Abstract
Background: For evaluation of cardiac function of explanted human size hearts we developed a four chamber perfused ex-vivo working heart model using pig hearts. Methods: The hearts used are from big adult pigs after regular slaughtering. They are perfused with cold cardioplegic solution (HTK) and stored up to 4 hours. After reperfusion with warm autologous blood the biventricular working mode is integrated with adequate pre- and afterload storage. The hemodynamic monitoring is achieved by continuous measurement of the ECG, the left and right ventricular pressure (LVP, RVP), the left and right atrial pressure (LAP, RAP), the aortic pressure (AP) and the aortic flow (electromagnetic flow probe). The oxygenation of the blood is performed with a standard oxygenator and controlled by regular investigation of blood gases and serum parameters. Stimulation of the heart can be carried out with an external pacemaker. Results: The organ weight was about 380-450 gs. The average ischemic time till cardioplegic perfusion was 3-3.5 minutes. Total ischemic time lasted between 1.5-4 hours. After moderate reperfusion all hearts started contracting automatically following several phases of arrhythmias with the need for defibrillation. The oxygenation system showed a high efficacy throughout the experiment. Hemodynamic monitoring was recorded on-line. Conclusion: We have an ex-vivo working heart which has similar size and physiological performance of biventricular work compared to a human heart. In such a system it is possible to evaluate cardiac function and its behavior due to different hemodynamic situations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 46-49 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | cardiovascular Engineering |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Apr 2000 |
Keywords
- Denervation
- Heart transplantation
- Hemodynamic measurement
- Isolated heart preparation
- Perfusion systems
- Reperfusion