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Distant heart procurement for human transplantation. Ultrastructural studies
Insights
Distant heart procurement is feasible for human transplantation, despite observed ultrastructural changes in donor hearts after ischemia and reperfusion. This method addresses the shortage of transplantable organs, offering a viable solution for patients awaiting heart transplants.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Organ Preservation
Background:
- The critical shortage of donor hearts significantly limits human heart transplantation success.
- Distant procurement of donor hearts offers a potential solution to increase organ availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of distant procurement for human heart transplantation.
- To assess the ultrastructural integrity of donor hearts following prolonged ischemic times and transport.
Main Methods:
- Twelve donor hearts were procured from distant locations.
- Hearts were preserved using cardioplegic solution infusion and rapid cooling.
- Transport was conducted in ice-cold saline, with maximal ischemic times ranging from 110 to 182 minutes.
- Septal biopsies were analyzed before and after reperfusion to evaluate cellular damage.
Main Results:
- Pre-reperfusion biopsies revealed normal mitochondria and nuclei in most samples, with capillary endothelial swelling noted in all.
- Post-reperfusion biopsies showed increased mitochondrial swelling, nuclear damage, myofibrillar contraction, and persistent endothelial swelling.
- All transplanted hearts functioned satisfactorily, with 8 out of 12 patients surviving 6-15 months post-transplant.
Conclusions:
- Human hearts exhibit significant ultrastructural changes after 3 hours of ischemia, which are exacerbated by reperfusion.
- Despite observed cellular damage, distant heart procurement is a feasible strategy for human heart transplantation.
- This technique can help overcome donor organ scarcity, improving transplant outcomes.
Abstract:
The paucity of donor hearts for human transplantation can be remedied by distant heart procurement. In the present study, 12 donor hearts obtained at distant locatins were preserved by infusion with 500 ml of cardioplegic solution at 4 degrees C at 150 mm Hg and immersion in 4 degrees C saline for rapid transmural cooling. They were transported in ice-cold saline. Maximal ischemic times were 110-182 minutes. Septal biopsies before coronary reperfusion showed normal mitochondria (11 and 12), normal nuclei (seven of 12), myofibrillar I-bands (six of 12), and capillary endothelial swelling (12 of 12). Septal biopsies 30 minutes after reperfusion showed mitochondrial swelling (six of 10), nuclear damage (10 of 10), myofibrillar contraction (10 of 10), and endothelial swelling (eight of 10). All grafts functioned satisfactorily. Eight of the 12 patients were alive 6-15 months later; four patients died (one of pulmonary hypertension and three of infection). We concluded that (1) human hearts show significant ultrastructural changes after 3 hours of ischemia, but (2) these worsen after reperfusion, and (3) distant heart procurement is feasible for human transplantation.