Temporary suspension of animation using total body perfusion and hypothermia: A preliminary report0

Abstract

Summary A preliminary study of the suspension of animation incorporating a modified model of Neely's indicates that survival may be possible in a reasonable number of experimental animals after a period of 60 min of asanguineous perfusion. Although all measurable parameters of biological activity appear to be considerably reduced, initial studies suggest that some metabolic processes continue, even at markedly reduced temperatures. There is no evident neurological damage in the surviving dog. However, electrocardiography demonstrates changes that may prove to be associated with permanent morphological changes as well. The latter aspect is still under investigation. The potential use of the Neely model for studying complex questions of physiology in the intact organism is tenable, and further exploration of the technique is justified.