Background Research:
The concept behind the heart-in-a-box technology is based on the technique of normothermic perfusion, where donor hearts are kept warm and beating outside the body to preserve them until transplantation. This technique has been revolutionary in organ transplantation as it allows for longer organ preservation times, decreases injury to the organ from cold storage, and gives medical professionals ample time to better match donors with recipients.
This press release presents results from a study conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg on this topic. The researchers found that storing donor hearts in boxes specially created for such purpose instead of traditional ice coolers significantly reduces risks associated with early heart failure post-transplantation.
FAQS:
1) What is a ‚heart-in-a-box‘?
A ‚heart-in-a-box‘ refers to a method where donated organs are housed within a device that keeps them warm and continues supplying them with oxygen rather than placing them on ice. This lets the organs behave as though they’re still within the human body until transplant operations take place.
2) How does using a ‚heart-in-a-box‘ decrease risk of early heart failure post-transplant?
Organ function can be negatively affected when placed in simple coolers due to static cold storage conditions which can render some unsuitable for transplant. By keeping organs functioning in conditions similar to those within human bodies till transplants actually occur, potential functionality issues arising from cold static storage are reduced.
3) Where was this study conducted?
This study was completed by researchers at University of Gothenburg
4) Has this technology been used before?
While relatively new, normothermic perfusion (the basis behind heart-in-a-box systems) has previously been deployed successfully across various countries for several organs including kidneys & livers resulting in more viable organs suitable for transplant procedures & potentially better outcomes post-transplantation.
5) Besides lower rates of early heart failures after transplants what other benefits could heart-in-a-box systems offer?
This technique prolongs organ preservation time, thus providing healthcare professionals enough time to match donors & recipients more accurately. It may also provide an avenue for surgeons to possibly repair minor organ imperfections prior to transplant operations.
6) Is heart-in-a-box method much pricier compared to traditional ice cooler storage?
Though initial investments for acquiring heart-in-a-box systems are higher than those required for normal static cold storage apparatus, they have potential of overall cost savings in long-term when considering increased efficacy of transplants, reduced risks associated with post-transplant complications and greater number of viable organs that can be used.
Originamitteilung:
The risk of early heart failure after heart transplantation is lower if the donor heart is stored in a so-called heart-in-a-box instead of in the usual cooler with ice. This is according to a study where researchers at the University of Gothenburg are now presenting the results.