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In view of applying an experimental method of transplantation of the liver (of the heterotopic type) within the possibilities of the team, and that could be applied in humans, experiments were performed in both pigs and dogs. Details of this procedure are presented, as well as the factors that could lead to a successful completion of the experiment. The results obtained by the authors have improved in parallel with the standardization of the technique and the skill of the team.

In view of providing hepatic assistance, and for conservation aims in attempts at transplantation conditions have been investigated for achieving extracorporeal normothermal perfusion of the liver isolated from pig and dog. A total of 33 experiments have been performed. The preparations and the devices used allow to apply the method in a patient only after stabilisation of the perfusion, and frees the medical team from a series of technical problems. The duration and the quality of the perfusion are especially influenced by the collecting technique. In the dog the liver should be removed 3--5 hours, and in the pig 7--8 hours before perfusion is started. The functional condition of the liver can be assessed at 45 minutes after the start of the perfusion by evaluating the following criteria: the macroscopic aspect of the liver, the blood flow, the biliary flow, the ascitis fluid, TGP and oxygen consumption. Adequate installations and a permanent involvement of the laboratory team are essential conditions for the application of this method to the treatment of acute severe hepatic failure.