Cardiomyoplasty is an experimental procedure in which skeletal muscles are taken from a patient's back or abdomen and wrapped around an ailing heart. This added muscle, aided by ongoing stimulation from a device similar to a pacemaker, may boost the heart's pumping motion. Recent research suggests that it may not be as effective as originally hoped.
- Q Who should have surgery to repair a leaking mitral valve?
- Q Which heart defects may be treated with a hybrid procedure?
- Q Why would open-heart surgery be recommended for a leaky pulmonary valve?
- Q Can heart surgery cause cardiovascular infection?
- Q How is a heart valve repaired with surgery?
- Q How does angioplasty help treat heart disease?