ELAD System Therapy - A Brief Overview

By Dr. Lewis Teperman

Introduction

An associate professor of surgery at the New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Lewis Teperman also serves as the director of transplantation at the NYU Langone Medical Center. An accomplished researcher and liver transplant surgeon, Dr. Lewis Teperman has conducted research on several trial therapies for the liver, including the ELAD (Extracorporeal Liver Assist Device) System.

ELAD

Currently in the first of two planned Phase III clinical trials, ELAD is a bio-artificial support system for the liver that utilizes human cells to help a patient’s liver regenerate. The ELAD System operates outside of the body and is designed to replicate the key biological processes performed by the liver. A promising therapy, prior clinical trials have shown that the ELAD System may have the potential to extend the lives of patients with acute liver failure.

Conclusion

During an ELAD therapy session, a patient’s blood is drawn and then passed through a filtration system in order to isolate blood plasma. The patient’s plasma is then sent through four separate cartridges that mimic liver function by allowing a two-way transfer of nutrients, metabolites, and toxins. Depending on the patient, ELAD System therapy typically consists of one continuous session lasting anywhere from three to 10 days.