Surgical Ventricular Restoration - CAM 701103

Description:
Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) is designed to restore or remodel the left ventricle to its normal, spherical shape and size in patients with akinetic segments of the heart, secondary to ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

For individuals who have ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who receive SVR as an adjunct to coronary artery bypass grafting, the evidence includes 1 large randomized controlled trial (RCT) (another RCT reported results, but most of the patients were included in the larger trial) and uncontrolled studies. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, symptom, quality of life, hospitalizations, resource utilization, and treatment-related morbidity. The RCT, the Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial, did not report significant improvements in quality of life outcomes for patients undergoing SVR as an adjunct to standard coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Several uncontrolled studies have suggested that SVR can improve hemodynamic functioning in selected patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy; however, these studies are considered lower quality evidence. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes.  

Background
Surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) is also known as surgical anterior ventricular endocardial restoration (SAVER), left ventricular reconstructive surgery, endoventricular circular plasty, or the Dor procedure (named after Vincent Dor, MD). Dr. Dor pioneered the expansion of techniques for ventricular reconstruction and is credited with treating heart failure patients with SVR and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

SVR is usually performed after CABG and may precede or be followed by mitral valve repair or replacement and other procedures such as endocardectomy and cryoablation for treatment of ventricular tachycardia. A key difference between SVR and ventriculectomy (i.e., for aneurysm removal) is that, in SVR, circular "purse string" suturing is used around the border of the aneurysmal scar tissue. Tightening of this suture is believed to isolate the akinetic or dyskinetic scar, bring the healthy portion of the ventricular walls together, and restore a more normal ventricular contour. If the defect is large (i.e., an opening > 3 cm), the ventricle may also be reconstructed using patches of autologous or artificial material to maintain the desired ventricular volume and contour during closure of the ventriculotomy. In addition, SVR is distinct from partial left ventriculectomy (i.e., the Batista procedure; see evidence review 70166), which does not attempt to specifically resect akinetic segments and restore ventricular contour. 

Regulatory Status
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the marketing of devices used as intracardiac patches through the 510(k) clearance process. These devices are Class II and are identified as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or polytetrafluoroethylene patch or pledget placed in the heart that is used to repair septal defects, for patch grafting, to repair tissue, and to buttress sutures. Biological tissue may also be a component of the patches. In 2004, the CorRestore™ Patch System (Somanetics; acquired by Medtronic) was cleared for marketing by the FDA for use “as an intracardiac patch for cardiac reconstruction and repair.” The device consists of an oval tissue patch made from glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium. It is identical to other marketed bovine pericardial patches, except that it incorporates an integral suture bolster in the shape of a ring that is used along with ventricular sizing devices to restore the normal ventricular contour. FDA product code: DXZ.

In 2020, Ancora Heart announced that it received an FDA investigational device exemption for its AccuCinch® ventricular restoration system. This exemption allows Ancora Heart to proceed with an initial efficacy and safety study in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.

Policy:
Surgical ventricular restoration is investigational and/or unproven and therefore considered NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY for the treatment of ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Policy Guidelines
Surgical ventricular restoration involves increased physician work compared with standard ventriculectomy. For example, the procedure includes evaluation of the ventricular septum and reshaping of the geometry of the heart. Surgical ventricular restoration is described as a global treatment of left ventricular failure, while conventional left ventricular aneurysmectomy represents a local treatment of a transmural infarct.

Coding
Please see the Codes table for details. 

Benefit Application
BlueCard/National Account Issues
Surgical ventricular restoration is a specialized procedure that may require referral to an out-of-network facility.

Rationale
Evidence reviews assess the clinical evidence to determine whether the use of technology improves the net health outcome. Broadly defined, health outcomes are the length of life, quality of life, and ability to function, including benefits and harms. Every clinical condition has specific outcomes that are important to patients and managing the course of that condition. Validated outcome measures are necessary to ascertain whether a condition improves or worsens; and whether the magnitude of that change is clinically significant. The net health outcome is a balance of benefits and harms.

