Original Contribution: Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of Slaughterhouse Porcine Livers in Machine Perfusion
Ημερομηνία
2014Συγγραφέας
Izamis, Maria-LouisaEfstathiades, Andreas
Keravnou, Christina
Leen, Edward L.
AVERKIOU, MICHALAKIS A.
Source
Ultrasound in medicine & biologyVolume
40Pages
2217-2230Google Scholar check
Metadata
Εμφάνιση πλήρους εγγραφήςΕπιτομή
The aim of this study was to enable investigations into novel imaging and surgical techniques by developing a readily accessible, versatile liver machine perfusion system. Slaughterhouse pig livers were used, and dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound was introduced to optimize the procurement process and provide real-time perfusion monitoring. The system comprised a single pump, oxygenator, bubble trap and two flowmeters for pressure-controlled perfusion of the vessels using an off-the-shelf perfusate at room temperature. Successful livers exhibited homogeneous perfusion in both the portal vein and hepatic artery with dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound, which correlated with stable oxygen uptake, bile production and hepatic resistance and normal histology at the end of 3 h of perfusion. Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound revealed perfusion abnormalities invisible to the naked eye, thereby providing context to the otherwise systemic biochemical/hemodynamic measurements and focal biopsy findings. The model developed here is a simple, cost-effective approach for stable ex vivo whole-organ machine perfusion.