A technique for rapid harvesting of cadaveric renal and pancreatic grafts after circulatory arrest

Abstract

In several countries, organs for transplantation cannot be removed from cadaver donors until cardiac arrest has occurred. A technique is described for removal of the kidneys and pancreas in which the whole abdominal contents are freed and reflected so that the retroperi-toneal organs lie uppermost. The aorta is opened longitudinally and the relevant arteries are cannulated via their orifices. Cold per fusion of the three organs can usually be initiated 5–15 minutes after cardiac arrest and significant ischaemia is avoided. The full length of the vascular pedicles can be preserved and the dissection of the retroperitoneal organs is greatly facilitated.