To assess whether the evidence is sufficient to draw conclusions about the net health outcome of technology, 2 domains are examined: the relevance, and quality and credibility. To be relevant, studies must represent 1 or more intended clinical use of the technology in the intended population and compare an effective and appropriate alternative at a comparable intensity. For some conditions, the alternative will be supportive care or surveillance. The quality and credibility of the evidence depend on study design and conduct, minimizing bias and confounding that can generate incorrect findings. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is preferred to assess efficacy; however, in some circumstances, nonrandomized studies may be adequate. Randomized controlled trials are rarely large enough or long enough to capture less common adverse events and long-term effects. Other types of studies can be used for these purposes and to assess generalizability to broader clinical populations and settings of clinical practice.

Surgical Ventricular Restoration
Clinical Context and Therapy Purpose

The purpose of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) as an adjunct to standard coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is to provide a treatment option that is an alternative to or an improvement on existing therapies, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, in patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

The question addressed in this evidence review is: does SVR as an adjunct to standard CABG improve the net health outcome for individuals with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy?

The following PICO was used to select literature to inform this review.

Populations
The relevant population of interest is individuals with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Interventions
The therapy being considered is SVR as an adjunct to standard CABG.

Comparators
The main comparator of interest is CABG alone.

Outcomes
The general outcomes of interest are overall survival, symptoms, quality of life, hospitalizations, resource utilization, and treatment-related morbidity. Symptoms of ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy may include heart palpitations, angina, edema, shortness of breath, dizziness or syncope, and fatigue.

The existing literature, particularly the Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial and its subsequent subgroup analyses, that evaluate SVR as an adjunct to standard CABG as a treatment for ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy has varying lengths of follow-up, 4 months to 19 years. While studies described below all reported at least 1 outcome of interest, longer follow-up is necessary to fully observe outcomes. Therefore, long-term follow-up is considered necessary to demonstrate efficacy.

Study Selection Criteria
Methodologically credible studies were selected using the following principles:

  • To assess efficacy outcomes, comparative controlled prospective trials were sought, with a preference for RCTs.
  • In the absence of such trials, comparative observational studies were sought, with a preference for prospective studies.
  • To assess long-term outcomes and adverse events, single-arm studies that capture longer periods of follow-up and/or larger populations were sought.
  • Studies with duplicative or overlapping populations were excluded.

Review of Evidence
Randomized Controlled Trials

In 2002, the international STICH trial was initiated to compare medical therapy with CABG and/or SVR for patients with heart failure and coronary heart disease (NCT00023595). This trial was sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Results of the STICH trial were published in 2009 (Tables 1 and 2).1 This unblinded trial was performed at 127 clinical sites in 26 countries. The STICH trial tested 2 hypotheses, examining the effect of (1) medical therapy versus medical therapy plus CABG and (2) medical therapy plus CABG versus medical therapy plus CABG and SVR. Focusing on testing of the second hypothesis, a total of 1000 patients with coronary artery disease and an ejection fraction of 35% or less were randomized to CABG alone (n = 499) or CABG plus SVR (n = 501) (Table 2). The primary outcome was a composite of death from any cause and hospitalization for cardiac reasons.

Table 1. Summary of Key Randomized Controlled Trial Characteristics

          Interventions
Author; Study Countries Sites Dates Participantsa Active Comparator
Jones et al. (2009)1; STICH U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Asia 127 2002 to 2007 Patients with CAD treatable with CABG, and LVEF ≤ 35%
Exclusion for recent MI, need for AV replacement, planned PCI, or life expectancy < 3 y
Medical therapy + CABG + SVR Medical therapy + CABG

AV: aortic valve; CAD: coronary artery disease; CABG: coronary artery bypass grafting; LVEF: left ventricular ejection fraction; MI: myocardial infarction; PCI: percutaneous coronary intervention; SVR: surgical ventricular restoration.
a Key eligibility criteria.

