Echocardiographic detection of dysfunctions in donor hearts

Authors: Venkateswaran, Rajamiyer; Bonser, Robert; Steeds, Richard

Source: Future Cardiology, Volume 3, Number 1, January 2007 , pp. 99-104(6)

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Abstract:

Heart transplantation activity is steadily declining worldwide, despite initiatives to increase the donor pool. The yield of transplantable hearts remains low, leading to wastage of over two-thirds of donor organs. Accurate assessment and intervention is required to increase the number of transplantable hearts. The retrieval rate could be increased if techniques become available to differentiate between transplantable and nontransplantable hearts. Echocardiography is an ideally suited noninvasive investigation that may guide donor optimization. However, there are technical difficulties in acquiring high-quality views, and changes in ventricular function following catecholamine storm in brainstem death often lead to misinterpretation of standard 2D images. Current advances in technology, including the routine use of left ventricular contrast, 3D imaging and tissue doppler studies, may improve the accuracy, and thereby the utilization, of echocardiography in donor heart assessment.

Keywords: donor heart assessment; donor management; echocardiography; heart transplantation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/14796678.3.1.99

Publication date: 2007-01-01

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Future Cardiology reflects the new era of cardiology and highlights new molecular approaches in advancing cardiovascular therapy. The journal publishes clinical research, commentary and therapeutic overviews highlighting optimal therapy and future options and strategies.
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