Ex Vivo Perfusion for Accurate Assessment of Liver Graft Viability in Dogs

Abstract

A New type of ex vivo liver perfusion model (E VPM) was developed. The system includes a physiological porto-portal connection, using a centrifugal pump and an aorto-aortal connection, through a heparin-coated tube. Ten pairs of mongrel dogs, weighing 13–20 kg, were used. Grafts of the liver procured from donors were perfused on the EVPM for 3 h. These grafts were divided into two groups: group A (n = 5), nonpreserved graft; group B (n = 5), 8-h graft preserved with lactated Ringer's solution (4°C). The orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) series with the nonpreserved graft was reviewed, and dogs surviving for over 7 days following OL Tx, group C (n = 5), were selected for liver grafts in the actual OL Tx. In comparison with groups A and C, no difference was noted among enzyme levels (sGOT sGPT, LDH) or in the recovery rate of A TP content in the graft liver tissue after revascularization. There were significant differences between group A and group B after revascularization. This simple and physiological EVPM accurately reflects graft function and hemodynamics in the actual OLTx. Graft viability, as a substitute for OLTx, in large animals can be reliably assessed. This EVPM is expected to contribute to research on events related to liver transplantation.

Key Words:

• Liver transplantation
• ex vivo perfusion
• graft viability