Ex vivo functional evaluation of pig hearts subjected to 24 hours' preservation by hypothermic perfusion.
A system has been developed for the ex vivo functional testing of isolated hearts. Three groups, each of 10 pig hearts, have been studied: group 1--freshly excised hearts; group 2--heart hypothermically perfused for 20 - 24 hours with Krebs-Henseleit solution; group 3--hearts similarly perfused with a clear fluid hyperosmolar solution. Group 2 hearts performed poorly on functional testing and would clearly have been unsuitable for transplantation. Haemodynamic observations on group 3 hearts showed little statistical difference from those of group 1, suggesting good preservation. The value of the ex vivo testing system as a reliable means of assessing myocardial function is discussed, and has been confirmed by subsequent successful orthotopic transplantation of baboon hearts stored under identical conditions.
D000818:Animals; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D003080:Cold Temperature; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006324:Heart Arrest, Induced; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D010477:Perfusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors; D014021:Tissue Preservation / Q000379:methods*
D012965:Sodium Chloride