[Problems and prospects of creation of extracorporal systems for support of functional livers status]

The review considers features of efferent therapy employing extracorporeal systems, the devices known as "artificial liver" and "bioartificial liver" in the treatment of liver insufficiency. Analysis of literature data shows the need for further development of these biomedical studies and the search for optimal solutions in the selection of the source of hepatocytes, the development of bioreactors and biomaterials forming the basis of devices like "bioartificial liver". Taking into consideration certain advantages and disadvantages typical for various methods of extracorporeal support of the functional state of the liver one can evaluate prior experience in the treatment of liver diseases and approaches to the development of new, more effective medical technologies.