Anesthesiology
-
Due to the shortage of donor organs, an increasing number of transplant organs are harvested after circulatory arrest (donation after circulatory death [DCD]). Using a translational porcine model of DCD, this study developed and evaluated a protocol based on cardioprotection by multidrug postconditioning to optimize resuscitation of DCD hearts during ex situ heart perfusion (ESHP). ⋯ A translationally relevant protective ESHP protocol consisting of treatment with Intralipid, sevoflurane, and remifentanil markedly accelerated functional recovery and improved viability of DCD hearts.