Evaluation of a porcine whole-limb heterotopic autotransplantation model.

Background: Recently performed vascularized composite tissue allotransplantations (CTAs) stimulate the ongoing research in the area of whole-limb transplantation. A reliable in vivo animal model is required for investigations in vascularized whole-limb CTA. The model should allow in vivo assessment in whole-limb preservation, allograft and xenograft response, and host immunomodulation.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury of porcine limbs after extracorporeal perfusion.

Background: Revascularization of amputated extremities after prolonged ischemia is complicated by reperfusion injury. We assessed ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of porcine extremities after prolonged preservation using extracorporeal circulation (ECC).

Methods: Forelimbs of 32 pigs were divided into four groups based on ischemia times: group I: 6 h, group II: 12 h, group III: 0 h plus replantation, and group IV: 6 h plus replantation.

Preservation of amputated extremities by extracorporeal blood perfusion; a feasibility study in a porcine model.

Background: Successful extremity transplantations and replantations have to be performed within 6 h of amputation to avoid irreversible tissue loss. This study investigates ex vivo the technical feasibility and the limb preservation potential of extracorporeal whole blood perfusion in a porcine model.

Methods: Forelimbs of eight large white pigs were divided into paired groups: I perfusion group, II contralateral cold ischemia controls.