An apparatus and a method for ex-vivo measurement of performance of a donor heart

An apparatus (1) for ex-vivo measurement of performance of a donor heart (2) has a heart holder (6) in a receptacle (7) for holding a human donor heart and a bag (17) for placement into a left ventricle of the heart. The bag has a bag interior space communicating with an interior space of a fluid tight, compressible and expandable container (19). The apparatus further includes a sensor (21) for measuring compression and expansion of the container. Using the apparatus, cardiac output can be measured by measuring expansion and contraction of the container. A method for ex-vivo measurement of performance of a donor heart is also described. The method may include controlling the preload and/or the afterload.