Basic System
The pig liver to be perfused is placed in a moist, thermostated chamber and perfused with blood through the portal vein under constant-flow conditions. A centrifugal pump with a gentle action on blood is employed to reduce hemolysis; it is controlled by an electronic controller (SCP) so that the apparatus can be operated under constant-flow conditions. The system can also operate under constant-pressure conditions. Flow control requires that the flow is measured by means of a flow probe (16N) and a flowmeter (TTFM). The pressure should also be measured to monitor the experiment. This requires a pressure transducer (P75) and a bridge amplifier (TAM). A suitable oxygenator is employed for oxygenating and warming the blood; it can be of a type used in human medicine, e.g. Terumo Capiox SX10®.
Components required
The following items are required for operating the apparatus:
• Thermostated moist chamber Type 869/2
• Circulating thermostat of approx. 3 liter capacity, distilled water and an anti-algal agent, e.g. Thermoklar
• Pump with electrical control. For blood we recommend a Pump Drive BVP-ZX with centrifugal pump head, see Pump Section A
• Servo Controller for Perfusion (SCP) Type 704, see page K12
• Flowmeter (TTFM) with flow probe (16N), see pages J6 and J7
• Recommended: pressure transducer (P75), see page J3 and bridge amplifier (TAM-D), Section I of the Website
• Oxygenator with heat exchanger, e.g. Terumo Capiox SX10®
• Source of Carbogen for aeration. Central supply or Carbogen cylinder with pressure reducing valve
Additional monitoring equipment can be added to the system as required to create a custom, application specific, turn key system for your unique research needs.