Ventriculectomy

Ventriculectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the ventricle of the heart. This procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as ventricular aneurysm or heart failure.

Procedure

The ventriculectomy procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the chest to access the heart. The heart is then stopped and the patient is placed on a heart-lung machine which takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the surgery. The surgeon then removes the diseased portion of the ventricle and the remaining edges are sewn together. The heart is then restarted and the chest incision is closed.

Indications

Ventriculectomy is typically indicated for patients with heart conditions such as ventricular aneurysm, where a portion of the heart wall becomes thin and balloons out. It may also be used in cases of severe heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, ventriculectomy carries risks. These may include bleeding, infection, arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), stroke, and in some cases, death. Complications may also arise from the use of the heart-lung machine.

Recovery

Following a ventriculectomy, patients are typically monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for several days. Recovery may involve medications to manage pain and prevent infection, as well as physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility.

See Also

• Cardiac surgery
• Heart failure
• Ventricular aneurysm