A low-cost, small volume circuit for autologous blood normothermic perfusion of rabbit organs

Abstract

We have designed a laboratory extracorporeal normothermic blood perfusion system for whole organs (e.g., kidney) that achieves pulsatile flow, low levels of hemolysis, and a blood priming volume of 60mL or less. Using this uniquely designed extracorporeal circuit, we have achieved perfusion of two isolated ex vivo constructs. In the first experiment, we successfully perfused a rabbit epigastric flap based on the femoral vessels. In the second experiment, we were able to perfuse the isolated rabbit kidney for 48h (range for all kidneys was 12-48h) with excellent urine output, normal arterial blood gasses at 24h, and normal ex vivo kidney histology at the conclusion of the experiments. These p..