High-Resolution Imaging Using the VisualSonics Vevo 2100 on Isolated, Perfused Porcine Kidneys on Mechanical Circulatory Support.

Abstract

Despite many improvements in the field of renal transplantation, the key problem that persists is the lack of organs for all the patients who need kidneys. This problem continues despite the addition of extended criteria donors and donation after cardiac death. Compounding this issue is the high discard rate and there are no good means to truly predict renal function using current pretransplantation testing parameters. In an isolated renal perfusion model using porcine kidneys, we tested the proof of principle that a Vevo 2100 high-frequency high-resolution ultrasound system (Fujifilm VisualSonics, Inc., Toronto, Canada) could assess renal parenchymal perfusion and flow in the central renal vessels which could not assess by conventional ultrasound. Images and velocities were easily obtained during these studies. High-frequency ultrasound imaging may be a feasible and reproducible method for assessing renal parenchymal integrity and function pretransplantation. Further studies are required to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this approach in comparison with traditional renal biopsy pretransplantation with the goal of increasing the identification and use of donated kidneys for transplantation.