[Measuring impedance for evaluating ischemia damage to the human liver in preparation for transplantation]

In 22 human donor livers the measurement of the non-invasive bioelectrical impedance was performed prospectively to evaluate the degree of tissue damage sustained during cold ischemia. The results of the measurement were correlated with liver function, the method of organ preservation and the period of ischemia. The impedance was measured in vivo as 620 ohm (at 192 Hz), the phase angle as -7.4 degrees (at 5 kHz). The results were compared with the data obtained from 72 patients who underwent elective laparotomies. The 22 donor livers were studied further during ischemia. The method was found to be a reliable way of detecting severe damage to the hepatocytes during the cold ischemia.