Skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) were constructed from the latissimus dorsi muscle in 10 dogs. In Group I (n = 5), SMVs were left in an extrathoracic position on the chest wall. In Group II (n = 5), SMVs were placed within the chest cavity. After a 3- to 4-week vascular delay period, SMVs were electrically preconditioned with 2 Hz continuous stimulation for 6 weeks. At a second procedure, SMVs were connected to a mock circulation system, and function was evaluated under differing conditions of preload and afterload. SMVs in Group II were significantly more compliant, as demonstrated by the end diastolic pressure volume relationship, than those in Group I (P < 0.01). SMVs in Group II were also capable of generating greater stroke work than those in Group I (P < 0.05). SMVs in Group II were also capable of greater stroke work than those in Group I at physiologic preloads (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that SMVs placed in an intrathoracic position exhibit better diastolic and systolic function.