The Dor procedure is a surgical technique designed to treat advanced heart failure, particularly in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy or severe left ventricular dysfunction. Named after Dr. Dor, this procedure involves the surgical reshaping and reinforcement of the heart's left ventricle to improve its pumping efficiency. During the procedure, a patch is used to reconstruct and support the weakened and enlarged left ventricular wall. This helps restore the heart's normal shape and function, allowing it to pump blood more effectively. The Dor procedure is typically indicated for patients who have not responded adequately to medical treatments or less invasive interventions for heart failure. Causes leading to the need for this procedure include dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, or other conditions that result in a significantly enlarged and weakened left ventricle. These conditions impair the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to symptoms of heart failure. Symptoms that may prompt the Dor procedure include severe shortness of breath, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and fluid retention causing swelling in the legs and abdomen. These symptoms occur because the dilated heart struggles to meet the body's demand for oxygenated blood. By improving the heart's structural integrity and function, the Dor procedure aims to alleviate symptoms, enhance the quality of life, and potentially improve survival in patients with advanced heart failure. It is often considered as a treatment option when other therapies have failed or when a heart transplant is not immediately feasible.
