HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Personal Folders Download to citation manager Permission Requests Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by van Doorn, C. A. M. Articles by Hooper, T. L. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by van Doorn, C. A. M. Articles by Hooper, T. L.

Ann Thorac Surg 1997;64:86-93
© 1997 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

---

Original Articles: Cardiovascular

Intramural Blood Flow of Skeletal Muscle Ventricles Functioning as Aortic Counterpulsators

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, and Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Accepted for publication January 11, 1997.

Background. Skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) working as aortic counterpulsators have provided long-term left ventricular assistance under experimental conditions. However, gradual deterioration of SMV pump function and rupture have been observed, and this may be related to compromised intramural blood flow during synchronized counterpulsation under systemic working conditions.

Methods. Transformed, double-layered SMVs in 6 sheep were stimulated for 3-minute periods (5 V, 30 Hz, burst duration and delay from QRS both 40% of the cardiac cycle) to work as diastolic counterpulsators in the systemic circulation at a 1:2 (SMV:heart) and 1:1 ratio, and on a mock circulation with low-pressure loading conditions at a 1:2 ratio. Thoracodorsal artery blood flow was monitored by ultrasonic flow probe, and intramural blood flow distribution was investigated by fluorescent microspheres. Thoracodorsal venous lactate concentrations were measured before and after each period of stimulation.

Results. Thoracodorsal artery blood flow increased significantly (p < 0.001) after stimulation. The magnitude of augmentation (89%; 95% confidence interval, 36% to 163%) was similar for all working conditions studied. Reactive hyperemia was observed after most 1:1 regimens but was rare after 1:2 regimens. A significant (p < 0.05) 15% increase in serum lactate levels was present after 1:1 regimens only. All regimens of stimulation resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.01) in blood flow to sections in the outer wall of the SMV, but a significant increase (p < 0.05) in blood flow to sections in the inner wall was observed only under low loading conditions.

Conclusions. Skeletal muscle ventricles subjected to 1:1 systemic counterpulsation regimens work under partly anaerobic conditions. High loading conditions may compromise SMV inner wall blood flow.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				I. R. Ramnarine, M. Capoccia, Z. Ashley, H. Sutherland, M. Russold, N. Summerfield, S. Salmons, and J. C. Jarvis Counterpulsation From the Skeletal Muscle Ventricle and the Intraaortic Balloon Pump in the Normal and Failing Circulations Circulation, July 4, 2006; 114(1_suppl): I-10 - I-15. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. T.M Tang, J. C Jarvis, T. L Hooper, and S. Salmons Observation and basis of improved blood flow to the distal latissimus dorsi muscle: a case for electrical stimulation prior to grafting Cardiovasc Res, October 1, 1998; 40(1): 131 - 137. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]