiology

Resumen La resonancia magnética cardiaca permite una evaluación integral del corazón, provee información de funcionalidad, anatómica y de caracterización tisular, y permite la valoración de la perfusión miocárdica. Entre las secuencias de caracterización tisular se encuentra el realce tardío, el cual ocurre en corazones con fibrosis, trastornos infiltrativos o procesos agudos como miocarditis o infarto agudo de miocardio. Para el área de la electrofisiología, la resonancia magnética cardiaca aporta una gran ayuda en el abordaje diagnóstico de las miocardiopatías isquémicas y no isquémicas, y apoyo para definir el pronóstico de los pacientes con miocardiopatías de acuerdo con la presencia o no de fibrosis miocárdica; además, como parámetro adicional ha demostrado utilidad para la adecuada toma de decisiones en el implante de cardiodesfibriladores en prevención primaria y el implante de terapia de resincronización cardiaca. También ha probado ser de utilidad como guía en la terapia de ablación de la aurícula y el ventrículo izquierdos, y el seguimiento posablación de venas pulmonares para detectar líneas discontinuas de ablación.

Abstract Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging allows a comprehensive evaluation of the heart, provides information on functionality, anatomy, tissue characterization and allows the evaluation of myocardial perfusion. Tissue characterization sequences include late enhancement, which occurs in hearts with fibrosis, infiltrative disorders, or in acute processes such as myocarditis or acute myocardial infarction. In the area of electrophysiology, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is of great assistance in the diagnostic approach of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, supports in defining the prognosis of patients with cardiomyopathies according to the presence or absence of myocardial fibrosis, and also as an additional parameter that has been shown to be useful for taking adequate decisions in the implantation of cardioverter defibrillators in primary prevention and the implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy. It has also proven to be useful as a guide in ablation therapy for the left atrium and left ventricle and its post-ablation monitoring of pulmonary veins to detect discontinuous lines of ablation.

O Pré-Condicionamento com Dexmedetomidina Reduz a Lesão de Isquemia-Reperfusão do Miocárdio em Ratos, Inibindo a Via PERK / Dexmedetomidine Preconditioning Reduces Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Inhibiting the PERK Pathway

Resumo Fundamento A cardiopatia isquêmica atraiu muito atenção devido às altas taxas de mortalidade, custos do tratamento e a crescente morbidade na população jovem. Estratégias de reperfusão reduziram a mortalidade. Porém, a reperfusão pode levar à morte do cardiomiócito e subsequente dano irreversível ao miocárdio. No momento, não há um tratamento eficiente e direcionado para a lesão de isquemia-reperfusão (I/R). Objetivos Avaliar se a dexmedetomidina (DEX) tem efeito protetivo na I/R do miocárdio e explorar os possíveis mecanismos por trás dela. Métodos Corações de ratos foram perfundidos com o sistema de perfusão de Langendorff e aleatoriamente distribuídos em cinco grupos: grupo controle, perfundido com solução de Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) por 205 minutos sem isquemia; e quatro grupos de teste que foram submetidos a 40 minutos de isquemia global e 120 minutos de reperfusão. O Grupo DEX, o grupo ioimbina (IO) e o grupo DEX + IO foram perfundidos com DEX (10 nM), IO (1 μM) ou a combinação de DEX e IO antes da reperfusão, respectivamente. A hemodinâmica cardíaca, o tamanho do infarto do miocárdio e a histologia do miocárdio foram avaliados. A expressão da proteína-78 regulada pela glicose (GRP78), a proteína quinase do retículo endoplasmático (PERK), a PERK fosforilada, o fator de iniciação eucariótico 2α (eIF2α), eIF2α fosforilado, o fator de transcrição 4 (TCF-4) e a proteína homóloga à proteína ligadora do acentuador CCAAT (CHOP) foram avaliados. P< 0,05 foi considerado para indicar a diferença estatisticamente significativa. Resultados O pré-condicionamento com DEX melhorou a função cardíaca nos corações com I/R, reduziu o infarto do miocárdio, a apoptose do miocárdio e a expressão de GRP78, p-PERK, eIF2α, p-eIF2α, TCF-4 e CHOP. Conclusões O pré-tratamento com DEX reduziu a lesão de I/R no miocárdio ao suprimir a apoptose, o que foi induzido pela via PERK.

