Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
12:27
Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt
Published on: May 7, 2015
Systemic hemodynamic and cardiac function changes in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation
1Pulmonary/Critical Care Division, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond.
Chest
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) leads to increased systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and decreased cardiac output (CO) in the 96 hours post-surgery. These hemodynamic changes correlate with improved liver function but not long-term survival.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Transplantation Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a complex procedure for end-stage liver disease (ESLD).
- Post-operative hemodynamic and organ function monitoring is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess hemodynamic and cardiac function changes within 96 hours post-OLT.
- To correlate these changes with hepatic and renal function and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Hemodynamic monitoring (SVR, CO, SBP, PAP, PWP) via right heart catheter and arterial cannula in 21 OLT patients.
- Daily assessment of liver and renal function, serum calcium, albumin, and fluid balance.
Main Results:
- Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) significantly increased post-OLT, while cardiac output (CO) progressively fell.
- Pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) also increased significantly post-operatively.
- Improved liver function tests (bilirubin, PT, PTT) and increased bile flow were observed, paralleling hemodynamic shifts.
Conclusions:
- Successful OLT is characterized by increased SVR and decreased CO, correlating with improved liver function.
- Hemodynamic improvements post-OLT do not appear to correlate with long-term patient survival.
