Auxiliary liver perfusion in the pig. Effect of ischaemically damaged livers on recipient animals

Liver function in the pig. 1. The effects of 30 minutes' normothermic ischaemia

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 of 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 acid/base status and potassium levels after 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 1 hour. Bile flow ceased during inflow occlusion and resumed 15 minutes after the release of the clamps.