Standardized intensive care unit management in an anhepatic pig model: new standards for analyzing liver support systems.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Several anhepatic pig models were developed in the past. Most models suffer from short anhepatic survival times due to insufficient postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) management. The aim of this study was to analyze anhepatic survival time under standardized intensive care therapy in a pig model.

Methods

Eight pigs underwent total hepatectomy after Y-graft interposition between the infrahepatic vena cava and the portal vein to the suprahepatic vena cava. An intracranial probe was inserted for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Animals received pressure-controlled ventilation under deep narcosis. Vital parameters were continuously recorded. Urinary output, blood gas analysis, haemoglobin, hematocrit, serum electrolytes, lactate, and glucose were monitor

SUBMITTER: Thiel C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2945114 | biostudies-literature | 2010

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature