A new technique of partial auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation

A description is given of a new technique for partial heterotopic liver transplantation carried out in canine and porcine models. This simple technique can be carried out without the complications of orthotopic liver transplantation because of the nature of the vascular anastomosis. The construction of a long side-to-side anastomosis between the inferior caval vein of the receiver and the inferior caval vein of the graft provides a free and unimpeded outflow from the graft and prevents kinking at the anastomotic site.