Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

09:22
Method of Direct Segmental Intra-hepatic Delivery Using a Rat Liver Hilar Clamp Model
Published on: April 2, 2017
Total hepatic ischaemia in the Rhesus monkey
The British Journal of Surgery
|November 1, 1977
Summary
The maximum safe period for total liver ischemia in humans is unknown. In monkeys, liver ischemia causes potassium leakage, with critical levels only reached 2 hours after reperfusion following ischemia longer than 20 minutes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary surgery
- Transplantation surgery
- Trauma surgery
Background:
- Major hepatic trauma may necessitate temporary hepatic artery and portal vein occlusion.
- The safe duration of total hepatic ischemia in humans remains undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological effects of hepatic ischemia and reperfusion.
- To determine the safe time limit for hepatic ischemia in a primate model.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring potassium levels in hepatic veins during and after ischemia.
- Assessing systemic biochemical disturbances following varying periods of hepatic ischemia and subsequent revascularization in a monkey model.
Main Results:
- Ischemic liver tissue releases potassium, leading to elevated hepatic vein potassium levels peaking post-reperfusion.
- Significant systemic potassium levels and biochemical disturbances were observed only after 2 hours of reperfusion in animals subjected to over 20 minutes of ischemia.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic ischemia in monkeys leads to potassium release, but critical systemic levels are not immediately reached upon reperfusion.
- A hepatic ischemia duration exceeding 20 minutes may precede significant biochemical disturbances 2 hours post-reperfusion, suggesting a potential time threshold.

