A new method for rat accessory hepatic transplantation--the cervical approach

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Transplantation Biology
• Rat Models in Research

Background:

• Current accessory liver transplantation methods in rats demand extensive microsurgical skills and training.
• A simpler, more accessible technique is needed for research purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simplified method for arterialized accessory liver transplantation in rats.
• To evaluate the feasibility and utility of this technique for various liver research studies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cervical vessels for revascularization of the transplanted liver using a cuff technique.
• Performed anastomosis of the donor aorta to the right common carotid artery.
• Connected donor portal vein and inferior vena cava to the right external jugular vein.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 90% success rate in 30 procedures over 6 hours.
• Demonstrated normal structure and metabolic activity in cervically transplanted livers (CTLs) via histology and functional assays.
• CTLs exhibited normal bile flow, bilirubin concentration, membrane potential, and enzyme activity.

Conclusions:

• The cervical approach to arterialized accessory liver transplantation is a simple and effective method.
• This technique is suitable for research on liver preservation, reperfusion injury, regeneration, physiology, and toxicology.