Duke Hospital Adopts Bridge to Life’s VitaSmart System for Liver Transplants
Event summary
- Duke University Hospital became the first U.S. transplant center to use Bridge to Life’s VitaSmart Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE) System for a liver transplant from a Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) donor.
- The FDA-cleared labeling supports broad clinical applicability for both DBD and DCD donors without specifying a maximum machine perfusion duration.
- Bridge to Life’s HOPE Pivotal Clinical Trial demonstrated reduced hospital stays and lower incidence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) compared to static cold storage (SCS).
- The company also secured FDA clearance for expanded labeling of Belzer MPS® UW Machine Perfusion Solution to cover all abdominal organs.
The big picture
Bridge to Life’s FDA clearance for the VitaSmart HOPE System marks a significant milestone in organ preservation technology, addressing critical challenges in liver transplantation logistics and outcomes. The system’s ability to extend perfusion duration and improve graft function aligns with broader industry trends toward dynamic preservation methods, potentially expanding the donor pool and reducing transplant complications. The company’s strategic focus on supply chain resilience and customizable solutions further positions it as a leader in the organ preservation space.
What we're watching
- Adoption Pace
- How quickly other U.S. transplant centers will adopt the VitaSmart HOPE System following Duke’s successful implementation.
- Clinical Impact
- Whether the reduced hospital stays and lower EAD rates observed in the clinical trial will translate into broader healthcare cost savings.
- Market Expansion
- The pace at which Bridge to Life can expand the use of its HOPE System beyond liver transplants to other abdominal organs.
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