Effectiveness of modified University of Wisconsin solution for heart preservation as assessed in heterotopic rat heart transplant model.

Abstract

A solution developed at the University of Wisconsin is an excellent preservation solution for the kidney, pancreas, and liver. We studied the effectiveness of a modified University of Wisconsin solution, which was made by reversing the sodium and potassium concentrations, in heart preservation. We first examined the relationship between total ischemic time and 1-week graft survival rates using a saline solution as a control preservation solution by transplanting a heart to the neck of test animals. To determine preserved heart viability, we palpated the heart 1 week postoperatively. The 1-week graft survival rates for the various total ischemic times were as follows: less than 1 hour, six of six; 4 hours, five of six; 8 hours, two of six, 12 hours, one of six; and 16 hours, one of six. These results demonstrate a correlation between total ischemic time and survival rate. Then we compared three preservation solutions--glucose-insulin-potassium, Bretschneider's solution, and the modified University of Wisconsin solution--for 16 hours of simple preservation. The 1-week graft survival rates were one of six for glucose-insulin-potassium, two of six for Bretschneider's solution, and five of six for the modified University of Wisconsin solution. The high survival rate for the modified University of Wisconsin solution under adverse conditions indicates its effectiveness in heart preservation.