New Evidence on VitaSmart HOPE Technique Enhancing Transplant Viability Presented by Bridge to Life

Bridge to Life Presents New ILTS 2026 Data on VitaSmart™ HOPE

Bridge to Life™ Ltd., a leading entity in organ preservation and perfusion technology, recently unveiled compelling new data at the 2026 International Congress of the International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS) held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 6-9. The studies showcased the efficacy of the Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE) method, particularly with the innovative VitaSmart™ system, in enhancing the usability of marginal donor livers and preserving mitochondrial function for real-time viability assessment.

Key Findings from the Research

The presented data is transformative, shedding light on how HOPE can significantly improve the rate of viable organ donations. Specifically, it can increase the utilization of steatotic, older, or previously discarded donor livers, thus reducing waiting times for patients on the transplant registry. Don Webber, president and CEO of Bridge to Life Ltd., emphasized that the FDA's clearance of VitaSmart™ marks a critical milestone in bringing HOPE technology into the U.S. market. He stated, “This approach is not merely about preservation but about taking decisive steps towards organ recovery, evaluating viability, and making informed transplant decisions.”

Improved Outcomes with HOPE

Several studies presented underline the advantages of using HOPE under various conditions involving high-risk liver grafts from extended-criteria donors or those with prolonged cold ischemia times. For instance, a multicenter study involving several leading transplant centers in Spain demonstrated that dynamic perfusion using HOPE yielded outcomes comparable to traditional static cold storage, resulting in significantly lower rates of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and ischemic cholangiopathy. Moreover, patients with older donor livers or those experiencing longer preservation times exhibited reduced 90-day mortality rates when HOPE was employed.

In another noteworthy study, researchers analyzed the implementation of HOPE in liver grafts that encountered complications during normothermic regional perfusion (NRP). The findings indicated that using HOPE allowed previously unfit grafts to be utilized, enhancing the overall donor organ recovery rate and demonstrating HOPE's potential to radically shift the landscape of liver transplants.

Mitochondrial Function and Scheduling Flexibility

Further investigations went into the role of mitochondrial function preservation through prolonged use of HOPE. Conducted by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, one key study evaluated the safety and feasibility of extending HOPE up to 24 hours. The research found that there were no significant differences in mitochondrial injury markers between those undergoing shorter (4 hours) versus extended (12 hours+) HOPE sessions. This highlights the potential for greater scheduling flexibility in transplant procedures, which may improve logistics and organ allocation efficiency, thereby promoting broader clinical application of this technology.

Future Implications for Transplant Surgeons

The findings also emphasized the utility of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) as a potential biomarker to evaluate organ viability prior to transplantation. The research established a strong correlation between donor serum FMN levels and the metabolic quality of the organ, allowing for a more objective assessment prior to procurement. This could lead to decreasing the upfront donor decline rate by ensuring better organ assessment methods are in place, thus aligning with the increasing need for improved transplant strategies and healthcare innovations.

Conclusion

With the backing of vital research and clinical data, Bridge to Life Ltd. is paving the way for a paradigm shift in liver transplantation practices. The expansion of HOPE's application not only promises to enhance the number of viable organ transplants but also aims to make significant advancements in the practice of precision transplantation. Bridge to Life remains at the forefront of organ preservation innovation, addressing the pressing needs for better transplant solutions and improved patient outcomes in the organ transplantation space.