New Study: Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion Outperforms Normothermic Machine Perfusion in Liver Transplantation

Promising Outcomes for Liver Transplantation with HOPE

A groundbreaking comparative study reveals that hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE), in conjunction with the VitaSmart® machine perfusion system, significantly enhances organ and recipient survival rates compared to normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) in liver transplantation. The findings were shared at the 2025 World Transplant Congress (WTC) held in San Francisco, illuminating a vital advancement in transplant technology.

The results, presented by Dr. Chase J. Wehrle from Cleveland Clinic’s Transplant Center, showcase that the HOPE method not only promotes organ viability but also minimizes post-transplant complications. Statistically significant improvements were noted in the survival rates of organs and recipients treated with HOPE, alongside a decrease in adverse effects, particularly non-anastomotic strictures (NAS), which can lead to graft loss. This dual benefit illustrates the essential role of HOPE in improving transplant outcomes, especially for patients in desperate need of viable liver options.

In a compelling affirmation of previous findings from the Bridge to Hope clinical trial, the current study confirmed HOPE's potential to significantly reduce waiting times for liver transplants. Don Webber, CEO of Bridge to Life Ltd., the organization behind this clinical trial, emphasized that these results reaffirm the superior efficacy of HOPE over NMP. He stated, “Our study’s outcomes provide essential evidence to the transplant community that HOPE can indeed deliver improved organ and recipient survival compared to NMP.”

The significance of this research is further multiplied by the historical context in which it exists; although both HOPE and NMP have become standard practices for ex-situ liver perfusion, clinical results had never been directly compared until now. This post-hoc comparison utilized data from the well-documented 12-month follow-up study of the Bridge to Hope trial, where data was collected prospectively alongside NMP results derived from cold static storage (SCS).

The clinical implications of these findings are immense. As transplant demands outpace supply in many regions, the potential of HOPE to enhance the availability of transplantable livers cannot be understated. Increasing the number of usable organs could dramatically alter the landscape for patients in need and ultimately reduce the waiting time for life-saving transplants.

Bridge to Life Ltd. remains at the forefront of innovations in organ preservation solutions, boasting a portfolio that includes the renowned Belzer UW® and EasiSlush® besides the cutting-edge HOPE and VitaSmart perfusion system. Not only does the company focus on producing high-quality medical devices, but it also collaborates with leading transplant centers and organ procurement organizations globally.

This study serves as a pivotal moment in organ transplantation, underscoring HOPE's transformative potential in reshaping recipient outcomes and addressing critical waiting lists. As regulatory approvals are anticipated, including a pending FDA approval for VitaSmart in the United States, the future of liver transplantation looks increasingly promising with HOPE leading the way for enhanced patient care.

In conclusion, with ongoing advances in transplant technology and increased collaboration among medical institutions globally, the future of liver transplantation is bright. HOPE's promising results not only open doors to improving patient outcomes but also hold the potential to increase the availability of life-saving organs for patients around the globe.