Abstract Background Ischemic heart disease has attracted much attention due to its high mortality rates, treatment costs and the increasing morbidity in the young population. Strategies for reperfusion have reduced mortality. However, reperfusion can lead to cardiomyocyte death and subsequent irreversible myocardial damage. At present, the timely and targeted treatment of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is often lacking. Objectives To evaluate if dexmedetomidine (DEX) has a protective effect in myocardiual I/R and explore the possible mechanism behind it. Methods Rat hearts were perfused with a Langendorff perfusion system, and randomly assigned to five groups: control group, perfused with Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution for 205 minutes without ischemia; and four test groups that underwent 40 minutes of global ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. The DEX group, the yohimbine (YOH) group and the DEX + YOH group were perfused with DEX (10 nM), YOH (1 μM) or the combination of DEX and YOH prior to reperfusion, respectively. Cardiac hemodynamics, myocardial infarct size, and myocardial histology were evaluated. The expression of glucose-related protein 78 (GRP78), protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK), phosphorylated PERK, eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), phosphorylated eIF2α, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) were assessed. P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results DEX preconditioning improved the cardiac function of I/R hearts, reduced myocardial infarction, myocardial apoptosis, and the expression of GRP78, p-PERK, eIF2α, p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP. Conclusions DEX pretreatment reduced myocardial I/R injury by suppressing apoptosis, which was induced by the PERK pathway.

Anesthetic Considerations for a Novel Method of Surgical Ventricular Remodeling Using the BioVentrix Revivent TC System.

Surgical ventricular remodeling (SVR) is an invasive method of treating patients with heart failure who also have ischemic cardiomyopathy and reduced ejection fraction (EF). Introduced in the mid-1980s, this technique was met with varying success and relatively high morbidity and mortality despite its theoretical benefits. The development of the BioVentrix Revivent TC System (BioVentrix, Inc., San Ramon, CA) as a less-invasive method of surgical ventricular remodeling has created a novel, multidisciplinary approach to heart failure management, which necessitates multiple subspecialties. Currently in the trial phase in the United States and widely used in Europe, the positive results to date appear promising for the rapid adoption of this procedure. For the cardiac anesthesiologist, a thorough understanding of the patient population, procedural goals, and intraoperative management is essential. This overview discusses the advancement in surgical ventricular remodeling, the pertinent surgical steps of the BioVentrix Revivent TC System placement, and specific anesthetic considerations for this novel procedure.

Hypotheses, rationale, design, and methods for prognostic evaluation of a randomized comparison between patients with coronary artery disease associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy who undergo medical or surgical treatment: MASS-VI (HF).

BACKGROUND: Ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction are well established to represent the main determinants of poor survival and premature death compared with preserved ventricular function. However, the role of myocardial revascularization as a therapeutic alternative is not known to improve the long-term prognosis in this group of patients. This study will investigate whether myocardial revascularization contributes to a better prognosis for patients compared with those treated with drugs alone and followed over the long term. METHODS: The study will include 600 patients with coronary artery disease associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The surgical or drug therapy option will be randomized, and the events considered for analysis will be all-cause mortality, nonfatal infarction, unstable angina requiring additional revascularization, and stroke. The events will be analyzed according to the intent-to-treat principle. Patients with multivessel coronary disease and left ventricular ejection fraction measurements of less than 35% will be included. In addition, myocardial ischemia will be documented by myocardial scintigraphy. Markers of myocardial necrosis will be checked at admission and after the procedure. DISCUSSION: The role of myocardial revascularization (CABG) in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure is not clearly established. The surgical option of revascularizing the myocardium is a procedure designed to reduce the load of myocardial hibernation in patients with heart failure caused by coronary artery disease. On the other hand, the assessment of myocardial viability is frequently used to identify patients with left ventricular ischemic dysfunction in which CABG may add survival benefit. However, the effectiveness of this option is uncertain. The great difficulty in establishing the efficacy of surgical intervention is based on the understanding of viability without ischemia. Thus, this study will include only patients with viable and truly ischemic myocardium to correct this anomaly. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Evaluation of a randomized comparison between patients with coronary artery disease associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy submitted to medical or surgical treatment: MASS-VI (HF), ISRCTN77449548, Oct 10th, 2019 (retrospectively registered).

