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Cracks in cryopreserved aortic allografts and rapid thawing
C Wassenaar1, E G Wijsmuller, L A Van Herwerden
1Department of Cardiopulmonary Surgery, Dijkzigt Hospital, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Transportation of cryopreserved aortic allografts in dry shippers is linked to graft cracking. This study found dry shipper transport significantly increased valve cracking rates, leading to the suspension of this method for human valve transport.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Cryopreserved aortic allografts are vital for surgical procedures.
- Graft integrity is crucial for successful transplantation.
- Cracking of cryopreserved grafts post-thaw presents significant clinical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different transportation methods on the thawing process and integrity of cryopreserved aortic valves.
- To identify the optimal transport conditions to minimize graft damage.
Main Methods:
- 17 porcine aortic valves were cryopreserved and subjected to simulated transport in three conditions: dry shipper, dry ice, and direct-to-operating room.
- Temperature changes during thawing were monitored for inner and outer valve walls.
- Incidence of cracking was recorded for each transport group.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in maximal thawing rates were observed between transport groups.
- The dry shipper group exhibited the highest maximal thawing rates.
- 66% of valves transported in dry shippers developed cracks, compared to unspecified rates in other groups.
Conclusions:
- Transportation of cryopreserved aortic valves using dry shippers is associated with accelerated thawing and a high incidence of cracking.
- The findings led to the discontinuation of dry shipper use for transporting cryopreserved human aortic allografts.
- Alternative transport methods, such as dry ice or direct delivery, are preferable to maintain graft viability and structural integrity.