Variable frequency stimulation of latissimus dorsi muscle for cardiomyoplasty

Abstract

Using a specially designed testing system, the authors measured the contractile performance of canine LDM (latissimus dorsi muscle) during stimulation with the cardiomyoplasty-standard constant frequency pulse train (CFT) and alternative variable-frequency trains (VFTs). In the nonfatigued state, VFTs generated greater force, shortening, work, and power compared with the cardiomyoplasty-standard CFT. After repeated contractions caused muscle fatigue, VFT stimulation elicited even greater comparative performance. VFT stimulation may prove useful in the functional electrical stimulation of the latissimus dorsi muscle for cardiomyoplasty.<>