Principles of organ preservation

Abstract

Organ preservation refers to the maintenance of ex vivo organ viability and restoration of normal organ function when physiologic blood flow is reestablished.1 This paradigm defines the basis for current clinical and research models of organ transplantation. If an organ does not regain normal function rapidly after clinical implantation surgery and reperfusion, either delayed graft function (DGF) or primary nonfunction (PNF) has occurred. Delayed graft function is defined as impaired function that eventually returns to normal. Primary nonfunction indicates complete failure of the organ to restore function or the inability of the transplanted organ to sustain life. © 2008 Springer New York.