Isolated heart perfusion techniques for rapid screening of myocardial preservation methods. Anoxia versus ischemia

Isolated nonworking and working heart preparations are described and recent modifications that increase their reliability and scope are reviewed. Isolated perfused tissues are superior to other models for screening myocardial preservation techniques. The metabolic and functional differences between anoxia and ischemia are stressed, myocardial glycolysis is reviewed, and from basic studies potentially fruitful avenues for investigation of myocardial preservation techniques are outlined. Better application of available knowledge of myocardial metabolism could further reduce the risks of cardiac operation.