Objective To investigate an improved large vascular reconstruction method in the canine liver transplantation and see whether it can shorten the anheptic time and thus reduce the harmful effects during the anhepatic phase. Methods Thirty-two mongrel dogs were enrolled and divided into two groups randomly:the donor group (n=16) and the acceptorgroup(n=16). The dogs in the acceptor group were divided into two groups, according to the different reconstruction methods: Group A using the magnetic rings for a large vein reconstruction in the canine liver transplantation (n=10), and Group B using a handsewing large vein reconstruction in the canine liver transplantation (n=6). The operation time, hemodymics change, anastomosis site, and survival were observed. Results The operation time was as follows: In Group A, the total operation time, the inferior vena cava anastomosistime, and the anheptic phase time were significantly shorter than those in Group B (3.24±0.49 h vs 4.12±0.51 h，5.89±2.27 min vs 28.33±6.04 min，3.89±0.73 min vs 12.16±3.72 min),with a significant difference between the two groups (Plt;0.01). The haemodymics changes were as follows: In Group A, MAP dropped during the anhepatic phase, but it soon recovered after reperfusion，and there was only 730.56±150.56 ml of fluid including the donor blood that needed to be transfused, with no pressor agent required. In Group B, blood pressure dropped during the anhepatic phase，but it slowly recovered，and there was 2241.67±390.78 ml of fluid. In Group A, all the stomas had no errhysis, twistor thrombus. The twisted stomas could be corrected by the revolving of the magnetic rings. The endangium at the site of anastomosis was smooth. In Group B, most of the stomas had errthysis. In Group A, 3 dogs survived for more than 7 days, 6dogs survived for 3-6 days, and 1 dog survived for only 12 hours. In Group B, 2 dogs survived for 3-6 days, 3 dogs survived for 1-2 days, and 1 dog survivedfor only 12 hours. Conclusion Using the magnetic rings for a large vascular reconstruction in the canine liver transplantation is an improvedmethod, which can simplify the anastomosis procedures and significantly shortenthe anheptic phase time. However, the magnetic rings have to be placed in the abdomen, so this method remains to be further improved.
