This work was supported by 2022 JST basic research (The Japanese Society for Transplantation).

The experimental protocol was approved by the Animal Experimentation Committee at Kyoto University. The study utilized C57BL/6 mice, aged over 10 weeks and weighing between 25 g and 30 g, obtained from a commercial source (see Table of Materials). All animals were anesthetized with 2.5% isoflurane (following institutionally approved protocols), maintained under specific pathogen-free conditions, and all experimental procedures were conducted in compliance with Kyoto University&#39;s Regulations on Animal Experimentation. The appropriate instruments used for the study are listed in the Table of Materials and depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
1. Animal selection
<ol>
	<li>Use mice with a body weight of 25-30 g. 
	&#8203;NOTE: While mouse liver allografts2 are generally accepted across major histocompatibility complex barrier, we opted for the syngeneic MOLT model in this study to focus on the detailed mechanism of cold ischemia reperfusion injury10. Mice weighing less than 25 g are not recommended because it is impossible to insert an inner stent into a thin bile duct. Similarly, mice weighing more than 30 g are not recommended due to the presence of a large amount of intraabdominal fat around the vessels.</li>
</ol>
2. Cuff making
<ol>
	<li>Prepare 20 G and 16 G intravenous catheters for the PV and IHIVC, respectively.</li>
	<li>Using a scalpel, cut the catheter to create the cuff. The main body of the cuff should measure 2 mm in length, with an extension handle of 1 mm (Figure 3A). 
	NOTE: If the handle is too large, it may become challenging to insert the cuff.</li>
	<li>On the cuff&#39;s surface, create a shallow groove for thread fixation using the back of the scalpel blade. 
	NOTE: When applying the back of the scalpel blade to the cuff, ensure that the tip of the blade is at an angle of approximately 60 degrees (as shown in Figure 3B). After making the first groove, secure the scalpel blade and rotate the cuff. Ideally, two grooves are recommended, but a single groove can suffice without issues.</li>
</ol>
3. Cuff attachment
<ol>
	<li>In a plastic rectangular-shaped container, place small ice cubes and position a small metal cup (6 cm in diameter) on top. Fill the cup with organ preservation fluid (see Table of Materials) and place the syngeneic graft within.</li>
	<li>Gently roll the syngeneic liver graft (extracted from another donor mouse) using a cotton swab, ensuring that the porta hepatis faces upwards. Thoroughly remove any blood stored in the lumen of the IVC with organ preservation fluid.</li>
	<li>Thread the PV through the cuff using a thread attached, for example, to the splenic vein (see Figure 4A).</li>
	<li>With the cuff handle at the 12 o&#39;clock position, secure both the handle and cuff with a bulldog clamp (see Table of Materials), positioning it 2 to 3 mm from the PV edge.</li>
	<li>Secure the bulldog clamp further using large vascular forceps and a fixation mold to establish the operative field (see Figure 4B).</li>
	<li>Carefully inspect the PV lumen at approximately 15 to 20x magnification. If necessary, dripping water can enhance visibility of the lumen.</li>
	<li>Gently grasp the PV lumen and externalize it through the cuff.</li>
	<li>Once fully externalized, secure it with a double ligation using 8-0 silk thread along the cuff&#39;s groove (Figure 4C,D). 
	NOTE: Ensure that the ligature is not loose. Also, take care that the ligature point is not too large, as it may interfere with cuff insertion. The ligature point can be positioned in any direction.</li>
