“In the US, 70% of [donor livers] are not used. I don’t know if we can rescue that 70%, “says Clavien.” But it’s exciting to try to rescue unused organs, or those with problems that could be used. That liver was totally amazing. ”
Once removed from the donor, the liver is usually stored in ice for up to 12 hours to prevent the cells from being damaged by the cold, which would reduce the chances of a successful transplant. This narrow window makes it difficult to match organs with people who need a donor liver, which means that many patients die before finding one.
Although more research is needed, the team believes the new technique could allow donor livers to be stored safely for up to 12 days before transplantation. If it works, it could also increase the likelihood of treating donor livers with drugs before surgery.
The 62-year-old male recipient had several serious liver conditions, including advanced cirrhosis and severe portal hypertension: an increase in blood pressure in a major blood vessel that carries blood from the intestine and spleen to the liver.
Once transplanted into his body, the liver began to function normally in three days. The patient took immunosuppressants to avoid the risk of infection after surgery and was discharged from the hospital 12 days after surgery. An evaluation one year after surgery found no signs of liver damage, injury or rejection.
Demand for liver transplants is growing and more people are dying from liver disease, but the number of available organs remains low. There are currently more than 11,000 people in the United States waiting for a liver transplant, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, and waiting times vary greatly across the country.
“I think we can say that this is a revolution in how we treat liver disorders,” says Clavien. “The proof is the patient: he’s here and he knows what he was like before.”