The authors have no acknowledgements.

Rules governed by German legislation for animal studies as well as Principles of Laboratory Animal Care (National Institutes of Health publication ed. 8, 2011) were followed. Official permission is granted from the governmental animal care office (Landesamt f&#252;r Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz Nordrhein-Westfalen, Recklinghausen, Germany).
1. Animals
<ol>
	<li>Use female German landrace pigs (weighing 25-30 kg) housed in open cages.</li>
	<li>Use 5 animals per group (argon and helium...

<ol>
	<li>Link, W. J., Incropera, F. P., Glover, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+plasma+scalpel:+comparison+of+tissue+damage+and+wound+healing+with+electrosurgical+and+steel+scalpels.">A plasma scalpel: comparison of tissue damage and wound healing with electrosurgical and steel scalpels.</a> ArchSurg. 111, 392-397 (1976).</li><li>Kwon, A. H., Inui, H., Kamiyama, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Successful+laparoscopic+haemostasis+using+an+argon+beam+coagulator+for+blunt+traumatic+splenic+injury.">Successful laparoscopic haemostasis using an argon beam coagulator for blunt traumatic splenic injury.</a> EurJSurg. 167, 316-318 (2001).</li><li>Frilling, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effectiveness+of+a+new+carrier-bound+fibrin+sealant+versus+argon+beamer+as+haemostatic+agent+during+liver+resection:+a+randomised+prospective+trial.">Effectiveness of a new carrier-bound fibrin sealant versus argon beamer as haemostatic agent during liver resection: a randomised prospective trial.</a> Langenbecks ArchSurg. 390, 114-120 (2005).</li><li>Raiser, J., Zenker, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Argon+plasma+coagulation+for+open+surgical+and+endoscopic+applications:+state+of+the+art.">Argon plasma coagulation for open surgical and endoscopic applications: state of the art.</a> J Phys Appl Phys. 39 (16), 3520-3523 (2006).</li><li>Farin, G., Grund, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Technology+of+argon+plasma+coagulation+with+particular+regard+to+endoscopic+applications.">Technology of argon plasma coagulation with particular regard to endoscopic applications.</a> EndoscSurgAllied Technol. 2, 71-77 (1994).</li><li>Grund, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Argon+plasma+coagulation+(APC):+ballyhoo+or+breakthrough?.">Argon plasma coagulation (APC): ballyhoo or breakthrough?.</a> Endoscopy. 29, 196-198 (1997).</li><li>Glowka, T. R., Standop, J., Paschenda, P., Czaplik, M., Kalff, J. C., Tolba, R. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Argon+and+helium+plasma+coagulation+of+porcine+liver+tissue.">Argon and helium plasma coagulation of porcine liver tissue.</a> J Int Med Res. , (2017).</li><li>Dowling, R. D., Ochoa, J., Yousem, S. A., Peitzman, A., Udekwu, A. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Argon+beam+coagulation+is+superior+to+conventional+techniques+in+repair+of+experimental+splenic+injury.">Argon beam coagulation is superior to conventional techniques in repair of experimental splenic injury.</a> JTrauma. 31, 717-720 (1991).</li><li>Go, P. M., Goodman, G. R., Bruhn, E. W., Hunter, J. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+argon+beam+coagulator+provides+rapid+hemostasis+of+experimental+hepatic+and+splenic+hemorrhage+in+anticoagulated+dogs.">The argon beam coagulator provides rapid hemostasis of experimental hepatic and splenic hemorrhage in anticoagulated dogs.</a> JTrauma. 31, 1294-1300 (1991).</li><li>Brand, C. U., Blum, A., Schlegel, A., Farin, G., Garbe, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Application+of+argon+plasma+coagulation+in+skin+surgery.">Application of argon plasma coagulation in skin surgery.