Técnica de preservaçäo de coraçöes através de perfusäo sob pressäo / Preservation of hearts by perfusion by pressure

Purpose - Development of method used to fix hearts in a reduced time, with preservation of their structures and characteristics. Methods - Fifty normal human hearts were fixed in a system with four reservoirs, a roller pump, PVC tubes and a plastic recipient. This system was used to maintain the continuous injection by pressure of formaldehyde solution, to the interior of the heart. Results - The fixation was satisfactory, préfixation time (13,93 ± 5,13 min) and fixation time (60,53 ± 12,50 min) were reduced related to previously utilized methods. Conclusion - The method was good, with decrease of fixation time and obtention of fixed hearts, with preservation of their structures and characteristics.