Table 2. Summary of Key Randomized Controlled Trial Results

  Primary Outcomes Secondary Outcomes
Study Death From Any Cause Hospitalization for Cardiac Causes Hospitalization for Any Cause Death From Any Cause at 30 days (ITT) Acute MI Stroke
Jones et al. (2009)1
CABG (n = 499) 141 (28) 211 (42) 272 (55) 25 (5) 22 (4) 31 (6)
CABG + SVR (n = 501) 138 (28) 204 (41) 268 (53) 26 (5) 20 (4) 23 (5)
HR (95% CI) 1.00
(0.79 to 1.26)
0.97
(0.83 to 1.18)
0.98
(0.83 to 1.16)
  1.01
(0.54 to 1.87)
0.77
(0.45 to 1.32)
p 0.98 0.73 0.82 0.88 0.96 0.35

Values are n (%) unless otherwise indicated.
CABG: coronary artery bypass grafting; CI: confidence interval; HR: hazard ratio; ITT: intention to treat; MI: myocardial infarction; SVR: surgical ventricular restoration.

The purpose of the gaps tables (see Tables 3 and 4) is to display notable gaps identified in each study. This information is synthesized as a summary of the body of evidence following each table and provides the conclusions on the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the position statement.

Table 3. Study Relevance Limitations

Study Populationa Interventionb Comparatorc Outcomesd Follow-Upe
Jones et al. (2009)1; STICH     2. Volume studies were not conducted for 66% of trial participants 6. The STICH trial’s 300 surgically treated patients in 12 centers had 6% mortality (range 3% to 12%); much higher than the 1% mortality reported in 1978 of 1000 patients from the Cleveland Clinic  

The study limitations stated in this table are those notable in the current review; this is not a comprehensive gaps assessment.
a Population key: 1. Intended use population unclear; 2. Clinical context is unclear; 3. Study population is unclear; 4. Study population not representative of intended use.
b Intervention key: 1. Not clearly defined; 2. Version used unclear; 3. Delivery not similar intensity as comparator; 4. Not the intervention of interest.
c Comparator key: 1. Not clearly defined; 2. Not standard or optimal; 3. Delivery not similar intensity as intervention; 4. Not delivered effectively.
d Outcomes key: 1. Key health outcomes not addressed; 2. Physiologic measures, not validated surrogates; 3. No CONSORT reporting of harms; 4. Not establish and validated measurements; 5. Clinical significant difference not prespecified; 6. Clinical significant difference not supported.
e Follow-Up key: 1. Not sufficient duration for benefit; 2. Not sufficient duration for harms.

Table 4. Study Design and Conduct Limitations

Study Allocationa Blindingb Selective Reportingc Follow-Upd Powere Statisticalf
Jones et al. (2009)1; STICH   1,3. physicians and surgeons caring for patients were aware of the treatment received. 2. The STICH trial reports the intervention successful despite the higher mortality rate than other non-participating centers      

The study limitations stated in this table are those notable in the current review; this is not a comprehensive gaps assessment.
Allocation key: 1. Participants not randomly allocated; 2. Allocation not concealed; 3. Allocation concealment unclear; 4. Inadequate control for selection bias.
Blinding key: 1. Not blinded to treatment assignment; 2. Not blinded outcome assessment; 3. Outcome assessed by treating physician.
Selective Reporting key: 1. Not registered; 2. Evidence of selective reporting; 3. Evidence of selective publication.
Follow-Up key: 1. High loss to follow-up or missing data; 2. Inadequate handling of missing data; 3. High number of crossovers; 4. Inadequate handling of crossovers; 5. Inappropriate exclusions; 6. Not intent to treat analysis (per protocol for noninferiority trials).
Power key: 1. Power calculations not reported; 2. Power not calculated for primary outcome; 3. Power not based on clinically important difference.
Statistical key: 1. Intervention is not appropriate for outcome type: (a) continuous; (b) binary; (c) time to event; 2. Intervention is not appropriate for multiple observations per patient; 3. Confidence intervals and/or p values not reported; 4.Comparative treatment effects not calculated.

