Trickle Perfusion for Organ Preservation

Abstract

THE two most successful methods of preserving canine kidneys are those described by Collins et al.¹ and Belzer et al.². In the Collins system, which is extremely simple, the organ is flushed with a solution (“Collins C4”) similar to intracellular fluid with a high potassium, phosphate and magnesium content. This solution is left in the kidney stored at 4° C, which will function well when re-implanted after 24 h. It is essential, however, that there should be no warm ischaemic damage to the kidney³. In Collins's experiments, the animals were very carefully maintained so that the kidneys were not maltreated until they were removed and rapidly cooled.