1
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Bodewes SB, Lascaris B, Adelmeijer J, de Meijer VE, Porte RJ, Lisman T. Normothermic Machine-perfused Human Donor Livers Produce Functional Hemostatic Proteins. Transplantation 2023; 107:2377-2383. [PMID: 37291723 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is used for the viability assessment of high-risk donor livers before transplantation. The production of hemostatic proteins is one of the major synthetic functions of the liver. The objective of this study was to measure the concentration and functionality of hemostatic proteins concentration in the NMP perfusate of human donor livers. METHODS Thirty-six livers that underwent NMP for viability assessment were included in this study. Perfusate samples taken during NMP (start, 150 min, and 300 min) were used for the measurement of antigen and activity levels of hemostatic proteins (factors II, VII, and X; fibrinogen; plasminogen; antithrombin; tissue plasminogen activator; von Willebrand factor; and proteins induced by vitamin K absence). The antigen levels were correlated with hepatocellular function according to previously proposed individual hepatocellular viability criteria: lactate clearance and perfusate pH. RESULTS Antigen levels of hemostatic proteins reached subphysiological levels in the NMP perfusate. Hemostatic proteins that were produced during NMP were at least partially active. All livers produced all hemostatic proteins tested within 150 min of NMP. Hemostatic protein concentrations did not significantly correlate with perfusate lactate and perfusate pH after 150 min of NMP. CONCLUSIONS All livers produce functional hemostatic proteins during NMP. The generation of a functional hemostatic system in NMP perfusate confirms the need for adequate anticoagulation of the perfusate to avoid generation of (micro)thrombi that may harm the graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke B Bodewes
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bianca Lascaris
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jelle Adelmeijer
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J Porte
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ton Lisman
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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2
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Li J, Lu H, Zhang J, Li Y, Zhao Q. Comprehensive Approach to Assessment of Liver Viability During Normothermic Machine Perfusion. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:466-479. [PMID: 36643041 PMCID: PMC9817053 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment of advanced liver disease, and the use of extended criteria donor organs has broadened the source of available livers. Although normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has become a useful tool in liver transplantation, there are no consistent criteria that can be used to evaluate the viability of livers during NMP. This review summarizes the criteria, indicators, and methods used to evaluate liver viability during NMP. The shape, appearance, and hemodynamics of the liver can be analyzed at a macroscopic level, while markers of liver injury, indicators of liver and bile duct function, and other relevant indicators can be evaluated by biochemical analysis. The liver can also be assessed by tissue biopsy at the microscopic level. Novel methods for assessment of liver viability are introduced. The limitations of evaluating liver viability during NMP are discussed and suggestions for future clinical practice are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qiang Zhao
- Correspondence to: Qiang Zhao, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6369-1393. Tel: +86-15989196835, E-mail:
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3
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Brüggenwirth IMA, van Leeuwen OB, Porte RJ, Martins PN. The Emerging Role of Viability Testing During Liver Machine Perfusion. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:876-886. [PMID: 33963657 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The transplant community continues to be challenged by the disparity between the need for liver transplantation and the shortage of suitable donor organs. At the same time, the number of unused donor livers continues to increase, most likely attributed to the worsening quality of these organs. To date, there is no reliable marker of liver graft viability that can predict good posttransplant outcomes. Ex situ machine perfusion offers additional data to assess the viability of donor livers before transplantation. Hence, livers initially considered unsuitable for transplantation can be assessed during machine perfusion in terms of appearance and consistency, hemodynamics, and metabolic and excretory function. In addition, postoperative complications such as primary nonfunction or posttransplant cholangiopathy may be predicted and avoided. A variety of viability criteria have been used in machine perfusion, and to date there is no widely accepted composition of criteria for clinical use. This review discusses potential viability markers for hepatobiliary function during machine perfusion, describes current limitations, and provides future recommendations for the use of viability criteria in clinical liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M A Brüggenwirth