	<li>Attach the cuff to the IHIVC using a procedure similar to that used for the PV (Figure 4E). 
	NOTE: When clamping the IHIVC with the cuff, avoid biting into the liver parenchyma. Since the neck is shorter than the PV, carefully determine the clamping position.</li>
	<li>Create a slipknot by passing the thread around the base of the IHIVC to temporarily ligate the IHIVC (Figure 5). This thread will be removed after reperfusion.</li>
</ol>
4. Portal vein reconstruction
<ol>
	<li>Anesthetize the recipient mouse by inducing&#160;anesthesia with isoflurane at 2.5% and reduce it to 0.6% before extracting the native liver as described in published literature2. Dinsinfect the surgical area atleast three times with alternating rounds of iodophor and 70% ethanol before laparotomy.</li>
	<li>Ensure that the hepatic lobe is properly positioned and that the cuffed PV is free from kinking and torsion.</li>
	<li>Gently grasp the recipient&#39;s PV edge using Pean forceps and secure it with a vise. 
	NOTE: In this article, a vise refers to a mechanical apparatus used to secure Pean forceps on the table. For more information on vise, see Table of Materials.</li>
	<li>Apply a vascular clamp to the recipient&#39;s PV and pass an 8-0 silk thread around it.</li>
	<li>Create a 1/4 circumferential section approximately 0.5 mm from the PV edge (Figure 6A). Enlarge the hole while passing saline solution through the lumen using a specialized instrument (a 27 G needle with the tip cut off and bent into an L-shape).</li>
	<li>Use straight forceps to grip the cuff handle and insert it into the lumen.</li>
	<li>Once fully inserted, secure the cuff with an 8-0 silk thread. A single ligation is sufficient for fixation.</li>
	<li>Remove the vascular clamp and reperfuse the liver.</li>
	<li>Carefully release the Pean forceps and complete the portal vein reconstruction. The entire PV reconstruction process should take approximately 5 min.</li>
</ol>
5. Infrahepatic inferior vena cava reconstruction
<ol>
	<li>Position the liver lobe appropriately and move the Pean forceps attached to the recipient IHIVC dorsal to the graft&#39;s right lower lobe, securing it with a vise.</li>
	<li>Eliminate any remaining liver tissue around the recipient&#39;s IVIHC by gently rubbing with a cotton swab.</li>
	<li>Pass an 8-0 silk thread around the recipient&#39;s IVIHC.</li>
	<li>Create a 1/4 circumferential section at approximately 0.5 mm from the recipient&#39;s IVIHC edge (Figure 6B).</li>
	<li>After introducing normal saline solution into the lumen, insert the cuff into the lumen. 
	NOTE: Due to the short neck, the cuff is often inserted more shallowly than in the PV.</li>
	<li>Carefully secure the cuff with an 8-0 silk thread and then remove the vascular clamp and Pean forceps.</li>
</ol>
6. Postoperative care
<ol>
	<li>Utilize a heating pad and warming lamp to facilitate postoperative recovery.</li>
	<li>Continuously monitor blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, as well as food and water consumption.</li>
	<li>Adminsiter subcutaneous injection of carprofen (5 mg/kg, every 6 h&#160;or until needed) to alleviate postoperative pain.&#160;Follow local&#160;institutional guidelines. 
	NOTE: If the condition of mice deteriorates, the experiment will be stopped immediately and mice were euthanized by inhalation of carbon dioxide.</li>
	<li>To collect the tissue sample, re-anesthetize the mice and euthanize them by an IACUC approved method.</li>
</ol>

