Techniques of orthotopic liver transplantation in rats

Objective To establish a reliable rat model of orthotopic liver transplantation and discuss its operating techniques.Methods The model was established with modified double-cuff method.The liver of donor was perfused through the abdominal aorta with cold fluid.The anastomosis of the suprahepatic vena cave(SVC) was sutured end-to-end with 6-0 nylon line,and the continuity of infrahepatic vena cave(IVC) and portal vein(PV) were connected by means of cuff techniques respectively.The bile duct anastomosis was linked by internal stent.Results One hundred and forty cases of rat orthotopic liver transplantations were performed.The mean time of anhepatic phase was 11 minutes.The 24 hours and 1 week survival rates were 97% and 95%,respectively.Conclusion Our modified double-cuff method has the character of limited anhepatic phase,long survival rates and is convenient and easy to repeat.It is an ideal model.Skilled surgical techniques and shortening the anhepatic phase of recipient are the keys to animal survival.