Donor-circulation as cardiopulmonary bypass in experimental heart transplantation

Heart transplantation was performed on 21 mongrel dogs using donor-circulation of another, bigger dog, instead of the heart-lung machine. All the dogs survived the operation. They showed a moderate metabolic acidosis, which was more related to a reduced blood flow of the recipient than to inadequate oxygenation capacity of the pump dog during transplantation, and which was corrected by administration of bicarbonate after the procedure. The technique was superior to disposable oxygenators in reducing the expense of the operation and providing a more gentle perfusion.