Pericardial "suspenders" to enhance right latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty.

Right latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty has recently been shown to provide effective support for the chronic failing heart. A simplified technique to perform this procedure is described here. The use of the pericardial "suspenders" may avoid dangerous lifting of the heart out of its sac position, and allow a more appropriate adjustment of the wrapping tension with enhanced surgical management and potential benefits for postoperative outcome.