In vitro perfusion studies of the human placenta; angioradiographic study of the maternal circulation.

Abstract

The flow of maternal perfusate through the intervillous space has been monitored by observing the flow of a radiopaque injection. The results of these experiments show that the extracorporeal apparatus devised by us does provide adequate perfusion of the isolated placenta in a manner strikingly similar to that occurring in vivo. Supporting evidence was obtained by dissecting the placenta to locate the distribution of India ink injected with the radiopaque dye.