</a> Dermatology. 197, 152-157 (1998).</li><li>Carus, T., Rackebrandt, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Collateral+tissue+damage+by+several+types+of+coagulation+(monopolar,+bipolar,+cold+plasma+and+ultrasonic)+in+a+minimally+invasive,+perfused+liver+model.">Collateral tissue damage by several types of coagulation (monopolar, bipolar, cold plasma and ultrasonic) in a minimally invasive, perfused liver model.</a> ISRNSurg. , 518924 (2011).</li><li>Bludau, M., Vallbohmer, D., Gutschow, C., Holscher, A. H., Schroder, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantitative+measurement+of+gastric+mucosal+microcirculation+using+a+combined+laser+Doppler+flowmeter+and+spectrophotometer.">Quantitative measurement of gastric mucosal microcirculation using a combined laser Doppler flowmeter and spectrophotometer.</a> DisEsophagus. , (2008).</li><li>Beckert, S., Witte, M. B., Konigsrainer, A., Coerper, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+impact+of+the+Micro-Lightguide+O2C+for+the+quantification+of+tissue+ischemia+in+diabetic+foot+ulcers.">The impact of the Micro-Lightguide O2C for the quantification of tissue ischemia in diabetic foot ulcers.</a> Diabetes Care. 27, 2863-2867 (2004).</li><li>Erdogan, D., de Graaf, W., van Gulik, T. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adhesive+strength+of+fibrinogen-coated+collagen+patch+or+liquid+fibrin+sealant+in+an+experimental+liver+resection+model+in+pigs.">Adhesive strength of fibrinogen-coated collagen patch or liquid fibrin sealant in an experimental liver resection model in pigs.</a> Eur Surg Res Eur Chir Forsch Rech Chir Eur. 41 (3), 298-302 (2008).</li><li>Knobloch, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microcirculation+of+the+sternum+following+harvesting+of+the+left+internal+mammary+artery.">Microcirculation of the sternum following harvesting of the left internal mammary artery.</a> ThoracCardiovascSurg. 51, 255-259 (2003).</li><li>Kanzler, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recommendation+for+severity+assessment+following+liver+resection+and+liver+transplantation+in+rats:+Part+I.">Recommendation for severity assessment following liver resection and liver transplantation in rats: Part I.</a> Lab Anim. 50 (6), 459-467 (2016).</li><li>Pehb&#246;ck, D., Dietrich, H., Klima, G., Paal, P., Lindner, K. H., Wenzel, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anesthesia+in+swine+optimizing+a+laboratory+model+to+optimize+translational+research.">Anesthesia in swine optimizing a laboratory model to optimize translational research.</a> Anaesthesist. 64 (1), 65-70 (2015).</li><li>Nykonenko, A., V&#225;vra, P., Zon&#269;a, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anatomic+Peculiarities+of+Pig+and+Human+Liver.">Anatomic Peculiarities of Pig and Human Liver.</a> Exp Clin Transplant Off J Middle East Soc Organ Transplant. 15 (1), 21-26 (2017).</li><li>Fechner, G., von Pezold, J., Luzar, O., Hauser, S., Tolba, R. H., M&#252;ller, S. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modified+spectrometry+(O2C+device)+of+intraoperative+microperfusion+predicts+organ+function+after+kidney+transplantation:+a+pilot+study.">Modified spectrometry (O2C device) of intraoperative microperfusion predicts organ function after kidney transplantation: a pilot study.</a> Transplant Proc. 41 (9), 3575-3579 (2009).</li><li>Patterson, E. J., Scudamore, C. H., Owen, D. A., Nagy, A. G., Buczkowski, A. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Radiofrequency+ablation+of+porcine+liver+in+vivo:+effects+of+blood+flow+and+treatment+time+on+lesion+size.">Radiofrequency ablation of porcine liver in vivo: effects of blood flow and treatment time on lesion size.</a> AnnSurg. 227, 559-565 (1998).</li></ol>

