M.-A. Deutsch is supported by Dr. Rusche Forschungsprojekt (2014) Deutsche Stiftung f&#252;r Herzforschung and Deutsche Gesellschaft f&#252;r Thorax- Herz- und Gef&#228;&#223;chirurgie. M. Krane is supported by Deutsche Stiftung f&#252;r Herzforschung (F/37/11), Deutsches Zentrum f&#252;r Herz Kreislauf Forschung (DZHK B 13-050A; DZHK B 14-013SE) and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (KR3770/7-1; KR3770/9-1)

All experiments were approved by the German Heart Center Munich and the Government of Bavaria, Germany (Gz. 55.2-1-54-2532.3-17-13). Animals were housed in a specific pathogen free facility and received human care in compliance with the &#8221;Principles of Laboratory Animal Care&#8221; formulated by the National Society for Medical Research and the &#8221;Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals&#8221; provided by the National Academy of Sciences and published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH Publication no. 86-23, revised 1985). 
NOTE: A complete set of sterile microsurgical instruments, including two curved forceps and vessel dilatators, is necessary for the procedure (Figure 2a). Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is not routinely necessary but may be indicated in immunocompromised animals. Animals were sacrificed using terminal isoflurane inhalation.
Donor Preparation and Graft Harvest
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize the animal by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of midazolam (5.0 mg/kg), medetomidine (0.5 mg/kg) and fentanyl (0.05 mg/kg body weight). Place the mouse in a supine position on the operative field and confirm surgical tolerance by the pedal withdrawal reflex.</li>
	<li>Disinfect the skin three times with chlorhexidine and perform a midline abdominal incision. Retract the intestines with wet gauze to the left to expose the inferior vena cava.</li>
	<li>Inject 50 IU of heparin diluted in 0.4 ml saline through the inferior vena cava for anticoagulation. Incise the vessel 1 min after heparinization.</li>
	<li>Open the diaphragm and perform a bilateral thoracotomy to expose the heart. The anterior chest wall is reflected superiorly and held in place with a clamp.</li>
	<li>Remove the thymus and bluntly dissect the connective tissue between aorta and pulmonary trunk. Incise the right superior vena cava.</li>
	<li>Puncture the mobilized ascending aorta at the level of the brachiocephalic trunk with a 30 G needle mounted on a 5 ml syringe and slowly perfuse the heart retrogradually without excessive pressure with 3 ml of 4 &#176;C cold cardioplegic solution. Avoid the entry of air into the coronary circulation. Drop ice-cold saline solution onto the graft to further enhance cardiac arrest.</li>
	<li>Transect the aorta proximally to the origin of the brachiocephalic trunk.</li>
	<li>Ligate the inferior and both superior venae cavae close to the heart with 8-0 silk and transect them distally to the ligatures.</li>
	<li>Dissect free the pulmonary trunk as distally as possible. Ligate the pulmonary arteries close to the bifurcation with 8-0 silk and transect them distally.</li>
	<li>Ligate the pulmonary veins all together with a single 8-0 silk ligature and transect them.</li>
	<li>Remove the heart from the donor and store it in ice-cold cardioplegic solution until implantation.</li>
</ol>
2. Recipient Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the cuffs for anastomoses by cutting the polyimide tubing with a No. 11 scalpel&#160;or a scissor&#160;under the microscope. The cuff consists of a cylindrical body and an extension (1/3 of the circumference) for the placement of the vascular clamp, each of a length of 1 mm (Figure 2b).</li>
	<li>Anesthetize the animal and confirm surgical tolerance as described above. Inject 0.25 ml warm saline solution subcutaneously (s.c.) for fluid replacement.</li>
	<li>Remove the hair of the right cervical region using an electric shaver and place the animal in a supine position on a warm pad. Secure the legs with strands of tape while avoiding overstretching the front limbs as this can compromise respiration. Cover the eyes using ophthalmic ointment to prevent dryness. Disinfect the surgical site three times with chlorhexidine.</li>
	<li>Make a transverse skin incision from the right mandibular angle to the jugular notch.</li>