Bezold-Jarisch reflex in a patient undergoing endoscopic sympathectomy for management of refractory angina pectoris: a case report / Reflexo de Bezold-Jarisch em paciente submetida à simpatectomia endoscópica para tratamento de angina pectoris refratária: relato de caso

Abstract Background and objectives Ischemic cardiomyopathy is characterized by imbalance between supply and demand of myocardial oxygen. Endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy is a therapeutic option indicated in refractory cases. However, the patient's position on the operating table may favor ischemic coronary events triggering the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. Case report A female patient, 47 years old, with refractory ischemic cardiomyopathy, admitted to the operating room for endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy, developed the Bezold- Jarisch reflex with severe bradycardia and hypotension after placement in semi-sitting position to the procedure. Conclusion Bradyarrhythmia, hypotension, and asystole are complications potentially associated with patient placement in a semi-sitting position, particularly in cases with previous ischemic heart disease.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos A cardiomiopatia isquêmica caracteriza-se pelo desbalanço entre a oferta e o consumo de oxigênio pelo miocárdio. A simpatectomia transtorácica endoscópica é uma opção terapêutica indicada nos casos refratários. Contudo, a posição do paciente na mesa cirúrgica pode favorecer eventos coronarianos isquêmicos e deflagrar o reflexo de Bezold-Jarisch. Relato de caso Paciente do sexo feminino, 47 anos, portadora de cardiomiopatia isquêmica refratária, admitida na sala de cirurgia para simpatectomia transtorácica endoscópica, deflagrou o reflexo de Bezold-Jarisch e desenvolveu bradicardia e hipotensão graves logo após colocação em posição semissentada para o procedimento. Conclusão Bradiarritmia, hipotensão e assistolia são complicações potencialmente associadas à colocação do paciente em posição semissentada, especialmente nos casos em que há prévio comprometimento isquêmico do coração.

[Bezold-Jarisch reflex in a patient undergoing endoscopic sympathectomy for management of refractory angina pectoris: a case report]. / Reflexo de Bezold­Jarisch em paciente submetida à simpatectomia endoscópica para tratamento de angina pectoris refratária: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ischemic cardiomyopathy is characterized by imbalance between supply and demand of myocardial oxygen. Endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy is a therapeutic option indicated in refractory cases. However, the patient's position on the operating table may favor ischemic coronary events triggering the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. CASE REPORT: A female patient, 47 years old, with refractory ischemic cardiomyopathy, admitted to the operating room for endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy, developed the Bezold-Jarisch reflex with severe bradycardia and hypotension after placement in semi-sitting position to the procedure. CONCLUSION: Bradyarrhythmia, hypotension, and asystole are complications potentially associated with patient placement in a semi-sitting position, particularly in cases with previous ischemic heart disease.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in ischemic cardiomyopathy: an update.

Ischemic cardiomyopathy is one of the major health problems worldwide, representing a significant part of mortality in the general population nowadays. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) are noninvasive imaging methods that serve as useful tools in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and may also help in screening individuals with risk factors for developing this illness. Technological developments of CMRI and CCT have contributed to the rise of several clinical indications of these imaging methods complementarily to other investigation methods, particularly in cases where they are inconclusive. In terms of accuracy, CMRI and CCT are similar to the other imaging methods, with few absolute contraindications and minimal risks of adverse side-effects. This fact strengthens these methods as powerful and safe tools in the management of patients. The present study is aimed at describing the role played by CMRI and CCT in the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathies.

A cardiomiopatia isquêmica é um dos principais problemas de saúde no mundo, representando significativa parcela da mortalidade. A ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) e a tomografia computadorizada cardíaca (TCC) são métodos de imagem não invasivos úteis no diagnóstico da doença arterial coronariana e também podem auxiliar no rastreamento de indivíduos com fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de cardiomiopatia induzida por isquemia/infarto. Os avanços tecnológicos da RMC e da TCC contribuíram para o surgimento de diversas indicações clínicas para aplicação desses métodos de imagem de forma complementar a outros exames, principalmente quando estes se mostram inconclusivos. A RMC e a TCC apresentam acurácia semelhante aos demais métodos de imagem, poucas contraindicações absolutas e mínimos riscos de efeitos adversos, o que os fortalecem como ferramentas seguras no manejo dos pacientes. O presente estudo tem por objetivo descrever o papel da RMC e da TCC no diagnóstico das cardiomiopatias isquêmicas.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in ischemic cardiomyopathy: an update / Ressonância magnética cardíaca e tomografia computadorizada na cardiomiopatia isquêmica: atualidades

