Abstract: Objective To study the feasibility of sustaining the viable status of a liver graft in at least 96 h by extracorporeal
perfusion using autologous blood. Methods Eight extracorporeal porcine liver perfusions using autologous blood were
performed, each for 96 h with hepatectomy, cold preservation, cannulation of vessels, and initiation of perfusion with
normothermic oxygenated porcine blood. The graft viability was assessed by metabolic, synthetic, hemodynamic, and
histologic parameters. Results After 96 h of normothermic, extracorporeal perfusion using autologous blood, the isolated livers
maintained normal physiological levels of pH and electrolytes with sustained hepatic protein synthesis (complement and
factor V) throughout the perfusion. Hemodynamic parameters maintained normal physiological ranges. Histological
inspection demonstrated good preservation of the liver with a good architectural integrity. Conclusion It is possible to sustain
the viable status of a liver graft within 96 h by extracorporeal perfusion using autologous blood.