A SIMPLE METHOD FOR SHORT-TERM PRESERVATION OF A LIVER HOMOGRAFT1

Abstract

SUMMARY A simple and clinically applicable method for the preservation of a liver homograft for 3-3½ hr is described. Simple cooling and flushing of the liver in situ ensure a tolerable ischemic period of 60-90 min. Introduction of a preservation fluid (plasma-bicarbonate-glu-cose-procaine) extends the tolerable ischemic period to 180-210 min, thus making clinical application possible. Preserved livers were tested by heterotopic nonauxiliary transplantation in the dog; in man, the method was successfully used in 4 orthotopic liver transplantations.