Validation of the slaughterhouse porcine heart model for ex-situ heart perfusion studies

Abstract

Introduction To validate slaughterhouse hearts for ex-situ heart perfusion studies, we compared cold oxygenated machine perfusion in less expensive porcine slaughterhouse hearts ( N = 7) to porcine hearts that are harvested following the golden standard in laboratory animals ( N = 6). Methods All hearts received modified St Thomas 2 crystalloid cardioplegia prior to 4 hours of cold oxygenated machine perfusion. Hearts were perfused with homemade modified Steen heart solution with a perfusion pressure of 20–25 mmHg to achieve a coronary flow between 100–200 mL/min. Reperfusion and testing was performed for 4 hours on a normothermic, oxygenated diluted whole blood loaded heart model. Survival was defined by a cardiac output above 3 L with a mean aortic pressure above 60 mmHg. Results Both groups showed 100% functional survival, with laboratory hearts displaying superior cardiac function. Both groups showed similar decline in function over time. Conclusion We conclude that the slaughterhouse heart can be used as an alternative to laboratory hearts and provides a cost-effective method for future ex-situ heart perfusion studies.

Cold Oxygenated Machine Perfusion Improves Functional Survival of Slaughterhouse Porcine Hearts

“…The perfusion system (Organ Assist, modified Kidney Assist transport box) 12 consists of a reservoir, a pulsatile driven rotary pump (60 beats per minute [BPM]), and control unit (see Figure 1, Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/ASAIO/B12). 13 The box was assembled, primed with a homemade Heart Solution at 4°C (see Table I, Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/ASAIO/B12) 2 and de-aired carefully. The temperature was maintained at 8°C by adding ice around the reservoir.…”

“…com/ASAIO/B12). 13 The box was assembled, primed with a homemade Heart Solution at 4°C (see Table I, Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/ASAIO/B12) 2 and deaired carefully. The temperature was maintained at 8°C by adding ice around the reservoir.…”

Hemofiltration Improves Blood Perfusate Conditions Leading to Improved Ex Situ Heart Perfusion

“…The PhysioHeart model was used as previously described. 17,18 In short, the system enables both Langendorff- and working-mode perfusion of the heart by using a centrifugal pump (Bio-Pump Plus; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN), an arterial blood filter (AFFINITY Arterial 38 μm blood filter; Medtronic), a combined oxygenator/heat-exchanger (AFFINITY NT Oxygenator; Medtronic), and a custom-made pre- and afterload model (see Figure 1, Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/ASAIO/B108). Autologous whole blood (3 L) was collected during the procedure, diluted 2:1 with a modified Krebs–Henseleit buffer, and used for perfusion.…”