HEART
STUDIES
Comparison of HTK-Custodiol and St-Thomas solution as cardiac preservation solutions on early and midterm outcomes following heart transplantation (Dulguerov et al., 2024)
This 12-year retrospective study from Lausanne and Geneva (154 adult heart transplants) compared HTK-Custodiol versus St. Thomas solutions for myocardial protection and found that HTK-Custodiol significantly reduced inotropic requirements, rejection scores, and 30-day mortality while improving mid-term survival . Microscopic analysis revealed fewer ischemia-reperfusion lesions in the HTK-Custodiol group, leading the authors to conclude that HTK-Custodiol offers superior myocardial and endothelial protection, making it a preferred cardiac preservation solution for heart transplantation.
Histidine‑Tryptophan‑Ketoglutarate Solution for Donor Hearts (Mokbel et al., 2020)
In a single-centre cohort of 360 heart transplant recipients using HTK, the 1-/5-/10-year survival rates were 92.2%, 81.3% and 70.8%, which compared favorably with matched national data (91.6%, 80.3%, 62.0%). The study found a low rate of severe primary graft dysfunction (4.2%) and concluded that HTK is efficacious for donor heart preservation.
Redosing of Long acting Cardioplegic Solutions in Adult Cardiac Surgery(Gunaydin et al., 2023)
A single-center prospective study compared the effects of re-dosing Custodiol HTK and Del Nido cardioplegia on postoperative troponin levels and the incidence of atrial fibrillation. The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in troponin levels with Custodiol HTK compared to Del Nido, suggesting superior myocardial protection. Additionally, the study indicated that when either solution is used for the initial dose, subsequent re-dosing with an alternative cardioplegic solution yields comparable outcomes.
Comparison of Bretschneider HTK Cardioplegia Solution and Blood Cardioplegia in Terms of Postoperative Results in Patients who underwent Isolated Supracoronary Ascending Aortic Replacement. (Tunca et al., 2024)
This retrospective, single-center study analyzed outcomes over a 9-year period comparing Custodiol HTK and blood cardioplegia in patients undergoing type A aortic dissection repair. The results demonstrated a reduced need for inotropic support in the Custodiol HTK group. Based on these findings, the authors concluded that Custodiol HTK may offer superior myocardial protection compared to blood cardioplegia in the setting of complex aortic surgical repairs.
Comparative Efficacy of Long-acting Cardioplegic Solutions on Myocardial Protection via Mytochondrial Integrity and Viability. (Gunaydin, McCusker 2024)
Poster presentation at the STS Coronary Conference 2024 in Miami Fla. This was an in-vitro study comparing Custodiol HTK, Blood Cardioplegia and Del Nido focusing on the evaluation of mytochondrial funtionality and late apoptosis.Custodiol HTK yeilded 98% viability compared to Blood 92% and Del Nido 90%. Late Apoptosis was also superior in the Custodiol HTK 0.7% vs Blood 4.5% and Del Nido 5%.Custodiol HTK exhibited the most favorable mitochondrial preservation and the lowest rate of late apoptosis among the cardioplegic solutions studied, suggesting enhanced cellular protection under experimental conditions.
Efficacy of Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Solution Versus Blood Cardioplegia in Cardiac Surgical Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Parallel Group Study. (Ali et al., 2021)
Single-center randomized study (n=320): Custodiol HTK group had significantly shorter aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times. Additionally, they experienced reduced ventilation times, decreased need for inotropic support, and shorter ICU length of stay, suggesting enhanced myocardial protection and improved perioperative recovery associated with Custodiol HTK.
Comparative Efficacy of Long-Term Hypothermic Storage Solutions for Transplantation via Mitochondrial Integrity and Viability (Gunaydin, S. et al., 2025)
This experimental study compared the effects of Custodiol HTK, UW, and Celsior preservation solutions on endothelial cell mitochondrial viability under simulated ischemia/reperfusion conditions. While all three solutions provided comparable protection, Custodiol HTK demonstrated slightly superior preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting improved mitochondrial stability and potential cardioprotective benefits during organ storage.