Polyelectrolyte Saline Solution for Liver Graft Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liver grafts from brain-dead donors, especially those with steatosis, are vulnerable to preservation-reperfusion injury, leading to poor viability and high rates of post-transplant dysfunction or failure, which complicates liver transplantation and increases waiting lists.
Innovation Solution
A polyelectrolyte isotonic saline solution derived from cold microfiltered seawater, enriched with sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, zinc, manganese, copper, proteins, and vitamins, optionally supplemented with compounds like mannitol and glutathione, is used to treat liver damage and improve graft viability during transport and transplantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If brain-dead donors are used for liver transplantation, then the availability of liver grafts is improved, but the tolerance to preservation-reperfusion injury deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the donor liver with polyelectrolyte isotonic saline solution before removal and during transport. This pre-treatment prepares the graft in advance to better withstand the subsequent preservation-reperfusion process, thereby improving tolerance without compromising the availability of grafts from brain-dead donors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the preservation medium by using polyelectrolyte isotonic saline solution instead of conventional solutions. This parameter change creates a more favorable environment for the liver graft during preservation and reperfusion, improving its tolerance while maintaining graft availability.
2Productivity
If steatotic liver grafts are used in transplantation, then the utilization of available livers is improved, but the vulnerability to ischemia-reperfusion induced injury deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of steatosis (fatty infiltration) into a beneficial outcome by using polyelectrolyte isotonic saline solution to protect steatotic grafts during ischemia-reperfusion. The solution mitigates the vulnerability caused by steatosis, allowing these previously discarded grafts to be successfully transplanted and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protection by treating steatotic liver grafts with polyelectrolyte isotonic saline solution before transplantation. This pre-treatment strengthens the graft's resistance to ischemia-reperfusion injury, enabling the utilization of steatotic livers that would otherwise be discarded.
3Ease of operation
If conventional preservation solutions are used, then the simplicity of the preservation process is maintained, but the post-transplant outcomes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the preservation solution by incorporating polyelectrolytes and isotonic saline components. This parameter change improves post-transplant outcomes while maintaining operational simplicity, as the solution is still administered through standard preservation protocols without requiring complex additional procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a polyelectrolyte isotonic saline solution for the treatment of liver damage and organ transplantation. More specifically, on liver injury, dysfunction, and regeneration failure in liver transplantation with steatotic and non-steatotic grafts from brain dead donors. The aqueous saline solution is preferably cold microfiltered isotonic seawater. The present invention demonstrates the usefulness of isotonic saline aqueous solution both for maintaining the functionality of liver grafts prior to implantation in the recipient and under conditions of ischemia, i.e., during transport of the organs from removal from the donor to implantation in the recipient.