Klima U, Guerrero JL, Levine RA, Vlahakes GJ. A new, biventricular working heterotopic heart transplant model: anatomic and physiologic considerations.
Transplantation 1997;
64:215-22. [PMID:
9256176 DOI:
10.1097/00007890-199707270-00006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Current heterotopic heart transplant models have nonworking left ventricles that atrophy and are not suitable for some studies. We developed and characterized a new heterotopic model with working left and right ventricles.
METHODS
Hemodynamics were compared in the working and nonworking models. The influence of the length of the donor's aorta on coronary arterial oxygenation was tested. The influence of the recipient's arterial pressure on developed left ventricular systolic pressure and the effects of alpha- and beta-adrenergic stimulation were examined in both models. The nonworking and working models were compared in chronic transplant preparations to investigate possible ventricular atrophy.
RESULTS
In this model, coronary arterial oxygen tension was influenced by the length of the donor's aorta. With a short donor aorta (0.5 cm in the porcine model), normal coronary arterial oxygenation is maintained. Left ventricular systolic pressure was greater in the working compared with the nonworking models. Left ventricular systolic pressure did not respond to alpha-adrenergic stimulation but did respond to beta-adrenergic and combined stimulation, which indicates its relationship to donor heart output. Left ventricular systolic pressure correlated with and was determined by recipient arterial pressure. Ventricular atrophy occurred in the nonworking model, but ventricular weight was maintained at sham control levels in this new working model.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrate the surgical anatomic considerations of a new heterotopic heart transplant model in which the left and right ventricles work. Its hemodynamic performance is related to recipient hemodynamics, and the model responds to adrenergic stimulation. In chronic studies, ventricular mass is maintained, thus allowing this model to overcome a significant shortcoming of existing heterotopic heart transplant models.
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