Skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) were constructed from the latissimus dorsi muscle in 6 dogs. After 3 weeks of vascular delay followed by 6 weeks of 2-Hz continuous electrical conditioning, a valved conduit was placed between the left ventricular apex and the SMV and a second valved conduit, between the SMV and the aorta. The SMV was stimulated to contract during diastole at a 1:2 ratio with the heart. The SMV pumped 47% of the systemic blood flow initially (0.73 +/- 0.23 versus 1.54 +/- 0.42 L/min) and 40% after 3 hours. Skeletal muscle ventricle stimulation resulted in a 58% increase in mean diastolic pressure initially (52 +/- 9 to 82 +/- 11 mm Hg; p < 0.05) and a 73% increase (45 +/- 7 to 78 +/- 8 mm Hg) after 3 hours of continuous pumping. This was associated with a 68% increase in the endocardial viability ratio initially and a 63% increase at 3 hours. The systolic tension-time index decreased by 26% initially and 25% at 3 hours. This study indicates that the SMV configuration of left ventricular apex to aorta may be particularly suitable for left ventricular assist.