Rodent models for liver surgery are established for a long time16. Nevertheless, large animal models offer certain advantages: no microsurgical equipment is needed as standard operative equipment for humans can be applied, surgical techniques are comparable to clinical use and standard clinical evaluation methods can be transferred to the experiments. For example, standard clinical blood tests can be carried out without the need for special laboratory test methods (Figure 10</...

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a widely used instrument in abdominal surgery for more than three decades1,2. It is a standard technique for the achievement of secondary hemostasis after major hepatectomy by sealing the liver cut surface to prevent later hemorrhages3. Plasma coagulation is a specialized form of radiofrequency electrocautery, which delivers the electrical energy through an arc of ionized gas. Providing monopolar electrothermal hemostasis, this noncontact technique has the advantage of preventing the electrode to stick to the tissue4. The ionized gas beam is automatically directed to the area of the lowest electrical resistance and is turned away when resistance rises due to desiccation to other areas not yet desiccated. This produces a uniform limited depth of coagulation5,6. Factors influencing the coagulation effect are the activation time, the power setting of the coagulation device and the distance from the probe to the tissue. Helium is another carrier gas, which can be used for plasma coagulation7. Recent clinical studies concentrated on clinical outcomes rather than histological and functional findings3,8,9, while experimental studies focused on in vitro investigations10 or experiments on isolated perfused organs11.
The underlying protocol allows the study of the effects of plasma coagulation in a large animal model close to the clinical application using standard human equipment on pigs: Microcirculation is assessed noninvasively by a laser Doppler flowmeter and spectrophotometer, which is a standard clinical tool for this indication12,13. Temperature changes during coagulation are monitored with an infrared thermometer and a thermographic camera. The depth of coagulation is measured on histological hematoxylin/eosin stained sections after harvesting of tissue samples. For the comparison with other means for secondary hemostasis, burst pressure experiments are performed. In contrast to previously described techniques14, these are conducted on explanted organs to exclude blood pressure related effects. In addition to the described investigations on the local effects of plasma coagulation, standard blood tests can also be undertaken in the porcine model.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="824">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Xylazine 20 mg/mL</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Vetoquinol GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Xylapan</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Ketamine 100 mg/mL</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Ceva GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Ceva Ketamine Injection</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Atropine 100 mg / 10 mL</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Dr. Franz K&#246;hler Chemie GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Atropinsulfat K&#246;hler 100mg Amp.</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;">Propofol</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Fresenius Kabi GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Propofol 1% MCT Fresenius</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;">Fentanyl</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">KG Rotexmedica GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Fentanyl 0,5mg Rotexmedica</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;">Isoflurane</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Abbot GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Forene 100% (V/V) 250 mL</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;">Ringer&#39;s lactate solution</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Baxter Deutschland GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;"></td>
			<td style="width:232px;">sodium 131mmol/l, potassium 5 mmol/l, calcium 2 mmol/l, cloride 111 mmol/l, lactate 29 mmol/l</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Surgical disinfactant</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Sch&#252;lke &#38; Mayr GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Kodan Tinktur forte gef&#228;rbt 1l 104804</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Motorized microscope</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Nikon Instruments Europe</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Eclipse TE2000-E</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Microscope camera</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Nikon Instruments Europe</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Digitalsight DS-Qi1Mc</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Imaging software</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Nikon Instruments Europe</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">NIS elements Vers. 4.40</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Plasma coagulator</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">S&#246;ring GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">CPC-1000</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Argon gas</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Linde AG</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Argon 4.8&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Helium gas</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Linde AG</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Helium 4.8</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">O2C</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">LEA Medizintechnik GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">O2C Version 1212</td>
			<td style="width:232px;">with LF-2 or LF-3 probe</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;">Infrared thermometer</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Voltcraft</td>
			<td>VOLTCRAFT IR 260-8S</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Thermographic camera</td>
			<td>InfraTec GmbH</td>
			<td>VarioCAM HD head 820</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Thermographic analysis sofrtware</td>
			<td>InfraTec GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">IRBIS 3</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Mayer&#39;s Hematoxylin solution</td>
			<td></td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Merck 1.09249</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Eosin solution</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">VWR International GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Merck 1.09844</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Rollerpump Masterflex L/S easy Load</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Cole-Parmer Instrument Company</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">model 7518-10</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Perfusorpump</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">B. Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">Perfusor secura FT</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Digital pressure meter</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Greisinger electronic</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">GMH 3161</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Perfusorsyringe, 50 mL</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">B. Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">REF 8728810 F</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Perfusor line, Type IV Standard, PVC Luer lock</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">B. Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">REF 8722960</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">3-Way stopcock, Dicofix C35C</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">B. Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">REF 16494 C</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Silk 2-0. 3 metric</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Resorba</td>
			<td style="width:192px;">REF H5F</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">Vicryl 4-0 Sutupak</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">Ethicon</td>
			<td>V1224H</td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="47">
			<td height="47" style="height:47px;width:216px;">NaCl 0.9 %</td>
			<td style="width:184px;">B. Braun Melsungen AG</td>
			<td style="width:192px;"></td>
			<td style="width:232px;"></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

assessment of plasma coagulation on liver tissue in a large animal model in vivo

Plasma coagulation as a form of electrocautery is used in liver surgery for decades to seal the large liver cut surface after major hepatectomy to prevent hemorrhages at a later stage. The exact effects of plasma coagulation on liver tissue are only poorly examined. In our porcine model, the coagulation effects can be examined close to the clinical application. A combined laser Doppler flowmeter and spectrophotometer documents microcirculation changes during coagulation at 8 mm tissue depth noninvasively, providing quantifiable information about hemostasis beyond the subjective clinical impression. The temperature at coagulation site is assessed with an infrared thermometer prior and post coagulation and with a thermographic camera during coagulation, a measurement of the gas beam temperature is not possible due to the upper threshold of the devices. The depth of coagulation is measured microscopically on hematoxylin/eosin stained sections after calibration with an object micrometer and gives an exact information about the power setting-coagulation depth-relation. The sealing effect is examined on the bile ducts as it is not possible for a plasma coagulator to seal larger blood vessels. Burst pressure experiments are carried out on explanted organs to rule out blood pressure related effects.

