EFFECT OF A HYBRID LIVER SUPPORT SYSTEM ON CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTION IN HEALTHY PIGS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a hybrid liver su pport system (LSS) on cardiopulmonary function in nine healthy pigs. A hybrid LSS containing primary pig hepatocytes was connected to fully alert animals. The extracorporeal blood flow was maintained between 20 0-240 ml/min using a roller pump. Continuous plasma flow through the h ybrid LSS was 50-60 ml/min. Hemodynamic and pulmonary gas exchange par ameters were compared 1 hour before and 1 hour after connection to as well as 1 hour before and 1 hour after disconnection from the hybrid L SS. The hybrid LSS did not influence significantly hemodynamics and pu lmonary gas exchange in this group of healthy and awake pigs. It can b e concluded that the used LSS did not cause a cardiopulmonary effect p er se and should be evaluated further concerning its function as a liv er support system in an animal model of acute hepatic failure.