Scientists have developed a special machine that can keep a human liver out of the body for a week. This machine mimics basic functions in the body, such as waste disposal, oxygen flow, and managing blood glucose levels.
In a report published by Newsweek magazine, writer Aristos Giorgio referred to a study published by "Nature Biotechnology" magazine, which highlighted the ability of this machine to increase the number of liver organs available for the transplant, and increase the chances of saving the lives of many people suffering from acute liver disease and cancer .
It is interesting that the machine may allow the repair of a damaged liver that may not be able to be transplanted, and when placed in the device for a few days, this liver will fully restore its function.
The writer stated that this machine simulates many of the basic functions of the body, such as waste disposal, oxygen flow, and managing blood glucose levels.
Parenteral treatment
This device relies on intravenous therapy, which is the passage of fluid through the bloodstream into an organ or tissue. It should be noted that this new approach was tested on ten human livers not suitable for transplantation, and after seven days of this experiment, six of them were able to fully restore their functions.
"In the statement," the success of this unique IV treatment system, which has been developed by a group of surgeons, biologists and engineers over a period of four years, paves the way for many new applications. In organ transplantation and cancer medicine, which would assist patients who do not have alternative methods of treatment. "
The researchers note that the machine opens the door to new capabilities for treating damaged liver, such as medical staff being able to repair pre-existing injuries, cleanse fat deposits in the liver, or replenish parts of the organ.
A common language
The author mentioned that researchers from the University of Zurich Hospital, the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and Luis Zurich, in addition to the University of Zurich, participated in the development of this device. "The biggest challenge in the first phase of our project is to find a common language that allows communication between doctors and engineers," said co-chair of the study and professor of process engineering at the Federal Institute of Technology Philip Rudolf von Rohr.
According to the researchers, the use of the liver, which has successfully restored its functions in real farming operations, will be the next step in developing this machine.
It is worth noting that the approaches used today are able to preserve the life of this organ for only a few hours, but under the new technology, researchers were able to extend this period.
The liver is a large organ located on the right side of the abdomen just below the rib cage, and the pivotal role of the liver is to filter the blood flowing from the digestive system, according to the Wimpd website. It also works to get rid of chemical toxins, as well as produce important proteins.