A preparation was developed in the pig in which transhepatic samples could be taken, and the duration for which the pig liver would tolerate ischaemia was studied. Total occlusion of the hepatic artery, portal vein and inferior Venn cava was caused after studies o j the effects of occlusion of the portal vein or the vena cava alone. Adequate splanchnic decompression was provided by a splenojugular bypass.Reversible changes were noted in the acidlbase status and potassium levels ajter ischaemia. Aspartate transaminase (SGOT) levels rose and remained elevated during the hour of study following occlusion. Alkaline phosphatase and glucose levels changed but remained within normal laboratory limits, although there appeared to be a release of glucose from the hepatic veins after occlusion. Portal pressure increased reversibly after ischaemia and returned to normal within I hour. Bile pow ceased during inflow occlusion and resumed I S minutes after the release of the clamps.Survival rates in animals which had undergone ischaemin were the same as those in control animals. The conclusion is drawn that the pig will tolerate hepatic inflow occlusion for 30 minutes with reversible changes and no decrease in survival.

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