Total devascularization of the Liver: an experimental model of acute liver failure.

An experimental model of clinical liver failure, using total devascularization of the liver is described in the pit. The survival time was 1495 +/- 75 (SEM) minutes. Clinically the pigs showed a uniform course. They became lethargic after eight to ten hours and following a period of increasing drowsiness they became comatose. The immediate cause of death was cardio-vasculary collaps. The ammonium ion concentration in the blood increased to 696 +/- 57 umol/l and in cerebrospinal fluid to 664 +/- 57 umol/l. Cerebrospinal fluid glucose concentration was significantly decreased.