Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
Ex Situ Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Donor Livers
Published on: May 26, 2015
Hypothermic machine perfusion in liver transplantation.
S Karangwa1, G Panayotova2, P Dutkowski3
1Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Surgery, Surgical Research Laboratory, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
Dynamic preservation strategies like ex situ perfusion improve organ transplant graft quality and extend preservation times. Emerging viability assessments may increase liver utilization in future transplants.
Area of Science:
- Organ transplantation research
- Surgical innovation
- Graft preservation science
Background:
- Dynamic preservation strategies offer improved organ quality and extended preservation windows for logistical or therapeutic needs.
- Normothermic oxygenated perfusion mimics physiological conditions for up to 24 hours, while hypothermic perfusion offers shorter-term protection, focusing on mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and future potential of dynamic preservation techniques in organ transplantation.
- To highlight the role of ex situ perfusion in enhancing graft quality and expanding organ utilization.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on dynamic preservation techniques, including normothermic and hypothermic perfusion.
- Discussion of ongoing randomized controlled trials and their expected impact on clinical practice.
- Analysis of advancements in viability assessment for transplanted organs.
Main Results:
- Two randomized controlled trials on perfusion techniques are nearing completion, with results anticipated soon.
- Ex situ perfusion methods are gaining traction in clinical transplantation.
- Viability assessment techniques are advancing, potentially increasing the pool of usable donor organs.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic preservation, particularly ex situ perfusion, holds significant promise for improving organ transplantation outcomes.
- Advancements in viability assessment are crucial for maximizing organ utilization and addressing donor shortages.
- The clinical application of these techniques is expanding, paving the way for increased transplant success.
