title: Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound of slaughterhouse porcine livers in machine perfusion.
abstract: The aim of this study was to enable investigations into novel imaging and surgical techniques by developing a readily accessible, versatile liver machine perfusion system. Slaughterhouse pig livers were used, and dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound was introduced to optimize the procurement process and provide real-time perfusion monitoring. The system comprised a single pump, oxygenator, bubble trap and two flowmeters for pressure-controlled perfusion of the vessels using an off-the-shelf perfusate at room temperature. Successful livers exhibited homogeneous perfusion in both the portal vein and hepatic artery with dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound, which correlated with stable oxygen uptake, bile production and hepatic resistance and normal histology at the end of 3 h of perfusion. Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound revealed perfusion abnormalities invisible to the naked eye, thereby providing context to the otherwise systemic biochemical/hemodynamic measurements and focal biopsy findings. The model developed here is a simple, cost-effective approach for stable ex vivo whole-organ machine perfusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
authors.forename: Maria-Louisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Izamis
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Efstathiades
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keravnou
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Edward L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Leen
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus. Electronic address: Maverk@ucy.ac.cy.
authors.forename: Michalakis A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Averkiou
mesh_terms: D000003:Abattoirs; D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D010477:Perfusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Abattoir; Hepatic; Imaging