Cardiac transplantation without cardiopulmonary bypass: experimental model to study growth of the transplanted heart.

An experimental model using surface-induced (20 degrees C) deep hypothermia and total circulatory arrest instead of cardiopulmonary bypass was developed for the study of growth of the transplanted heart. Autotransplantation of the heart was performed in 42 young dogs weighing from 4.4 to 9.0 kg (mean, 6.9 kg). Time of ischemia ranged from 26.0 to 60 minutes (mean, 43.4 minutes). Return of satisfactory cardiac function occurred in all but one animal. An early high mortality rate was due primarily to pulmonary complications, but with modifications to the technique, long-term survival increased to 70%. Early deaths (5 days to 13 weeks) of five dogs during preliminary trials were due to pleural effusion (2), sepsis (1), endocarditis (1), and ascites (1). There have been 14 long-term survivors (range, 194 to 498 days; mean, 264 days). Long-term survivors appear well, are active, and show satisfactory growth. This experimental model eliminates the need for heparinization and reduces the potential for complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass in the dog. It avoids cannulations that might impinge on anastomotic sites. This model appears to be suited for studying growth of the transplanted heart.