Small animal ex vivo machine perfusion of the liver: A comprehensive literature review

Figure 1 Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses flow diagram of study selection.

Figure 2 Dual-vessel closed machine perfusion circuit. Perfusate is stored in the perfusate reservoir where the targeted temperature is achieved through tubing connected to the thermos unit (e.g., water bath). The perfusate is oxygenated via an oxygenator connected to a gas tank. Oxygenated perfusate, maintained at a specific temperature, is pumped through roller pumps controlled by flow and pressure regulators. Upon passing through the pumps, the perfusate goes through a heat exchanger and bubble traps before reaching its final destination: The portal vein and hepatic artery. Exiting the liver via the infrahepatic vena cava, the perfusate returns to the perfusate reservoir through tubing. The common bile duct is cannulated, and the catheter is connected to the tube for bile collection. HA: Hepatic artery; PV: Portal vein.

Figure 3 Single-vessel machine perfusion circuit. The liver is placed inside an organ chamber, which serves as a perfusate reservoir. The perfusate is oxygenated via an oxygenator, and the targeted temperature is achieved via a thermos unit. The perfusate from the organ chamber is then taken up by a roller pump, which is controlled by a flow and pressure controller. After passing through the roller pump, the perfusate goes through a bubble trap and into the portal vein. Upon perfusing the liver, the perfusate exits the liver freely via the vena cava. The common bile duct is cannulated, and the catheter is connected to the tube for bile collection. PV: Portal vein.