Experimental model of right ventricular failure with heterotopic heart transplantation for assisted circulation.

In 20 acute experiments on 40 mongrel dogs ranging in weight from 15 to 20 kg, a heterotopic heart transplant was implanted into the chest of the recipient with experimentally induced right ventricular failure. A detailed description is presented of the operative technique in acute and chronic experiments. Haemodynamic findings attest to the efficacy of the work of the transplant, the right ventricle of which is able to take over most of the work of the right ventricle of the recipient.