Publication
Title
From vascular corrosion cast to electrical analog model for the study of human liver hemodynamics and perfusion
Author
Abstract
Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) is experiencing a revival in organ preservation due to the limitations of static cold storage and the need for better preservation of expanded criteria donor organs. For livers, perfusion protocols are still poorly defined, and damage of sinusoidal endothelial cells and heterogeneous perfusion are concerns. In this study, an electrical model of the human liver blood circulation is developed to enlighten internal pressure and flow distributions during HMP. Detailed vascular data on two human livers, obtained by combining vascular corrosion casting, micro-CT-imaging and image processing, were used to set up the electrical model. Anatomical data could be measured up to 5-6 vessel generations in each tree and showed exponential trend lines, used to predict data for higher generations. Simulated flow and pressure were in accordance with literature data. The model was able to simulate effects of pressure-driven HMP on liver hemodynamics and reproduced observations such as flow competition between the hepatic artery and portal vein. Our simulations further indicate that, from a pure biomechanical (shear stress) standpoint, HMP with low pressures should not result in organ damage, and that fluid viscosity has no effect on the shear stress experienced by the liver microcirculation in pressure-driven HMP.
Language
English
Source (journal)
IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering / Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers [New York, N.Y.] - New York
Publication
New York : 2011
ISSN
0018-9294
DOI
10.1109/TBME.2010.2065229
Volume/pages
58 (2011) , p. 25-35
ISI
000285515500005
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 11.04.2012
Last edited 23.01.2023
To cite this reference