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Functional Human Liver Preservation and Recovery by Means of Subnormothermic Machine Perfusion
Published on: April 27, 2015
A bioartificial liver--state of the art
Alastair J Strain1, James M Neuberger
1Schools of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Birmingham, and Liver and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK. a.j.strain@bham.ac.uk
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 9, 2002
Summary
Bioartificial liver devices offer a temporary solution for end-stage liver disease patients facing donor organ shortages. These devices use a bioreactor with liver cells to support patients awaiting transplant or recovery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hepatology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- End-stage liver disease necessitates liver transplantation.
- Donor organ scarcity presents a critical challenge in liver transplantation.
- Bioartificial liver (BAL) devices are developed as a bridge therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the role and design of bioartificial liver devices.
- To highlight the function of BAL devices in managing end-stage liver disease.
Main Methods:
- Extracorporeal circulation of patient plasma.
- Utilizing a bioreactor containing hepatocytes (liver cells).
- Hepatocytes are housed between artificial plates or capillaries within the bioreactor.
Main Results:
- BAL devices function as a temporary support system.
- They aim to sustain patients until liver recovery or transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Bioartificial liver devices are crucial for bridging the gap in liver transplantation.
- They represent a significant advancement in managing end-stage liver disease amidst organ shortages.
