Cardiomyoplasty review: Physiological principles and characteristics of electrically stimulated skeletal muscle - II. A therapeutic option

Chronic heart failure continues unsolved as ever despite recent advances in cardiac surgery and pharmacological new armamentarium and remains a significant cause of death, regardless of etiology. Cardiomyoplasty (CMP), a new form of biomechanical ventricular support, has given new life to the field of mechanical circulatory support, providing a 'bridge' to transplantation and serving as a possible alternative to surgical treatment. The geographic distribution of world experience in 401 patients shows that 80% were centralized in Europe (50%) and South America (30%). This review of the data analysis, documented improved changes in patients clinical status, further clarifies and appropriate patient population indications for DCMP as well as that more than 80% survival probability for NYHA class II and III and an early procedure related mortality of 8 to 10%.