Microcirculation: Utilizing the diagnostic device for hemostasis following plasma coagulation can be demonstrated by microcirculation changes. Capillary blood flow (displayed as arbitrary units (AU)) decreases from a baseline value of 142.7 &#177; 76.08 AU to 57.78 &#177; 49.57 AU at 25 W device output power, to 48.5 &#177; 7.26 AU at 50 W and to 5.04 &#177; 1.31 AU at 100 W (Figure 4).
<p class="jove_content" fo:keep-together.within-page...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Assessment of Plasma Coagulation on Liver Tissue in a Large Animal Model In Vivo at JoVE.com

Assessment of Plasma Coagulation on Liver Tissue in a Large Animal Model In Vivo

Here we present a protocol to experimentally assess plasma coagulation in liver tissue in vivo. In a porcine model, microcirculation is examined by laser Doppler, coagulation depth is measured histologically, temperature at coagulation site by infrared thermometer and thermographic camera, and duct sealing effect is documented by burst pressure experiments.

Assessment of Plasma Coagulation on Liver Tissue in a Large Animal Model In Vivo

Plasma coagulation as a form of electrocautery is used in liver surgery for decades to seal the large liver cut surface after major hepatectomy to prevent ...

This method can help answer key questions in the field of clinical liver surgery about the energy setting depth relation of argon and helium plasma coagulation and the plasma coagulation process itself. The main advantages of this technique are that the large animal model is similar to the clinical application and that no special equipment is needed. Infrared thermography can be used to monitor temperature distribution and temperature decay but also to monitor breathing rate and pies.Furthermore, inflammation processes can be monitored by infrared thermography. Demonstrating the procedure will be Pascal Paschenda, a technician from our group. At least one hour before beginning the procedure, switch on the thermographic camera notebook and infrared thermometer.When the equipment is ready, place an anesthetized 25 to 30 kilogram female German Landrace pig in the supine position on a standard surgical table and use a standard surgical swab to disinfect the surgical area three times with a standard surgical disinfectant. Then use a scalpel to make a wide midline laparotomy from the xiphoid process to the pubis and install surgical retractors to expose the liver tissue. To obtain baseline microcirculation measurements, switch on the laser doppler flow meter and spectrophotometer and use a flat probe to measure the flow and velocity.Next, switch on the plasma coagulation device, open the appropriate carrier gas bottle, and adjust the gas flow to three liters per minute. Select the appropriate coagulation device output power and use a titanium mold with a square aperture of one by one square centimeter to standardize the coagulation zone. Then use a one centimeter probe distance to coagulate the region for five seconds.To measure the post coagulation microcirculation, place the flat probe on each coagulation site to measure the flow and velocity of each site. To measure the temperature at each site, adjust the focus of the thermographic camera and set the frame over the first coagulation site so that the region of coagulation and the surrounding tissue affected by the heat transfer are located in the middle of the field of view. Record the coagulation process with the plasma coagulator on the liver surface with a thermographic camera over a two minute period.Then analyze the image sequences with the appropriate thermography analysis software. To measure the burst pressure, first switch on the automatic pumps and pressure meter. Next, divide all of the ligamentous connections to the liver and divide the hepatic pedicle above the superior duodenal flexure, leaving long portions of portal vein and common bile duct intact.Then divide the caval vein above and below the liver to allow retrieval of the organ. Using sharp scissors, resect half of the left medial liver lobe and plasma coagulate the cut surface. Isolate the portal vein, common hepatic artery, and bile duct in the hepatic pedicle.Using overhold forceps, clamp the portal vein. Then use a monofil suture 4.0 to ligate the vessel. Clamp the common hepatic artery with a second pair of overhold forceps and ligate the artery with another monofil suture 4.0.Insert a French 16 catheter into the common bile duct, ligating the duct with 2.0 silk suture. And connect the catheter to the automatic pumps. Install a three-way stopcock with a pressure meter and fill a profusion syringe with saline.Start the automatic pumps with a delivery rate of 99 milliliters per hour. Then monitor the liver cut surface and pressure meter for leakage and record the burst pressure. In this representative experiment, the capillary blood flow decreased about 60%from baseline at 25 watts of device output power, 66%at 50 watts, and nearly 100%at 100 watts.No change in temperature was observed during or after plasma coagulation. Plasma coagulation creates a superficial zone of necrosis that can be easily distinguished from the normal liver parenchyma. Following helium plasma coagulation, the coagulation depth increases significantly in direct correlation to the applied plasma device output power.Note that burst pressure measurements carried out on the cut surface of the explanted left medial liver lobe demonstrate no difference after helium or argon plasma coagulation. Using these techniques, the last to quantify the local coagulatory effect and to estimate the bile duct sealing effect of plasma coagulation. These techniques can also be used to compare different means of bilio and hemostasis in a surgical setting similar to that in human patients.Further, the hemo and biliostatic effects of plasma coagulation can be applied after major hepatectomies in the same model. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to assess the major effects of argon and helium plasma coagulation in a large animal model.

