Heterotopic Heart Transplant. BN Rat Model

A series of tutorials on microsurgery, starting from the basics working up to more advanced techniques, uploaded in random order. Copyright 2012 Victor Volovici (DrW). Carl Zeiss Opmi Pico Microscope, no colour filter applied, magnification 10x- 50x. Heterotopic heart transplantation model, with the Pulmonary Artery connected to the IVC of the recipient and the Aorta connected to the Abdominal Aorta of the recipient. The Donor heart is harvested after systemic heparinization 10 UI/10 gram, as follows: the IVC and SVC are ligated, the aorta an pulmonary artery cut before the emergence of the brachiocephalic trunk and the split into left and right arteries respectively. The pulmonary veins are then ligated and the heart is removed and placed in 4 degrees Celsius cold Custodiol organ preservation solution. The recipient is apporached via a large xyphopubic incision. The aorta and IVC are dissected, incised with a 30G needle after being ligated superiorly(just under the renal artery and vein) and inferiorly(just above the iliac vessels) with 6-0 Monolon. Terminal-lateral anastomoses are performed on both the aorta and the pulmonary trunk with great finesse so as not to damage the very delicate tissue. We advise working with the same care as in lesson 3, petal suture. After anastomoses are performed, the distal and proximal ligatures respectively are opened and the heart resumes normal function. The anastomosis time should be under 30 minutes. Do not confuse the vibration transmitted by the blood entering the heart via the aorta with normal contractions. Accurate beating is provided in this video to assess correct transplantation technique. Song: Ludwig van Beethoven- 9th Symphony . I do not own or claim authorship for the song.