While SVR reduced the end-systolic volume index by 19% compared with 6% with CABG alone, there was no difference between groups in the primary outcome. Cardiac symptoms and exercise tolerance also improved to similar degrees between groups. Other secondary outcomes, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and subsequent procedures, did not differ between groups. Subgroup analyses did not reveal any patient groups that benefited from SVR significantly more than the entire group.

STICH investigators subsequently conducted additional analyses to identify patient groups that might have improved outcomes with CABG plus SVR over CABG alone. A 2014 analysis evaluated whether, in the STICH trial, myocardial viability was associated with patient outcomes.2 A total of 267 patients underwent single-photon emission computed tomography viability studies, and 191 were found to have myocardial viability. The investigators found no significant interaction between myocardial viability status and treatment group for the outcomes mortality (p = .36) or mortality plus cardiac hospitalization (p = .55).

Subgroup analyses published in 2013 did not find significantly improved outcomes in patients with better preoperative left ventricular function, using measures such as left ventricular ejection fraction, end-systolic volume index, and/or end-diastolic volume index.3,4 A 2015 subgroup analysis found that patients with moderate-to-severe preoperative right ventricular dysfunction had worse outcomes when they underwent SVR plus CABG than CABG alone.5 In an analysis adjusting for other prognostic factors, the interaction between right ventricular function and treatment group was statistically significant for all-cause mortality (p = .022). A 2017 subgroup analysis found that left ventricular end-systemic volume index was the most important predictor of mortality following CABG or CABG plus SVR. The study also established that mortality following SVR was not predicted by left ventricular regional dysfunction.6 Because subgroup analyses were performed post hoc, they are considered hypothesis generating, and findings would need to be confirmed in prospective trials. In 2018, a subgroup analysis investigated the association of sex (gender) and the long-term benefit of CABG plus medical therapy versus medical therapy on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, the composite of death or hospitalization, or surgical deaths in the STICH cohort to compare for gender-related interactions.7 The analyses found no association between sex and outcomes, recommending that gender should not influence CABG treatment decisions.

A separate 2009 publication from the STICH trial reported on quality of life outcomes.8 The main quality of life outcome measurement tool used was the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, which is a 23-item scale that assesses the effect of heart failure symptoms on quality of life. Secondary quality of life measures included the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Cardiac Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and the EuroQoL 5-D. The questionnaires were administered at baseline and 4, 12, 24 and 36 months postrandomization. Available numbers of patients at each time point were 991, 897, 828, 751, and 669, respectively. Scores on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire quality of life measures improved for both groups to a similar degree. There was no incremental benefit for the SVR group compared with the CABG alone group. Similarly, there were no group differences noted on any of the secondary quality of life measures.

A second RCT was published by Marchenko et al. (2011).Performed in Russia, this study randomized 236 patients with ischemic heart failure to CABG alone or CABG plus SVR. The authors noted that “most” of the patients in the trial were also included in the STICH trial. Mean follow-up was 31 months. Outcome measures reported were perioperative mortality and survival at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-ups. Perioperative mortality was 5.8% in the CABG alone group compared with 3.5% in the CABG plus SVR group (p = NS). Survival at 1 and 3 years was 95% and 78%, respectively, in the CABG plus SVR group, compared with 83% and 78%, respectively, in the CABG alone group (statistical comparisons not reported). There were reductions in New York Heart Association functional and angina classes for both groups after surgery, but between-group statistical testing was not reported. For example, mean New York Heart Association functional class decreased in the CABG plus SVR group from 3.1 at baseline to 2.2 at 3 years, compared with a decrease in the CABG alone group from 2.9 to 2.4.

