The advancement of machine perfusion technology is revolutionizing organ transplantation by preserving and evaluating essential organs outside the human body. This innovation provides significant advantages, allowing for extended organ viability before transplantation while preserving their functional quality.
Revolutionizing Organ Preservation
Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, the Chairman of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation, highlighted the remarkable capabilities of this technology. The device allows the preservation of a beating heart for extended periods outside the human body, which opens new avenues for organ transplantation, particularly when donors and recipients are located in distant regions. This capability aims to honor the wishes of donor families, ensuring their generous contributions continue to benefit humanity.
Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of Hayat, emphasized how this breakthrough addresses a pivotal challenge in the field: time constraints. Traditionally, medical teams have only a four to five-hour window to transplant a retrieved donor heart. However, with machine perfusion, the heart can now be safely stored for up to 24 hours, alleviating logistical pressures and enabling medical professionals to better prepare for the procedure.
How Machine Perfusion Operates
The Heart in a Box system connects harvested organs to a portable perfusion device that circulates oxygenated human blood. This setup allows the organ to maintain its functionality outside the body, enabling real-time monitoring of its performance. “You can see it beating while connected to the machine, giving clinicians a heightened ability to assess the organ’s quality before transplantation,” Dr. Gomez explained.
In addition to prolonging the preservation of organs, this technology enhances the potential for long-distance transport. Its portability enables safe organ transfers across borders — for instance, from Kuwait to Dubai or from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, facilitating greater regional cooperation in organ sharing.
Enhancing Regional Collaboration
The UAE is actively involved in cross-border organ sharing, as noted by Dr. Gomez. Since 2021, 153 organs from 28 donors in Kuwait have been successfully transplanted in the UAE, including vital organs like the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Additionally, 257 organs, primarily hearts and lungs, have been donated from the UAE to Saudi Arabia. Efforts are also underway to strengthen collaborations with Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar, highlighting the importance of technological advancements in fostering international partnerships for organ donation.
The Future of Organ Transplantation in the UAE
While the Heart in a Box system is currently being showcased in the UAE’s healthcare roadmap, an official launch is still forthcoming. Dr. Gomez clarified that this is a demonstration of future capabilities rather than a commercial rollout. The technology is in the pipeline for integration into transplant services, signaling exciting advancements ahead.
Statistics reveal the impact of the Hayat program, which has saved 1,663 lives through organ transplants. The initiative has broadened its reach, benefiting individuals from 57 different nationalities. Moreover, the implementation of machine perfusion technologies is expected to solidify the UAE’s status as a leader in organ donation and transplantation, in alignment with global best practices.
Raising Awareness for Organ Donation
Dr. Gomez stressed the ongoing need for public awareness surrounding organ donation. Despite an increase in the number of individuals pledging to donate, less than one percent of these pledges lead to actual donations. Communication with family members about one’s wishes is crucial since family consent plays a vital role in the donation process. Promoting open discussions can help ensure that the generosity of donors is honored, ultimately saving lives and enhancing the transplant landscape in the region.