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Packing the donor heart: Is SherpaPak cold preservation technique safer compared to ice cold storage
Macit Bitargil1, Osama Haddad1, Si M Pham1
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
Insights
The SherpaPak system offers safe outcomes for heart transplant patients, showing lower trends in Vasoactive Inotropic Score and Primary Graft Dysfunction compared to traditional ice storage. This method supports better clinical results in heart transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplant Surgery
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Donor heart preservation is critical for successful heart transplantation.
- Conventional ice storage poses limitations for organ viability and transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical outcomes of heart transplant recipients using SherpaPak preservation versus conventional ice storage.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the SherpaPak system in heart donor organ transport.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective comparison of 34 heart transplant patients (SherpaPak) and 47 patients (ice storage).
- Analysis of demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes including Vasoactive Inotropic Score (VIS) and Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in VIS, PGD, or pacing requirements between groups.
- SherpaPak group showed lower trends in VIS and PGD despite longer ischemic times.
- Shorter ICU stay and absence of severe PGD or mortality in the SherpaPak cohort.
Conclusions:
- SherpaPak donor heart preservation is a safe method for heart transplant patients.
- Further research is warranted to explore extended use for longer ischemic times and transport distances.
Introduction:
The present study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of heart transplant patients whose donor hearts were preserved with the SherpaPak controlled cold organ system versus the conventional ice storage technique.
Methods:
All patients undergoing heart transplantation at our center between January 2019 and April 2021 were divided into two groups according to the technique used during donor heart preservation and transport. The first group consisted of 34 SherpaPak controlled temperature preservation patients, and the second group consisted of 47 patients where the conventional three bags and ice technique was utilized during organ transportation. The two groups were compared based on demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes.
Results:
There were no significant differences between the groups regarding Vasoactive Inotropic Score (VIS), Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD), and the need for a transient pacer. However, the VIS, PGD, and pacing trends were lower in the SherpaPak patients even though the total ischemic and cardiopulmonary bypass times were significantly longer. Furthermore, SherpaPak patients exhibited a shorter stay in the ICU with no severe PGD and mortality.
Conclusion:
The SherpaPak donor heart preservation provides safe outcomes in heart transplant patients. Further research is needed to utilize this method for longer durations of ischemic time and expand travel distances for organ transportation.
