Artificial liver

Extra corporeal liver assist device, or Elad, is the first to use artificial liver cells in humans and not pigs. The device used to keep patients waiting for liver transplantation or own liver is not functioning and needs to recover.

Elad uses a chamber system in which each chamber filled with cartridges containing cells in the liver.Similar to a dialysis machine when the device is connected to blood vessels, blood is filtered, remixed and returned to the agency.

The equipment used pig cells caused by various problems. Patients who had been exposed to animal cells, which may be the area of potentially dangerous agents. Scientists hope that by using human cells, minimizing the potential side effects.

Elad also has the longest use. Cells pig machine can be used for six to ten, the new device could be used for continuous pumping cassette. The Elad clinical trials planned to start at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Studies attempting to determine the safety and efficacy of the device in emergency situations.

The studies will focus on the use of Elad for people suffering from fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), a disease of the liver. FHF occurs in healthy people and can ultimately be triggered by exposure to toxins and certain medications. The exact cause is unknown.

The device used to protect other vital organs in patients during liver failure and allow sufficient time for a patient's liver to recover from the effects of the disease.

Scientists hope to give extra time to experience a patient to recover, the number of people needing transplants may decrease, especially for people with limited damage to the liver. If the patient's liver does not recover, the device should be used to provide additional time for liver transplantation. It is estimated that about 12.5 thousand persons in need of liver transplantation.Less than 5,000 lives and won, on average, hence the need for such a device.