Figure 1

Dynamic change of biliary R1 correlates significantly with the concentration of Gd in bile during NMP. (A) Representative image of a liver graft in the NMP device. Bile samples were collected dynamically. (B) After Gd-EOB-DTPA was injected in the circulated perfusate 2 h after initiation of NMP, six bile samples were collected at different time points. The T1 relaxation time of the bile samples were measured using an NMR relaxation analyzer. Gd concentration in corresponding samples was analyzed via inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Significant linear correlation between Gd concentration and biliary relaxation rate (R1 = 1/T1) is shown (residual sum of squares = 0.73925; Adj. R-square = 0.99965; 1/T1 Intercept: 1.30671, slope: 7.3405). (C) T1-weighted MR images of the bile samples. Corresponding T1 value and the time point for sample collection after Gd-EOB-DTPA injection of each bile sample are listed below. (D) The basic model for viability test of liver grafts during NMP. Livers were obtained after draining the blood. Following 0 min, 30 min and 60 min of warm ischemia and 45–90 min of cold ischemia (preparing process), livers were allowed to cannulate to NMP and divided into 3 groups (WIT:0′, n = 5; WIT:30′, n = 6; WIT:60′, n = 6). Gd-EOB-DTPA was injected 2 h after starting NMP, and bile samples were collected for R1 measurement.