Extracorporeal perfusion of the whole human placenta--a new model.

An extracorporeal dual perfusion system of the whole human placenta was developed using a technique of multiple blunt cannulations of the intervillous space. The system was evaluated according to various perfusion-dynamic, metabolic and morphological criteria. Angiographic and dye distribution studies showed 80 to 100 per cent perfusion of the placenta. The perfused organ consumed oxygen, utilized glucose and produced HCG. The flow rates and acid-base values were within acceptable limits. However, problems with high fetoplacental vascular resistance, tendency to metabolic acidosis and fetomaternal fluid transfer were encountered. Ultrastructural studies showed variations in the syncytiotrophoblast and the microvilli.