Prediction of primary graft dysfunction and survival in heart transplantation using normothermic ex-vivo perfusion of the donor heart

Julius Borger, Marion Bäuerlein, Michael Berchtold-Herz, Matthias Eschenhagen, Thilo Fleck, Gerd Haimerl, Christoph Benk, Friedhelm Beyersdorf, Martin Czerny, Sven Maier, David Schibilsky, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Centre Freiburg, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences, Department of Congenital Heart Defects and Paediatric Cardiology, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center Lucerne, Luzerner Kantonsspital

Perfusion

Published online on January 10, 2026

Abstract

Perfusion, Ahead of Print.
IntroductionEx vivo perfusion (EVP) in heart transplantation (HTX) enables transportation of explanted organs over longer distances as well as monitoring of cardiac metabolism under unloaded coronary perfusion, thereby expanding the possible pool of ...