The Journal of surgical research
-
Deceased cardiac donors (DCDs) have become a useful source of organs for liver transplantation; nevertheless, there are concerns about the longevity of these grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to resuscitate DCD porcine livers as a preclinical model using hepatocyte isolation and viability as a marker to assess whole-graft preservation. ⋯ This preclinical study suggests that ECMO is a viable technique for liver preservation that gives an improved yield of hepatocytes when isolated from a DCD liver, suggesting improved liver preservation.