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8.7K ビュー.  University of Bonn. This method can help answer key questions in the field of clinical liver surgery about the energy setting depth relation of argon and helium plasma coagulation and the plasma coagulation process itself. The main advantages of this technique are that the large animal model is similar to the clinical application and that no special equipment is needed. Infrared thermography can be used to monitor temperature distribution and temperature decay but also to monitor breathing rate and pies.F...

ビデオ: Assessment of Plasma Coagulation on Liver Tissue in a Large Animal Model In Vivo

An Isolated Working Heart System for Large Animal Models

Since its introduction in the late 19th century, the Langendorff isolated heart perfusion apparatus, and the subsequent development of the working heart model, have been invaluable tools for studying cardiovascular function and disease1-15. Although the Langendorff heart preparation can be used for any mammalian heart, most studies involving this apparatus use small animal models (e.g., mouse, rat, and rabbit) due to the increased complexity of systems for larger mammals1,3,11. One major difficulty is ensuring a constant coronary perfusion pressure over a range of different heart sizes &#8211; a key component of any experiment utilizing this device1,11. By replacing the classic hydrostatic afterload column with a centrifugal pump, the Langendorff working heart apparatus described below allows for easy adjustment and tight regulation of perfusion pressures, meaning the same set-up can be used for various species or heart sizes. Furthermore, this configuration can also seamlessly switch between constant pressure or constant flow during reperfusion, depending on the user&#8217;s preferences. The open nature of this setup, despite making temperature regulation more difficult than other designs, allows for easy collection of effluent and ventricular pressure-volume data.

Most studies involving the Langendorff apparatus use small animal models due to the increased complexity of systems for larger mammals. We describe a Langendorff system for large animal models that allows for use across a range of species, including humans, and relatively easy data acquisition.

Since its introduction in the late 19th century, the Langendorff isolated heart perfusion apparatus, and the subsequent development of the working heart ...

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

A high proportion of children have overweight and obesity in the United States and other countries. Accurate assessment of anthropometry is essential to understand health effects of child growth and adiposity. Gold standard methods of measuring adiposity, such as dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), may not be feasible in large field studies. Research staff can, however, complete anthropometric measurements, such as body circumferences and skinfold measurements, using inexpensive portable equipment. In this protocol we detail how to obtain manual anthropometric measurements from children, including standing and sitting height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and subscapular skinfold thickness, and procedures to assess the quality of these measurements. To demonstrate accuracy of these measurements, among 1,110 school-aged children in the pre-birth cohort Project Viva we calculated Spearman correlation coefficients comparing manual anthropometric measurements with a gold standard measure of body fat, DXA fat mass1. To address reliability, we evaluate intra-rater technical error of measurement at a quality control session conducted on adult female volunteers.

In epidemiologic studies of children, well-trained research staff can accurately and precisely assess weight, height, sitting height, skinfold thicknesses, and body circumferences.

A high proportion of children have overweight and obesity in the United States and other countries. Accurate assessment of anthropometry is essential to ...

Surgical Angiogenesis in Porcine Tibial Allotransplantation: A New Large Animal Bone Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Model

