Ex-situ machine perfusion devices for deceased donor liver transplants

End-stage liver disease can significantly affect people's daily living. Under the Equality Act 2010, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to do typical day-to-day activities. Disease severity is an important factor in determining the allocation of liver transplants. People with more severe liver disease and higher risk of mortality, are generally prioritised for liver transplantation ahead of people with less severe liver disease and lower risk of mortality, although other factors may also be considered.

Adults from white or Asian backgrounds tend to wait less time for a liver transplant than adults from black or other ethnic minority backgrounds (NHS Blood and Transplant, 2024a).

All of the major religions and belief systems in the UK are open to the principles of organ donation and transplantation. Organ donation is a personal choice and views on the matter can vary even among individuals within the same faith (NHS Blood and Transplant).

There are different types of liver diseases that can be associated with alcohol, obesity, viral infection, and genetic factors. Overall, men are more likely to die from liver disease than women (British Liver Trust, 2024). In 2023/24, males represented 57% of deceased liver donors, 63% of transplant recipients and 55% of the active waiting list (NHS Blood and Transplant, 2024a).

In England, the risk of dying prematurely from alcoholic liver disease is higher in people from more deprived areas (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 2024). People experiencing homelessness who develop end-stage liver disease may not access healthcare services and may not receive the support they need.

Experts noted that some people living in rural locations may have experienced reduced levels of access to donor organs prior to the introduction of machine perfusion technologies, due to logistical considerations.