Abstract Ischemic cardiomyopathy is one of the major health problems worldwide, representing a significant part of mortality in the general population nowadays. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) are noninvasive imaging methods that serve as useful tools in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and may also help in screening individuals with risk factors for developing this illness. Technological developments of CMRI and CCT have contributed to the rise of several clinical indications of these imaging methods complementarily to other investigation methods, particularly in cases where they are inconclusive. In terms of accuracy, CMRI and CCT are similar to the other imaging methods, with few absolute contraindications and minimal risks of adverse side-effects. This fact strengthens these methods as powerful and safe tools in the management of patients. The present study is aimed at describing the role played by CMRI and CCT in the diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathies.

Resumo A cardiomiopatia isquêmica é um dos principais problemas de saúde no mundo, representando significativa parcela da mortalidade. A ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) e a tomografia computadorizada cardíaca (TCC) são métodos de imagem não invasivos úteis no diagnóstico da doença arterial coronariana e também podem auxiliar no rastreamento de indivíduos com fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de cardiomiopatia induzida por isquemia/infarto. Os avanços tecnológicos da RMC e da TCC contribuíram para o surgimento de diversas indicações clínicas para aplicação desses métodos de imagem de forma complementar a outros exames, principalmente quando estes se mostram inconclusivos. A RMC e a TCC apresentam acurácia semelhante aos demais métodos de imagem, poucas contraindicações absolutas e mínimos riscos de efeitos adversos, o que os fortalecem como ferramentas seguras no manejo dos pacientes. O presente estudo tem por objetivo descrever o papel da RMC e da TCC no diagnóstico das cardiomiopatias isquêmicas.

Inotrópicos en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiovascular: estudio de corte transversal / Inotropes in postoperative cardiovascular surgery: cross-sectional study

Introducción: Los inotrópicos, fármacos de uso frecuente en la unidad de cuidado intensivo, se emplean con el fin de mantener la perfusión tisular en los diferentes estados de choque mientras se resuelve la etiología del mismo. Los pacientes programados para cirugía cardiovascular son un subgrupo que con frecuencia requiere tratamiento con estos fármacos en el postoperatorio. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia y el tipo de fármacos usados para el soporte hemodinámico de pacientes en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiovascular electiva en la Clínica Fundadores, Bogotá, DC. Métodos: Estudio de corte trasversal, en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes que ingresaron en la unidad de cuidado intensivo sin requerimiento de soporte hemodinámico farmacológico entre octubre de 2010 y diciembre de 2011 en postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca. Se extrajeron de las historias clínicas electrónicas la edad, el sexo, el puntaje EuroSCORE, el diagnóstico prequirúrgico, el uso de circulación extracorpórea, el uso de fármacos vasoactivos, los días de estancia en la unidad de cuidado intensivo y la mortalidad. Resultados: Se encontraron 150 registros de cirugía cardiovascular con una edad media de 62,8 años (DE 10,5), de los cuales 97 (64,6%) eran hombres. Se encontraron 22 (15%) casos con EuroSCORE en riesgo alto, 93 (62%) en riesgo moderado y 35 (23%) en riesgo bajo. Los diagnósticos prequirúrgicos incluyeron enfermedad coronaria en 105 (70%) pacientes, valvulopatías en 29 (19%), cardiopatía isquémica y valvular en 9 (6%) y comunicación interauricular en 6 (4%). En 57 (38%) casos se empleó circulación extracorpórea con un tiempo medio (RIQ) de 92 (73-114) minutos, de quienes 55 se operaron con clamp aórtico, con un tiempo medio (RIQ) de 75 (52-90) minutos. En 78 (52%) pacientes se utilizó uno o más fármacos vasoactivos, siendo la adrenalina el de mayor frecuencia en 41 (27%) casos. Los pacientes que necesitaron inodilatadores fueron 22 (15%) y recibieron dobutamina. La mediana (RIQ) de estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos fue de 3 (2-4) días y murieron 6 (4,7%) pacientes. Conclusión: En casi la mitad de los pacientes en postoperatorio de cirugía cardiovascular se utilizó un agente inotrópico, de los cuales la adrenalina fue la más frecuente, seguida de la norepinefrina; el inodilatador utilizado fue la dobutamina. No se utilizaron inotrópicos sensibilizadores del calcio y en baja frecuencia inhibidores de la fosfodiesterasa III con resultados similares en cuanto a estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y mortalidad respecto a estudios en otras poblaciones.