Segmental bone loss resulting from trauma, infection malignancy and congenital anomaly remains a major reconstructive challenge. Current therapeutic options have significant risk of failure and substantial morbidity.
Use of bone vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) would offer both a close match of resected bone size and shape and the healing and remodeling potential of living bone. At present, life-long drug immunosuppression (IS) is required. Organ toxicity, opportunistic infection and neoplasm risks are of concern to treat such non-lethal indications.
We have previously demonstrated that bone and joint VCA viability may be maintained in rats and rabbits without the need of long-term-immunosuppression by implantation of recipient derived vessels within the VCA. It generates an autogenous, neoangiogenic circulation with measurable flow and active bone remodeling, requiring only 2 weeks of IS. As small animals differ from man substantially in anatomy, bone physiology and immunology, we have developed a porcine bone VCA model to evaluate this technique before clinical application is undertaken. Miniature swine are currently widely used for allotransplantation research, given their immunologic, anatomic, physiologic and size similarities to man. Here, we describe a new porcine orthotopic tibial bone VCA model to test the role of autogenous surgical angiogenesis to maintain VCA viability.
The model reconstructs segmental tibial bone defects using size- and shape-matched allogeneic tibial bone segments, transplanted across a major swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) mismatch in Yucatan miniature swine. Nutrient vessel repair and implantation of recipient derived autogenous vessels into the medullary canal of allogeneic tibial bone segments is performed in combination with simultaneous short-term IS. This permits a neoangiogenic autogenous circulation to develop from the implanted tissue, maintaining flow through the allogeneic nutrient vessels for a short time. Once established, the new autogenous circulation maintains bone viability following cessation of drug therapy and subsequent nutrient vessel thrombosis.

Currently any kind of vascularized composite allotransplantation depends on long-term-immunosuppression, difficult to support for non-life-critical indications. We present a new porcine tibial VCA model that can be used to study bone VCA and demonstrate the use of surgical angiogenesis to maintain bone viability without the need of long-term immune-modulation.

Segmental bone loss resulting from trauma, infection malignancy and congenital anomaly remains a major reconstructive challenge. Current therapeutic ...

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring of Aortic and Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamics in a Large Animal Model of ARDS

One of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure is right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, especially if it is due to pulmonary hypertension. For a better understanding and treatment of this disease, precise hemodynamic monitoring of left and right ventricular parameters is important. For this reason, it is essential to establish experimental pig models of cardiac hemodynamics and measurements for research purpose. 
This article shows the induction of ARDS by using oleic acid (OA) and consequent right ventricular dysfunction, as well as the instrumentation of the pigs and the data acquisition process that is needed to assess hemodynamic parameters. To achieve right ventricular dysfunction, we used oleic acid (OA) to cause ARDS and accompanied this with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). With this model of PAH and consecutive right ventricular dysfunction, many hemodynamic parameters can be measured, and right ventricular volume load can be detected. 
All vital parameters, including respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR) and body temperature were recorded throughout the whole experiment. Hemodynamic parameters including femoral artery pressure (FAP), aortic pressure (AP), right ventricular pressure (peak systolic, end systolic and end diastolic right ventricular pressure), central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and left arterial pressure (LAP) were measured as well as perfusion parameters including ascending aortic flow (AAF) and pulmonary artery flow (PAF). Hemodynamic measurements were performed using transcardiopulmonary thermodilution to provide cardiac output (CO). Furthermore, the PiCCO2 system (Pulse Contour Cardiac Output System 2) was used to receive parameters such as stroke volume variance (SVV), pulse pressure variance (PPV), as well as extravascular lung water (EVLW) and global end-diastolic volume (GEDV). Our monitoring procedure is suitable for detecting right ventricular dysfunction and monitoring hemodynamic findings before and after volume administration.

We present a protocol of creating right ventricular dysfunction in a pig model by inducing ARDS. We demonstrate invasive monitoring of left and right ventricular cardiac output using flow probes around the aorta and the pulmonary artery, as well as blood pressure measurements in the aorta and pulmonary artery.

One of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure is right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, especially if it is due to ...

A Small Animal Model of Ex Vivo Normothermic Liver Perfusion

There is a significant shortage of liver allografts available for transplantation, and in response the donor criteria have been expanded. As a result, normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) has been introduced as a method to evaluate and modify organ function. NEVLP has many advantages in comparison to hypothermic and subnormothermic perfusion including reduced preservation injury, restoration of normal organ function under physiologic conditions, assessment of organ performance, and as a platform for organ repair, remodeling, and modification. Both murine and porcine NEVLP models have been described. We demonstrate a rat model of NEVLP and use this model to show one of its important applications &#8212; the use of a therapeutic molecule added to liver perfusate. Catalase is an endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger and has been demonstrated to decrease ischemia-reperfusion in the eye, brain, and lung. Pegylation has been shown to target catalase to the endothelium. Here, we added pegylated-catalase (PEG-CAT) to the base perfusate and demonstrated its ability to mitigate liver preservation injury. An advantage of our rodent NEVLP model is that it is inexpensive in comparison to larger animal models. A limitation of this study is that it does not currently include post-perfusion liver transplantation. Therefore, prediction of the function of the organ post-transplantation cannot be made with certainty. However, the rat liver transplant model is well established and certainly could be used in conjunction with this model. In conclusion, we have demonstrated an inexpensive, simple, easily replicable NEVLP model using rats. Applications of this model can include testing novel perfusates and perfusate additives, testing software designed for organ evaluation, and experiments designed to repair organs.

