[Extracorporeal liver perfusion in the treatment of liver failure]

An evaluation of therapeutic approaches in acute liver failure needs essentially experimental studies. Devascularization of the liver seems to be the superior form of liver damage induced by a variety of toxins. A perfusion circuit for extracorporeal pig liver perfusion was investigated. Oxygen utilization of the livers under experimental conditions proved to be the fastest and most reliable test of organ viability. In therapeutic use in devascularized pigs the survival time could be prolonged. Biochemical parameters were normalized or improved during a 2 hour perfusion. The method was of value in a 59 year old patient perfused for 9 1/2 hours with an isolated baboon liver. Controlled trials, however, seem to be necessary to evaluate each therapeutic method in acute liver failure in man.