Method of using a ventricular restoration shaping apparatus

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods are provided to reconstruct an enlarged left ventricle of a human heart, using a shaper, having a size and shape substantially equal to the size and shape of an appropriate left ventricle, wherein the shaper is adapted to be temporarily placed into the enlarged left ventricle during a surgical procedure. Another aspect of one embodiment comprises a ventricular patch adapted for placement into the left ventricle of a heart made from a sheet of biocompatible material, and having a plurality of markings coupled to the sheet, wherein the markings are configured in distinct patterns for post operatively evaluating movement of the patch. In another aspect of one embodiment, a device is presented, comprising of a handle and a sizing template adapted to be coupled to the handle. Such components are also presented as a kit for use during ventricular restoration surgery.

1 . A method for reconstructing an enlarged left ventricle of a human heart, the method comprising: 
 opening the enlarged left ventricle,    placing a shaper into the enlarged left ventricle, the shaper having a size and shape substantially equal to the size and shape of an appropriate left ventricle,    reforming the enlarged left ventricle over the shaper,    removing the shaper from the enlarged left ventricle, and    closing the opening, such that the enlarged left ventricle is reconstructed into a shape and volume of an appropriate left ventricle.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 determining a demarkation line between non-viable tissue and viable tissue,  
 excluding some of the non-viable tissue,  
 placing at least one suture along the demarkation line, and  
 pulling the suture such that the left ventricle is pulled around the shaper.  
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the determining of the demarkation line further comprises engaging a wall of the left ventricle of a beating heart to sense tactile feedback.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the determining of the demarkation line further comprises visually determining akinetic and viable tissue.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the determining of the demarkation line further comprises detecting electrical pulses from viable tissue.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the closing step comprises suturing a patch to an interior of the left ventricle.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the closing step comprises suturing a patch along the at least one demarkation line.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the reforming step further comprises: 
 pulling the enlarged left ventricle over the shaper,    suturing the left ventricle such that an interior surface of the left ventricle substantially conforms to the shape of the shaper,    partially closing the opening,    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising excluding scar tissue from the viable tissue.