Effect of Gradual Reperfusion on Ventricular Function after 6-h Preservation

Abstract

This experiment was designed to determine the effect of a gradual increase in reperfusion pressure on ventricular function after 6-h preservation of the heart. Twenty-four rabbit hearts were allocated to four groups, each reperfused at different pressures: group I (80mmHg); group II (40mmHg for 10min, then increased to 80mmHg); group III (20mmHg for 5min, then increased by 20mmHg at 5-min intervals); and group IV (as group III + perfusion with recombinant human superoxide dismutase). The developed pressures at balloon volumes of 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8 ml were significantly higher in groups III and IV than in group I. The values of left ventricular peak d P/d t were significantly greater in groups II, III, and IV than in group I. Light microscopical examination revealed severe interstital oedema in group I, moderate oedema in group II, and minimal oedema in groups III and IV. Gradual reperfusion resulted in significantly better systolic function and less interstitial oedema. Use of recombinant human superoxide dismutase provided little additional benefit when combined with gradual reperfusion.