Optimization of a device for preservation and evaluation of donor hearts while functioning external to the body, in preparation for transplant

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Cardiac related diseases are a leading cause of death for Canadians. For definitive treatment of end-stage heart failure, cardiac transplantation remains the gold standard therapy. A short supply of donor organs however, limits the wider application of this life saving intervention. Compounding this problem is a high frequency of poor heart function observed in the multiorgan donor. This results in a low utilization rate of hearts that are offered. We are developing a device that will provide continuous warm blood-based perfusion of the donor heart, permitting optimal preservation of the organ. As well, functional assessment of the heart and potential treatment can be undertaken over a longer period of time, opening the window for an increase in the number of available hearts and the time available to carry out the transplant. The development, optimization and proving of this device is a collaboration between academics in Medicine and Engineering with the support of a company aimed at commercializing the device.