	<li>Bluntly mobilize the external jugular vein. Cauterize side branches with a bipolar forceps and transect them.</li>
	<li>Divide the external jugular vein between ligatures at the level of the confluence with the vein from the submandibular gland.</li>
	<li>Pull the external jugular vein through the cuff and occlude the vessel proximally by placing a vascular clamp on the extension of the cuff. Remove the ligature and irrigate the vessel lumen with 1:10 heparinized saline.</li>
	<li>Evert the vessel wall over the cuff and fix it with a preset circumferential 8-0 silk ligature.</li>
	<li>Remove the superficial part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.</li>
	<li>Mobilize the right common carotid artery and transect the vessel between ligatures below the carotid bifurcation.</li>
	<li>Pull the carotid artery through the cuff and occlude the vessel proximally by placing a Yasargil clamp on the extension of the cuff. Remove the ligature and irrigate the vessel lumen with 1:10 heparinized saline.</li>
	<li>Gently dilate the arterial lumen with a vessel dilatator, evert the vessel wall over the cuff and fix it with a preset circumferential 8-0 silk ligature.</li>
	<li>To gain enough space for graft implantation, remove the right lobe of the submandibular gland.</li>
	<li>Keep the operative field moist until implantation.</li>
</ol>
3. Graft Implantation
<ol>
	<li>Place the graft in the recipient cervical region upside down with the aorta orientated medially and the pulmonary artery laterally.</li>
	<li>Pull the aorta of the graft over the cuff with the carotid artery and secure the anastomosis with a circumferential 8-0 silk ligature.</li>
	<li>Incise the pulmonary trunk on its anterior aspect and pull it over the cuff with the external jugular vein. Again secure the anastomosis with a circumferential 8-0 silk ligature.</li>
	<li>Remove the clamp on the external jugular vein, following by unclamping of the carotid artery. The hearts fills immediately with blood. To enhance reperfusion drop 37 &#176;C warm saline solution onto the graft. Normally the heart develops sinus rhythm within one minute. Remove the cuff extension at the venous site.</li>
	<li>Ensure correct graft position, anastomoses must be tension-free and vessels without torsion. Do not cauterized vessels of the skin since this may impair wound healing. Bleeding usually stops spontaneously. Close the skin with a single 8-0 continuous suture.</li>
</ol>
4. Postoperative Care
<ol>
	<li>Inject 0.25 ml warm saline solution s.c. for fluid replacement.</li>
	<li>To antagonize narcotics inject naloxone (1.2 mg/kg), flumazenil (0.5 mg/kg) and atipamezol (2.5 mg/kg body weight) s.c. Left the animal on the warm pad until it has regained sufficient consciousness to maintain sternal recumbency. Observe the animal for at least one additional hour to register any abnormal behavior. Do not return an animal that has undergone surgery to the company of other animals until fully recovered.</li>
	<li>Provide preemptive analgesia with buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg s.c. three times per day) or an alternative analgesia according to a local institutional protocol for a minimum duration of 72 hr after the procedure.</li>
	<li>The surgeon and a veterinarian should see animals regularly. In case of weight loss &#62;15%, apathy, swelling or surgical side infection animals are euthanized using terminal isoflurane inhalation.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Corry, R. J., Winn, H. J., Russell, P. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Heart+transplantation+in+congenic+strains+of+mice.">Heart transplantation in congenic strains of mice.</a> Transplant Proc. 5, 733-735 (1973).</li><li>Chen, Z. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+technique+of+cervical+heterotopic+heart+transplantation+in+mice.">A technique of cervical heterotopic heart transplantation in mice.</a> Transplantation. 52, 1099-1101 (1991).</li><li>Martins, P. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+graft+function+in+rodent+models+of+heart+transplantation.">Assessment of graft function in rodent models of heart transplantation.</a> Microsurgery. 28, 565-570 (2008).