Development of a Liver Viability Index for Transplantation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of machine perfusion technology to improve the transplantability of discarded liver grafts. The study aims to develop a liver viability index by collecting biopsies from transplanted livers before and after implantation to analyze metabolite and gene expression and their relationship to post-transplant liver function. This research focuses on patients with liver cirrhosis who are candidates for deceased-donor liver transplants. Participants will undergo liver biopsies at specific times: immediately after organ procurement, just before implantation, 30 minutes after portal vein reperfusion, and 30 minutes after hepatic artery reperfusion. If there is more than 60 minutes between these two reperfusions, an additional biopsy will be taken. These biopsies will help measure tissue co-factor levels and collect data for the viability index. During the study, participants will be monitored for liver function and complications up to one year post-transplant. Researchers will track outcomes such as peak liver enzyme levels, acute liver rejection, infections, hepatitis C recurrence (if applicable), kidney failure, biliary complications, graft failure, and death. This long-term follow-up will provide valuable information on the success of machine perfused liver transplants and the viability index.

Developing Viability Index for Machine Perfused Livers