The optimal temperature for 24-hour heart preservation using continuous coronary perfusion method.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Transplantation Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Organ preservation is critical for transplantation success.
• Optimizing preservation temperature minimizes cellular damage and improves post-transplant outcomes.
• Continuous coronary perfusion is a method for prolonged organ preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of 0°C, 4°C, and 10°C preservation temperatures for 24-hour rabbit heart preservation.
• To evaluate the impact of preservation temperature on myocardial enzyme levels, left ventricular function, and ultrastructural integrity.
• To determine the optimal temperature for prolonged heart preservation using continuous coronary perfusion.

Main Methods:

• Rabbit hearts were preserved for 24 hours using continuous coronary perfusion at 0°C, 4°C, or 10°C.
• Myocardial extracted enzymes (CPK, LDH, GOT) were measured during preservation.
• Left ventricular function was assessed by left ventricular developed pressures (LVDPs) post-reperfusion.
• Ultrastructural changes in myocardial tissue were examined via electron microscopy at preservation and reperfusion.

Main Results:

• Higher CPK levels were observed at 10°C compared to 0°C and 4°C.
• Left ventricular developed pressures were significantly greater in the 4°C group post-reperfusion.
• Ultrastructural analysis revealed minimal mitochondrial damage in the 4°C group, unlike the 0°C and 10°C groups.

Conclusions:

• 4°C is a superior preservation temperature for 24-hour heart preservation compared to 0°C and 10°C.
• Optimal preservation at 4°C preserves myocardial enzymes, enhances post-reperfusion cardiac function, and minimizes ultrastructural damage.
• This finding supports 4°C as the preferred temperature for prolonged heart preservation protocols.