New possibilities for testing direct arterial liver perfusion after liver transplantation

The aim of the study was to show new promising possibilities of direct perfusion test for the transplanted liver.

Materials and methods. We have performed 246 liver transplantations (1998–2020). Since 2015 arterial complications were detected in 24 (23%) patients after 105 transplantations complicated by liver hypoperfusion: splenic artery steal syndrome (n = 8), hepatic artery thrombosis (n = 7), combination of hepatic artery stenosis and steal syndrome (n = 6), hepatic artery stenosis (n = 3). Endovascular interventions were performed in these cases for revascularization. Direct perfusion test was performed in 8 patients.

Results. The liver perfusion index increased from 0.27 (0.13–0.45) to 0.62 (0.33–0.89) after endovascular procedures. Sufficient perfusion was ≥0.65.

Conclusion. Direct liver perfusion test makes possible to identify and objectify graft blood supply, timely and adequate correction, and reduces the risk of developing biliary ischemic complications.

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