“Artificial pancreas” and improving the organ transplant process

A new technology called the “artificial pancreas” is significantly improving the lives of people with type 1 diabetes. The system includes a subcutaneous sensor and an insulin pump that sends data to the patient’s smartphone. It works by mimicking the function of the pancreas, preventing dangerous glucose levels in the blood. Patients only need to enter information about the meals they consume. This technology can reduce the risk of complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems. Tens of thousands of people with type 1 diabetes in England are expected to benefit from this technology. Scotland already offers it, and Wales and Northern Ireland are likely to follow.

In addition, modern technological solutions are revolutionising the organ transplantation process. Heart or liver perfusion devices pump blood or oxygenated fluid into the blood vessels of organs waiting for a recipient. Organs without blood flow outside the body have a short lifespan and may be irreversibly damaged. Thanks to such perfusion devices manufactured by companies like TransMedic, organs can safely stay outside the body for longer periods. This technology can enable faster organ finding for urgently needed patients, according to transplant centres. However, costs may be an obstacle – TransMedic significantly increased prices after regulators approved the device.