Anatomical considerations and surgical technique of porcine cardiac xenotransplantation

The availability of genetically modified pigs and a more thorough understanding of immunosuppression has reinvigorated interest in cardiac xenotransplantation. Despite the anatomical similarities between human and porcine hearts, certain subtle differences exist that deserve deliberation. Herein, we describe our experience with donor pig-heart procurement, as well as anatomical considerations and also detail the surgical technique for implantation in the human recipient.