Italian Study Demonstrates Higher Utilization of Marginal Organs and Greater Transplantation Success in Patients at Higher Risk

At the 2024 ELITA Summit, an Italian study showcased remarkable advancements in liver transplantation, challenging long-standing perceptions of marginal donor organs. Led by Dr. Matteo Ravaioli and his team from Bologna, the study unveiled how accumulated experience in handling liver graft transplants led to superior outcomes. Over the span of 2016 to 2023, the team observed enhanced liver graft function, increased survival rates, and fewer postoperative complications.

Dr. Ravaioli emphasized the study’s groundbreaking implications, noting that the increased utilization of donation after circulatory death (DCD) donor organs enabled transplantation in patients at higher surgical risk while maintaining comparable outcomes. This shift marks a significant departure from traditional practices, as previously marginalized organs are now being effectively utilized, offering new hope to patients previously deemed ineligible for transplantation due to elevated surgical risks.

The study also addresses historical concerns surrounding DCD donor organs, particularly regarding warm ischemia, which had rendered these organs as marginal options. However, with meticulous preparation and evolving surgical techniques, these organs have proven to be viable alternatives, presenting a promising avenue for expanding the donor pool and improving transplantation outcomes. Reflecting on these findings, industry leaders express optimism, recognizing the transformative potential of these advancements in the field of transplantation.

About Bridge to Life Ltd
Bridge to Life Ltd is a market leader in organ preservation solutions, offering premier products such as Belzer UW® Cold Storage Solution, EasiSlush® Sodium Chloride Solution for Slush Preparation and the VitaSmart Machine Perfusion System. With a strong focus on product quality, innovation and accessibility, the company serves and partners with leading Transplant Centers and Organ Procurement Offices (OPO) globally.

1 VitaSmart is CE Marked and available for sale in several markets outside of the United States. VitaSmart is not approved for sale in the US. The company successfully completed its pivotal, multicenter, randomized clinical study in the US in 2023 and expects to submit its Premarket Approval submission to FDA later this year.