Organ Perfusion for Uterus Transplantation in Non-Human Primates With Assumed Procurement of a Uterus From a Brain-Dead Donor

Abstract

Background: Clinical studies of uterus transplantation have been performed to treat uterine factor infertility. Because the uterus is a pelvic visceral organ, the method of perfusion for the procurement of vital organs from a brain-dead donor should be modified for removal of the uterus. Herein, we report the results of a preliminary study in cynomolgus monkeys of a new perfusion method for uterus transplantation with assumed procurement of a uterus from a brain-dead donor.

Methods: Cynomolgus monkeys were used; thoracolaparotomy was performed on the donor. A perfusion catheter was then placed into the unilateral femoral artery and/or external iliac artery. Cross-clamping was performed for the aorta under the diaphragm and the inferior vena cava was divided in the pleural space. The perfusion solution was then administered via the catheter to perfuse all organs in the abdominal cavity, including those in the pelvic cavity. After the perfusion, gross observation and histopathological examination of abdominal organs were conducted.

Results: Gross findings showed that all abdominal organs turned white in all specimens, indicating favorable perfusion of the uterus and all other organs in the abdomen. Pathological findings showed that almost no hemocytes were observed in the vessels of each organ.

Conclusions: With perfusion via the femoral artery and/or external iliac artery, all organs in the abdominal cavity, including the uterus, could be perfused. It was suggested that this technique could be useful for uterus transplantation assuming the procurement of a uterus from a brain-dead donor.