Fig. 1
From: Temperature and flow rate limit the optimal ex-vivo perfusion of the heart - an experimental study
Simplified schema of the experimental design and protocol. Panel a. Experimental protocol employed to determine the ex-vivo critical flow index (DCRIT) of isolated rat hearts according to changes in the composition and temperature of the perfusate. Panel b. The machine perfusion apparatus is primed with oxygenated UW Belzer MPS solution at the desired temperature by using a recirculating temperature controller and glass heat exchanger coil. Hearts are attached to the apparatus, and antegrade coronary flow is initiated via the aortic cannula at a controlled flow index (FI) by using a roller pump. Oxygen transfer to the perfusate is maintained by passing the solution through a pediatric hollow fiber hemofilter with a continuous oxygen sweep delivered across the outer compartment. Flow rate, flow pressure, and temperature of perfusate are monitored continuously. Input (aortic) and output solution (inferior vena cava) samples are collected serially to assess variables of interest