| abstract |
Apparatus and methods of operation of apparatus for the extracorporeal perfusion of organs are provided which support viability and function of an organ such as a liver, generally outside the body. Blood is supplied as described herein to an organ such as a liver under physiological pressure but without forcing blood flow at any particular rate such that the organ is allowed to auto-regulate blood flow. This allows for organ preservation or resuscitation prior to transplantation, maintenance of organs for use in experimental study of isolated liver physiology, and treatment of patients suffering from organ failure. |