Elizabeth Hansen

Title: Innovations in Ex-Vivo Organ Care by Elizabeth Hansen

Introduction

Elizabeth Hansen is a prominent inventor based in Portsmouth, NH (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of organ care, particularly through her innovative approaches to maintaining organ viability outside the human body. With a total of 2 patents, her work is paving the way for advancements in organ transplantation.

Latest Patents

Hansen's latest patents focus on systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care and utilizing lactate as an indication of donor organ status. These inventions provide various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods that relate to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions. The patents describe a method for using lactate measurement in the arterial and venous blood lines of the Organ Care System Heart perfusion device. This method evaluates the overall perfusion status, metabolic status, and vascular patency of an isolated donor heart. The invention leverages the unique ability of myocardial cells to produce lactate when oxygen-starved and to utilize lactate for energy production when well-perfused with oxygen.

Career Highlights

Elizabeth Hansen is currently associated with Transmedics, Inc., where she continues to develop her innovative ideas. Her work is crucial in enhancing the success rates of organ transplants, ultimately saving lives and improving patient outcomes.

Collaborations

Hansen collaborates with notable colleagues, including Waleed H Hassanein and Tamer I Khayal. Their combined expertise contributes to the advancement of organ care technologies.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Hansen's contributions to ex-vivo organ care represent a significant leap forward in medical technology. Her innovative patents and collaborative efforts are set to transform the landscape of organ transplantation.