Innovative experimental animal models for real‐time comparison of antithrombogenicity between two oxygenators using dual extracorporeal circulation circuits and indocyanine green fluorescence imaging. Issue 1 (29th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sakurai, Hironobu; Fujiwara, Tatsuki; Ohuchi, Katsuhiro; Hijikata, Wataru; Inoue, Yusuke; Maruyama, Osamu; Tahara, Tomoki; Yokota, Sachie; Tanaka, Yui; Takewa, Yoshiaki; Mizuno, Tomohiro; Arai, Hirokuni
• Is Part Of: Artificial organs. Volume 47:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2022-08-29
• Subjects: antithrombotic comparison -- COVID‐19 -- dual extracorporeal circulation -- experimental animal model -- extracorporeal membrane oxygenation -- indocyanine green fluorescence imaging -- oxygenator -- pulsatile flow; Artificial organs -- Periodicals; 617.956
• DOI: 10.1111/aor.14380
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-564X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Antithrombogenicity of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices, particularly oxygenators, is a current problem, with numerous studies and developments underway. However, there has been limited progress in developing methods to accurately compare the antithrombogenicity of oxygenators. Animal experiments are commonly conducted to evaluate the antithrombogenicity of devices; however, it is challenging to maintain a steady experimental environment. We propose an innovative experimental animal model to evaluate different devices in a constant experimental environment in real‐time. Methods: This model uses two venous–arterial ECMO circuits attached to one animal (one by jugular vein and carotid artery, one by femoral vein and artery) and real‐time assessment of thrombus formation in the oxygenator by indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. Comparison studies were conducted using three pigs: one to compare different oxygenators (MERA vs. CAPIOX) (Case 1), and two to compare antithrombotic properties of the oxygenator (QUADROX) when used under different hydrodynamic conditions (continuous flow vs. pulsatile flow) (Cases 2 and 3). Results: Thrombi, visualized using ICG imaging, appeared as black dots on a white background in each oxygenator. In Case 1, differences in the site of thrombus formation and rate of thrombus growth were observed in real‐time in two oxygenators. In Case 2 and 3, the thrombus region was smaller in pulsatile than in continuous conditions. Conclusions: We devised an innovative experimental animal model for comparison of antithrombogenicity in ECMO circuits. This model enabled simultaneous evaluation of two different ECMO circuits under the same biological conditions and reduced the number of sacrificed experimental animals. Abstract : We developed an innovative experimental animal model in which two veno‐arterial ECMO circuits were attached to one animal in combination with ICG fluorescence imaging for real‐time comparison of antithrombogenicity between oxygenators. Thrombi appeared as black dots on a white background. Differences in site of thrombus formation and rate of thrombus growth could be observed. This model allowed simultaneous evaluation of two circuits under the same biological conditions, thus reducing the number of sacrificed animals.