System for study of global uni-or bi-ventricular function of an explanted, reperfused heart

A system for studying a beating explanted heart comprising:

• a fluid inflow circuit configured for coupling to an explanted heart to direct fluid for flowing into a ventricle of the heart;
• a fluid outflow circuit configured for coupling to an explanted heart to direct fluid flowing out of the ventricle of the beating heart;
• a collection apparatus configured for capturing fluid which may leak from the beating explanted heart, the collection apparatus comprising;
• a flexible bag configured to surround the heart and collect leaking fluid;
• a bath of fluid surrounding the bag to provide an outer pressure on the bag and heart therein to counteract fluid pressure inside of the heart.

A method for studying a beating explanted heart comprising:

• directing, with an inflow circuit, a fluid for flowing into a ventricle of the heart;
• directing, with an outflow circuit, a fluid flowing out of the ventricle;
• measuring the inflow rate of fluid which will flow into the heart ventricle;
• measuring the outflow rate of fluid out of the heart ventricle;
• converting the inflow and outflow rates into incremental volume changes in the volume of the heart ventricle and adding and subtracting the incremental volume changes from a relative volume of the heart ventricle to study volume changes in the explanted heart while it is beating.

A method for studying a beating explanted heart comprising:

• directing, with an inflow circuit, fluid for flowing into a ventricle of the heart;
• directing, with an outflow circuit, fluid flowing out of the ventricle;
• capturing fluid, which may leak from the beating explanted heart, with a flexible collection apparatus configured to surround the heart;
• surrounding the collection apparatus and heart with a bath of fluid and thereby providing an outer pressure on the collection apparatus and heart therein to counteract fluid pressure inside of the heart.