A Small Animal Model of Ex Vivo Normothermic Liver Perfusion

There is a significant liver donor shortage, and criteria for liver donors have been expanded. Normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) has been developed to evaluate and modify organ function. This study demonstrates a rat model of NEVLP and tests the ability of pegylated-catalase, to mitigate liver preservation injury.

There is a significant shortage of liver allografts available for transplantation, and in response the donor criteria have been expanded. As a result, ...

Ferric Chloride-induced Canine Carotid Artery Thrombosis: A Large Animal Model of Vascular Injury

Occlusive arterial thrombosis leading to cerebral ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction contributes to ~13 million deaths every year globally. Here, we have translated a vascular injury model from a small animal into a large animal (canine), with slight modifications that can be used for pre-clinical screening of prophylactic and thrombolytic agents. In addition to the surgical methods, the modified protocol describes the step-by-step methods to assess carotid artery canalization by angiography, detailed instructions to process both the brain and carotid artery for histological analysis to verify carotid canalization and cerebral hemorrhage, and specific parameters to complete an assessment of downstream thromboembolic events by utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, specific procedural changes from the previously well-established small animal model necessary to translate into a large animal (canine) vascular injury are discussed.

Here, we present the modifications necessary to a well characterized and commonly used small animal ferric chloride-induced (FeCl3) carotid artery injury model for use in a large animal vascular injury model. The resulting model can be utilized for pre-clinical trial assessment of both prophylactic and thrombolytic pharmacological and mechanical interventions.

Occlusive arterial thrombosis leading to cerebral ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction contributes to ~13 million deaths every year globally. Here, ...

Induction and Phenotyping of Acute Right Heart Failure in a Large Animal Model of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

The development of acute right heart failure (ARHF) in the context of chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with poor short-term outcomes. The morphological and functional phenotyping of the right ventricle is of particular importance in the context of hemodynamic compromise in patients with ARHF. Here, we describe a method to induce ARHF in a previously described large animal model of chronic PH, and to phenotype, dynamically, right ventricular function using the gold standard method (i.e., pressure-volume PV loops) and with a non-invasive clinically available method (i.e., echocardiography). Chronic PH is first induced in pigs by left pulmonary artery ligation and right lower lobe embolism with biological glue once a week for 5 weeks. After 16 weeks, ARHF is induced by successive volume loading using saline followed by iterative pulmonary embolism until the ratio of the systolic pulmonary pressure over systemic pressure reaches 0.9 or until the systolic systemic pressure decreases below 90 mmHg. Hemodynamics are restored with dobutamine infusion (from 2.5 &#181;g/kg/min to 7.5 &#181;g/kg/min). PV-loops and echocardiography are performed during each condition. Each condition requires around 40 minutes for induction, hemodynamic stabilization and data acquisition. Out of 9 animals, 2 died immediately after pulmonary embolism and 7 completed the protocol, which illustrates the learning curve of the model. The model induced a 3-fold increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure. The PV-loop analysis showed that ventriculo-arterial coupling was preserved after volume loading, decreased after acute pulmonary embolism and was restored with dobutamine. Echocardiographic acquisitions allowed to quantify right ventricular parameters of morphology and function with good quality. We identified right ventricular ischemic lesions in the model. The model can be used to compare different treatments or to validate non-invasive parameters of right ventricular morphology and function in the context of ARHF.

We present a protocol to induce and phenotype an acute right heart failure in a large animal model with chronic pulmonary hypertension. This model can be used to test therapeutic interventions, to develop right heart metrics&#160;or to improve the understanding of acute right heart failure pathophysiology.

The development of acute right heart failure (ARHF) in the context of chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with poor short-term outcomes. The ...

