Liver support system

Liver Support System

The Liver Support System is a medical device used to assist or replace the functions of the liver in patients with acute or chronic liver failure. It is a form of extracorporeal liver assist device that is designed to bridge the gap until a liver transplant can be performed or the patient's own liver can recover.

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A typical liver support system

Function

The liver support system works by removing toxins and waste products from the blood, which are normally metabolized and excreted by the liver. This is achieved through a process known as hemodialysis, where the patient's blood is passed through a machine that filters out these harmful substances.

Types

There are two main types of liver support systems: artificial and bioartificial.

Artificial Liver Support Systems

Artificial liver support systems, such as the MARS system, use a dialysis machine to remove toxins from the blood. These systems are often used as a temporary measure until a liver transplant can be performed.

Bioartificial Liver Support Systems

Bioartificial liver support systems, such as the ELAD system, combine a dialysis machine with a bioreactor containing liver cells. These cells help to metabolize toxins and produce essential proteins, providing a more comprehensive support to the failing liver.

Clinical Use

Liver support systems are used in the treatment of both acute and chronic liver failure. They can provide temporary support for patients awaiting a liver transplant, or can be used as a bridge to recovery for patients whose livers are expected to regenerate.

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A liver transplant, the definitive treatment for liver failure

See Also

• Liver transplantation
• Liver disease
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Hepatitis