Versatile, flexible and easy-to-use system

Fully integrated, with all tubing clearly organized, yet easily accessible, this apparatus has a spacious heart chamber, equipped with heated walls and floor and a wide opening through sliding door.

The temperature is kept constant at 37°C, while oxygen and nutrients are provided by perfusing the heart.

The same system can easily switch from Langendorff to working heart mode, by simply pressing a button, and offers:

• Up to 3 physiological perfusion liquids
• Temperature monitoring
• Optional electrical stimulation (pacing)
• Measurements of perfusion flow and pressures, LVP (by balloon or pressure sensor tip) and ECG
• 3 perfusion modes :
  • Constant flow in Langendorff mode
  • Constant pressure in Langendorff mode
  • Constant pressure in atria, with post charge in aorta in Working Heart mode

Langendorff vs Working heart perfusion

In the Langendorff heart perfusion mode, the perfusate is pumped through the aorta towards the heart. It does not enter the left ventricle, but is diverted into the coronary arteries.

This mode permits the study of heart contraction, heart rate and vascular effects. It is ideal for the study of intraventricular pressure, cardiac contractility and relaxation, ECG and coronary flow.

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In the working heart perfusion mode, the flow of perfusate mimics the flow of blood in situ. The perfusate enters the left atrium via the pulmonary vein, is pumped into the left ventricle, from where it is pumped into the aorta, against a resistance that mimics the global resistance of the body.

As the name implies, this technique allows the heart to perform its physiological pumping action, i.e. it performs pressure/volume work. Therefore it provides a complete analysis of heart function and can be used for the study of cardiac metabolism, mitochondrial function, cell suffering, enzyme function, long-term pathology or ischemia-reperfusion.