Isometric Contractility Measurement of the Mouse Mesenteric Artery Using Wire Myography

The wire myograph technique is used to assess the contractility of vascular smooth muscles in response to depolarization, GPCR agonists/inhibitors and drugs. It is widely used in many studies on the physiological functions of vascular smooth muscle, the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as hypertension, and the development of smooth muscle relaxant drugs. The mouse is a widely used model animal with a large pool of disease models and genetically modified strains. We introduced this method to measure the isometric contraction of mouse mesenteric artery in detail. A 1.4-mm segment of mouse mesenteric resistance artery was isolated and mounted on a myograph chamber by passing two steel wires through its lumen. After equilibration and normalization steps, the vessel segment was potentiated by a high-K+ solution twice prior to the contraction assay. As an example of the application of this method in drug development, we measured the relaxant effect of a novel natural substance, neoliensinine, isolated from a Chinese herb, embryos of the lotus seed (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) on mouse mesenteric arteries. The vessel segments mounted on the myograph chamber were stimulated with a high-K+ solution. When the force tension reached a stable sustained phase, cumulative doses of neoliensinine were added to the chamber. We found that neoliensinine had a dose-dependent relaxant effect on smooth muscle contraction, thus suggesting that it bears potential activity against hypertension. In addition, as the vessel segment can survive at least 4 hours after mounting and maintain contractility induced by the high-K+ solution for many times, we suggest that the wire myograph system may be used for the time-consuming process of drug screening.

The wire myograph technique is used to investigate vascular smooth muscle functions and screen new drugs. We report a detailed protocol for measuring the isometric contractility of the mouse mesenteric artery and for screening new relaxants of vascular smooth muscle.

The wire myograph technique is used to assess the contractility of vascular smooth muscles in response to depolarization, GPCR agonists/inhibitors and ...

In Vitro Model of Coronary Angiogenesis

Here, we describe an in vitro culture assay to study coronary angiogenesis. Coronary vessels feed the heart muscle and are of clinical importance. Defects in these vessels represent severe health risks such as in atherosclerosis, which can lead to myocardial infarctions and heart failures in patients. Consequently, coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite its clinical importance, relatively little progress has been made on how to regenerate damaged coronary arteries. Nevertheless, recent progress has been made in understanding the cellular origin and differentiation pathways of coronary vessel development. The advent of tools and technologies that allow researchers to fluorescently label progenitor cells, follow their fate, and visualize progenies in vivo have been instrumental in understanding coronary vessel development. In vivo studies are valuable, but have limitations in terms of speed, accessibility, and flexibility in experimental design. Alternatively, accurate in vitro models of coronary angiogenesis can circumvent these limitations and allow researchers to interrogate important biological questions with speed and flexibility. The lack of appropriate in vitro model systems may have hindered the progress in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of coronary vessel growth. Here, we describe an in vitro culture system to grow coronary vessels from the sinus venosus (SV) and endocardium (Endo), the two progenitor tissues from which many of the coronary vessels arise. We also confirmed that the cultures accurately recapitulate some of the known in vivo mechanisms. For instance, we show that the angiogenic sprouts in culture from SV downregulate COUP-TFII expression similar to what is observed in vivo. In addition, we show that VEGF-A, a well-known angiogenic factor in vivo, robustly stimulates angiogenesis from both the SV and Endo cultures. Collectively, we have devised an accurate in vitro culture model to study coronary angiogenesis.

In vitro models of coronary angiogenesis can be utilized for the discovery of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of coronary angiogenesis. In vitro explant cultures of sinus venosus and endocardium tissues show robust growth in response to VEGF-A and display a similar pattern of COUP-TFII expression as in vivo.

Here, we describe an in vitro culture assay to study coronary angiogenesis. Coronary vessels feed the heart muscle and are of clinical importance. Defects ...

Using a Chemical Biopsy for Graft Quality Assessment

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for a large number of people with end-stage renal dysfunction worldwide. The procedure is associated with an increased survival rate and greater quality of patient&#8217;s life when compared to conventional dialysis. Regrettably, transplantology suffers from a lack of reliable methods for organ quality assessment. Standard diagnostic techniques are limited to macroscopic appearance inspection or invasive tissue biopsy, which do not provide comprehensive information about the graft. The proposed protocol aims to introduce solid phase microextraction (SPME) as an ideal analytical method for comprehensive metabolomics and lipidomic analysis of all low molecular compounds present in kidneys allocated for transplantation. The small size of the SPME probe enables performance of a chemical biopsy, which enables extraction of metabolites directly from the organ without any tissue collection. The minimum invasiveness of the method permits execution of multiple analyses over time: directly after organ harvesting, during its preservation, and immediately after revascularization at the recipient&#8217;s body. It is hypothesized that the combination of this novel sampling method with a high-resolution mass spectrometer will allow for discrimination of a set of characteristic compounds that could serve as biological markers of graft quality and indicators of possible development of organ dysfunction.

The protocol presents utilization of the chemical biopsy approach followed by comprehensive metabolomic and lipidomic analysis for quality assessment of kidney grafts allocated for transplantation.

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for a large number of people with end-stage renal dysfunction worldwide. The procedure is associated ...