Nonrandomized Trials
Tables 5 and 6, below, summarize the characteristics and results of key nonrandomized trials and observational studies (n = 6), including 5 cohort studies and 1 review comparing SVR to other surgical interventions in multiple populations. The studies range in size (n = 731) and duration of follow-up (n > 22 years). The studies, as a whole, show some clinical improvements when SVR is utilized in the target patient population as a surgical intervention.

Table 5. Summary of Key Nonrandomized Trial Characteristics

Study Study Type Country Dates Participants Treatment1 Treatment2 Treatment3 Treatment4 Follow-Up
Athanasuleas (2001)10 Cohort U.S., Monaco, Italy 1998 – 2000 who underwent SVR after anterior myocardial infarction with or without concomitant procedures (n = 662) SVR+CABG (n = 609) SVR+mitral repair (n = 146) SVR+mitral replacement (n = 20)   3-years
Athanasuleas (2001)11 Cohort U.S., Monaco, Italy 1998 – 1999 who underwent SVR after anterior myocardial infarction with or without concomitant procedures (n = 439) SVR+CABG (n = 391) SVR+mitral repair (n = 97) SVR+mitral replacement (n = 18)   18-months
Mickleborough (2004)12 Cohort CA 1983 – 2002 who underwent SVR for Class III or IV heart failure, angina, or ventricular tachyarrhythmia with or without concomitant procedures (n = 285) SVR+CABG (n = 63) SVR+arrythmia ablation (n = 117) SVR+mitral repair (n = 9) SVR+mitral replacement (n = 9) ≤ 19 years; mean 63
months
Bolooki (2003)13 Cohort U.S. 1997 – 2000 who underwent SVR for Class III or IV heart failure, angina, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, or myocardial infarction (n = 157) Radical aneurysm resection+linear closure (n = 65) Septal dyskinesia reinforced with patch septoplasty (n = 70) Ventriculotomy closure+intracavitary oval patch (n = 22)   ≤ 22 years
Sartipy (2005)14 Cohort Sweden 1994 – 2004 who underwent SVR using Dor procedure for Class III or IV heart failure, angina, or ventricular tachyarrhythmia with or without concomitant procedures (n = 101) SVR+CABG (n = 99) SVR+arrythmia ablation (n = 53) SVR+mitral valve procedure (n = 29)   5-years
Hernandez (2006)15 Comparative Study US 2002 – 2004 Patient data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ database SVR procedure (n = 731)        

CABG: coronary artery bypass grafting; SVR: surgical ventricular restoration.

Table 6. Summary of Key Nonrandomized Trials Study Results

Study In-Hospital Mortality Increase in post-operative ejection fraction Decrease in left ventricular end systolic volume index Survival rate (post-op year) Freedom from hospitalization
Athanasuleas (2001)10 7.7% 10.3% (p < 0.05)   89.4% (3) 88.7% (3)
Athanasuleas (2001)11 6.6% 29 ± 10.4 to 39 ± 12.4%, 109 ± 71 to 69 ± 42 ml/m2(p < 0.005) 89.2% (18-months) N
  In-hospital mortality Increase in post-operative ejection fraction Symptom-class improvement Survival rate (post-op year 5) Survival rate (post-op year 10)
Mickleborough (2004)12          
Total (n = 285) 2.8% 10% (p < .000) 1.3 classes/patient for 140 patients 82% 62%
Sartipy (2005)14          
SVR via Dor procedure for Class III or IV HF (n = 101) 7.9% (early mortality) measured within 30 days 6% - 65% -
Bolooki (2003)13          
SVR for class II of IV HF 16% 9%   53% 30%
  Hospitals included Years included In-hospital mortality Combined death or major complications  
Hernandez (2006)15          
SVR (n = 731) 141 2002 to 2004 9.3% 33.5%  

SVR: surgical ventricular restoration.

