Experimental verification of the hepatic perfusion index for monitoring direct liver perfusion by portal blood

: The reliability of HPI measurement was studied in animal experiment. The portal vein of experimental dogs was narrowed by application of a metallic coil. The induced portal hypertension with important hepatofugal collaterals appeared to be a suitable model for the study of changes in HPI. A decrease in the index was statistically significant and corresponded to the hemodynamical efficiency of collateral circulation. The original experiment verified the reliability of HPI for an assessment of direct perfusion of the liver by portal blood.