A real-time, telemetric method for continuous measurement of portal pressures

J Surg Res. 2010 Apr;159(2):618-21. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2009.10.026. Epub 2009 Nov 10.

Abstract

The ability to longitudinally monitor portal and splanchnic pressures would greatly enhance the understanding of acute and chronic liver disease by helping to assess the immediate and long-term impact of therapeutic manipulations. However, a technique for measuring portal pressures in the ambulatory setting is not currently available. To overcome this difficulty, we utilized an approach that involved the implantation of a miniature telemetric device, equipped with a specially-designed pressure transmission catheter, into the spleen of an anesthetized mouse. Using this approach, portal pressures were measured continuously over 5 d in conscious, unrestrained animals, the availability of which will help facilitate studies of the portal circulation requiring long-term stability.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Chronic Disease
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Infusion Pumps, Implantable
  • Liver Diseases / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Portal Pressure / physiology*
  • Splanchnic Circulation / physiology*
  • Telemetry / instrumentation
  • Telemetry / methods