[Preservation of the isolated canine heart for 24 hours by retrograde gaseous oxygen insufflation].

Isolated canine hearts were used to evaluate retrograde gaseous oxygen insufflation into the heart at 4 degrees C compared with simple storage as a method of preservation for 24 hours. The hearts were reperfused with ex vivo apparatus and assessed by left ventricular functional recovery and myocardial energy metabolism. Gas insufflated hearts showed significantly better maintenance of creatine phosphate and adenosine triphosphate content, lower lactate accumulation, and better functional recovery compared with simple storage. However, at the early period of reperfusion, coronary vascular resistance rose significantly in gas-insufflated hearts. Gas-insufflation storage of isolated hearts is capable of maintaining aerobic metabolism, and may be suitable for long distant heart procurement. However, this method may cause gas embolism or any vascular damage which impair the beneficial effects.