Midterm Results of Passive Containment Surgery Using the Acorn Cor Cap™ Cardiac Support Device in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

P>Background and Aim: To evaluate the echocardiographic, functional, and quality of life improving effects of passive containment surgery using the CorCap (TM) cardiac support device (CSD; Acorn Cardiovascular Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and to investigate the possible differences in ischemic versus idiopathic (i.e., normal angiograms) cardiomyopathy. Methods: Twenty patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (10 with ischemic and 10 with idiopathic disease) were subjected to application of the cardiac support device, between June 2001 and October 2006. Preoperatively and at follow-up cardiac dimensions, cardiac function, functional capacity, and quality of life were evaluated. Follow-up is complete with a mean follow-up time of 32 +/- 5 months.Results: All patients survived the surgery; four patients died during the follow-up time. Following surgery, there was a significant reduction in cardiac dimensions, improved functional capacity, and improved quality of life. No significant differences could be seen between patients with ischemic versus idiopathic disease. Conclusion: Application of the CSD is safe and simple in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and without any apparent negative effects. Further studies are needed to identify optimal patient selection criteria as well as optimal timing of surgery and to assess the long-term effects of this treatment. (J Card Surg 2010;25:107-112).