A new technique of orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat

Summary

Orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat is selected as a model for transplantation researches in a few countries in recent years, but the technique previously reported is difficult to master. Since 1981, we have been testing a new technique which differs from any so far reported mainly in the sequence of vascular anastomoses. At first, the portal veins are connected by using cuff technique before removal of the recipient’s liver and then the supra- and infrahepatic venae cavae are anastomosed. As a result, the clamping time of the portal vein and inferior vena cava are shortened to 13 and 14 minutes respectively, resulting in high postoperative survival rate.