Abstract: TH-PO0998
Advancing a Porcine Autotransplantation Model to Demonstrate Long-Term Viability After Ex Vivo Kidney Preservation
Session Information
- Transplantation: Basic - Immune Biology, Tissue Injury, and Emerging Technologies
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2001 Transplantation: Basic
Authors
- Lee, Jean, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Meyer, Natalie, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Stewart, Megill, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Hansen, Keith, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Stoller, Marshall L., University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
- Yang, Heiko, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado, United States
Background
A number of novel kidney preservation technologies are being developed to solve the shortage of donor organs, including normothermic perfusion, isochoric supercooling, and vitrification. However, translation of these technologies remains limited by the lack of reliable models for long-term in vivo assessment. To validate and improve these approaches, we optimized a porcine autotransplantation protocol to test in vivo kidney viability and function following preservation.
Methods
Unilateral nephrectomy was performed on juvenile female pigs (40–45 kg) through a midline incision. The removed kidneys were preserved using either normothermic perfusion, isochoric supercooling, or vitrification. Following preservation, the kidneys were autotransplanted, and the contralateral kidney was removed either immediately or after a delayed interval to support post-transplant recovery. Postoperative evaluation included urine output monitoring, serum and urine chemistries, ultrasonography, and histologic assessment at necropsy. Animals were recovered for up to 30 days after autotransplantation to assess long-term outcomes.
Results
The model was successfully established over a series of 38 cases. Procedural refinements included optimized vessel selection, retractor choice to reduce bowel manipulation, and liposomal bupivacaine analgesia to avoid NSAID-associated nephrotoxicity. Long-term survival was achieved for kidneys that underwent normothermic perfusion and isochoric supercooling. Functional recovery was supported by sustained urine production, postoperative ultrasound imaging, and serum chemistry trends consistent with graft function. Procedural failures were primarily related to vascular thrombosis or suboptimal perfusion dynamics.
Conclusion
This porcine autotransplantation model establishes a reproducible platform for evaluating ex vivo preservation methods and determining whether preserved kidneys can support life-sustaining renal function.
Funding
- NIDDK Support