From: Spudboy100@aol.com
Date: Wed Mar 12 2003 - 10:34:26 MST
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/03/030312071533.htm
<<The new device is a closed system to which patients are tethered via a
catheter inserted into a vein in the neck. After the blood is initially
filtered, the remaining plasma goes through cartridges in the ELAD where the
human hepatocytes help fulfill much of the liver’s 100 or so crucial
functions, such as energy storage and regulation, bile production, blood
detoxification, production of clotting factors and many essential proteins.
The filtered blood and ELAD-treated plasma are returned to the patient.
Dr. Roshan Shrestha, associate professor of medicine and medical director of
the liver transplantation program at UNC, said ELAD could provide two major
benefits.
"This device could serve as a bridge to successful transplantation, helping
to sustain patients awaiting a donor organ."
It also may enable complete recovery, he added.
"A remarkable feature of the liver is its capacity to regenerate. If we can
sustain acute liver failure patients early on, right from the beginning, they
may not need transplantation and may recover without any significant liver
problems, including chronic liver disease.">>
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