Cardiopulmonary allotransplantation in dogs

Combined heart and lung allotransplantation was carried out in 22 dogs from April to December 1986. Four of these transplant recipients survived 12—20 hours postoperatively. The major lethal cau es were bleeding, acute pulmonary edema and decreased cardiac output. This paper systematically introduces the operative techniques, which include improvement of aortic anastomosis and shortening of myocardial ischemia time. The authors also summarize methods of prevention and treatment of acute pulmonary edema.