Feasibility study of particulate extracellular matrix (P-ECM) and left ventricular assist device (HVAD) therapy in chronic ischemic heart failure bovine model

ASAIO J. 2015 Mar-Apr;61(2):161-9. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000000178.

Abstract

Myocardial recovery with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support is uncommon and unpredictable. We tested the hypothesis that injectable particulate extracellular matrix (P-ECM) with LVAD support promotes cell proliferation and improves cardiac function. LVAD, P-ECM, and P-ECM + LVAD therapies were investigated in chronic ischemic heart failure (IHF) calves induced using coronary embolization. Particulate extracellular matrix emulsion (CorMatrix, Roswell, GA) was injected intramyocardially using a 7 needle pneumatic delivery tool. Left ventricular assist devices (HVAD, HeartWare) were implanted in a left ventricle (LV) apex to proximal descending aorta configuration. Cell proliferation was identified using BrdU (5 mg/kg) injections over the last 45 treatment days. Echocardiography was performed weekly. End-organ regional blood flow (RBF) was quantified at study endpoints using fluorescently labeled microspheres. Before treatment, IHF calves had an ejection fraction (EF) of 33 ± 2% and left ventricular end-diastolic volume of 214 ± 18 ml with cardiac cachexia (0.69 ± 0.06 kg/day). Healthy weight gain was restored in all groups (0.89 ± 0.03 kg/day). EF increased with P-ECM + HVAD from 36 ± 5% to 75 ± 2%, HVAD 38 ± 4% to 58 ± 5%, and P-ECM 27 ± 1% to 66 ± 6%. P-ECM + HVAD demonstrated the largest increase in cell proliferation and end-organ RBF. This study demonstrates the feasibility of combined LVAD support with P-ECM injection to stimulate new cell proliferation and improve cardiac function, which warrants further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Therapy / methods*
  • Cattle
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Emulsions
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure / surgery*
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Injections
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Particle Size
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Swine
  • Tissue Scaffolds
  • Ventricular Function, Left

Substances

  • Emulsions