Effects of preliminary normothermic flushing on hypothermic renal preservation

Flushing of harvested kidneys with hypothermic perfusates is presumed to cause inappropriate circulation due to vasospasm. Effects of initial normothermic flushing prior to hypothermic flushing and cold preservation were tested in canine kidneys. Analysis of the perfusion characteristics revealed that a brief initial flushing with solutions at 37 degrees C. eliminates vasoconstriction and even facilitates subsequent hypothermic flushing. In amounts not exceeding 100 cc. it was not deleterious to transplant function. Larger volumes of normothermic flushing were proved to cause endothelial injury and resulted in poor transplant survival.