Heart and lung preservation using a new solution: UCLA Formula

Summary

Heart and lung preservation is a significant barrier to clinical heart and lung transplantation. In a previous study, we revealed that UCLA Formula, modified from cardioplegic solution, had a favorable effect on lung preservation. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the simultaneous flushing method using UCLA Formula alone on both heart and lung preservation.

Six experiments were conducted using 18 mongrel dogs, weighing 20–28 kg. In the donor animals, the heart and lung were each flushed with 500 ml of cold UCLA Formula, using a catheter inserted into the ascending aorta and main pulmonary artery. After the heart and lung block was trimmed, orthotopic cardiac transplantation and single left lung transplantation were independently performed on different recipients following preservation for 4.3 hr for the heart and 7.5 hr for the lung. Thus, the preserved function was independently assessed using cardiac output and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) with constant central venous pressure (CVP) in heart transplantation, and analysis of arterial gases and the relationship between inspiratory pressure and expiratory tidal volume, as indicators. These measurements were performed before harvesting and 1 hr and 4 hrs after the transplantation. Cardiac output and LVEDP after the heart transplantation showed no significant deterioration. No significant differences in gas analysis or the pressure-volume curve were seen after the lung preservation. In conclusion, the simultaneous flushing method using UCLA Formula may offer reliable preservation of both heart and lung in preparation for transplantation.