Background: Inotropes are frequently used in the intensive care unit to maintain tissue perfusion in case of shock while the cause is resolved. Patients who undergo cardiovascular surgery will frequently require treatment with these drugs during postoperative care. Aim: To describe the frequency and type of drugs used for the hemodynamic support of patients during the postoperative period of elective cardiovascular surgery at ClínicaFundadores, Bogotá D.C. Methods: Cross-sectional study. All patients in the postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) without pharmacologic hemodynamic support between October and December 2011 were included. The following variables were obtained from the electronic medical records: age, sex, EuroSCORE, pre-surgical diagnosis, use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), use of vasoactive drugs, days of ICU stay and mortality. Results: One-hundred fifty cases of cardiovascular surgery were found. Patients had a mean age of 62.8 years (SD 10.5), of whom 97 (64.6%) were men. Risk according to Euro SCORE was high in 22 (15%) cases, moderate in 93 (62%) and low in 35 (23%) cases. Pre-surgical diagnoses included coronary artery disease in 105 (70%) patients, valvular disease in 29 (19%) patients, ischemic and valvular cardiomyopathy in 9 patients (6%) and atrial septal defect in 6 (4%) patients. CPB was used in 57 (38%) cases with a median (IQR) time of 92 (73-114) minutes, of whom 55 (52%) patients were operated with aortic clamp, with a median (IQR) time of 75 (52-90) minutes. In 78 (52%) patients one or more vasoactive drugs were used, where adrenaline was used most often (41 patients, 27%). In 22 (15%) patients inodilators were required. These patients received dobutamine. Median (IQR) ICU stay was 3 (2-4) days and 6 (4.7%) patients died. Conclusion: In almost half of patients in the postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery an inotrope was used; the most frequently being adrenaline followed by norepinephrine. The inodilator used in these patients was dobutamine. No calcium sensitizer inotropes were used and in few cases phosphodiesterase III inhibitors were used with comparable ICU stay and mortality to research in other populations.

Efficacy of aneurysmectomy in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction: favorable short-and long-term results in ischemic cardiomyopathy

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to (1) identify the functional results after aneurysm surgery in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and (2) identify predictors of favorable outcomes. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Patients (n = 169) with angiographic left ventricular ejection fraction of 22±5 percent underwent aneurysm surgery and were prospectively followed for three years. Prior to surgery, 40 percent and 60 percent of the patients were in congestive heart failure NYHA class I/II and III/IV, respectively. Concomitant revascularization was performed on 95 percent of the patients. RESULTS: Cumulative in-hospital and 36-month mortalities were 7 percent and 15 percent, respectively. These respective rates varied according to preoperative parameters: CHF class I-II, 4 percent and 13 percent; CHF class III-IV, 8 percent and 16 percent; LVEF,20 percent, 12 percent and 26 percent; LVEF 21-30 percent, 2 percent and 6 percent; gated LVEF exercise/rest .5 percent, ,1 percent and 4 percent; and gated LVEF exercise/rest #5 percent, 17 percent and 38 percent. Higher LVEF ex/rest ratio (p = 0.01), male sex (p = 0.05), and a higher number of grafts (p = 0.01) were predictive of improvement in CHF class at follow-up based on the results of a multivariate analysis. After three years of follow-up, 84 percent of the patients were in class I/II, LVEF was 45±7 percent, and gated LVEF ex/rest ratio was 13 percent higher (p,0.01) compared to the beginning of the study. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that aneurysmectomy among patients with severe LV dysfunction result in shortand long-term favorable functional outcome and survival. Selection of appropriate surgical candidates may substantially improve survival rates among these patients.