Abstract
Although successful machine perfusion procedures of the liver were first performed almost four decades ago, technical and logistical constraints have prevented general acceptance. Interest in the procedure has recently been renewed due to its potential to resuscitate marginal organs. This review describes experimental and clinical liver hypothermic machine perfusion studies and current developments. Experimental studies have shown that oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion provides a complete washout and can restore parenchymal energy status, a phenomenon of particular importance in preservation of livers from compromised donors. Additionally, perfusion of the hepatic artery can prevent ischemic-type biliary lesions. Short-term and continuous hypothermic machine perfusion prior to or after cold storage preservation have proven more effective than cold storage alone. The benefits of hypothermic machine perfusion for both heart-beating and nonheart-beating liver grafts seem promising in terms of expanding the donor pool. As liver hypothermic machine perfusion systems are not yet commercially available, the process is currently only clinically used for kidney grafts. Clinical application appears feasible in the near future as new, easy-to-use systems and solutions are currently under development.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.