Electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic findings of patients undergoing reductive ventriculectomy (Batista operation)

Background: The Batista operation, or partial ventriculectomy, has been designed by the Brazilian surgeon Dr. Randas Batista as an alternative method for treating patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Hypothesis: This study aimed to analyze electro‐ and vectorcardiographic data obtained from patients who underwent such surgery, and to evaluate its electrical repercussions on the heart. Methods: Pre‐ and postoperative electrocardiography (ECG) and vectorcardiography (VCG) were performed 45 days apart in 15 patients undergoing reductive ventriculectomy. Results: All ECGs showed sinus rhythm, with unchanged QRS duration. Left atrial enlargement (86.6%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (100%) were the most common findings. Bundle‐branch blocks (BBBs) were often demonstrated on preoperative studies, predominantly (46.7%) left BBBs. Left anterior fascicular blocks were seen in four patients (26.6%), one associated with right BBB. Electrocardiographic changes suggestive of myocardial infarction (MI) were seen in four patients preoperatively; postoperatively, all had extended to or within the lateral wall. Five additional patients developed lateral MIs postoperatively, for a total of 9 patients (60%) with postoperative signs of infarction (p < 0.05). Electro‐ and vectorcardiography also showed significant postoperative lowering of QRS voltages (mean 40.74%) in all patients and a consequent difficulty to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy, although the morphologic features did not change. Conclusions: These important ECG and VCG alterations are reflections of both the surgical technique and its clinical consequences.