Fig. 2
From: Temperature and flow rate limit the optimal ex-vivo perfusion of the heart - an experimental study
Illustration depicting the DCRIT in ex-vivo heart perfusion models. The point above which oxygen extraction is flow independent is DCRIT. The isolated heart could not be efficiently preserved below this critical flow index since it will become hypoxic/ischemic (below “anaerobic threshold”) leading to lactic acidosis, impaired microcirculation and tissue damage. The “plateau value” (maximum MVO2 in relation with the temperature of the perfusate) is achieved once the critical flow value is exceeded ensuring optimal perfusion conditions