In a stunning feat of scientific prowess, researchers have successfully created a prototype of a universal transplant organ. The scientists converted donated lungs into these new organs in a proof of concept experiment. The converted lung was tested in an ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) device, which keeps lungs alive outside the body.
Should the tests within the next year and a half be successful with human recipients, the developed universal organs would reduce the number of donated lungs that will be discarded due to a lack of a match. Lungs often don’t match in terms of size and blood type for potential recipients. In addition, the universal organs can cut the current shortage of type O lungs for O patients. This is because patients with type O blood cannot easily accept an organ from other blood types. The waiting time for patients and mortality rate will also be reduced.
Image credit: University Health Network