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
| | - Otto B van Leeuwen
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J Porte
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
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4
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Verstraeten L, Jochmans I. Sense and Sensibilities of Organ Perfusion as a Kidney and Liver Viability Assessment Platform. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10312. [PMID: 35356401 PMCID: PMC8958413 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Predicting organ viability before transplantation remains one of the most challenging and ambitious objectives in transplant surgery. Waitlist mortality is high while transplantable organs are discarded. Currently, around 20% of deceased donor kidneys and livers are discarded because of “poor organ quality”, Decisions to discard are still mainly a subjective judgement since there are only limited reliable tools predictive of outcome available. Organ perfusion technology has been posed as a platform for pre-transplant organ viability assessment. Markers of graft injury and function as well as perfusion parameters have been investigated as possible viability markers during ex-situ hypothermic and normothermic perfusion. We provide an overview of the available evidence for the use of kidney and liver perfusion as a tool to predict posttransplant outcomes. Although evidence shows post-transplant outcomes can be predicted by both injury markers and perfusion parameters during hypothermic kidney perfusion, the predictive accuracy is too low to warrant clinical decision making based upon these parameters alone. In liver, further evidence on the usefulness of hypothermic perfusion as a predictive tool is needed. Normothermic perfusion, during which the organ remains fully metabolically active, seems a more promising platform for true viability assessment. Although we do not yet fully understand “on-pump” organ behaviour at normothermia, initial data in kidney and liver are promising. Besides the need for well-designed (registry) studies to advance the field, the catch-22 of selection bias in clinical studies needs addressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Verstraeten
- Lab of Abdominal Transplantation, Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ina Jochmans
- Lab of Abdominal Transplantation, Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Abdominal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Ina Jochmans,
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5
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Coagulation Factors Accumulate During Normothermic Liver Machine Perfusion Regardless of Donor Type and Severity of Ischemic Injury. Transplantation 2022; 106:510-518. [PMID: 33756546 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coagulation factors may inform on liver function during normothermic machine perfusion (NMP). We investigated whether graft ischemic injury impairs the accumulation of anticoagulation factors during NMP of porcine and human livers. METHODS Dynamics of FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, and FX during NMP and their correlation with graft injury was investigated in porcine livers with minimal (no warm ischemia, n = 5) or severe injury (60 min warm ischemia, n = 5). Next, FV, FVIII, FIX, fibrinogen, and antithrombin were measured in 35 matched human liver NMPs from the COPE trial. Correlation of these factors with outcomes was explored. Livers were categorized in to 4 groups depending on donor type and posttransplant peak aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as surrogate of minimal (peak < 500 IU/L) or moderate injury (peak > 1000 IU/L). RESULTS Factor concentrations increased significantly during NMP regardless of severity of injury. In porcine livers, factor concentrations were 2- to 6-fold lower in severely injured grafts (all P < 0.05). All factors negatively correlated with AST (coefficient range: from -0.50 to -0.93; all P < 0.05) and lactate (range: from -0.51 to -0.67; all P < 0.05). In human livers, no difference in factor accumulation rates and no correlation with other markers were observed. One graft with primary nonfunction had low rate of factor accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Anticoagulation factors accumulate during NMP regardless of donor type and severity of injury. In pigs, severe ischemic injury resulted in significantly lower factor concentrations. In human livers with life-sustaining function, they do not correlate with hepatic injury. Whether low concentrations predict nonfunction in high-risk livers with severe injury requires further investigation.
