The use of ex-vivo liver perfusion circuit in sheep model: Preliminary report

Saudi Med J. 2021 Dec;42(12):1289-1295. doi: 10.15537/smj.2021.42.12.20210054.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe a novel animal model for ex-vivo liver perfusion.

Methods: This study was carried out at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September 2016 and January 2019. We assembled a perfusion circuit operated by a continuous pressure-driven arterial pump with continuous portal and arterial pressure and volume measurements. We used normothermic oxygenated perfusate. The livers used were retrieved from the sheep.

Results: Ex-vivo continuous perfusion of the liver was achieved for up to 9 hours with stable pressure and volume in both hepatic artery and portal vein. In 4 experiments the arterial pressure was kept in a range of 48-52 mmHg with a mean of 51.75±4.31 resulting in arterial volume at steady state of 223.5±48.25 ml/minute (95% confidence level). At steady state the mean portal pressure was 16.25±1.45 mmHg with a mean volume of 854±313.75 ml/minute (95% confidence level). Bile production was observed during the perfusion period. Hemodynamic parameters were similar to the physiological parameters observed in normothermic perfusion model of the porcine liver.

Conclusion: A normothermic oxygenated ex-vivo perfusion circuit was successfully constructed using the sheep liver. A sustainable functional circuit with physiological hemodynamic parameters was achieved. Further study on sheep model seems to be feasible.

Keywords: animal handling; hepatic flow; machine perfusion; organ preservation; porcine liver.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Liver
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Perfusion
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sheep
  • Swine