Two-Layer Method Preservation and Resuscitation of the Cadaveric Pancreas Before Transplantation

The purpose of this project is to compare the effect of oxygenated preservation of the pancreas before transplantation using the "Two-Layer Method" (TLM) against outcomes previously experienced with organs preserved using only standard University of Wisconsin (UW) storage solution. It is our hypothesis that TLM preservation will reduce the frequency and severity of complications of pancreas transplantation, increase the number of organs acceptable for transplantation, and spare individual patients and their families suffering and hardship.

Two-Layer Method (TLM) preservation consists of a storage chamber containing a layer of highly oxygenated, water-immiscible liquid perfluorocarbon (perfluorodecalin, C10F18) surmounted by a layer of conventional UW (or similar) organ preservation solution. The perfluorocarbon is sufficiently dense (~2 g/ml) that the pancreas floats on top of it, in contact with both layers. The perfluorocarbon combines low toxicity with an oxygen content 75 times greater than the UW solution used in standard pancreas storage. When preserved under these conditions, the pancreas absorbs oxygen by diffusion and steadily consumes it, supporting sufficient aerobic metabolism to maintain tissue ATP concentrations at near-physiologic levels and prevent, or even reverse, pancreas anoxic injury. In animal models of pancreas ischemic and storage injury, TLM preservation has been strikingly successful at improving the outcome of both islet isolation and pancreas transplantation.

Preserving the pancreas before transplantation in an oxygenated system containing highly oxygenated liquid perfluorocarbon (perfluorodecalin, C10F18. The perfluorocarbon combines low toxicity with a capacity to dissolve 75 times more oxygen than the UW solution used in standard pancreas storage. When preserved under these conditions, the pancreas absorbs oxygen by diffusion and steadily consumes it, supporting sufficient aerobic metabolism to maintain tissue ATP concentrations at near-physiologic levels and prevent, or even reverse, pancreas anoxic injury.

Post-transplantation adverse event frequency (graft thrombosis, hemorrhage, peri-pancreatic abscess, re-laparotomy, cadaver duodenum leak, pseudo-aneurysm formation, rejection, graft failure, patient death)

Standard post-transplantation morbidity endpoints including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections, and incidence and rate of stroke and heart attack. Length of hospital stay and re-admission and re-operation rates will also be monitored.

Inclusion Criteria: Listed for pancreas transplantation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Exclusion Criteria: Ineligibility for medical/surgical/psychosocial reasons for listing for pancreas transplantation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Matsumoto S, Kandaswamy R, Sutherland DE, Hassoun AA, Hiraoka K, Sageshima J, Shibata S, Tanioka Y, Kuroda Y. Clinical application of the two-layer (University of Wisconsin solution/perfluorochemical plus O2) method of pancreas preservation before transplantation. Transplantation. 2000 Sep 15;70(5):771-4. doi: 10.1097/00007890-200009150-00010.

Hiraoka K, Kuroda Y, Suzuki Y, Fujino Y, Tanioka Y, Matsumoto S, Sakai T, Kandaswamy R, Sutherland DE. Outcomes in clinical pancreas transplantation with the two-layer cold storage method versus simple storage in University of Wisconsin solution. Transplant Proc. 2002 Nov;34(7):2688-9. doi: 10.1016/s0041-1345(02)03376-6. No abstract available.