Feasibility of an MRI Compatible Ex-vivo Model of the Human Kidney to Assess Flow and Perfusion

Motivation: There is a clinical need for evaluation of deceased donor kidneys prior to transplantation. Coupling ex-vivo models with quantitative MRI may enable deceased donor kidney assessment based on flow and perfusion. Goal(s): To recreate machine perfusion conditions using an ex-vivo kidney model and assess perfusion using 4D Flow MRI and IVIM techniques. Approach: An MRI-compatible ex-vivo kidney perfusion model was developed to visualize and quantify kidney flow using quantitative MRI techniques. Results: The ex-vivo perfusion system replicated conditions observed under artificial kidney perfusion pre-transplantation. MRI-derived flow rate matched flow control parameters. Perfusion-related IVIM estimates demonstrated dependencies on perfusate flow rate. Impact: MRI compatible ex-vivo models allow us to simulate in vivo flow and perfusion in a controlled and biologically consistent manner. Using 4D flow MRI and IVIM, flow and perfusion can be investigated to evaluate kidney preservation parameters and condition.