Abstract
The experimental study for extracorporeal preservation of the heart-lung preparation by autoperfusion system was performed in 10 dogs. Under intravenous Pentothal endotracheal anesthesia bilateral thoracotomies were performed. A 24F cannula connected to a plastic reservoir bag located 100 cm above the level of the heart was introduced into the aortic arch. Left subclavian, innominate artery, and descending aorta were ligated and divided. Both vena cavae were ligated and divided after the bag was half filled with blood. A 24F catheter inserted into right atrium and connected to the plastic bag in order to keep constant the preload. The thoracic trachea was intubated and the lungs were ventilated. The heart-lung preparations were removed en bloc and floated in a $34^{\circ}C$ bath of Hartmann solution. The preparations were observed for from 2 hours to 8 hours, with the average of 5.2 hours. Hemodynamic and hematologic variables were measured during preharvest and autoperfusion. The pH revealed severe respiratory alkalosis due to very low $PaCO_2$ during autoperfusion ; $PaO_2$ remained constant for 130-140 mmHg; $A-aDO_2$ increased markedly. The static inspiratory pressure [SIP] at late autoperfusion [6hr] increased significantly as compared with at early autoperfusion [2hr]. There was no difference between white blood cell counts from right atrium and those of left atrium. Heart rates remained constant for 110-120/min; cardiac outputs maintained to approximately 0.6L/min; mean aortic pressures, 75 mmHg; mean pulmonary arterial pressures, 15-18 mmHg; mean right atrial pressures, 9-13 mmHg; mean left atrial pressures, 12 mmHg lower than those of right atrium. Serum Na maintained with normal range during autoperfusion; K increased significantly; Ca decreased progressively. Hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased significantly during autoperfusion. The study demonstrated that stable hemodynamics could be maintained throughout the experiment and the preparation of the lung seemed to be inadequate, especially after 3-4 hours, such as high $A-aDO_2$, increased SIP, and scattered atelectasis and edema in their gross appearances.