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Alteration in diastolic function following cardiac cryopreservation at subzero temperatures
E Gutiérrez-Carretero1, R Bello-Puentes, J M Borrego-Domínguez
1Virgen del Rocio Hospital, Seville, Spain.
Background:
We have studied the alterations produced in the diastolic function of the left ventricle after applying a protocol of cryopreservation at subzero temperatures.
Methods:
Isolated rabbit hearts and 5% polyethylene glycol (PM 4000) as the cryoprotective agent were used for the study.
Results-Conclusions:
Following cryopreservation we found a statistically significant increase in systolic function. However, the diastolic function shows worsening, with a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in mean stiffness, decrease in differential stiffness, (p < 0.05) and upward and leftward displacement of the diastolic pressure-volume curve.