The Reconstructive Endoventricular Surgery, returning Torsion Original Radius Elliptical Shape to the LV (RESTORE) Group is an international group of cardiologists and surgeons from 13 centers that investigated SVR in more than 1000 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy following anterior infarction. Athanasuleas et al (2001), from the RESTORE Group, reported on early and 3-year outcomes in 662 patients who underwent SVR following anterior myocardial infarction between 1998 and 2000.10 In addition to SVR, patients concomitantly underwent CABG (92%), mitral repair (22%), and mitral replacement (3%). The authors reported that overall mortality during hospitalization was 7.7%; postoperative ejection fractions increased from 29.7% to 40.0% (p < .05). The survival rate and freedom from hospitalization for heart failure at 3 years was 89.4% and 88.7%, respectively. In a separate 2001 publication on 439 patients from the RESTORE Group, Athanasuleas et al. (2001) reported that outcomes improved in younger patients, those with higher ejection fractions, and those not needing mitral valve replacement.11

Mickleborough et al. (2004) reported on 285 patients who underwent SVR by a single surgeon for class III or IV heart failure, angina, or ventricular tachyarrhythmia during the period of 1983 to 2002.12 In addition to SVR, patients concomitantly underwent CABG (93%), patch septoplasty (22%), arrhythmia ablation (41%), mitral repair (3%), and mitral replacement (3%). Surgical ventricular restoration was performed on the beating heart in 7% of patients. The authors reported a hospital mortality of 2.8%; postoperative ejection fractions increased 10% from 24% (p < .0001), and symptom class in 140 patients improved 1.3 functional classes per patient. Patients were followed for up to 19 years (mean, 63 months), and overall actutimes survival was reported as 92%, 82%, and 62% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The authors suggested wall-thinning should be used as a criterion for patient selection.

Bolooki et al. (2003) reported on 157 patients who underwent SVR by a single surgeon for class III or IV heart failure, angina, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, or myocardial infarction using 3 surgical methods from 1979 to 2000.13 Surgical ventricular restoration procedures consisted of radical aneurysm resection and linear closure (n = 65), septal dyskinesia reinforced with patch septoplasty (n = 70), or ventriculotomy closure with an intracavitary oval patch (n = 22). The authors reported a hospital mortality of 16%. Mean preoperative ejection fraction was 28%. Patients were followed for up to 22 years, and overall actutimes survival was reported as 53%, 30%, and 18% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. The authors found factors improving long-term survival included SVR with intraventricular patch repair and an ejection fraction of 26% or greater preoperatively.

Sartipy et al. (2005) reported on 101 patients who underwent SVR using the Dor procedure at a single-center for class III or IV heart failure, angina, and ventricular tachyarrhythmia from 1994 to 2004.14 In addition to SVR, patients concomitantly underwent CABG (98%), arrhythmia ablation (52%), and mitral valve procedure (29%). The authors reported early mortality (within 30 days of surgery) was 7.9%; left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 27% to 33% postoperatively. Patients were followed for a median of 4.4 years, and overall actutimes survival was reported as 88%, 79%, and 65% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively.

Hernandez et al. (2006) reported on the contemporary performance of SVR based on data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ database.15 From 2002 to 2004, 731 patients underwent procedures at 141 hospitals. The operative mortality was 9.3%; combined death or major complications occurred in 33.5% of patients. Tulner et al. (2006) reported on 6-month follow-up for 21 patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent SVR and bypass grafting; some also had valve annuloplasty.16 Improvement in a number of clinical variables was noted, including decreased left ventricular dyssynchrony, reduced tricuspid regurgitation, and improved ejection fraction (27% to 36%).

