[A new multiple organ preservation-assessment of viability after the heart and lung preservation using UCLA formula]

The difficulty in obtaining suitable organs for the transplantation is a major problem in Japan. In this study, we assessed the suitable procedure for multiple organ preservation and evaluated organ viabilities after preservation with an unique technique. The heart and lung were preserved with UCLA Formula alone and the liver was preserved with Euro-Collins' solution. The mean ischemic times of the heart, lung and liver were 4.3 hours, 7.5 hours, and 6 hours, respectively. The viability of the heart graft following orthotopic transplantation was evaluated with cardiac output and Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure (LVEDP) under the constant pre-load (CVP 7 mmHg). Cardiac outputs (ml/min.) were 4.01 +/- 1.36 before operation, 3.26 +/- 0.26 at 1 hour after transplantation, 3.24 +/- 0.26 at 4 hours after transplantation (NS). LVEDP (mmHg) was 7.1 +/- 0.8 before operation, 6.5 +/- 0.86 at 1 hour, and 7.4 +/- 1.2 at 4 hours after transplantation (NS). The viability of transplanted lung was evaluated with pressure-tidal volume curve and arterial oxygen tension (PO2) when right pulmonary artery and bronchus were occluded. There was no statistical difference in pressure-volume curve and PO2 tension between the phases of pre- and post-transplantation. After liver transplantation, ICG test (15 min.) showed a sufficient value of 35-40%. In conclusion, the procedures of multiorgan preservation using UCLA Formula and Euro-Collins' solution were successfully performed and its viability of grafts after transplantation remained sufficient.