Evaluating the performance of a hybrid artificial liver support system with a recoverable hepatic failure rat model.

: To evaluate the performance of an artificial liver, we created a recoverable hepatic failure rat model. This involves a 30–60 minute warm ischemia, via clamping, of one-third of the liver with a partial (two-thirds) hepatectomy. Variations on this method provide for the possibility of several modes of hepatic failure. Survival time of the rats was prolonged (35%) by applying our hybrid artificial liver. However, the extracorporeal circulation is a considerable burden to the rat. Therefore, we need to apply the hybrid artificial liver intermittently and repeatedly.