Left ventricular akinesis: experimental production, haemodynamic effects, and results of excision

Abstract

Myocardial infarcts were produced in 25 dogs by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and distal arterial injection of agar solution. The resultant infarcts were excised either acutely (one week) or chronically (four to six weeks). Left ventricular cineangiocardiography and haemodynamics were performed before and after infarctectomy. Haemodynamics were measured at rest and during infusion of angiotensin II, acetylcholine, and isoproterenol. These findings were compared with those from 11 control dogs, five of which underwent excision of normal myocardium. After infarctectomy, cardiac output was not significantly changed. Although left ventricular akinesis resulted in a measurable decrease in left ventricular function, excision of the akinetic segment did not improve function.