Strategies for Efficient Vascular Anastomosis in Mouse Liver Transplantation

<ol>
	<li>Qian, S. G., Fung, J. J., Demetris, A. V., Ildstad, S. T., Starzl, T. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Orthotopic+liver+transplantation+in+the+mouse.">Orthotopic liver transplantation in the mouse.</a> Transplantation. 52 (3), 562-564 (1991).</li><li>Yokota, 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=Orthotopic+mouse+liver+transplantation+to+study+liver+biology+and+allograft+tolerance.">Orthotopic mouse liver transplantation to study liver biology and allograft tolerance.</a> Nat Protoc. 11 (7), 1163-1174 (2016).</li><li>Shen, X. D., 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=Inflammatory+responses+in+a+new+mouse+model+of+prolonged+hepatic+cold+ischemia+followed+by+arterialized+orthotopic+liver+transplantation.">Inflammatory responses in a new mouse model of prolonged hepatic cold ischemia followed by arterialized orthotopic liver transplantation.</a> Liver Transpl. 11 (10), 1273-1281 (2005).</li><li>Kageyama, 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=Ischemia-reperfusion+injury+in+allogeneic+liver+transplantation:+A+role+of+CD4+T+cells+in+early+allograft+injury.">Ischemia-reperfusion injury in allogeneic liver transplantation: A role of CD4 T cells in early allograft injury.</a> Transplantation. 105 (9), 1989-1997 (2021).</li><li>Li, T., Hu, Z., Wang, L., Lv, G. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Details+determining+the+success+in+establishing+a+mouse+orthotopic+liver+transplantation+model.">Details determining the success in establishing a mouse orthotopic liver transplantation model.</a> World J Gastroenterol. 26 (27), 3889-3898 (2020).</li><li>Tian, Y., R&#252;diger, H. A., Jochum, W., Clavien, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+arterialized+and+nonarterialized+orthotopic+liver+transplantation+in+mice:+Prowess+or+relevant+model.">Comparison of arterialized and nonarterialized orthotopic liver transplantation in mice: Prowess or relevant model.</a> Transplantation. 74 (9), 1242-1246 (2002).</li><li>Steger, U., Sawitzki, B., Gassel, A. M., Gassel, H. J., Wood, K. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Impact+of+hepatic+rearterialization+on+reperfusion+injury+and+outcome+after+mouse+liver+transplantation.">Impact of hepatic rearterialization on reperfusion injury and outcome after mouse liver transplantation.</a> Transplantation. 76 (2), 327-332 (2003).</li><li>Chen, J., 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=A+review+of+various+techniques+of+mouse+liver+transplantation.">A review of various techniques of mouse liver transplantation.</a> Transplant Proc. 45 (6), 2517-2521 (2013).</li><li>Kojima, H., 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=T+cell+carcinoembryonic+antigen-related+cell+adhesion+molecule+1-T+cell+immunoglobulin+domain+and+mucin+domain-containing+protein+3+cross+talk+alleviates+liver+transplant+injury+in+mice+and+humans.">T cell carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1-T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing protein 3 cross talk alleviates liver transplant injury in mice and humans.</a> Gastroenterology. 165 (5), 1233-1248 (2023).</li><li>Yokota, S., Yoshida, O., Ono, Y., Geller, D. A., Thomson, A. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Liver+transplantation+in+the+mouse:+Insights+into+liver+immunobiology,+tissue+injury,+and+allograft+tolerance.">Liver transplantation in the mouse: Insights into liver immunobiology, tissue injury, and allograft tolerance.</a> Liver Transpl. 22 (4), 536-546 (2016).</li></ol>

No authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.

Learning vascular reconstruction is the most challenging aspect of achieving successful MOLT. The cuff's quality significantly influences the reconstruction's difficulty, given the small size of mice5. This article provides a detailed protocol for cuff preparation, attachment, and reconstruction.
While there are no major differences from previous reports regarding cuff preparation and connection2,5, some minor p...

