A model of heterotopic cardiac transplantation which can evaluate the donor's heart function after preservation was developed. This model was modified from the working double heart model developed by Ide and his associates and is characterized by its ease in suturing in donor and recipient hearts.
Five mongrel dogs with the donor heart were observed hemodynamically from 3 to 6 hrs. Systemic circulation was successfully maintained with only the donor heart after ligation of the recipient aorta.
This working double heart model consists of total L V bypass and partial RV bypass, and therefore permits estimation of L V function of the donor heart.