Brief Normothermic Machine Perfusion Rejuvenates Discarded Human Kidneys.

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) may allow resuscitation and improved assessment of kidneys before transplantation. Using discarded human kidneys, we investigated the mechanistic basis and translational potential of NMP compared with cold static storage (CS). METHODS: Discarded deceased donor kidneys (n = 15) underwent 1-hour NMP following CS. Renal perfusion, biochemical, and histologic parameters were recorded. NMP was directly compared with CS in paired donor kidneys using simulated transplantation with allogeneic whole blood, followed by assessment of the aforementioned parameters, in addition to RNA sequencing. RESULTS: Kidneys were successfully perfused, with improved renal blood flows and resistance over the course of perfusion, and evidence of urine output (median 21 mL), in all but one kidney. NMP completely resolved nonperfused regions in discarded donation after circulatory death kidneys. In paired kidneys (n = 4 pairs), transcriptomic analyses showed induction of stress and inflammatory pathways in NMP kidneys, with upregulation of pathways promoting cell survival and proliferation. Furthermore, the NMP pairs had significantly better renal perfusion (1.5-2 fold improvement) and functional parameters, and amelioration of cell death, oxidative stress, and complement activation. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot preclinical study using simulated transplantation of paired kidneys, NMP of discarded marginal kidneys demonstrated some significant mechanistic benefits in comparison to CS alone. NMP may have potential to reduce organ discards and enhance early graft function in such kidneys.

Aortic Versus Dual Perfusion for Retrieval of the Liver After Brain Death: A National Registry Analysis.

There is lack of consensus in the literature regarding the comparative efficacy of in situ aortic-only compared with dual (aortic and portal venous) perfusion for retrieval and transplantation of the liver. Recipient outcomes from the Australia/New Zealand Liver Transplant Registry (2007-2016), including patient and graft survival and causes of graft loss, were stratified by perfusion route. Subgroup analyses were conducted for higher-risk donors. A total of 1382 liver transplantation recipients were analyzed (957 aortic-only; 425 dual perfusion). There were no significant differences in 5-year graft and patient survivals between the aortic-only and dual cohorts (80.1% versus 84.6% and 82.6% versus 87.8%, respectively) or in the odds ratios of primary nonfunction, thrombotic graft loss, or graft loss secondary to biliary complications or acute rejection. When analyzing only higher-risk donors (n = 369), multivariate graft survival was significantly less in the aortic-only cohort (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.92). Overall, there was a trend toward improved outcomes when dual perfusion was used, which became significant when considering higher-risk donors alone. Inferences into the ideal perfusion technique in multiorgan procurement will require further investigation by way of a randomized controlled trial, and outcomes after the transplantation of other organs will also need to be considered.

Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Versus Conventional Laparoscopy for Kidney Transplant Procedures in a Human Cadaveric Model.

OBJECTIVES: There are increased reports that kidney transplant can be performed by laparoscopic surgery. The further development of this technique could revolutionize human kidney transplant surgery. However, laparoscopic kidney transplant demands a high level of skill for vascular anastomoses. The emerging technology of the three-dimensional, high-definition laparoscopic system may facilitate the application of this technique. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated this system in performing kidney transplant surgery versus the two-dimensional laparoscopic system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four fresh-frozen human cadavers were used in this study, with 2 for the 3-dimensional and 2 for the 2-dimensional system. Kidneys were retrieved by using the retroperitoneoscopic technique for living donor nephrectomy from the same cadaver. The kidney graft was transplanted at the right iliac fossa using a laparoscopic technique by extraperitoneal approach. The procedure was recorded, and the vessel anastomotic time was analyzed. RESULTS: Kidney transplant procedures were conducted successfully in the 3-dimensional, high-definition and the 2-dimensional groups. We recorded no significant differences in terms of vessel anastomotic time between the 2 groups. The total surgery time was shorter in the 3-dimensional, high-definition group than in the 2-dimensional group (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study reinforces that kidney transplant with either the 3-dimensional, high-definition or 2-dimensional laparoscopy is feasible in a human cadaveric model. The operation was the same as open kidney transplant, but the procedure was performed by a laparoscopic approach with a smaller incision.

In vivo release of the antimicrobial peptide hLF1-11 from calcium phosphate cement.

We studied the release of human lactoferrin 1-11 (hLF1-11), a potent antimicrobial peptide, in an animal model. Calcium phosphate cement with 50 mg/g hLF1-11 was injected into the femoral canal of 12 rabbits. One, 3, and 7 days later, four animals were terminated, and the femora excised. Sections of bone and cement were removed for histological analysis. We used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry for semiquantitative determination of the hLF1-11 concentration. Blood samples were drawn for leukocyte count and differentiation to identify a potential immunomodulating effect of hLF1-11. After an initial burst release, the hLF1-11 concentration in cement and bone decreased steadily. This in vivo release profile is consistent with earlier in vitro studies. Tissue ingrowth into the cement, without signs of inflammation or necrosis, was observed. Leukocytosis or a shift in leukocyte differentiation did not occur. The carrier released over 99% of the hLF1-11, resulting in peak concentrations at the cement-bone interface. This indicates that hLF1-11 could become a valuable prophylactic agent in osteomyelitis treatment.

Negative pressure wound therapy to treat peri-prosthetic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection after incisional herniorrhaphy. A case study and literature review.

The preferred treatment for incisional hernias occurring post laparotomy involves use of prosthetic mesh. If this mesh becomes infected, it may have to be removed to achieve wound healing. A patient with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected prosthetic mesh received negative pressure wound therapy to help facilitate healing without removing the prosthetic mesh applied to manage his hernia. After almost 4 weeks of treatment, the wound was closed secondarily. The literature contains many case studies about the use of NPWT for a variety of wounds but information about its safety and effectiveness for managing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected prosthetic mesh is limited. The results of this case study add to the evidence that controlled clinical studies are warranted.

Exclusion of a crural pseudoaneurysm with a PTFE-covered stent-graft.

PURPOSE: To describe the successful endovascular treatment of an iatrogenic anterior tibial artery pseudoaneurysm with a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent-graft. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with pseudoarthrosis and malunion of the right distal tibia. Fibulotomy and intramedullary fixation were performed, which was complicated by a pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery. Under local anesthesia, a 4x31-mm Symbiot covered stent was successfully placed over the origin of the pseudoaneurysm. At 12 months, the pseudoaneurysm remained excluded, and the anterior tibial artery was patent. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of a crural artery pseudoaneurysm seems to be a feasible treatment option. Further experience with this technique is needed to validate its safety and long-term patency.