METHOD, DEVICE AND FLUID FOR TREATMENT OF A HEART AFTER HARVESTING

摘要

Method and device for treatment of a heart after harvesting and before transplantation. The device includes a container intended to comprise the heart; a first line for connection to an aorta of the heart; a fluid circuit comprising an oxygenator for oxygenating said fluid and a heater/cooler for regulating the temperature of said fluid; and a pump for perfusion of said fluid through the coronary blood vessels of the heart. The fluid includes an oncotic agent exerting an oncotic pressure larger than about 30 mmHg; and is cardioplegic by comprising a potassium concentration, which is between 15 mM and 30 mM. A control device is arranged for controlling the pump to perform said perfusion intermittently, whereby the perfusion time is less than half of the cycle time. The perfusion is performed at a pressure, which is at least 15 mmHg and at least 15 mmHg lower than said oncotic pressure.