Hearts donated following circulatory death (DCD) may represent an additional source of organs for transplantation; however, the impact of donor extubation on the DCD heart has not been well characterized. We sought to describe the physiologic changes that occur following withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST) in a porcine model of DCD. Physiologic changes were monitored continuously for 20 min following WLST. Ventricular pressure, volume, and function were recorded using a conductance catheter placed into the right (N ¼ 8) and left (N ¼ 8) ventricles, and using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, N ¼ 3). Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction occurred following WLST, and was associated with distension of the right ventricle (RV) and reduced cardiac output. A 120-fold increase in epinephrine was subsequently observed that produced a transient hyperdynamic phase; however, progressive RV distension developed during this time. Circulatory arrest occurred 7.6AE0.3 min following WLST, at which time MRI demonstrated an 18AE7% increase in RV volume and a 12AE9% decrease in left ventricular volume compared to baseline. We conclude that hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and a profound catecholamine surge occur following WLST that result in distension of the RV. These changes have important implications on the resuscitation, preservation, and evaluation of DCD hearts prior to transplantation.Abbreviations: C a O 2 , arterial oxygen content; CO, cardiac output; DCD, donation after circulatory death; LV, left ventricle; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; P a CO 2 , arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide; P a O 2 , arterial partial pressure of oxygen; RV, right ventricle; UHPLC, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography; WLST, withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy

The addition of methylprednisolone to the perfusion solution minimizes the generation of proinflammatory cytokines and development of myocardial edema during normothermic ex vivo perfusion of hearts donated after circulatory arrest.

Background Common bile duct (CBD) stones are extracted with a basket or balloon during ERCP with sphincterotomy. However, some stones are difficult to extract by conventional means. Cholangioscopy with lithotripsy is a modality to treat these difficult stones. We describe the clinical efficacy of single-operator per oral cholangioscopy (SOPOC) for difficult stones and discuss cost savings by avoiding surgical intervention. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed for all patients referred for difficult CBD stones. Clinical success was defined as clearing the duct of all stones. The cost of cholangioscopy (in $CDN) was calculated by adding all costs associated with the procedure(s), surgery, hospital stay or treatment of adverse events. This cost was compared with the projected cost of surgical bile duct exploration. Results A total of 51 patients (35 female) with a mean age of 66 years underwent 58 SOPOC procedures. Median procedure time was 67 minutes (95% CI, 61.5–73.5). The CBD was successfully cleared in 47 of 51 patients (93%). Minor adverse events were seen in seven patients (14%). The actual average per procedure cost was $4555±$2647. This compares with a projected cost of $7766 and $6175 for open and laparoscopic bile duct exploration, with a cost-per-case saving of $3210 and $1619, respectively. Conclusion SOPOC with lithotripsy is highly effective and safe for the treatment of difficult common bile duct stones. In addition, significant cost savings may be realized by avoiding surgical bile duct exploration.

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