What does artificial liver mean?
Feb 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
Artificial liver refers to a device made of biological materials or hepatocytes that can temporarily replace some liver functions, thereby assisting in the treatment of patients with liver diseases. Artificial liver therapy has shown favorable clinical efficacy. Although the cost per treatment is relatively high, it reduces mortality by half. Taking severe hepatitis as an example, it can decrease the mortality rate from the previous 80% to 40%.
Artificial liver refers to a device made of biological materials or hepatocytes that can temporarily replace some liver functions to assist in the treatment of patients with liver diseases.
Artificial liver is an emerging form of artificial organ replacement therapy. This invention involves extracorporeal circulation tubing, a power unit, blood separation filters or perfusion devices, a control computer, and a monitoring alarm system. The artificial liver achieves favorable therapeutic effects because liver damage is reversible and hepatocytes possess strong regenerative capacity. The goal of treatment is to interrupt this vicious cycle, accelerate hepatocyte regeneration, prolong patient survival as much as possible, restore liver cell function, normalize liver function, and reduce mortality among patients with severe liver disease or liver failure. In addition, artificial liver therapy can also remove hyperlipidemia and rescue patients suffering from various types of poisoning.
Artificial liver demonstrates significant clinical efficacy. Although each treatment session is relatively expensive, it reduces mortality by half. For example, in patients with severe hepatitis, the mortality rate can be reduced from the previous 80% to 40%.
