Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion for Liver Transplantation: An Initial Experience.

OBJECTIVES

Due to widespread exploitation of extended criteria donors, machine perfusion is emerging as an alternative to static cold storage for organ preservation. Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion has been associated with improved outcomes after liver transplant, both in laboratory and clinical settings. Here, we present our initial experience with hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion, evaluating incidence of postreperfusion syndrome, early allograft dysfunction, and long-term biliary complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

End-ischemic dual (hepatic artery and portal vein) hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion was carried out for 150 to 200 minutes before organ implantation in 4 liver transplants considered at increased risk due to donor, recipient, or matching issues.

RESULTS

No device malfunction occurred. Theatre logistics were minimally affected. Incidences of post-reperfusion syndrome and early allograft dysfunction were 25% and 50%. At 6-month follow-up, all patients were alive with normal hepatic function and no evidence of ischemic cholangiopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion appeared safe and logistically simple. Further studies are needed to assess the real value of this technique and to identify which subset of patients would benefit from its implementation.