The effects of simulated akinetic and dyskinetic aneurysms on left ventricular systolic function: clinical implications.
OBJECTIVE
Scant attention has been directed towards quantifying the degree of mechanical disadvantage produced by akinetic and dyskinetic aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical disadvantages of simulated akinetic and dyskinetic aneurysms on left ventricular function.


METHODS
An elaborate experimental apparatus consisting of a computer-controlled water pressure chamber in which is suspended a model rubber ventricle was developed. The system has been shown to reproduce accurately the ventricular and aortic pressures found in vivo. In this study, a procedure was designed to simulate akinetic and dyskinetic aneurysms of various sizes on ventricular function.


RESULTS
The results indicated that an akinetic aneurysm produces little or no mechanical disadvantage with respect to ventricular pressure since systolic paradox is minimal. However, a dyskinetic aneurysm, irrespective of size, will usually compromise ventricular function due to paradoxical systolic expansion in the bulging aneurysmic sac. In vivo, other factors, such as blood coagulation and rhythm disturbances, may influence these results.


CONCLUSIONS
An akinetic aneurysm causes little or no mechanical disadvantage while the dyskinetic aneurysm, irrespective of size. will restrict ventricular function. The experimental simulation system, notwithstanding its limitations, thus provides a unique procedure to quantify akinetic and dyskinetic aneurysms.
Hadland
P H
PH
Lehrstuhl für Srömungslehre, Universität Essen, Germany.
Kottmann
W
W
Jetté
M
M
Zurmann
J
J
Blümchen
G
G
Merzkirch
W
W
D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*; D017725:Ventricular Pressure / Q000502:physiology