title: From vascular corrosion cast to electrical analog model for the study of human liver hemodynamics and perfusion.
abstract: Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) is experiencing a revival in organ preservation due to the limitations of static cold storage and the need for better preservation of expanded criteria donor organs. For livers, perfusion protocols are still poorly defined, and damage of sinusoidal endothelial cells and heterogeneous perfusion are concerns. In this study, an electrical model of the human liver blood circulation is developed to enlighten internal pressure and flow distributions during HMP. Detailed vascular data on two human livers, obtained by combining vascular corrosion casting, micro-CT-imaging and image processing, were used to set up the electrical model. Anatomical data could be measured up to 5--6 vessel generations in each tree and showed exponential trend lines, used to predict data for higher generations. Simulated flow and pressure were in accordance with literature data. The model was able to simulate effects of pressure-driven HMP on liver hemodynamics and reproduced observations such as flow competition between the hepatic artery and portal vein. Our simulations further indicate that, from a pure biomechanical (shear stress) standpoint, HMP with low pressures should not result in organ damage, and that fluid viscosity has no effect on the shear stress experienced by the liver microcirculation in pressure-driven HMP.
authors: Biofluid, Tissue and Solid Mechanics for Medical Applications, Institute Biomedical Technology, Ghent University, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. charlotte.debbaut@ugent.be
authors: Charlotte
authors: C
authors: Debbaut
authors: Diethard
authors: D
authors: Monbaliu
authors: Christophe
authors: C
authors: Casteleyn
authors: Pieter
authors: P
authors: Cornillie
authors: Denis
authors: D
authors: Van Loo
authors: Bert
authors: B
authors: Masschaele
authors: Jacques
authors: J
authors: Pirenne
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Simoens
authors: Luc
authors: L
authors: Van Hoorebeke
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Segers
mesh_terms: D003080:Cold Temperature; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006503:Hepatic Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009926:Organ Preservation; D010477:Perfusion / Q000379:methods*