Starfish™ heart positioner maintains right ventricular function during lateral wall displacement

Background The authors examined parameters of cardiovascular function using Starfish and deep pericardial sutures (DPS) in a beating heart porcine model and to clarify toleration of right ventricular function with Starfish in lateral wall displacement. Methods Eight healthy pigs were used. In addition to normal pressure monitor catheters, a Swan-Ganz continuous cardiac output (CO) and end diastolic volume thermodilution catheter was used for precise and quantitative monitoring of the right ventricular function. Results Lateral displacement of the heart with DPS resulted in a significant hemodynamic compromise. Cardiac output and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) decreased from 3.0 ± 0.9 to 2.6 ± 1.0 L/min (P = 0.014) and from 27.9 ± 3.0% to 23.3 ± 4.8% (P = 0.019). With Starfish™, CO and RVEF were maintained from 3.0 ± 0.9 to 3.0 ± 0.9 L/min (P = 0.743) and from 27.9 ± 3.0% to 28.3 ± 3.8% (P = 0.476). Conclusion Starfish™ contributed to the stability of hemodynamics by maintaining the right ventricular function. Lateral displacement with PDS resulted in significant hemodynamic compromised compared with Starfish™ and baseline neutral position.