In a number of reports, SVR has been performed in conjunction with additional cardiac procedures. For example, Tulner et al. (2007) reported on 6-month outcomes for 33 patients with class III or IV heart failure who underwent SVR and/or restrictive mitral annuloplasty.17 Operative mortality was 3%, and additional in-hospital mortality was 9%. Quality of life scores improved, as did 6-minute walking distance (248 to 422 meters). Williams et al. (2007) retrospectively reviewed outcomes following SVR in a series of 34 patients with New York Heart Association class IV heart failure and 44 patients with class II or III heart failure who had surgery between 2002 and 2005.18 There were 3 operative deaths in each group. While symptoms improved in both groups, there was a trend toward reduced survival at 32 months in those with class IV (68%) versus class II or III disease (88%). A 2009 nonrandomized comparative study from Europe involving patients with coronary artery disease who underwent CABG or CABG plus SVR reported an ejection fraction of 30% to 40%.19 In this nonrandomized study, the authors concluded that patients in whom SVR was possible experienced more perioperative complications but had improved early and midterm outcomes. Ohira et al. (2017) reported on 44 consecutive patients who underwent a modified SVR procedure, many done in conjunction with CABG (93%) or mitral valve repair or replacement (58%).20 Operative mortality was 11%. Patients demonstrated improvements in ejection fraction as well as end-systolic left ventricular volume index after the procedure.

Summary of Evidence
For individuals who have ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who receive SVR as an adjunct to CABG, the evidence includes a large RCT (another RCT reported results, but most trial enrollees overlapped with those in the larger trial) and uncontrolled studies. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, symptoms, quality of life, hospitalizations, resource utilization, and treatment-related morbidity. The RCT, the Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Heart Failure trial, did not report significant improvements in quality of life outcomes for patients undergoing SVR as an adjunct to standard CABG surgery. Several uncontrolled studies have suggested that SVR can improve hemodynamic functioning in selected patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy; however, these studies are considered lower quality evidence. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

The purpose of the following information is to provide reference material. Inclusion does not imply endorsement or alignment with the evidence review conclusions.

Practice Guidelines and Position Statement
Guidelines or position statements will be considered for inclusion in "Supplemental Information" if they were issued by, or jointly by, a U.S. professional society, an international society with U.S. representation, or National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Priority will be given to guidelines that are informed by a systematic review, include strength of evidence ratings, and include a description of management of conflict of interest.

American Association for Thoracic Surgery
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery published an expert consensus document on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure in 2021.21 The document notes that tenets of surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) at the time of CABG that may "confer the most benefit to patients include resection of scarred myocardium, reducing ventricular size, and restoring an anatomically elliptical shape;" however, the document notes that "it remains uncertain which patients should receive [SVR] as part of the CABG operation and what the impact is on long-term survival and functional outcome." The American Association for Thoracic Surgery does state that "concomitant SVR should be considered for patients with a true left ventricular aneurysm" (class of recommendation: IIa; level of evidence: B-R).

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations
Not applicable

Ongoing and Unpublished Clinical Trials
Some currently ongoing trials that might influence this review are listed in Table 7.

Table 7. Summary of Key Trials

NCT No. Trial Name Planned Enrollment Completion Date
Ongoing      
NCT04489355 Assessment of Risks and Outcomes of Surgical Intervention in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy in the Early and Long-Term Postoperative Period, Selection of Optimal Surgical Treatment 260 May 2024
NCT03183895 Safety and Performance Evaluation of the AccuCinch® Ventricular Repair System for the Treatment of Heart Failure With or Without Functional Mitral Regurgitation Due to Dilated Ischemic or Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy — The CorCinch-EU Study 132 March 2027
NCT04331769 Randomized Clinical Evaluation of the AccuCinch® Ventricular Restoration System in Patients Who Present With Symptomatic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF): The CORCINCH-HF Study 400 Dec. 2030