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6
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Lascaris B, Thorne AM, Lisman T, Nijsten MWN, Porte RJ, de Meijer VE. Long-term normothermic machine preservation of human livers: what is needed to succeed? Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G183-G200. [PMID: 34756122 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00257.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Although short-term machine perfusion (≤24 h) allows for resuscitation and viability assessment of high-risk donor livers, the donor organ shortage might be further remedied by long-term perfusion machines. Extended preservation of injured donor livers may allow reconditioning, repairing, and regeneration. This review summarizes the necessary requirements and challenges for long-term liver machine preservation, which requires integrating multiple core physiological functions to mimic the physiological environment inside the body. A pump simulates the heart in the perfusion system, including automatically controlled adjustment of flow and pressure settings. Oxygenation and ventilation are required to account for the absence of the lungs combined with continuous blood gas analysis. To avoid pressure necrosis and achieve heterogenic tissue perfusion during preservation, diaphragm movement should be simulated. An artificial kidney is required to remove waste products and control the perfusion solution's composition. The perfusate requires an oxygen carrier, but will also be challenged by coagulation and activation of the immune system. The role of the pancreas can be mimicked through closed-loop control of glucose concentrations by automatic injection of insulin or glucagon. Nutrients and bile salts, generally transported from the intestine to the liver, have to be supplemented when preserving livers long term. Especially for long-term perfusion, the container should allow maintenance of sterility. In summary, the main challenge to develop a long-term perfusion machine is to maintain the liver's homeostasis in a sterile, carefully controlled environment. Long-term machine preservation of human livers may allow organ regeneration and repair, thereby ultimately solving the shortage of donor livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Lascaris
- Section of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adam M Thorne
- Section of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ton Lisman
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten W N Nijsten
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J Porte
- Section of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Section of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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7
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Brüggenwirth IMA, Lantinga VA, Rayar M, van den Berg AP, Blokzijl H, Reyntjens KMEM, Porte RJ, de Meijer VE. Prolonged dual hypothermic oxygenated machine preservation (DHOPE-PRO) in liver transplantation: study protocol for a stage 2, prospective, dual-arm, safety and feasibility clinical trial. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2022; 9:bmjgast-2021-000842. [PMID: 35039326 PMCID: PMC8764996 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction End-ischaemic preservation of a donor liver by dual hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (DHOPE) for 2 hours prior to transplantation is sufficient to mitigate ischaemia-reperfusion damage and fully restore cellular energy levels. Clinical studies have shown beneficial outcomes after transplantation of liver grafts preserved by DHOPE compared with static cold storage. In addition to graft reconditioning, DHOPE may also be used to prolong preservation time, which could facilitate logistics for allocation and transplantation globally. Methods and analysis This is a prospective, pseudo-randomised, dual-arm, IDEAL-D (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long term study-Framework for Devices) stage 2 clinical device trial designed to determine safety and feasibility of prolonged DHOPE (DHOPE-PRO). The end-time of the donor hepatectomy will determine whether the graft will be assigned to the intervention (16:00–3:59 hour) or to the control arm (4:00–15:59 hour). In total, 36 livers will be included in the study. Livers in the intervention group (n=18) will undergo DHOPE-PRO (≥4 hours) until implantation the following morning, whereas livers in the control group (n=18) will undergo regular DHOPE (2 hours) prior to implantation. The primary endpoint of this study is a composite of the occurrence of all (serious) adverse events during DHOPE and up to 30 days after liver transplantation. Ethics and dissemination The protocol was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of Groningen, METc2020.126 in June 2020, and the study was registered in the Netherlands National Trial Registry (https://www.trialregister.nl/) prior to initiation. Trial registration number NL8740.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M A Brüggenwirth
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Veerle A Lantinga
- Organ Preservation and Resuscitation Unit, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Rayar
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Aad P van den Berg
- Hepatology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- Hepatology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Koen M E M Reyntjens
- Anesthesiology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J Porte
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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8
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Eshmuminov D, Hefti M, Mueller M, Schuler MJ, Bautista Borrego L, Schneider MA, Koch K, Weisskopf M, Tibbitt MW, Dutkowski P, Rudolf von Rohr P, Studt JD, Becker D, Clavien PA. Synthesis of coagulation factors during long-term ex situ liver perfusion. Artif Organs 2021; 46:273-280. [PMID: 34287985 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Robust viability assessment of grafts during normothermic liver perfusion is a prerequisite for organ use. Coagulation parameters are used commonly for liver assessment in patients. However, they are not yet included in viability assessment during ex situ perfusion. In this study, we analysed coagulation parameters during one week ex situ perfusion at 34℃. Eight discarded human livers were perfused with blood-based, heparinised perfusate for one week; perfusions in a further four livers were terminated on day 4 due to massive ongoing cell death. Coagulation parameters were well below the physiologic range at perfusion start. Physiologic levels were achieved within the first two perfusion days for factor V (68.5 ± 35.5%), factor VII (83.5 ± 26.2%), fibrinogen (2.1 ± 0.4 g/L) and antithrombin (107 ± 26.5%) in the livers perfused for one week. Despite the increased production of coagulation factors, INR was detectable only at 24h of perfusion (2.1 ± 0.3) and prolonged thereafter (INR > 9). The prolongation of INR was related to the high heparin level in the perfusate (anti-FXa > 3 U/mL). Intriguingly, livers with ongoing massive cell death also disclosed synthesis of factor V and improved INR. In summary, perfused livers were able to produce coagulation factors at a physiological level ex situ. We propose that single coagulation factor analysis is more reliable for assessing the synthetic function of perfused livers as compared to INR when using a heparinised perfusate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilmurodjon Eshmuminov
