Effects of Combined Ventricular Unloading and Pharmacological Therapy on Left Ventricular Metabolic Dysfunction in Heart Failure

Cardiac function may improve in patients with end-stage heart failure who receive long-term support with ventricular assist devices (VAD). Reverse left ventricular remodeling may be sufficient in some cases to allow explantation of the VAD. However, some questions continue to await definitive answers. This study is designed to assess the myocardial recovery under VAD support with optimal pharmacological therapy (high doses [group I] of statins, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors versus standard doses [group II]).

The study is a randomized, single-blind trial performed at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Strasbourg, France. Twenty patients with end-stage heart failure who will be supported by VAD (Thoratec paracorporeal device) as a bridge to heart transplantation will be included. Reverse left ventricular remodeling and myocardial function will be studied by: echocardiography, respiratory mitochondrial function, exercise testing, cardiac hormonal function, and inflammatory response. Myocardial biopsies will be obtained at the time of VAD implantation and heart transplantation. The follow-up will be performed every 4 weeks during the VAD support period. The hypothesis of this trial is that reverse left ventricular remodeling and myocardial function will improve under optimal medical therapy especially by a high dose statin.