Mouse orthotopic liver transplantation (MOLT) is an effective experimental method first reported in 19911. This experimental model, which utilizes genetically modified mice and various research reagents, has played a pivotal role in investigating warm and cold ischemia and reperfusion injuries. However, the model&#39;s high technical complexity has hindered the development of basic medicine for liver transplantation2. MOLT involves three major steps: (1) retrieval of the liver from the donor mouse, (2) back table surgery, and (3) implantation of the liver into the recipient. Among these recipient procedures, vascular anastomosis poses the greatest challenge. While the suprahepatic inferior vena cava anastomosis is typically completed by hand stitching2, the infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IHIVC) and portal vein (PV) can be reconstructed more efficiently using plastic cuffs in place of hand-sewn sutures.
The anhepatic period signifies the interval between the removal of the recipient&#39;s native liver and the graft implantation. To ensure consistent results, it is imperative to limit the anhepatic time to less than 20 min. Consequently, studies employing this model have been confined to specific institutions3,4,5,6,7,8,9. Among the various stages of MOLT, achieving smooth PV and IHIVC reconstruction is crucial for minimizing anhepatic time and ensuring successful transplantation.
PV and IVC reconstruction is generally carried out using vascular cuffs since the cuff technique simplifies vascular anastomosis compared to hand-sewn sutures2,5,8. The technique involved in vascular cuff preparation and secure attachment of the cuff significantly impacts the complexity of recipient vascular reconstruction. Our objective is to provide detailed visual guidance for numerous technical tips related to the cuff method, thereby reducing the learning curve. These video clips will provide a clear understanding of how to attach the cuff to the vessels and reconstruct the PV and IHIVC during recipient surgery.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>16 G intravenous catheter</td>
			<td>TERUMO</td>
			<td>SR-FF2032</td>
			<td>IHIVC cuff</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20 G intravenous catheter</td>
			<td>TERUMO</td>
			<td>SR-FF1651</td>
			<td>PV cuff</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8-0 braid silk</td>
			<td>Natsume Seisakusho</td>
			<td>CR9-80B2</td>
			<td>8-0 silk</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Belzer UW Cold Storage Solution&#160;</td>
			<td>Astellas</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Organ preservation fluid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bulldog clamp</td>
			<td>B BRAUN</td>
			<td>FB329R</td>
			<td>Bulldog clamp</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>C57BL/6 mice&#160;&#160;</td>
			<td>Oriental Bio Service</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane inhalation solution</td>
			<td>Viatris</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Anesthesic</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro Blunted Tips 0.1 mm x 0.06 mm&#160;</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>11253-20</td>
			<td>Straight microforceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro Serrefine Clamp Applicator with Lock</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>18056-14</td>
			<td>Vessel clip applicator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro Serrefines&#160;</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>18055-4</td>
			<td>Vessel clip</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>No.11 Spare Blades</td>
			<td>FEATHER Safety Razor</td>
			<td>11</td>
			<td>Blades</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ophthalmic scissor, round handle</td>
			<td>B BRAUN</td>
			<td>FD103R</td>
			<td>Microscissor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic rectangular-shaped container&#160;&#160;</td>
			<td>Daiso</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>10 cm long, 15 cm wide and 6 cm high</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SuperGrip Tips</td>
			<td>F.S.T</td>
			<td>00649-11&#160;</td>
			<td>Curved microforceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SZX7</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>SZX7</td>
			<td>Microscope</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

vascular reconstruction with the cuff technique in mouse orthotopic liver transplantation

Mouse orthotopic liver transplantation is an effective methodology for investigating the underlying mechanisms of liver ischemia and reperfusion injury. However, the technical challenges pose a barrier to utilizing this valuable experimental model and passing on these skills to the next generation. The most challenging aspect of this procedure is vascular reconstruction, including the portal vein (PV), infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IHIVC), and suprahepatic inferior vena cava. The use of plastic cuffs, rather than sutures, allows for smoother PV and IHIVC reconstruction. Vessels are reconstructed by attaching a cuff made from an intravenous catheter to the tip of the graft vessel and interposing the cuff into the recipient vessel. The two most crucial aspects are properly visualizing the inner lumen of the vessel and avoiding the use of excessive force. Our aim is to provide a technical overview of vascular reconstructions using the cuff technique in recipient surgery. These technical tips for the cuff technique are expected to help microsurgeons facilitate vascular reconstruction and advance their research.

PV reconstruction is successful when, upon unclamping the portal vein, there is no tortuosity, and the liver is uniformly perfused. Anhepatic time should be under 20 min, as anhepatic times exceeding 25 min increase the risk of mouse mortality. IHIVC reconstruction is deemed successful if there is no blood regurgitation from the graft.
Storing the graft at cold temperatures for 1 h using organ preservation solution results in a serum alanine aminotransferase level of approximately 2,000 U/L at...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Author Spotlight: Exploring Cold Ischemia and Warm Reperfusion Injury in Fatty Liver Transplantation at JoVE.com

Author Spotlight: Exploring Cold Ischemia and Warm Reperfusion Injury in Fatty Liver Transplantation

This protocol provides technical information for vessel reconstruction using the cuff technique in mouse orthotopic liver transplantation.

