Functional studies in 6 days successful preserved canine kidneys.

In 2 groups of 6 dogs each the right kidney was removed, flushed with Collins and then perfused in a Gambro preservation machine for 6 days. After this period the kidneys were reimplanted in the neck of the subsequently nephrectomized donor. The only difference in Group 2 was that halfway the 6-day hypothermic perfusion the kidneys were taken from the machine and perfused ex vivo for 3 hours by connections with the femoral vessels of the same donor dog. After implantation, only 1 dog from group 1 survived. All 6 dogs in group 2 survived. A low filtration fraction (less than 0.26) after implantation, measured 1 hour after implantation, correlated well with and predicted life sustaining kidney function. During the ex vivo perfusion in group 2, an improving proximal tubular secretion and water reabsorption was observed.