Revolutionizing Organ Donation: How Cleveland Clinic Surgeons are Improving Livery Preservation with Perfusion Technologies

Cleveland Clinic surgeons are using innovative technology to improve the preservation of livers before transplant, recognizing that every second counts in organ donation. Dr. David Reich, surgical director of the liver transplant program at Cleveland Clinic Florida, explains that traditional ice coolers used to store organs are not the most effective way to keep an organ healthy for transplantation.

Perfusion technologies have emerged as a solution to this issue. These machines allow livers to be kept somewhat alive between donor and recipient by pumping oxygenated blood or solution through the donor’s liver outside of the body. This process helps improve the quality of the organ, giving surgeons a thorough examination of its health status before transplantation or further rejuvenation is necessary. Research has shown that perfusion can reduce complications and improve outcomes for patients.

The use of perfusion technology has led to patients being discharged from hospitals sooner and experiencing fewer complications during transplant procedures. Ongoing research is being conducted on this new technology, which shows promise and may be considered for other types of organ transplants in the future. National Donate Life Month serves as a reminder of the critical role that organ donation plays in saving lives and advancing medical technologies.