Specialized microcomputer-based perfusion system of multiple organs

The authors developed a microcomputer-based perfusion system which makes it possible to control the perfusion parameters with a high degree of precision. The system consists of: (1) automatic controllable valves between the buffers and fixatives, and the vascular system of the animal; (2) a pressure transducer which is interfaced to the microcomputer in order to control the flow rate of the perfusate; and (3) a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) monitoring system of the input-output perfusate to determine ideal perfusion time. The advantages of this system over the traditional system are: (1) it enables one to easily accomplish good organ preservation with minimal clutter; (2) it provides an electronic controller which satisfies a variety of safety and experimental requirements and guarantees a well defined perfusion system; (3) it significantly reduces the risk of intimal damage and also minimizes several disadvantages currently encountered with a manual system; and (4) it reduces the time needed to perfuse the tissue and preserve morphology.