Our Summary

This research paper is about improving how we preserve organs for transplantation surgery. In the past, we’ve stuck to a traditional method called cold static storage (CS), which is great for organs that meet certain criteria. But now, there’s a new method called ex vivo machine perfusion that could be even better than CS. This might also allow us to use organs that before would have been discarded.

The way we understand organ preservation largely comes from studying animals. This paper looks at how we use pigs for these studies, specifically in the context of transplantation surgery. The researchers found 22 studies that used pigs to test out this new method of organ preservation.

The organs studied included the liver, kidney, lung, pancreas, and heart. Some studies even looked at preserving multiple organs at the same time. The researchers conclude that using pigs as a model for testing organ preservation techniques is reliable and safe.

This method has potential to improve our understanding of organ preservation and might allow us to expand the criteria for organ donation.

FAQs

  1. What is the traditional method of preserving organs for transplantation?
  2. How does the new method of ex vivo machine perfusion compare to the traditional method of cold static storage?
  3. Why are pigs used as a model for testing organ preservation techniques?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about organ transplant is to stay compliant with their medication regimen. It is important to take immunosuppressant medications as prescribed to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ. Skipping doses or not taking medication on time can increase the risk of rejection and ultimately lead to the loss of the transplanted organ. It is crucial for patients to communicate with their healthcare team if they are experiencing any side effects or difficulties with their medications so that adjustments can be made to ensure the best possible outcome after organ transplant surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for organ transplant are those who are suffering from end-stage organ failure and have exhausted all other treatment options. These patients may have conditions such as chronic kidney disease, liver failure, heart failure, lung disease, or diabetes complications that have led to organ failure.

Patients who are recommended for organ transplant are usually evaluated by a transplant team to determine their eligibility for surgery. Factors that are considered include the patient’s overall health, age, severity of their condition, and their ability to comply with post-transplant care.

It is important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates for organ transplant. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as active cancer, severe infections, or significant heart or lung disease, may not be considered appropriate candidates for transplantation. Additionally, patients who are unable to comply with the necessary post-transplant medications and lifestyle changes may also be deemed ineligible for surgery.

Overall, organ transplant is recommended for patients who have end-stage organ failure and have a good chance of benefiting from the surgery. By improving organ preservation techniques, we may be able to expand the criteria for organ donation and offer transplantation to more patients in need.

Timeline

Before organ transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with organ failure and placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor organ.
  2. Patient undergoes extensive medical evaluations to determine eligibility for transplant surgery.
  3. Donor organ is matched to the recipient based on factors such as blood type, tissue compatibility, and medical urgency.
  4. Donor organ is procured and transported to the transplant center for surgery.

After organ transplant:

  1. Surgery is performed to remove the failed organ and replace it with the donor organ.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit post-surgery for any complications.
  3. Patient undergoes a period of recovery and rehabilitation to regain strength and function.
  4. Patient must take immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their life to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ.
  5. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and medical tests to monitor the function of the transplanted organ and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of ex vivo machine perfusion compared to cold static storage for organ preservation?
  2. Are there any specific criteria for organs that are better suited for ex vivo machine perfusion?
  3. How does using pigs as a model for studying organ preservation techniques translate to human organ transplantation outcomes?
  4. What are the potential risks or limitations of using ex vivo machine perfusion for organ preservation?
  5. How does ex vivo machine perfusion impact the viability and function of different organs, such as the liver, kidney, lung, pancreas, and heart?
  6. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or studies using ex vivo machine perfusion for organ transplantation that I should be aware of?
  7. How does the use of ex vivo machine perfusion affect the success rates of organ transplantation surgeries?
  8. What are the potential implications of expanding the criteria for organ donation with the use of ex vivo machine perfusion?
  9. How does ex vivo machine perfusion impact the availability of organs for transplantation?
  10. Are there any specific considerations or precautions I should take if considering organ transplantation surgery with organs preserved using ex vivo machine perfusion?

Reference

Authors: Kumar R, Chung WY, Dennison AR, Garcea G. Journal: Artif Organs. 2017 Sep;41(9):E69-E79. doi: 10.1111/aor.12865. Epub 2017 Mar 6. PMID: 28266040