Abstract
We are investigating the role of the microcirculation in the loss of contractile function of hearts subjected to long-term preservation procedures. Following 24 hours of continuous perfusion at low pressure (13 mmHg) and temperature (5 degree C) with a crystalloid cardioplegic solution, rabbit hearts exhibited a 25% reduction in both left ventricular compliance and contractility. We hypothesize that these alterations of contractile function reflect dysfunction of the microcirculation. Experimental results suggest that by as early as 1-2 hours of preservation, significant areas of ischemia exist. The progressive alterations of contractile function could be a result of the prolonged period of ischemia. To determine whether this apparent 'no-flow' injury is exacerbated or reversed by reperfusion, preserved hearts were reperfused prior to infusion of the ink. Many of the reperfused hearts no longer exhibited large areas of no-flow suggesting that the no-flow phenomenon present during the preservation period is, at least in part, reversible.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 109 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Journal | Annals of Biomedical Engineering |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
State | Published - 1987 |
Event | Abstr of Pap Presented at the Biomed Eng Soc Symp - Washington, DC, USA Duration: Mar 29 1987 → Apr 3 1987 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biomedical Engineering