Vascular Reconstruction with the Cuff Technique in Mouse Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Mouse orthotopic liver transplantation is an effective methodology for investigating the underlying mechanisms of liver ischemia and reperfusion injury. ...

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1.1K Views.  Kyoto University. This protocol provides technical information for vessel reconstruction using the cuff technique in mouse orthotopic liver transplantation.

Video: Author Spotlight: Exploring Cold Ischemia and Warm Reperfusion Injury in Fatty Liver Transplantation

Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Rats

Clinical progress in the field of liver transplantation has been largely supported by animal models1,2. Since the publication of the first orthotopic rat liver transplantation in 1979 by Kamada et al.3, this model has remained the gold standard despite various proposed alternative techniques4. Nevertheless, its broader use is limited by its steep learning curve5.
In this video paper, we show a simple and easy-to-establish revision of Kamada's two-cuff technique. The suprahepatic vena cava anastomosis is performed manually with a running suture, and the vena porta and infrahepatic vena cava anastomoses are performed utilizing a quick-linker cuff system6. Manufacturing the quick-linker kit is shown in a separate video paper.

We present an easy-to-establish revision of the classical two-cuff technique for orthotopic liver transplantation in rat.

Clinical progress in the field of liver transplantation has been largely supported by animal models1,2. Since the publication of the first orthotopic rat ...

Orthotopic Aortic Transplantation in Mice for the Study of Vascular Disease

Vascular procedures involving anastomoses in the mouse are generally thought to be difficult and highly dependent on the skill of the individual surgeon. This is largely true, but there are a number of important principles that can reduce the difficulty of these procedures and enhance reproducibility. Orthotopic aortic transplantation is an excellent procedure in which to learn these principles because it involves only two end-to-end anastomoses, but requires good suturing technique and handling of the vessels for consistent success. This procedure begins with the procurement of a length of abdominal aorta from a donor animal, followed by division of the native aorta in the recipient. The procured aorta is then placed between the divided ends of the recipient aorta and sutured into place using end-to-end anastomoses. To accomplish this objective successfully requires a high degree of concentration, good tools, a steady hand, and an appreciation of how easily the vasculature of a mouse can be damaged, resulting in thrombosis. Learning these important principles is what occupies most of the beginner's time when learning microsurgery in small rodents. Throughout this protocol, we refer to these important points. This model can be used to study vascular disease in a variety of different experimental systems1-8. In the context shown here, it is most often used for the study of post-transplant vascular disease, a common long-term complication of solid organ transplantation in which intimal hyperplasia occurs within the allograft. The primary advantage of the model is that it facilitates quantitative morphometric analyses and the transplanted vessel lies contiguous to the endogenous vessel, which can serve as an additional control9. The technique shown here is most often used for mice weighing 18-25 grams. We have accumulated most of our experience using the C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, and C3H/HeJ strains.

We describe a technique in which a section of the abdominal aorta from a mouse is transplanted orthotopically to just below the renal arteries in an allogeneic or syngeneic recipient. This technique can be useful in studies in which transplantation of large arteries of uniform size is deemed advantageous.

Vascular procedures involving anastomoses in the mouse are generally thought to be difficult and highly dependent on the skill of the individual surgeon. ...

Surgical Procedures for a Rat Model of Partial Orthotopic Liver Transplantation with Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats using a whole or partial graft is an indispensable experimental model for transplantation research, such as studies on graft preservation and ischemia-reperfusion injury 1,2, immunological responses 3,4, hemodynamics 5,6, and small-for-size syndrome 7. The rat OLT is among the most difficult animal models in experimental surgery and demands advanced microsurgical skills that take a long time to learn. Consequently, the use of this model has been limited. Since the reliability and reproducibility of results are key components of the experiments in which such complex animal models are used, it is essential for surgeons who are involved in rat OLT to be trained in well-standardized and sophisticated procedures for this model.
While various techniques and modifications of OLT in rats have been reported 8 since the first model was described by Lee et al. 9 in 1973, the elimination of the hepatic arterial reconstruction 10 and the introduction of the cuff anastomosis technique by Kamada et al. 11 were a major advancement in this model, because they simplified the reconstruction procedures to a great degree. In the model by Kamada et al., the hepatic rearterialization was also eliminated. Since rats could survive without hepatic arterial flow after liver transplantation, there was considerable controversy over the value of hepatic arterialization. However, the physiological superiority of the arterialized model has been increasingly acknowledged, especially in terms of preserving the bile duct system 8,12 and the liver integrity 8,13,14.
In this article, we present detailed surgical procedures for a rat model of OLT with hepatic arterial reconstruction using a 50% partial graft after ex vivo liver resection. The reconstruction procedures for each vessel and the bile duct are performed by the following methods: a 7-0 polypropylene continuous suture for the supra- and infrahepatic vena cava; a cuff technique for the portal vein; and a stent technique for the hepatic artery and the bile duct.

