Forty-eight hour liver preservation using an artificial blood substitute.

Forty-eight hour hypothermic continuous perfusion preservation was attempted using a perfusion technique with an artificial blood substitute, a pyridoxylated hemoglobin-polyoxyethylene conjugated solution (stabilized hemoglobin, PHP). After preservation each of the 10 canine livers was orthotopically transplanted. Postoperative graft function was estimated by parameters such as activated clotting time (ACT), bile excretion, consciousness level, survival period, histologic findings, and adenosine triphosphoric acid (ATP) content of the perfused liver. Four of ten livers displayed good function, with bile excreted immediately after revascularization, and animal survival for over 24 hr. Cellular structure of the liver was well maintained, although atrophy of the hepatocytes and swelling of the mitochondria were seen. PHP solution is therefore considered suitable as a perfusate for long-term liver preservation.