Developing a viability index for machine-perfused livers
Development of a Liver Viability Index for Transplantation
This study is testing a new way to see if discarded livers can be successfully transplanted by using machine technology to check their health before giving them to patients in need of a liver transplant.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT03694691 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to improve the transplantability of discarded liver grafts using machine perfusion technology. By collecting biopsies from livers before and after transplantation, researchers will analyze metabolite and gene expression data to establish a viability index. This index will help determine which machine-perfused livers can be successfully transplanted, potentially increasing the availability of donor organs. The study focuses on patients who are candidates for deceased-donor liver allografts.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18-75 who are awaiting a deceased-donor liver transplant.
Not a fit: Patients who are HIV-1 positive will not benefit from this study due to exclusion criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly increase the number of viable livers available for transplantation, improving outcomes for patients with liver cirrhosis.
How similar studies have performed: While machine perfusion technology is being explored in other studies, the development of a specific viability index for liver grafts post-machine perfusion is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female 18-75 years of age. * Candidate for a deceased-donor liver allograft. Exclusion Criteria: * Seropositivity for HIV-1.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Heidi Yeh, MD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Heidi Yeh, MD
- Email: hyeh@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-726-3664
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.