Evaluation of a novel system for hypothermic oxygenated pulsatile perfusion preservation

Background: Recently, a novel innovative machine perfusion (MP) system for hypothermic oxygenated pulsatile perfusion called the Airdrive (AD) has been developed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological safety of the AD system for perfusion preservation of kidney grafts in a porcine autotransplantation model using the low-viscosity perfusion solution Polysol (PS) in comparison with cold storage (CS) using PS or the University of Wisconsin solution (UW). In addition, we evaluated real-time microcirculation parameters. At sacrifice, grafts were retrieved for histological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Methods: After assessment of the microcirculation, left kidneys were retrieved. Following the washout, kidneys were preserved for 20 hr using AD-PS, CS-PS or CS-UW. Thereafter, contralateral kidneys were removed followed by heterotopic autotransplantation of the preserved graft. Seven days after transplantation animals were sacrificed with retrieval of the grafts for histological analysis. Renal function, renal microcirculation and tissue injury including the proliferative response of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) were compared. Results: Preservation using AD-PS or CS-PS resulted in higher microcirculatory flow compared with CS-UW. Improved recovery of renal function was seen in the AD-PS and CS-PS groups compared with CS-UW. Structural integrity was better preserved using AD-PS compared with both CS groups. Proliferative response of TECs was higher in CS-UW preserved grafts compared to grafts preserved using AD-PS. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the biological safety of the AD system in a porcine autotransplantation model. Also, the microcirculation was better preserved and less morphological injury was observed after 20 hr MP compared with CS. (Int J Artif Organs 2009; 32: 728-38)