The effect of air embolism on renal preservation

Air embolism to the kidneys was induced in dogs during an ex vivo perfusion preservation period using cryoprecipitated plasma to demonstrate the effect of air embolism on the function of the preserved kidneys. A sharp decline in plasma flow rate was observed after air was infused, but the rate returned to the preembolism range in 60 minutes. Differences in posttransplant serum creatinine levels between the control and air embolism groups were not statistically significant. No deleterious effect was demonstrated on the final function of preserved kidneys by infusion of air. Three cadaver kidneys that accidentally sustained air embolism during the perfusion preservation period were transplanted. Although an initial period of acute tubular necrosis developed in these three kidneys, two kidneys regained good renal function and the third kidney was removed because of irreversible rejction. This study demonstrates that kidneys that sustain air embolism can be used for clinical transplantation.