- Department of Surgery, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich - ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Max Hefti
- Wyss Zurich - ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Mueller
- Department of Surgery, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich - ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Schuler
- Wyss Zurich - ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Bautista Borrego
- Department of Surgery, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich - ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcel André Schneider
- Department of Surgery, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin Koch
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Weisskopf
- Center of Surgical Research, University Hospital Zürich University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark W Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Dutkowski
- Department of Surgery, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Rudolf von Rohr
- Wyss Zurich - ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan-Dirk Studt
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dustin Becker
- Wyss Zurich - ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Alain Clavien
- Department of Surgery, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplantation Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich - ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Karangwa SA, Lisman T, Porte RJ. Anticoagulant Management and Synthesis of Hemostatic Proteins during Machine Preservation of Livers for Transplantation. Semin Thromb Hemost 2020; 46:743-750. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1715452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AbstractLiver transplantation remains the only curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. Despite a steadily increasing demand for suitable donor livers, the current pool of donor organs fails to meet this demand. To resolve this discrepancy, livers traditionally considered to be of suboptimal quality and function are increasingly utilized. These marginal livers, however, are less tolerant to the current standard cold preservation of donor organs. Therefore, alternative preservation methods have been sought and are progressively applied into clinical practice. Ex situ machine perfusion is a promising alternative preservation modality particularly for suboptimal donor livers as it provides the ability to resuscitate, recondition, and test the viability of an organ prior to transplantation. This review addresses the modalities of machine perfusion currently being applied, and particularly focuses on the hemostatic management employed during machine perfusion. We discuss the anticoagulant agents used, the variation in dosage, and administration, as well as the implications of perfusion for extended periods of time in terms of coagulation activation associated with production of coagulation factors during perfusion. Furthermore, in regard to viability testing of an organ prior to transplantation, we discuss the possibilities and limitations of utilizing the synthesis of liver-derived coagulation factors as potential viability markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanice A. Karangwa
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Research Laboratory, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ton Lisman
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Research Laboratory, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J. Porte
- Section of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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10
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Normothermic Machine Perfusion Enhances Intraoperative Hepatocellular Synthetic Capacity: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis. Transplantation 2020; 103:e198-e207. [PMID: 30946221 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of liver grafts is increasingly being incorporated in clinical practice. Current evidence has shown NMP plays a role in reconditioning the synthetic and energy capabilities of grafts. Intraoperative coagulation profile is a surrogate of graft quality and preservation status; however, to date this aspect has not been documented. METHODS The liver transplantation recipients who received NMP liver grafts in the QEHB between 2013 and 2016 were compared in terms of intraoperative thromboelastography characteristics (R time, K time, α-angle, maximum amplitude, G value, and LY30) to a propensity score-matched control group, where the grafts were preserved by traditional static cold storage (SCS). RESULTS After propensity matching, none of the thromboelastography characteristics were found to differ significantly between the 72 pairs of SCS and NMP organs when measured preimplantation. However, postimplantation, NMP organs had significantly shorter K time (median: 2.8 vs 3.6 min, P = 0.010) and R + K time (11.4 vs 13.7 min, P = 0.016), as well as significantly larger α-angle (55.9° vs 44.8°, P = 0.002), maximum amplitude (53.5 vs 49.6 mm, P = 0.044), and G values (5.8 vs 4.9k dynes/cm, P = 0.043) than SCS organs. Hyperfibrinolysis after implantation was also mitigated by NMP, with fewer patients requiring aggressive factor correction during surgery (LY30 = 0, NMP vs SCS: 83% vs 60%, P = 0.004). Consequently, NMP organs required significantly fewer platelet units to be transfused during the transplant procedure (median: 0 vs 5, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we have shown that NMP liver grafts return better coagulation profiles intraoperatively, which could be attributed to the preservation of liver grafts under physiological conditions.