Orthotopic liver transplantation in rats is an indispensable experimental model for biomedical research. Here we present our surgical procedures for orthotopic rat liver transplantation with hepatic arterial reconstruction using a 50% partial graft.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats using a whole or partial graft is an indispensable experimental model for transplantation research, such as ...

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula

Technical aspects of creating an arteriovenous fistula in the mouse are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, and the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) are exposed. The proximal infrarenal aorta and the distal aorta are dissected for clamp placement and needle puncture, respectively. Special attention is paid to avoid dissection between the aorta and the IVC. After clamping the aorta, a 25 G needle is used to puncture both walls of the aorta into the IVC. The surrounding connective tissue is used for hemostatic compression. Successful creation of the AVF will show pulsatile arterial blood flow in the IVC. Further confirmation of successful AVF can be achieved by post-operative Doppler ultrasound.

The goal is to produce an arteriovenous fistula that is simple and reproducible. This method does not use sutures or glue adhesive. Therefore the samples can be used with the least amount of foreign materials for analysis.

Technical aspects of creating an arteriovenous fistula in the mouse are discussed. Under general anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, and the aorta ...

Heterotopic Auxiliary Rat Liver Transplantation With Flow-regulated Portal Vein Arterialization in Acute Hepatic Failure

In acute hepatic failure auxiliary liver transplantation is an interesting alternative approach. The aim is to provide a temporary support until the failing native liver has regenerated.1-3 The APOLT-method, the orthotopic implantation of auxiliary segments- averts most of the technical problems. However this method necessitates extensive resections of both the native liver and the graft.4 In 1998, Erhard developed the heterotopic auxiliary liver transplantation (HALT) utilizing portal vein arterialization (PVA) (Figure 1). This technique showed promising initial clinical results.5-6 We developed a HALT-technique with flow-regulated PVA in the rat to examine the influence of flow-regulated PVA on graft morphology and function (Figure 2).
A liver graft reduced to 30 % of its original size, was heterotopically implanted in the right renal region of the recipient after explantation of the right kidney.&#160; The infra-hepatic caval vein of the graft was anastomosed with the infrahepatic caval vein of the recipient. The arterialization of the donor&#8217;s portal vein was carried out via the recipient&#8217;s right renal artery with the stent technique. The blood-flow regulation of the arterialized portal vein was achieved with the use of a stent with an internal diameter of 0.3 mm. The celiac trunk of the graft was end-to-side anastomosed with the recipient&#8217;s aorta and the bile duct was implanted into the duodenum. A subtotal resection of the native liver was performed to induce acute hepatic failure. 7
In this manner 112 transplantations were performed. The perioperative survival rate was 90% and the 6-week survival rate was 80%. Six weeks after operation, the native liver regenerated, showing an increase in weight from 2.3&#177;0.8 g to 9.8&#177;1 g. At this time, the graft&#8217;s weight decreased from 3.3&#177;0.8 g to 2.3&#177;0.8 g.
We were able to obtain promising long-term results in terms of graft morphology and function. HALT with flow-regulated PVA reliably bridges acute hepatic failure until the native liver regenerates.

