Damaged human liver treated and transplanted into patient for the first time
The damaged organ was treated on a special machine which provided a continuous blood substitute
A human liver has been successfully transplanted after being preserved outside of the host’s body for three days.
The damaged organ was treated on a special machine which provided a continuous blood substitute at normal body temperature before being put into the recipient.
The technique - known as ex situ normothermic perfusion - is better than the traditional way of putting it on ice, and may save lives by stretching the viability of the organ, researchers say.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies