Sixteen‐Hour Ex Vivo Donor Heart Perfusion During Long‐Distance Transportation for Heart Transplantation

supported on the TAH for a total of 278 days prior to successful repeat HT.While awaiting a transplant, physical and occupational therapy were initiated, and he progressed to independent ambulation.An intensive aerobic and strength training protocol was initiated 8 months after TAH implantation.Aerobic interval training was introduced; 100 feet fast-paced walking followed by 100 feet slow walking.After 6 weeks, he progressed from 4 to 6 intervals, and the mean fast pace increased from 0.99 to 1.4 m/s.(Fig. 1) His 6 min walk test (6MWT) increased from 276.15 to 370.03 m during this time. DISCUSSIONWe present a case of successful physical rehabilitation in the smallest patient to-date to receive the 50 cc TAH as a bridge to HT.Our patient received ongoing, intensive inpatient physical rehabilitation with significant and functional improvement in his gait speeds and 6MWT.Physical rehabilitation can safely be performed in small patients supported with a TAH and can improve patient overall functional status prior to HT.