Machine Perfusion in High vs Low/Mid-volume Liver Transplant Centers: a Multicentre Survey

Machine-perfusion for Liver Transplantation in High Versus Low/Mid-volume Centres: an International Multicentre Survey

Introduction: Machine perfusion (MP) was developed to expand the available donor pool and to improve liver transplantation outcomes. Despite optimal results in clinical trials, MP benefit outside of clinical experimentation in unknown. Low/mid volume centres (L/MVCs) may face logistical/economical difficulties that may in turn hamper optimal MP results.

Methods: An Online 22-item survey on the use of machine perfusion for liver transplantation outside of clinical trials, was distributed to worldwide LT centres representatives. Variables of interest included MP logistics, MP technicalities, MP results, post-MP LT results. Responding centres were grouped into high volume centre (HVCs)(defined as >60 LTs per year in 2019) and L/MVCs. Results from HVCs vs L/MVCs were compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• LT centres that use MP
• LT centres which perform LT before pandemic time (before 2019 included)
• LT centres which perform LT from cadaveric donors and living donors

Exclusion Criteria:

• LT centres that not use MP
• LT centres that use MP but on clinical trials