Impact of donor-transmitted coronary atherosclerosis.
Because of the shortage of donor hearts, the criteria of an acceptable organ have been extended considerably over the past few years. This has increased the probability of the transmission of atherosclerotic lesions by means of transplantation. This study evaluated the extent to which pre-existing coronary atherosclerosis boosts the cumulative injury caused by brain death, ischemia, and reperfusion, and thus additionally impairs the outcome of transplantation.
Grauhan
Onnen
O
Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. grauhan@dhzb.de
Hetzer
Roland
R
D000367:Age Factors; D001344:Autopsy; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors