Transcontinental heart transplant using SherpaPak cold static storage system

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Transplantation Surgery
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Primary graft dysfunction is a major cause of early graft loss in heart transplantation.
• Traditional static cold preservation using ice has limitations in temperature control and monitoring.
• The SherpaPak device offers improved temperature distribution and continuous monitoring during organ transport.

Observation:

• A donor heart was transported nearly 3000 miles using the SherpaPak device.
• The total ischemic time for the transported heart exceeded 7 hours.
• This represents the longest reported ischemic time for a donor heart transported with the SherpaPak system.

Findings:

• The heart transplantation was successful, with the recipient showing excellent functional outcomes.
• There was no evidence of primary graft dysfunction in the transplanted heart.
• The SherpaPak system facilitated safe transport under extended ischemic conditions.

Implications:

• The SherpaPak device may allow for extended ischemic times beyond the current 4-hour recommendation for heart transplantation.
• Careful donor and recipient selection are crucial for utilizing this technology for longer distances.
• This method presents a potentially safe, cost-effective alternative to ex-vivo perfusion devices for extended organ transport.