A Porcine Model for Investigation of Hyperthermic Isolated Liver Perfusion

Abstract

Our study was aimed at developing a reliable method of hyperthermic isolated liver perfusion (HILP) in pigs and at assessing its local and systemic side effects. HILP was performed via the hepatic artery and portal vein in 15 animals. The perfusate consisted of blood (200 ml), oxypolygelatine (500 ml), Ringer's solution (1000 ml), and trapped intrahepatic blood. HILP was carried out for 45 min at a mean perfusate inflow temperature of 41.2 degrees C. The mean portal flow and pressure were adjusted to 500 ml/min and 20-25 mm Hg; the mean arterial flow and pressure were 130 ml/min and 40-60 mm Hg, respectively. After 20 min of perfusion the mean temperature in the right and the left liver lobe were 40.8 degrees C and 40.3 degrees C and remained almost constant over the whole perfusion period. Liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and serum lactate levels showed slight increases after perfusion but normalized within 1 week. Histology of liver parenchyma showed only mild pathological changes, which were also reversible within 7 days. The presented method of HILP is a safe and reproducible technique for isolated hyperthermic liver perfusion. Based on this animal model, experimental HILP with different chemotherapeutic agents can be investigated in order to assess hepatic and systemic toxicity of this therapy.

Isolated Hyperthermic Liver Perfusion with High Dose Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Pigs: An Experimental Study in Preparation of Clinical Use

“…During the perfusion the intrahepatic temperature was monitored with two needle probes in the right and left liver lobe. The operative technique and perfusion technique have been described in detail elsewhere [14,15].…”

“…A total of 27 female pigs (German Landrace; mean weight 36 B 3.4 kg) were obtained from a local breeder. Hyperthermic isolated liver perfusions were performed via the hepatic artery and portal vein in a standardized operative procedure [14]. Total vascular isolation was ensured by complete mobilization of the liver.…”