Post-mortem Reperfusion of a Pig: a First Step to a New Surgical Training Model?

The purpose of this experimental study was to establish a short-term post-mortem circulation in a pig model using liquid paraffin. This study also investigated the quality of vascular perfusion in the peripheral tissues. This is the first step in the development of a new revascularized human surgical training model. This first experience was performed on the hind leg of a pig. Initial cannulation of the external iliac artery and vein was followed by connection of the arterial inflow to a heart-lung machine and using the venous outflow to flush post-mortem clots and blood. Subsequently, after connecting the venous outflow to the heart-lung machine, circulation was initiated. Circulation was established during 27 min, during which the flow was constantly 130 mL/min. A steady increase in inlet pressure was observed during the experiment, which finally reached a minimum value of 124 mmHg. Perfusion was interrupted early due to an uncontrollable fluid leak. Afterwards, the distal hind leg was incised showing an equal distribution of paraffin. A short-term revascularization was successfully re-established under excellent conditions. Although the results are promising, further experiments are necessary to eventually perform a wide range of surgical procedures on revascularized human cadavers.