Auxiliary liver transplantation provides a temporary support in acute hepatic failure, until regeneration of the failing liver. The heterotopic auxiliary liver transplantation (HALT) with portal vein arterialization (PVA) renders sufficient liver function. We developed an analogous technique in the rat, to examine the influence of the portal vein arterialization on the morphology and function of the graft.

In acute hepatic failure auxiliary liver transplantation is an interesting alternative approach. The aim is to provide a temporary support until the ...

Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt

The success of liver transplantation has resulted in a dramatic organ shortage. Each year, a considerable number of patients on the liver transplantation waiting list die without receiving an organ transplant or are delisted due to disease progression. Even after a successful transplantation, rejection and side effects of immunosuppression remain major concerns for graft survival and patient morbidity. 
Experimental animal research has been essential to the success of liver transplantation and still plays a pivotal role in the development of clinical transplantation practice. In particular, the porcine orthotopic liver transplantation model (OLTx) is optimal for clinically oriented research for its close resemblance to human size, anatomy, and physiology. 
Decompression of intestinal congestion during the anhepatic phase of porcine OLTx is important to guarantee reliable animal survival. The use of an active porto-caval-jugular shunt achieves excellent intestinal decompression. The system can be used for short-term as well as long-term survival experiments. The following protocol contains all technical information for a stable and reproducible liver transplantation model in pigs including post-operative animal care.

Experimental animal research plays a pivotal role in the development of clinical transplantation practice. The porcine orthotopic liver transplantation model (OLTx) closely resembles human conditions and is frequently used in clinically oriented research. The following protocol contains all information for a reliable porcine OLTx model using an active porto-caval-jugular shunt.

The success of liver transplantation has resulted in a dramatic organ shortage. Each year, a considerable number of patients on the liver transplantation ...

Orthotopic Hind Limb Transplantation in the Mouse

In vivo animal model systems, and in particular mouse models, have evolved into powerful and versatile scientific tools indispensable to basic and translational research in the field of transplantation medicine. A vast array of reagents is available exclusively in this setting, including mono- and polyclonal antibodies for both diagnostic and interventional applications. In addition, a vast number of genotyped, inbred, transgenic, and knock out strains allow detailed investigation of the individual contributions of humoral and cellular components to the complex interplay of an immune response and make the mouse the gold standard for immunological research. 
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) delineates a novel field of transplantation using allografts to replace "like with like" in patients suffering traumatic or congenital tissue loss. This surgical methodological protocol shows the use of a non-suture cuff technique for super-microvascular anastomosis in an orthotopic mouse hind limb transplantation model. The model specifically allows for comparison between established paradigms in solid organ transplantation with a novel form of transplants consisting of various different tissue components. Uniquely, this model allows for the transplantation of a viable vascularized bone marrow compartment and niche that have the potential to exert a beneficial effect on the balance of immune acceptance and rejection. This technique provides a tool to investigate alloantigen recognition and allograft rejection and acceptance, as well as enables the pursuit of functional nerve regeneration studies to further advance this novel field of transplantation.

This novel model for orthotopic hind limb transplantation in the mouse, applying a non-suture cuff technique for super-microvascular anastomosis, provides a powerful tool for in&#160;vivo mechanistic immunological research related to vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA).

In vivo animal model systems, and in particular mouse models, have evolved into powerful and versatile scientific tools indispensable to basic and ...

Using the Sleeve Technique in a Mouse Model of Aortic Transplantation - An Instructional Video

Orthotopic aortic transplantation using the sleeve technique reduces injury to the aorta with failure rate of only 10-20%. The time to anastomose the aorta in mice using the sleeve method was short and easy averaging 20 min, permitting studies of iso/allo grafts. The following article describes the aortic transplantation procedure used in our laboratory. The mice were anesthetized with a mixture of 1.5% volume isoflurane and 100% oxygen through a face mask. At this point, the segment of the aorta between the renal arteries and its bifurcation was separated from the vena cava, freely prepared and clampedat the proximal and distal segments with a single silk suture. Prior to the removal of the aorta, a saline solution containing heparin was injected into the inferior vena cava. Then the aorta was cut between the clamps and a saline heparin solution was used to flush the lumen. The sleeve technique with monofilament sutures was used in order to transplant the abdominal aorta in the orthotopic position.

