Technologies et recherche en matière de transplantation

Retrograde Oxygen Persufflation of Kidney: Experiment on an Animal

Abstract

Molacek J, Treska V, Opatrny V, Matejka R and Baxa

Objective: There is still a lack of organs for transplantation purposes. In the field of kidney and liver transplantation one of available solutions is the use of organs from so-called marginal donors. These donors can be e.g. non-heartbeating donors (NHBD). In these cases perfusion and preservation of organs intended for transplantation is generally more difficult. Retrograde oxygen persufflation (ROP) may be one of the possible solutions of this issue. This method is based on retrograde perfusion by oxygen through the renal vein thus reconditioning the organ.
Materials and methods: We have operated on 10 animals (porcine models). In all animals was simulated ischemic injury of right kidney. In Group A (N=5) were kidneys after explantation perfused with retrograde oxygen persufflation. In group B (N=5) were kidneys perfused intrarterialy like usually in clinical practice. After perfusion were all kidneys again transplanted to the same animal. Quality of graft restitution was evaluated by urea level taken from renal vein and by histopathological analysis after explantation.
Results: We have found no statistically significant differences between the groups A and B in urea levels after transplantation as wel as we have found no significant differences in quality of kidney parenchyma restoration in both groups.
Conclusions: Retrograde oxygen persufflation is able to protect and restore kidney parenchyma.