Machine that keeps donor livers alive could expand transplants

NCT ID NCT04194437

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: TransMedics Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This trial tested a portable machine called the OCS Liver System that keeps donor livers healthy outside the body. The goal was to see if it could help more livers from donors after circulatory death be used for transplant. Only 9 people took part, and the study was stopped early, so we don't have clear answers yet.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Portable Organ Care System (OCS) Liver device
What this could lead to: If successful, this device could help more donor livers be used for transplant, potentially reducing waitlist deaths.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. The device may not improve outcomes or could have safety issues.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LIVER TRANSPLANT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Henry Ford Hospital

Detroit, Michigan, 48202, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Mount Sinai Hospital

New York, New York, 10029, United States
University of Texas San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, 78249, United States

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