Ventricular Resection Effectiveness and Outlook

Ventricular resection can significantly improve your life span if you have severe heart failure due to an enlarged left ventricle.

If you have an enlarged heart (also known as cardiomegaly), it means your heart is bigger than usual. This can happen when your heart’s muscle walls thicken or one of its chambers expands. This condition can lead to heart failure because your heart struggles to pump blood effectively.

Ventricular resection is a surgical procedure used in people who have an enlarged left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart. It aims to reshape or reduce the size of the ventricle, which can improve your heart’s ability to pump blood and relieve the symptoms of heart failure.

Ventricular resection is a very effective procedure that can extend life span by up to 15 years in people who have heart failure due to an enlarged left ventricle.

Read on to learn more about ventricular resection, including its effectiveness and the factors that influence survival rates after the procedure.

What is the success rate of ventricular resection surgery?

Ventricular resection is considered successful when it improves your heart function (measured by left ventricle ejection fraction ) and reduces the symptoms of heart failure .

Studies have shown that ventricular resection can be highly effective for many people. But success rates can vary depending on several factors, including:

• your age and overall health
• the extent of heart enlargement
• the thickness of your heart wall

Survival rate after ventricular resection

Survival rates after ventricular resection can depend on individual circumstances, but there are some general trends.

According to a 2022 research review , the survival rate 1 year after ventricular resection is more than 90%.

The survival rate tends to decrease over time. At 5 years after surgery, it ranges from 71.9% to 78% . Only about half of people who undergo this procedure typically survive for 10 years afterward.

While these numbers might seem low, it’s important to remember that ventricular resection is used in people with severe, often life threatening heart failure. This procedure can increase life span and improve quality of life for many people with an enlarged heart .

What affects the survival rate after ventricular resection?

According to a 2019 study , several factors can negatively affect your survival after ventricular resection, including:

• older age
• a high level of creatinine in your blood, which is a measure of impaired kidney function
• previous valve replacement surgeries
• issues with your heart’s right ventricle

Other factors that may affect your life span after ventricular resection include :

• your overall health
• your levels of ejection fraction before the surgery
• the type of ventricular resection surgery you have

When to visit your doctor after ventricular resection

After ventricular resection, it’s vital to keep in close contact with your healthcare team. Regular follow-ups can help them monitor your recovery and catch any potential complications early.

You should contact a doctor promptly if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• shortness of breath , especially if it worsens over time
• persistent chest pain
• rapid or irregular heartbeat
• severe fatigue or weakness
• swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
• signs of infection, such as fever, chills, skin redness, or other skin color changes around the surgical site

Concerning symptoms after ventricular resection

After undergoing ventricular resection, it’s important to monitor the symptoms of heart failure , as they should improve after a successful procedure. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:

• Shortness of breath: This may occur during physical activity or even while resting. If shortness of breath worsens or becomes more frequent, it could signal that your heart is struggling to pump blood effectively.
• Fatigue and weakness: Feeling unusually tired or weak, especially during routine activities, can be a sign that your heart isn’t delivering enough blood to your muscles.
• Swelling: Watch for swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet. This can happen when blood flow out of your heart slows, causing blood to back up in your veins and fluid to build up in tissues.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat: A racing or irregular heartbeat can be a symptom of heart failure, indicating that your heart is working harder to meet your body’s needs.
• Persistent cough or wheezing: A chronic cough or wheezing , especially with white- or pink-tinged mucus , could be a sign of fluid buildup in your lungs, which is a common symptom of heart failure.
• Sudden weight changes: Rapid weight loss or gain may suggest worsening heart failure.
• Decreased appetite and nausea: A decrease in blood in your digestive system can affect your appetite and cause nausea .

Takeaway

If you’re considering undergoing a ventricular resection procedure, be sure to stay informed and maintain close communication with your doctor. By understanding the risks, the benefits, and what to expect, you can take proactive steps toward a successful recovery and a better quality of life.