</li><li>Schramm, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+subepicardial+microcirculation+in+heterotopically+transplanted+mouse+hearts:+an+intravital+multifluorescence+microscopy+study.">The subepicardial microcirculation in heterotopically transplanted mouse hearts: an intravital multifluorescence microscopy study.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 134, 210-217 (2007).</li><li>Liu, F., Kang, S. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Heterotopic+heart+transplantation+in+mice.">Heterotopic heart transplantation in mice.</a> J Vis Exp : JoVE. 238, (2007).</li><li>Gong, W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Introduction+of+modified+cervical+cardiac+transplant+model+in+mice.">Introduction of modified cervical cardiac transplant model in mice.</a> Exp Clin Transplant. 10, 158-162 (2012).</li><li>Matsuura, A., Abe, T., Yasuura, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simplified+mouse+cervical+heart+transplantation+using+a+cuff+technique.">Simplified mouse cervical heart transplantation using a cuff technique.</a> Transplantation. 51, 896-898 (1991).</li><li>Chen, H., Zhang, Y., Zheng, D., Praseedom, R. K., Dong, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Orthotopic+kidney+transplantation+in+mice:+technique+using+cuff+for+renal+vein+anastomosis.">Orthotopic kidney transplantation in mice: technique using cuff for renal vein anastomosis.</a> PloS one. 8, e77278 (2013).</li><li>Maglione, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+technique+for+heterotopic+vascularized+pancreas+transplantation+in+mice+to+assess+ischemia+reperfusion+injury+and+graft+pancreatitis.">A novel technique for heterotopic vascularized pancreas transplantation in mice to assess ischemia reperfusion injury and graft pancreatitis.</a> Surgery. 141, 682-689 (2007).</li><li>Sucher, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Orthotopic+hind-limb+transplantation+in+rats.">Orthotopic hind-limb transplantation in rats.</a> J Vis Exp : JoVE. , (2010).</li><li>Kamada, N., Calne, R. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Orthotopic+liver+transplantation+in+the+rat.+Technique+using+cuff+for+portal+vein+anastomosis+and+biliary+drainage.">Orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat. Technique using cuff for portal vein anastomosis and biliary drainage.</a> Transplantation. 28, 47-50 (1979).</li><li>Oldani, G., Lacotte, S., Morel, P., Mentha, G., Toso, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Orthotopic+liver+transplantation+in+rats.">Orthotopic liver transplantation in rats.</a> J Vis Exp : JoVE. , (2012).</li><li>Okazaki, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+mouse+model+of+orthotopic+vascularized+aerated+lung+transplantation.">A mouse model of orthotopic vascularized aerated lung transplantation.</a> Am J Transplant. 7, 1672-1679 (2007).</li><li>Suzuki, H., Fan, L., Wilkes, D. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+obliterative+bronchiolitis+in+a+murine+model+of+orthotopic+lung+transplantation.">Development of obliterative bronchiolitis in a murine model of orthotopic lung transplantation.</a> J Vis Exp : JoVE. , (2012).</li><li>Zou, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mouse+model+of+venous+bypass+graft+arteriosclerosis.">Mouse model of venous bypass graft arteriosclerosis.</a> Am J Pathol. 153, 1301-1310 (1998).</li><li>Zhou, Y., Gu, X., Xiang, J., Qian, S., Chen, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparative+study+on+suture+versus+cuff+anastomosis+in+mouse+cervical+cardiac+transplant.">A comparative study on suture versus cuff anastomosis in mouse cervical cardiac transplant.</a> Exp Clin Transplant. 8, 245-249 (2010).</li><li>Niimi, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+technique+for+heterotopic+cardiac+transplantation+in+mice:+experience+of+3000+operations+by+one+surgeon.">The technique for heterotopic cardiac transplantation in mice: experience of 3000 operations by one surgeon.</a> J Heart Lung Transplant. 20, 1123-1128 (2001).</li><li>Arras, M., Autenried, P., Rettich, A., Spaeni, D., Rulicke, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optimization+of+intraperitoneal+injection+anesthesia+in+mice:+drugs,+dosages,+adverse+effects,+and+anesthesia+depth.">Optimization of intraperitoneal injection anesthesia in mice: drugs, dosages, adverse effects, and anesthesia depth.</a> Comp Med. 51, 443-456 (2001).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

