Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Porcine Normothermic Isolated Liver Perfusion
Published on: June 9, 2023
[Feasibility of continuous extracorporeal normothermic liver perfusion using autologous blood: a study in pigs]
Kaimin Xiang1, Huaxu Yu, Jinzhong Yuan
1Department of General Surgery, Third Affiliated Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.E-mail: xkm8999@sina.com.
Objective:
To study the feasibility of sustaining the viable status of a liver graft in at least 96 h by extracorporeal perfusion using autologous blood.
Methods:
Eight extracorporeal porcine liver perfusions using autologous blood were performed, each for 96 h with hepatectomy, cold preservation, cannulation of vessels, and initiation of perfusion with normothermic oxygenated porcine blood. The graft viability was assessed by metabolic, synthetic, hemodynamic, and histologic parameters.
Results:
After 96 h of normothermic, extracorporeal perfusion using autologous blood, the isolated livers maintained normal physiological levels of pH and electrolytes with sustained hepatic protein synthesis (complement and factor V) throughout the perfusion. Hemodynamic parameters maintained normal physiological ranges. Histological inspection demonstrated good preservation of the liver with a good architectural integrity.
Conclusion:
It is possible to sustain the viable status of a liver graft within 96 h by extracorporeal perfusion using autologous blood.
