OBJECTIVETo evaluate the long-term outcome of dynamic cardiomyoplasty in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

METHODSThree male patients with dilated cardiomyopathy at age of 36, 45 and 62 years were underwent dynamic cardiomyoplasty from 1994 to 1995. Postoperative follow-up were performed. The data of hemodynamic parameters, functional grade and dimension of heart were analyzed.

RESULTSThere was no operative death in these patients. All patients recovered eventlessly. From early postoperative stage, the hemodynamic parameters and clinical symptoms were improved and the patients' exercise tolerance augmented. The quality of life of patients was enhanced significantly. All patients showed NYHA functional grade I. One patient died of severe arrhythmia at the 19th postoperative month. In 2 long-term survivors, the hemodynamic parameters and heart function were declined and the heart tended to be dilated after 3 postoperative years. One patient died of congestive heart failure at 4.5 postoperative years. One patient still survived 7 years after operation and remained heart functional grade II.

CONCLUSIONSDynamic cardiomyoplasty can significantly improve the functional class and quality of life in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy within a considerable long postoperative period.