Purpose of review: While liver transplantation is an established treatment for liver failure, the number of patients with liver failure amenable to such intervention far outnumbers the donor supply of livers. Technologies serving to bridge this gap are required. Artificial livers may serve as an alternative. In this review, we discuss the development of artificial liver technologies.
Recent findings: The accrued clinical data suggest that current liver assist devices may serve a role in specific liver diseases, but for the most part no survival benefit has been demonstrated. More clinical trials are expected to elucidate their utilization. Simultaneously, recent advances in materials and tissue engineering are allowing for exciting developments for novel artificial livers.
Summary: As there continues to be more clinical data regarding the use of current liver devices, new intricate artificial liver technologies, with the use of sophisticated three-dimensional materials, are being developed that may help improve outcomes of liver failure patients.
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