A new method developed by the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) can significantly increase the preservation time of donor organs in liver transplants. The traditional approach to liver transplants required a race against the clock. Transplants had to be done within six to 10 hours. The new technique, known as ‘hypothermic machine perfusion’ (DHOPE), extends this time to 20 hours. It allows surgeons to schedule operations for the next morning.
Why you need to know this:
New technology can cause the medical sector to make great strides. So is this method from UMCG.
No negative impact
This extended storage time did not negatively affect the outcome of transplantation.
Within a 30-day period after surgery, no complications related to the extended storage time occurred. After one year, all patients were still alive with a functioning liver.
No more rush
The fact that liver transplants can be performed during the day can have great benefits for both patients and medical staff. Patients benefit from a more planned approach, which may be less stressful than an emergency procedure. In addition, it can be more beneficial for surgeons and support staff to perform operations during regular working hours, which reduces the workload at night and can improve the quality of care.
The machine
On arrival at the hospital, the donor liver is placed in a machine, to which blood vessels are connected. The machine then pumps a preservative fluid containing oxygen through the liver, thus preserving it longer.
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