Effects of Right Atrioventricular Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Path Graft Reconstruction on Arrhythmogenicity and Ventricular Function in Dogs.

Abstract

Right atrioventricular pericardial autografts, including the coronary groove, may cause myocardial ischemia. Our aim was to explore the effects of this procedure using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) patch on arrhythmogenicity and right ventricular function. Four healthy beagles and one client-owned golden retriever with recurrent cardiac tamponade as a result of hemangiosarcoma were included. The four healthy dogs underwent right atrioventricular ePTFE patch graft reconstruction after complete resection of the right auricle. Right ventricular function and arrhythmia were evaluated using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and tissue Doppler imaging on echocardiography and Holter electrocardiography, respectively, before and after surgery. The golden retriever underwent right atrioventricular ePTFE patch graft reconstruction followed by resection of the cardiac mass. None of the echocardiographic values, not involving systolic function, changed after surgery in the four healthy dogs. Transient arrhythmias tended to increase 1 day after surgery. The dog with recurrent cardiac tamponade exhibited more severe arrhythmia and required transient antiarrhythmic treatment for 3 days and survived the cardiac tamponade for 434 days after surgery. We showed that an ePTFE patch can serve as a suitable alternative material for right atrioventricular patch graft reconstruction, although transient arrhythmias may occur following surgery.