[Research progresses in ex vivo liver perfusion technology]

Liver transplantation is the standard therapy for end-stage liver disease, but the long-standing shortage of donor livers has constrained its advancement. The use of standard donor criteria expansion partially alleviates the supply-demand imbalance but increases postoperative complication risks. Extracorporeal mechanical perfusion mitigates ischemia-reperfusion injury, extends preservation time, and enables functional assessment and partial repair of the liver under ex vivo settings. Current clinical evidence confirms that short-term mechanical perfusion positively improves outcomes, but it still has limitations in terms of functional evaluation and deep repair. Therefore, the exploration of prolonged mechanical perfusion has possibilities for the restoration of organ function. The concept of "organ medicine" has enabled the breakthrough application of mechanical perfusion technology, originating from organ transplantation, to multiple disciplines, such as organ research, education, and therapy. Additionally, advancements in transforming research results and industrial upgrading are anticipated to develop into a strategic technology for a new round of medical revolution and industrial transformation.