Mechanical Tissue Resuscitation Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Background and Aim Reperfusion injury is a complex inflammatory response involving numerous mechanisms and pathways. Mechanical tissue resuscitation is a newly described therapeutic strategy that reduces reperfusion injury. This study further investigates potential mechanisms for the protective effects of mechanical tissue resuscitation while utilizing a bio‐absorbable matrix. Methods Anesthetized swine were subjected to 80 minutes of coronary ischemia and three hours of reperfusion. An absorbable matrix was used to cover the ischemic‐reperfused myocardium and apply the mechanical tissue resuscitation (−50 mmHg) throughout reperfusion. Infarct size, myocardial blood flow (microspheres), apoptosis, edema, and hemodynamics were analyzed. Results Both control and treated groups displayed similar hemodynamics and physiologic parameters. Mechanical tissue resuscitation significantly reduced early infarct size (16.6 ± 3.8% vs. 27.3 ± 2.5% of area at risk, p