Use of SherpaPak™ CTS for Organ Transportation During Heart Transplantation: National Outcomes from United Kingdom

Abstract

<h3>Purpose</h3> SherpaPak™ CTS is CE marked and FDA approved device for organ transportation during heart transplantation. This device maintains organ temperature between 4-8°C which is the recommended temperature range by ISHLT 2020 consensus statement¹ to prevent potential freezing damage. The aim of study was to analyse the clinical outcomes since its introduction in United Kingdom. <h3>Methods</h3> Donor hearts where SherpaPak™ was used for transportation between December 2019 to September 2021 were identified and data on donor and recipient demographics, transport parameters and short-term clinical outcomes were extracted from the UK Transplant Registry held by NHS Blood and Transplant. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 30 patients had heart transplantation using SherpaPak™ across the United Kingdom, including one heart-kidney transplant. The Manchester team did 16 implants, Harefield did 11 and Papworth did 3 implants using SherpaPak™ during the 22 month period. Donor median age was 31 years (range 17-53 years). Recipients median age was 50 years (range 19 - 61 years). 6 Recipients were on super-urgent, 20 on urgent and 4 on non-urgent waiting list for heart transplantation. Median ischemic time was 3.1 hours (range 1.8 - 7 hours). Post operative ECMO support was required in 4/30 (13%) patients. Median stay in intensive care was 9 days (range 3-59 days) and in hospital was 30 days (range 15-104 days). Two patients died within 30 days resulting in 30-day survival rate of 93% (95% CI: 75-98%), which is similar to published national 30-day survival of 91.5%.² <h3>Conclusion</h3> UK national results demonstrate that SherpaPak™ is a safe device for organ transportation during heart transplantation. Further experience is needed to understand potential benefits and costs effectiveness.