We present an orthotopic aortic transplantation model using the sleeve technique in mice. It is a very rapid anastomosis method, which can be employed in studies of vascular disease.

Orthotopic aortic transplantation using the sleeve technique reduces injury to the aorta with failure rate of only 10-20%. The time to anastomose the ...

Mouse Model for Pancreas Transplantation Using a Modified Cuff Technique

Mouse models have several advantages in transplantation research, including easy handling, a variety of genetically well-defined strains, and the availability of the widest range of molecular probes and reagents to perform in vivo as well as in vitro studies. Based on our experience with various murine transplantation models, we developed a heterotopic pancreas transplantation model in mice with the intent to analyze mechanisms underlying severe ischemia reperfusion injury-associated early graft damage. In contrast to previously described techniques using suture techniques, herein we describe a new procedure using a non-suture cuff technique. 
In recent years, we have performed more than 300 pancreas transplantations in mice with an overall success rate of &gt;90%, a success rate never described before in mouse pancreas transplantation. The backbone of this non-suture cuff technique for graft revascularization consists of two major steps: (I) pulling the recipient vessel over a polyethylene/polyamide cuff and fixing it with a circumferential ligature, and (II) placing the donor vessel over the everted recipient vessel and fixing it with a second circumferential ligature. The resultant continuity of the endothelial layer results in less thrombogenic lesions with high patency rates and, finally, high success rates.
In this model, arterial anastomosis is achieved by pulling the abdominal aorta of the donor graft over the everted common carotid artery of the recipient animal. Venous drainage of the graft is achieved by pulling the portal vein of the graft over the everted external jugular vein of the recipient. This manuscript provides details and crucial steps of the organ recovery and organ implantation procedures, which will allow researchers with microsurgical skills to perform the transplantation successfully in their laboratories.

Among abdominal solid organ transplantation, pancreatic grafts are prone to develop severe ischemia reperfusion injury-associated graft damage, leading eventually to early graft loss. This protocol describes a model of murine pancreas transplantation using a non-suture cuff technique, ideally suited for analyzing these early, deleterious damages.

Mouse models have several advantages in transplantation research, including easy handling, a variety of genetically well-defined strains, and the ...

A Rat Model of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Using a Novel Magnetic Anastomosis Technique for Suprahepatic Vena Cava Reconstruction

The rat model of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is essential for transplant research. It is a very sophisticated animal model and requires a steep learning curve. The introduction of the cuff technique for anastomosis of the portal vein (PV) and infrahepatic vena cava (IHVC) has significantly simplified the transplant procedure in rats. However, due to the short anterior wall of the recipients' suprahepatic vena cava (SHVC), the cuff technique is very difficult to use for the reconstruction of the SHVC. Most researchers in this field still use the hand-suture technique for SHVC reconstruction, which makes it the bottleneck step in rat orthotopic liver transplantation. The magnetic anastomosis technique (i.e., magnamosis) is a method of connecting two vessels using the attractive force between two magnets. Our recent study has shown that the magnetic anastomosis technique is superior to the hand-suture technique for SHVC reconstruction in rats. In this article, we show a step-by-step protocol for SHVC reconstruction in rats using the novel magnetic anastomosis technique. In this model, the reconstruction of the PV and IHVC was performed by the standard cuff technique, while the reconstruction of the bile duct (BD) was performed by a stent technique. The hepatic re-arterialization was not performed. The magnetic anastomosis technique made SHVC reconstruction much easier and significantly shortened the anphepatic phase. After a reasonable learning curve, even researchers without advanced microsurgical skills can produce reliable and reproducible results using this rat model of OLT.

The reconstruction of the suprahepatic vena cava (SHVC) remains a difficult step in rat orthotopic liver transplantation. In this article, we show a step-by-step protocol for SHVC reconstruction in rats using a novel magnetic anastomosis technique.

The rat model of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is essential for transplant research. It is a very sophisticated animal model and requires a steep ...