Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2013; 61 - P32
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1332672

Myocardial effects of local shock wave therapy in a Langendorff model

A Goetzenich 1, C Hübel 2, M De la Fuente 3, M Becker 2, K Radermacher 3, M Hein 4, R Autschbach 1, AB Röhl 4
  • 1Klinik für Thorax-, Herz- und Gefäßchirurgie am Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
  • 2Klinik für Kardiologie, Pneumologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin am Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
  • 3Lehrstuhl für Medizintechnik, Helmholtz-Institut für Biomedizinische Technik der RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
  • 4Klinik für Anästhesiologie am Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany

Objective: Shock waves applied to the heart were reported to improve cardiac function. We hypothesized that shock waves could also stimulate the myocardium to provide a regional vitality diagnostic.

Method: We used a Langendorff model to investigate the acute effects of shock waves on the conduction system and myocardial function.

Results: We found that only a small time window is of use for shock wave application: myocardial fibrillation will occur if the shock wave is placed too far from the systolic onset.

Fig. 1

Low energy levels elicit a stable pacing, whereas the effects on contractility require higher, in part deleterious energies. Inotropy and augmentation of relaxation are also dependent on the pulse waves offset from the onset of electromechanical systole. Strongest effects are produced if the pulse wave is applied as late as possible in the cycle.

Conclusion: In summary, we found that low energy shock waves can provide a useful mechanism to induce a stable pacing.