We have completed over 200 cardiac transplants with a success rate over 90% in various experimental settings. With the technique described here, the complete procedure can be done within 60 min by an experienced surgeon. By preparing the cervical vessels before organ procurement, total graft ischemia time can be limited to 20 min. Time for implantation (warm ischemia time) is significantly shorter using the cuff technique compared to the suture technique16.
Instead of simply excisin...

The heart transplantation model is frequently used to investigate I/R-injury, allograft rejection, post-transplant vasculopathy and the efficiency of immunomodulating agents. Mouse models combine many advantages like the known immunological and genetic backgrounds, the availability of many inbred and transgenic strains and relatively low experimental costs.
In 1973, a technique of abdominal heart transplantation in mice was first described by Corry et al1. In this model grafts are revascularized by end-to-side anastomoses of the ascending aorta to the recipient&#8217;s abdominal aorta and of the main pulmonary artery to the inferior vena cava. In 1991, a suture technique for cervical heart transplantation in mice was described by Chen et al2. In this model a retrograde coronary artery perfusion is established by anastomosis of the recipient&#8217;s carotid artery to the ascending aorta of the graft. The venous blood drains via the coronary sinus into the right atrium, the right ventricle and is ejected through the pulmonary artery into the recipient external jugular vein (Figure 1). In comparison to the abdominal graft implantation the cervical model is less invasive and the superficial location of the graft enables a very easy accessibility for additional follow-up examinations (e.g. palpation, echocardiography, intravital fluorescence microscopy)3,4.
Despite technical improvements5,6, a more widespread use of this model has been limited due to technical difficulties to perform sutured anastomoses of small vessels with a high incidence of anastomosis leakage and thrombosis. In 1991, Matsuura et al. introduced the cuff technique in which the vessel wall is everted over a synthetic cylinder, which greatly facilitates the model of cervical heart transplantation7. The technique was further adopted for various experimental transplant models including renal8, pancreatic9, limb10, hepatic11,12, lung13,14 and vascular transplantation15. In comparison to the suture technique the required time for anastomoses and, thus, the warm ischemia time is shorter and there are significantly less vascular complications using the cuff technique16. Moreover, it enables surgeons with little training in microsurgery to perform the operation with a high success rate. A disadvantage of the cuff technique is the prerequisite ligation of the common carotid artery, which may alter cerebral perfusion.
In this video paper we present an improved and simplified cuff technique for cervical heart transplantation in mice.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Forceps JFC-7.2</td><td>S&amp;amp;T</td><td>P-00036</td><td>Curved tip 0.20 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Vessel dilatator D-5a</td><td>S&amp;amp;T</td><td>S-00124</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Adventita scissor</td><td>S&amp;amp;T</td><td>S-00102</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Vascular clamp B-1V</td><td>S&amp;amp;T</td><td>S-00396</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Yasargil Clip</td><td>Peter Lazic</td><td>65,097</td><td>3.5 mm lenght</td></tr><tr><td>Bipolar forceps</td><td>Micromed</td><td>148-100-011</td><td>tip 0.25 mm</td></tr><tr><td>Polyimide tubes</td><td>River Tech Medical</td><td></td><td>19-24 gauge</td></tr><tr><td>8.0 silk ligatures</td><td>Catgut</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Custodiol HTK solution</td><td>Essential Pharmaceuticals</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

heterotopic cervical heart transplantation in mice

The heterotopic cervical heart transplantation in mice is a valuable tool in transplant and cardiovascular research. The cuff technique greatly simplifies this model by avoiding challenging suture anastomoses of small vessels thereby reducing warm ischemia time. In comparison to abdominal graft implantation the cervical model is less invasive and the implanted graft is easily accessible for further follow-up examinations. Anastomoses are performed by pulling the ascending aorta of the graft over the cuff with the recipient&#8217;s common carotid artery and by pulling the main pulmonary artery over the cuff with the external jugular vein. Selection of appropriate cuff size and complete mobilization of the vessels are important for successful revascularization. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury can be minimized by perfusing the graft with a cardioplegic solution and by hypothermia. In this article, we provide technical details for a simplified and improved cuff technique, which should allow surgeons with basic microsurgical skills to perform the procedure with a high success rate.

Our team could successfully perform the described technique after approximately 20 training surgeries. The most challenging part is to evert the vessel wall of the carotid artery over the cuff, because it easily flips back and multiple attempts may lead to tearing of the wall. After the training period, the mean total operative time was 60 &#177; 8 min. Around 20 min are required for donor harvest, 25 min for preparation of the cervical vessels and 15 minutes for anastomoses and skin closure.
...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Heterotopic Cervical Heart Transplantation in Mice at JoVE.com

Heterotopic Cervical Heart Transplantation in Mice

The cuff technique shortens and facilitates the model of heterotopic cervical heart transplantation in mice by avoiding technically challenging suture anastomoses of small vessels. The technical details shown in this video paper should allow researches to establish this model in their laboratories.

The heterotopic cervical heart transplantation in mice is a valuable tool in transplant and cardiovascular research. The cuff technique greatly simplifies ...

heterotopic-cervical-heart-transplantation-in-mice

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

11.1K Views.  German Heart Center Munich, Technische Universität München. The cuff technique shortens and facilitates the model of heterotopic cervical heart transplantation in mice by avoiding technically challenging suture anastomoses of small vessels. The technical details shown in this video paper should allow researches to establish this model in their laboratories.

