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Orthotopic Kidney Auto-Transplantation in a Porcine Model Using 24 Hours Organ Preservation And Continuous Telemetry
Published on: August 21, 2020
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A Proof-of-Concept Preclinical Study Using a Novel Thermal Insulation Device in a Porcine Kidney Auto-Transplantation
Lisa Ernst1, Zoltan Czigany2,3, Pascal Paschenda1
1Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52070 Aachen, Germany.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 26, 2022
Summary
A new thermal insulation bag (TIB) may reduce organ damage during transplantation by maintaining kidney temperature. This pilot study showed improved tissue compatibility and reduced inflammatory markers, suggesting potential benefits for transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Organ Preservation
Background:
- Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a significant challenge in organ transplantation.
- Rapid allograft rewarming during vascular reconstruction can exacerbate injury.
- Current methods for organ protection during transplantation are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel thermal insulation bag (TIB) for organ transplantation.
- To assess the insulation capacity, tissue compatibility, and usability of the TIB.
- To investigate the impact of the TIB on preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury in porcine kidneys.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo testing on 24 porcine kidneys to assess insulation and compatibility.
- In vivo auto-transplantation in 14 pigs, comparing TIB use versus no thermal protection.
- Analysis of inflammatory markers (CRP, pi-GST) and Syndecan-1 staining.
Main Results:
- The TIB demonstrated significant thermal capacity (p < 0.001) and usability.
- In vivo use showed significant differences in CRP and pi-GST levels.
- Syndecan-1 staining revealed significantly less epithelial damage in the TIB group (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- The novel TIB shows promise in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion injury during organ transplantation.
- Further studies are warranted, particularly for marginal organs or complex surgeries.
- The TIB may improve outcomes by maintaining graft temperature and reducing tissue damage.

