Groundbreaking Multicenter Study Validates HOPE Technology for Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Overview of the Multicenter Study

On September 18, 2025, at the 13th Congress of the International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) in Berlin, major findings were presented from a revolutionary multicenter study focusing on hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) and its application in pediatric liver transplants. Conducted in five European transplant centers, this study represents a significant advancement in the field of organ transplantation, particularly for children who require liver transplants.

This innovative study utilized the VitaSmart™ Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion System, marking it as the first of its kind to utilize a machine perfusion device in such a capacity. The findings highlighted the system’s effectiveness in prolonging organ preservation and reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is a common complication that can jeopardize the viability of transplanted organs.

Key Findings Demonstrating Safety and Efficacy

One of the most remarkable aspects of this study is the confirmation of safety for young patients undergoing such procedures. The results demonstrate that HOPE technology not only aids in maintaining liver function during transplantation but also proves to be particularly beneficial for organs that have experienced extensive ischemia or come from donors who have suffered circulatory death (DCD).

Dr. María Velayos from La Paz Hospital in Madrid spearheaded the research findings, which were featured as one of the "Best Liver Abstracts" during the congress. Her presentation outlined how the use of HOPE could significantly improve the outcomes for pediatric liver transplant patients, especially given the challenges presented by traditional organ preservation methods that typically rely on static cold storage.

The study's conclusions indicate that the application of HOPE not only improves the preservation of organs during the transplantation process but also provides critical advantages in scenarios where donor livers have limited viability. The findings underline the potential for extending the life of more organs for pediatric patients and ultimately reducing waiting times for those in dire need of transplants.

Implications for the Future of Pediatric Transplantation

CEO Don Webber of Bridge to Life Ltd., the organization backing this pivotal study, stated that the results of this research could reshape pediatric transplant procedures. By highlighting the safety and efficiency of the VitaSmart™ system, this study may lead to a significant increase in the number of viable organs available for transplantation in children. The advancement of preservation technology is key to alleviating the pressures faced by families navigating organ donation and transplantation for their young ones.

The VitaSmart™ system is designed to be CE marked and is already available in several global markets, with FDA approval in the United States still pending. As research continues to unveil the potential of machine perfusion for organ transplants, this study stands as an important milestone in the quest to improve clinical outcomes and make pediatric transplants safer and more accessible.

In closing, this multicenter study not only paves the way for enhanced organ preservation techniques but also holds the promise of increased success rates in pediatric liver transplants, potentially saving countless lives and providing hope to families in need.