Video: Heterotopic Cervical Heart Transplantation in Mice

Heterotopic Heart Transplantation in Mice

The mouse heterotopic heart transplantation has been used widely since it was introduced by Drs. Corry and Russell in 1973. It is particularly valuable for studying rejection and immune response now that newer transgenic and gene knockout mice are available, and a large number of immunologic reagents have been developed. The heart transplant model is less stringent than the skin transplant models, although technically more challenging. We have developed a modified technique and have completed over 1000 successful cases of heterotopic heart transplantation in mice. When making anastomosis of the ascending aorta and abdominal aorta, two stay sutures are placed at the proximal and distal apexes of recipient abdominal aorta with the donor s ascending aorta, then using 11-0 suture for anastomosis on both side of aorta with continuing sutures. The stay sutures make the anastomosis easier and 11-0 is an ideal suture size to avoid bleeding and thrombosis.
When making anastomosis of pulmonary artery and inferior vena cava, two stay sutures are made at the proximal apex and distal apex of the recipient s inferior vena cava with the donor s pulmonary artery. The left wall of the inferior vena cava and donor s pulmonary artery is closed with continuing sutures in the inside of the inferior vena cava after, one knot with the proximal apex stay suture the right wall of the inferior vena cava and the donor s pulmonary artery are closed with continuing sutures outside the inferior vena cave with 10-0 sutures. This method is easier to perform because anastomosis is made just on the one side of the inferior vena cava and 10-0 sutures is the right size to avoid bleeding and thrombosis. In this article, we provide details of the technique to supplement the video.

The mouse heterotopic heart transplantation model has been proven by many investigators to be an important method for studying mechanisms of rejection and immune response. However, the techniques involved are still challenging. By modifying standard techniques we have had success with more than 1000 transplants.

The mouse heterotopic heart transplantation has been used widely since it was introduced by Drs. Corry and Russell in 1973. It is particularly valuable ...

Biology

Murine Cervical Heart Transplantation Model Using a Modified Cuff Technique

Mouse models are of special interest in research since a wide variety of monoclonal antibodies and commercially defined inbred and knockout strains are available to perform mechanistic in vivo studies. While heart transplantation models using a suture technique were first successfully developed in rats, the translation into an equally widespread used murine equivalent was never achieved due the technical complexity of the microsurgical procedure. In contrast, non-suture cuff techniques, also developed initially in rats, were successfully adapted for use in mice1-3. This technique for revascularization involves two major steps I) everting the recipient vessel over a polyethylene cuff; II) pulling the donor vessel over the formerly everted recipient vessel and holding it in place with a circumferential tie. This ensures a continuity of the endothelial layer, short operating time and very high patency rates4.
Using this technique for vascular anastomosis we performed more than 1,000 cervical heart transplants with an overall success rate of 95%. For arterial inflow the common carotid artery and the proximal aortic arch were anastomosed resulting in a retrograde perfusion of the transplanted heart. For venous drainage the pulmonary artery of the graft was anastomosed with the external jugular vein of the recipient5.
Herein, we provide additional details of this technique to supplement the video.

The murine cervical heart transplantation model is well suited for immunological as well as ischemia reperfusion injury studies. We modified the procedure using a non-suture cuff technique and performed more than 1,000 successful transplants with this approach.
Herein, we provide additional details of this technique to supplement the video.

Mouse models are of special interest in research since a wide variety of monoclonal antibodies and commercially defined inbred and knockout strains are ...

A Modified Method for Heterotopic Mouse Heart Transplantion

Mice are often used as heart transplant donors and recipients in studies of transplant immunology due to the wide range of transgenic mice and reagents available. A difficulty is presented due to the small size of the animal and the considerable technical challenges of the microsurgery involved in heart transplantation. In particular, a high rate of technical failure early after transplantation may result from recipient death and post-operative complications such as hind limb paralysis or a non-beating heart. Here, the complete technique for heterotopic mouse heart transplantation is demonstrated, involving harvesting the donor heart and its subsequent implantation into a recipient mouse. The donor heart is harvested immediately following in situ perfusion with cold heparinized saline and transection of the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery. The recipient operation involves preparation of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC), followed by end-to-side anastomosis of the donor aorta with the recipient aorta using a single running 10-0 microsuture and a similar anastomosis of the donor pulmonary artery with the recipient IVC. Following the operation the animal is injected with 0.6 ml normal saline subcutaneously and allowed to recover on a 37&#160;&#176;C heating pad. The results from 227 mouse heart transplants are summarized with a success rate at 48 hr of 86.8%. Of the 13.2% failures within 48 hr, 5 (2.2%) experienced hind limb paralysis, 10 (4.4%) had a non-beating heart due to graft ischemic injury and/or thrombosis, while 15 (6.6%) died within 48 hr.