References   

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  14. Sartipy U, Albage A, Lindblom D. The Dor procedure for left ventricular reconstruction. Ten-year clinical experience. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. Jun 2005; 27(6): 1005-10. PMID 15896609
  15. Hernandez AF, Velazquez EJ, Dullum MK, et al. Contemporary performance of surgical ventricular restoration procedures: data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' National Cardiac Database. Am Heart J. Sep 2006; 152(3): 494-9. PMID 16923420
  16. Tulner SA, Bax JJ, Bleeker GB, et al. Beneficial hemodynamic and clinical effects of surgical ventricular restoration in patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Ann Thorac Surg. Nov 2006; 82(5): 1721-7. PMID 17062236
  17. Tulner SA, Steendijk P, Klautz RJ, et al. Clinical efficacy of surgical heart failure therapy by ventricular restoration and restrictive mitral annuloplasty. J Card Fail. Apr 2007; 13(3): 178-83. PMID 17448414
  18. Williams JA, Weiss ES, Patel ND, et al. Outcomes following surgical ventricular restoration for patients with clinically advanced congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association Class IV). J Card Fail. Aug 2007; 13(6): 431-6. PMID 17675056
  19. Dzemali O, Risteski P, Bakhtiary F, et al. Surgical left ventricular remodeling leads to better long-term survival and exercise tolerance than coronary artery bypass grafting alone in patients with moderate ischemic cardiomyopathy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. Sep 2009; 138(3): 663-8. PMID 19698853
  20. Ohira S, Yamazaki S, Numata S, et al. Ten-year experience of endocardial linear infarct exclusion technique for ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. Feb 01 2018; 53(2): 440-447. PMID 29029034
  21. Bakaeen FG, Gaudino M, Whitman G, et al. 2021: The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Expert Consensus Document: Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. Sep 2021; 162(3): 829-850.e1. PMID 34272070

Coding Section 

Codes Number Description
CPT 33548 Surgical ventricular restoration procedure, includes prosthetic patch, when performed (e.g., ventricular remodeling, SVR, SAVER, DOR procedures)
HCPCS No code  
ICD-10-CM   Investigational for all diagnoses
  I25.3 Aneurysm of heart
  I25.5 Ischemic cardiomyopathy
  I42.0 Dilated cardiomyopathy
ICD-10-PCS 02QK0ZZ Surgical repair, right ventricle, open
  02QK3ZZ Surgical repair, right ventricle, percutaneous
  02QK4ZZ Surgical repair, right ventricle, percutaneous endoscopic
  02QL0ZZ Surgical repair, left ventricle, open
  02QL3ZZ Surgical repair, left ventricle, percutaneous
  02QL4ZZ Surgical repair, left ventricle, percutaneous endoscopic
Type of Service Surgery  
Place of Service Inpatient  

Procedure and diagnosis codes on Medical Policy documents are included only as a general reference tool for each policy. They may not be all-inclusive. 

This medical policy was developed through consideration of peer-reviewed medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical community, U.S. FDA approval status, nationally accepted standards of medical practice and accepted standards of medical practice in this community, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association technology assessment program (TEC) and other nonaffiliated technology evaluation centers, reference to federal regulations, other plan medical policies, and accredited national guidelines.

"Current Procedural Terminology © American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved" 

History From 2014 Forward     

06/07/2023 Annual review, no change to policy intent.

06/15/2022

Annual review, no change to policy intent. Updating rationale and references.

06/01/2021 

Annual review, no change to policy intent. Updating regulatory status, guidelines, coding, rationale and references. 

06/01/2020 

Annual review, no change to policy intent. 

06/01/2019 

Annual review, no change to policy intent. Updating rationale and references. 

06/01/2018 

Annual review, no change to policy intent. Updating rationale and references. 

06/15/2017 

Annual review,"or post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm." removed from policy statement. No other changes made to policy intent. Updating background, description, rationale and references. 

06/06/2016 

Annual review, no change to policy intent. Updating background, description, regulatory status, rationale and references. 

06/18/2015 

Annual review, no change to policy intent. Updated background, description, rationale and references. Added coding and guidelines. 

06/02/2014

Annual review. Added related policy. Updated rationale and references. No change to policy intent.

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