Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and methods for maintaining and monitoring an excised donor heart. The apparatus comprises a first component for receiving and submerging therein an excised heart in a constantly circulating perfusate solution and a second component comprising equipment for adjusting the temperature and oxygen content of the perfusate solution. The first component comprises an integral pair of defibrillating pads. A first conduit infrastructure interconnects the first module, the second module and an aorta of the excised donor heart pushing a perfusion solution from the first module through the second module into the aorta. The second conduit infrastructure connects the first module with the right atrium and the left atrium for pushing the perfusion solution from the first module into the atria. The third conduit infrastructure connects the first module with the pulmonary artery and provides an after pressure to the flow of the perfusion solution from the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and methods for receiving, perfusing and maintaining and assessing excised donor heart physiological functionality, The system generally comprises an apparatus for receiving and holding an excised heart that is interconnected with: (i) a perfusate-processing system, (ii) a bidirectional perfusate pumping system, (in) flow sensors for monitoring the flow of perfusate to and from an installed heart's aorta, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, and vena cava, (iv) an ECG apparatus interconnectable with the installed heart, and (v) probes interconnecting the installed heart with instruments for monitoring the heart's physiogical functionality using load independent indices and load dependent indices.

Abstract: An oxygenated cardioplegic composition for immediate reperfusion of a donor heart after its procurement. The composition comprises an adenosine-lidocaine mixture for causing immediate cessation of the heart's systolic function upon contact; a normokalemic concentration of potassium ions; a concentration of Ca2+ ions selected to maintain the intracellular level of Ca2+ ions in the harvested heart muscle cells at about 10?4 mmol/L; and a pH of 6.9. The oxygenated cardioplegic composition is pre-warmed to about 35° C. and then used for immediate reperfusion of a donor heart for at least three minutes after its procurement.

Abstract: The use of CT-1, bioactive fragments thereof and mimetics thereof in promoting wound healing is described herein.