First Multicenter Study of Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion in Pediatric Liver Transplants Validates Its Safety and Efficacy

Groundbreaking Study on HOPE in Pediatric Liver Transplants

In a monumental advancement for pediatric medicine, the first-ever multicenter study of Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE) utilizing the VitaSmart™ system was unveiled at the 13th Congress of the International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) held in Berlin, Germany, from September 18 to 21, 2025. This study signifies a milestone not just as the first of its kind for machine perfusion devices but also as a pioneering effort in the realm of pediatric liver transplantation.

The Significance of HOPE

The study, titled "Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE) in Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A Multicenter Study" and presented by Dr. María Velayos, Pediatric Surgeon at the prestigious La Paz Hospital in Madrid, highlights the impressive findings that emerged from five leading pediatric liver transplant centers across Europe. HOPE demonstrates superiority over traditional methods by enhancing graft preservation through reduced dependency on static cold storage, which is often linked to complications such as ischemia-reperfusion injury that can severely affect graft function.

Safety and Efficacy Unveiled

The findings confirm that HOPE is not only safe but also particularly advantageous for grafts exposed to prolonged ischemia, especially those sourced from Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) donors. This aspect is crucial given the frequent shortage of suitable organs for transplant in pediatric patients, making the prolongation of organ viability essential for timely transplantation.

"These results underscore the significance of our VitaSmart™ HOPE System as the first multicenter study in this vulnerable pediatric demographic, illustrating its safety and efficacy in such delicate cases," stated Don Webber, CEO and President of Bridge to Life Ltd., a frontrunner in transplant solutions and the sponsor behind the pivotal Bridge to Hope clinical trial.

Webber further elaborated that this innovative technology aims to extend graft preservation times and minimize harm to sensitive grafts, thereby potentially increasing the pool of viable organs for children on the waiting list. The ultimate goal is to decrease wait times and ultimately save more lives.

Future Implications

The results of this groundbreaking study not only mark a triumph in the field of pediatric transplantation but also point towards a promising future where more children can receive the life-saving organs they desperately need. The implications of HOPE technology might very well transform standards of care and optimize outcomes for pediatric patients, offering hope for a brighter future in organ transplantation.

About Bridge to Life™ Ltd

Bridge to Life™ Ltd specializes in cutting-edge organ preservation solutions, with a focus on developing high-quality products such as the Belzer UW®, EasiSlush®, and VitaSmart™ Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion System. Their commitment to innovation, excellence, and accessibility positions them as a trusted partner for leading transplant centers and organ procurement organizations across the globe. Notably, the VitaSmart™ system is CE Marked and is already available in several markets outside of the United States, with pending FDA clearance anticipated in the near future.

As medical technology continues to advance, HOPE and initiatives like it pave the way for enhancements in the field, ultimately aiming to benefit the patients who need it most.