The isolated perfused kidney: an in vitro test system for evaluation of renal tissue damage induced by high-energy shockwaves sources.

Most of our knowledge of shockwave-induced renal damage is based on animal experiments and clinical observation. We developed a tissue model using isolated porcine kidneys perfused with Berliner Blau dye in physiologic saline using a Ureteromat Perez-Castro peristaltic pump connected to the renal artery. Reproducible results were obtained under a variety of experimental conditions. Further refinements of the model might consist of interposition of tissue layers in the shockwave path or simulation of ventilatory movements.