Extracorporeal Perfusion of the Isolated Head of a Dog

Abstract

CRITICAL evaluation of cerebral metabolism and intracranial fluid distribution necessitates complete isolation of the brain's blood supply; however, brain viability must be demonstrated and maintained for such studies to be meaningful. Most investigators^1–3 have been unable to establish satisfactorily the viability or complete vascular isolation of the animal brain. Recently, White et al.⁴ described the isolation of the monkey brain by removal of all anatomical structures surrounding the brain except a small basal plate of bone and the central portion of the skull. In order to minimize handling of the brain substance, a factor which may disturb fluid distribution and cerebral metabolism, we have chosen to leave the brain within the skull during perfusion.