An evaluation of perfusion constituents in liver preservation.

Abstract

A technique has been presented (1) which, if used in the optimum way, always permitted successful preservation of dog livers for 8 to 9.5 hr. and often for as long as 24 hr. The test system involved orthotopic transplantation to mongrel recipients. The best preservation technique was with a combination of hypothermia (4° C.), hyperbaric oxygenation (40 pounds per square inch gauge), and perfusion (6 ml./gm. tissue/hour.) with diluted blood. Exactly the same method has been used in the successful conservation of human livers which were transplanted orthotopically after a postmortem interval of more than 7 hr. (2, 3). However, the need for homologous fresh blood in the system was an inconvenience. Therefore, perfusates were evaluated in the present study which contained either plasma instead of whole blood or hemoglobin which was added to a balanced electrolyte solution containing low molecular weight dextran (LMDX).