[A new organ perfusion system: Successful preservation of kidney function for 72 hrs (author's transl)]

A new preservation system is described. In this unit 17 dog kidneys were nonpulsatile perfused with hypothermic human albumin for 72 hrs and then transplanted. All kidneys started immediately to function and the PAH and inulin clearances attained normal values at least at the 7th postoperative day. The quality of the immediate function is referred to the applied perfusion pressure (20 mm Hg) and the applied temperature of the perfusion medium (7.5 degrees C). During preservation substrate utilization (oxygen, unesterified fatty acids) and the accumulation of toxic metabolic products (ammonia, uric acid) were controlled in the perfusate. Their importance concerning to the limitation of preservation time is discussed.