Effect of a hybrid liver support system on cardiopulmonary function in healthy pigs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a hybrid liver support system (LSS) on cardiopulmonary function in nine healthy pigs. A hybrid LSS containing primary pig hepatocytes was connected to fully alert animals. The extracorporeal blood flow was maintained between 200-240 ml/min using a roller pump. Continuous plasma flow through the hybrid LSS was 50-60 ml/min. Hemodynamic and pulmonary gas exchange parameters were compared 1 hour before and 1 hour after connection to as well as 1 hour before and 1 hour after disconnection from the hybrid LSS. The hybrid LSS did not influence significantly hemodynamics and pulmonary gas exchange in this group of healthy and awake pigs. It can be concluded that the used LSS did not cause a cardiopulmonary effect per se and should be evaluated further concerning its function as a liver support system in an animal model of acute hepatic failure.