A technique is demonstrated for the microsurgical procedure for heterotopic transplantation of hearts in mice, including simplified methods for donor harvesting and recipient vessel anastomosis.

Mice are often used as heart transplant donors and recipients in studies of transplant immunology due to the wide range of transgenic mice and reagents ...

Murine Heterotopic Heart Transplant Technique

It is now over forty years since this technique was first reported by Corry, Wynn and Russell. Although it took some years for other labs to become proficient in and utilize this technique, it is now widely used by many laboratories around the world. A significant refinement to the original technique was developed and reported in 2001 by Niimi. Described here are the techniques that have evolved over more than a decade in the hands of three surgeons (Plenter, Grazia, Pietra) in our center. These techniques are now being passed on to a younger generation of surgeons and researchers.
Based largely on the Niimi experience, the procedures used have evolved in the fine details - details which we will endeavor to relate here in such a way that others may be able to use this very useful model. Like Niimi, we have found that a video aid to learning is a priceless resource for the beginner.

The manuscript describes the steps required to perform the heterotopic heart transplant in the mouse.

It is now over forty years since this technique was first reported by Corry, Wynn and Russell. Although it took some years for other labs to become ...

A Novel Microsurgical Model for Heterotopic, En Bloc Chest Wall, Thymus, and Heart Transplantation in Mice

Exploration of novel strategies in organ transplantation to prolong allograft survival and minimizing the need for long-term maintenance immunosuppression must be pursued. Employing vascularized bone marrow transplantation and co-transplantation of the thymus have shown promise in this regard in various animal models.1-11 Vascularized bone marrow transplantation allows for the uninterrupted transfer of donor bone marrow cells within the preserved donor microenvironment, and the incorporation of thymus tissue with vascularized bone marrow transplantation has shown to increase T-cell chimerism ultimately playing a supportive role in the induction of immune regulation. The combination of solid organ and vascularized composite allotransplantation can uniquely combine these strategies in the form of a novel transplant model. Murine models serve as an excellent paradigm to explore the mechanisms of acute and chronic rejection, chimerism, and tolerance induction, thus providing the foundation to propagate superior allograft survival strategies for larger animal models and future clinical application. Herein, we developed a novel heterotopic en bloc chest wall, thymus, and heart transplant model in mice using a cervical non-suture cuff technique. The experience in syngeneic and allogeneic transplant settings is described for future broader immunological investigations via an instructional manuscript and video supplement.

To study combined solid organ and vascularized composite allotransplantation, we describe a novel heterotopic en bloc chest wall, thymus, and heart transplant model in mice using a cervical non-suture cuff technique.

Exploration of novel strategies in organ transplantation to prolong allograft survival and minimizing the need for long-term maintenance immunosuppression ...

An Immunological Model for Heterotopic Heart and Cardiac Muscle Cell Transplantation in Rats

Heterotopic heart transplantation in rats has been a commonly used model for diverse immunological studies for more than 50 years. Several modifications have been reported since the first description in 1964. After 30 years of performing heterotopic heart transplantation in rats, we have developed a simplified surgical approach, which can be easily taught and performed without further surgical training or background.
After dissection of the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery and ligation of superior and inferior caval and pulmonary veins, the donor heart is harvested and subsequently perfused with ice-cold saline solution supplemented with heparin. After clamping and incising the recipient abdominal vessels, the donor ascending aorta and pulmonary artery are anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava, respectively, using continuous running sutures.
Depending on different donor-recipient combinations, this model allows analyses of either acute or chronic rejection of allografts. The immunological significance of this model is further enhanced by a novel approach of in-ear injection of vital cardiac muscle cells and subsequent analysis of draining cervical lymphatic tissue.

We describe a model of heterotopic abdominal heart transplantation in rats, implying modifications of current strategies, which lead to a simplified surgical approach. Additionally, we describe a novel rejection model by in-ear injection of vital cardiac muscle cells, allowing further transplant immunological analyses in rats.

Heterotopic heart transplantation in rats has been a commonly used model for diverse immunological studies for more than 50 years. Several modifications ...

