Modified Wicomb's apparatus for preservation of heart for 24 hours.

To prolong the time of heart preservation, we modified the Wicomb's perfusion apparatus, in which oxygen flow acts as the source of power and provides oxygenation for the perfused myocardium. Ten adult porcine hearts which had been preserved for 24 hours were resuscitated successfully and continued to beat steadily for more than 1.5-3 hours after reperfusion. Myocardial ultrastructure was observed at the end of preservation and 15-120 minutes after reperfusion. The damages of the myocardial ultrastructure at the end of preservation were reversible.