Overcoming perioperative inflammation as a hurdle for successful preclinical orthotopic cardiac xenogeneic transplantations - particular in regard of the mandatory use of heart-lung machines.

Consistent short-term and long-term results were achieved after orthotopic cardiac pig-to-baboon transplantation without detrimental inflammatory responses or signs of multiorgan failure. In comparison to allogeneic procedures, non-ischemic heart preservation was important for successful immediate organ function, as was the management of the heart-lung machine. Thus, we believe that genetically modified porcine hearts are ready for use in the clinical setting.