Immunology and Infection

Optimization of the Cuff Technique for Murine Heart Transplantation

Murine cardiac transplantation has been performed for more than 40 years. With advancements in microsurgery, certain new techniques have been used to improve surgical efficiency. In our lab, we have optimized the cuff technique with two major steps. First, we used the inner tube technique to insert a temporary inner tube into the external jugular vein and carotid artery blood vessel to facilitate eversion of the vessel over the cuff. Second, we performed complete heterotopic cardiac transplantation through the collaboration of two experienced surgeons. These modifications effectively reduced the operation time to 25 minutes, with a success rate of 95%. In this report, we describe these procedures in detail and provide a supplemental video. We believe that this report on the improved cuff technique will offer practical guidance for murine heterotopic heart transplantation and will enhance the utility of this mouse model for basic research.

We introduce an inner tube approach to the cuff technique for mouse cervical heterotopic heart transplantation to help evert the vessel over the cuff. We found that cooperation between two experienced surgeons markedly shortens the operation time.

Murine cardiac transplantation has been performed for more than 40 years. With advancements in microsurgery, certain new techniques have been used to ...

A Pre-Clinical Porcine Model of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Fifty-years following the first successful report, cardiac transplantation remains the gold-standard treatment for eligible patients with advanced heart failure. Multiple small-animal models of heart transplantation have been used to study the acute and long-term effects of novel therapies. However, few are tested and demonstrated success in clinical trials. It is of critical importance to evaluate new therapies in a clinically relevant large-animal model for efficient and reliable translation of basic studies&#39;&#160;findings. Here, we describe a pre-clinical large-animal (porcine) model of orthotopic heart transplantation that has been firmly established and previously used to investigate novel cardioprotective strategies. This procedure focuses on acute ischemia-reperfusion injury and is a reliable method to investigate novel interventions which have been tested and validated in smaller experimental models, such as the murine model. We demonstrate its usefulness in assessing cardiac performance during the early post-transplantation period and other potential possibilities enabled by the model.

Here, we describe a pre-clinical large-animal (porcine) model of orthotopic heart transplantation that has been firmly established and utilized to investigate novel cardioprotective strategies.

Fifty-years following the first successful report, cardiac transplantation remains the gold-standard treatment for eligible patients with advanced heart ...

Mouse Heterotopic Cervical Cardiac Transplantation Utilizing Vascular Cuffs

Murine models of cardiac transplantation are frequently utilized to study ischemia-reperfusion injury, innate and adaptive immune responses after transplantation, and the impact of immunomodulatory therapies on graft rejection. Heterotopic cervical heart transplantation in mice was first described in 1991 using sutured anastomoses and subsequently modified to include cuff techniques. This modification allowed for improved success rates, and since then, there have been multiple reports that have proposed further technical improvements. However, translation into more widespread utilization remains limited due to the technical difficulty associated with graft anastomoses, which requires precision to achieve adequate length and caliber of the cuffs to avoid vascular anastomotic twisting or excessive tension, which can result in damage to the graft. The present protocol describes a modified technique for performing heterotopic cervical cardiac transplantation in mice which involves cuff placement on the recipient's common carotid artery and the donor's pulmonary artery in alignment with the direction of the blood flow.

Mouse cardiac transplantation models represent valuable research tools for studying transplantation immunology. The present protocol details mouse heterotopic cervical cardiac transplantation that involves the placement of cuffs on the recipient's common carotid artery and the donor's pulmonary artery trunk to allow for laminar blood flow.

Murine models of cardiac transplantation are frequently utilized to study ischemia-reperfusion injury, innate and adaptive immune responses after ...

Blood Circuit Reconstruction in an Abdominal Mouse Heart Transplantation Model

The surgical technique of heterotopic abdominal heart transplantation in mice is a standard model for research in transplantation immunology. Here, the established technique for a modified blood circuit reconstruction in a heterotopic abdominal heart transplantation model is presented. This method uses the intrathoracic inferior vena cava (IIVC) instead of the pulmonary artery of the donor heart for the anastomosis to the inferior vena cava of the recipient. It is facilitating and improving success rates for abdominal heart transplantation in mice.

A novel technique for blood circuit reconstruction in a heterotopic abdominal mouse heart transplantation model is demonstrated.

The surgical technique of heterotopic abdominal heart transplantation in mice is a standard model for research in transplantation immunology. Here, the ...