ELECTRICAL-IMPEDANCE FOR ASSESSMENT OF IS CHEMIC DAMAGE TO THE HUMAN LIVER PRIOR TO LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION

In 22 human donor livers the measurement of the non-invasive bioelectr ical impedance was performed prospectively to evaluate the degree of t issue damage sustained during cold ischemia. The results of the measur ement were correlated with liver function, the method of organ preserv ation and the period of ischemia. The impedance was measured in vivo a s 620 ohm (at 192 Hz), the phase angle as -7.4-degrees (at 5 kHz). The results were compared with the data obtained from 72 patients who und erwent elective laparotomies. The 22 donor livers were studied further during ischemia. The method was found to be a reliable way of detecti ng severe damage to the hepatocytes during the cold ischemia.