A comparative study of long-term heart preservation using 12-h continuous coronary perfusion versus 1-h coronary perfusion following 11-h simple immersion.

Purpose We previously reported the superiority of the continuous coronary perfusion method using apparatus developed in our department. However, myocardial edema was a serious problem following this method. The purpose of this study was to attempt a comparative study of 12-h continuous perfusion and 1-h perfusion following 11-h simple immersion to evaluate the suitable method for long-term heart preservation. Materials and methods HBD dogs were used in this study. After measuring baseline hemodynamics, cardiac arrest was attained and the coronary vascular beds were washed out with 4°C Celsior solution. The grafts were divided into the two groups. In the CP group ( n = 6), the grafts were preserved by continuous perfusion with 4°C Celsior solution, and in the SI + CP ( n = 6) group, the grafts were preserved with 11 h of simple immersion followed by an additional 1 h of perfusion with the same solution. The hemodynamics after orthotopic transplantation were compared. We also performed a histopathologic examination. Results Hemodynamics after reperfusion were maintained in both groups, and there were no significant differences in CO, E max , or the rate pressure product between the two groups. In contrast, the percentage water content was significantly lower in the SI + CP group than in the CP group. Histopathologically, the myocytes were well preserved in both groups. However, ischemia-reperfusion changes were observed more frequently in the CP group than in the SI + CP group. Conclusion A short-term perfusion following the simple immersion method may provide satisfactory results compared to the continuous perfusion method in long-term heart preservation.