Absent long-term benefit of patch versus linear reconstruction in left ventricular aneurysm surgery

Background. Endoventricular patch reconstruction of the left ventricle is considered the gold standard in surgery for left ventricular aneurysms, because of improved preservation of ventricular geometry. However, the superiority over conventional linear closure has not been demonstrated, as assessed by the long-term outcome. Methods. Two hundred patients (66%) underwent linear closure (group L) and 105 patients (34%) had endoventricular patch reconstruction (group D) using the Dor technique. Linear closure has been performed since 1974 and from 1985 on the Dor technique has been applied as an alternative procedure. Both patient groups differed regarding age, sex distribution, site of infarction, and indication for surgery. Prior to the operation, 71% of the patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV and mean ejection fraction was 34% ± 12%. Follow-up extends up to 25 years, with a cumulative total of 2,605 patient years. Results. Early mortality was 6.5% in group L vs 5.7% in group D (not significant [NS]). Actuarial survival after 10 years was 56 ± 3.2%, with no difference between groups. Freedom from reoperation after 10 years was 95.6% in group L vs 95.2% in group D (NS). Preoperative risk factors for late mortality were age, left ventricular enddiastolic volume index and concomitant mitral valve surgery. The type of procedure and the date of operation had no influence on mortality. To date, 63% of the survivors are in NYHA class I and II. Conclusions. In regard to long-term survival, rate of reoperation, and postoperative NYHA functional class, no benefit could be demonstrated when linear closure was compared with ventricular patch reconstruction for LV aneurysm repair. Hence, the technique of ventricular reconstruction may not be as important as previously thought, and at least for small aneurysms the simple and time sparing technique of linear closure may still be considered.