Modified Technique for Heterotopic Heart Transplantation in Small Primates

Cardiac transplantation in small primates represents a unique model for investigating both xenograft and allograft rejection. This report describes our technique for heterotopic transplantation of cardiac grafts into the retroperitoneal iliac vessels of newborn baboons and small primates. Small primates tolerate this position better than either cervical or abdominal placement. (Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:258–60)