Comparative Study Reveals HOPE Outperforms NMP in Liver Transplants

Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion: A Game Changer in Liver Transplantation

Recent findings presented at the World Transplant Congress 2025 in San Francisco have shed new light on the efficacy of hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) compared to normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) in the context of liver transplants. The research reveals that the use of HOPE is associated with improved survival rates for both organs and recipients, as well as a reduction in post-transplant complications.

This pioneering comparative study, the first of its kind, was introduced by Dr. Chase J. Wehrle from the Cleveland Clinic Transplant Center. The analysis drew from a 12-month follow-up study known as the Bridge to Hope, which utilized the VitaSmart® machine perfusion system alongside the hypothermic technique. New statistical evidence indicates that HOPE outperformed NMP, showcasing a significant increase in organ survival and fewer adverse events following transplantation.

Notably, here are some of the key findings from the study:

- HOPE shows enhanced rates of both organ and recipient survival compared to NMP.
- There was a notable decrease in non-anastomotic strictures (NAS) associated with the use of HOPE, leading to lower transplant loss.

These findings were recognized at the congress, where they garnered the prestigious Young Investigators Award, indicating the research's potential to impact the transplant community significantly.