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11
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Eshmuminov D, Becker D, Bautista Borrego L, Hefti M, Schuler MJ, Hagedorn C, Muller X, Mueller M, Onder C, Graf R, Weber A, Dutkowski P, Rudolf von Rohr P, Clavien PA. An integrated perfusion machine preserves injured human livers for 1 week. Nat Biotechnol 2020; 38:189-198. [PMID: 31932726 PMCID: PMC7008032 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The ability to preserve metabolically active livers ex vivo for 1 week or more could allow repair of poor-quality livers that would otherwise be declined for transplantation. Current approaches for normothermic perfusion can preserve human livers for only 24 h. Here we report a liver perfusion machine that integrates multiple core physiological functions, including automated management of glucose levels and oxygenation, waste-product removal and hematocrit control. We developed the machine in a stepwise fashion using pig livers. Study of multiple ex vivo parameters and early phase reperfusion in vivo demonstrated the viability of pig livers perfused for 1 week without the need for additional blood products or perfusate exchange. We tested the approach on ten injured human livers that had been declined for transplantation by all European centers. After a 7-d perfusion, six of the human livers showed preserved function as indicated by bile production, synthesis of coagulation factors, maintained cellular energy (ATP) and intact liver structure. Livers are stored long term in a sophisticated perfusion system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilmurodjon Eshmuminov
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dustin Becker
- Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Bautista Borrego
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Max Hefti
- Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Schuler
- Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Hagedorn
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Muller
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Mueller
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Onder
- Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Graf
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Achim Weber
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, and Institute of Molecular Cancer Research (IMCR), University Zurich and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Dutkowski
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Rudolf von Rohr
- Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Transport Processes and Reactions Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Alain Clavien
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Wyss Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Hessheimer AJ, Riquelme F, Fundora-Suárez Y, García Pérez R, Fondevila C. Normothermic perfusion and outcomes after liver transplantation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2019; 33:200-208. [PMID: 31239189 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ischemia has been a persistent and largely unavoidable element in solid organ transplantation, contributing to graft deterioration and adverse post-transplant outcomes. In liver transplantation, where available organs arise with greater frequency from marginal donors (i.e., ones that are older, obese, and/or declared dead following cardiac arrest through the donation after circulatory death process), there is increasing interest using dynamic perfusion strategies to limit, assess, and even reverse the adverse effects of ischemia in these grafts. Normothermic perfusion, in particular, is used to restore the flow of oxygen and other metabolic substrates at physiological temperatures. It may be used in liver transplantation both in situ following cardiac arrest in donation after circulatory death donors or during part or all of the ex situ preservation phase. This review article addresses issues relevant to use of normothermic perfusion strategies in liver transplantation, including technical and logistical aspects associated with establishing and maintaining normothermic perfusion in its different forms and clinical outcomes that have been reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia J Hessheimer
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Transplantation, General & Digestive Surgery Service, Digestive & Metabolic Disease Institute (ICMDM), Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francisco Riquelme
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Transplantation, General & Digestive Surgery Service, Digestive & Metabolic Disease Institute (ICMDM), Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yiliam Fundora-Suárez
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Transplantation, General & Digestive Surgery Service, Digestive & Metabolic Disease Institute (ICMDM), Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocío García Pérez
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Transplantation, General & Digestive Surgery Service, Digestive & Metabolic Disease Institute (ICMDM), Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Constantino Fondevila
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Transplantation, General & Digestive Surgery Service, Digestive & Metabolic Disease Institute (ICMDM), Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Spain
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