Skeletal Muscle as the Potential Power Source for a Cardiovascular Pump: Assessment in Vivo

• DOI: 10.1126/science.2951849
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T20:28:58Z
• Authors: Michael A. Acker; Robert L. Hammond; John D. Mannion; Stanley Salmons; Larry W. Stephenson
• Keywords: Beagle; Latissimus dorsi muscle; Cardiomyoplasty

Skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) were constructed from canine latissimus dorsi and connected to a totally implantable mock circulation device. The SMVs, stimulated by an pulse generator, pumped continuously for up 8 weeks in free-running beagle dogs. Systolic pressures produced the initially of 139 +/- 7.2 mmHg after 1 month continuous pumping 107 7 mmHg, comparable normal physiologic adult beagles (114 21 mmHg). After 2 pumping, mean stroke work SMVs was 0.4 X 10(6) ergs, performance that compares favorably with animal's cardiac ventricles. This study shows skeletal which has not received prior training or electrical conditioning can perform sustained at high levels needed auxiliary cardiovascular pump. It might be possible eventually use such pumps humans assist failing provide support children certain types congenital heart defects.