Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography offers three critical advantages for transplant medicine. First, it provides non-invasive, real-time tissue visualization at the point of care—eliminating the delay and tissue damage associated with traditional biopsy. Surgeons gain immediate microscopic insight into organ structure without compromising the donor liver.
Second, PS-OCT replaces subjective visual assessment with objective data. By quantifying collagen organization and structural integrity, the technology removes guesswork from organ acceptance decisions, leading to more consistent and evidence-based procurement practices across transplant centers.
Third, expanded donor pool potential. Confidence in PS-OCT assessments could enable surgeons to accept marginal organs previously rejected due to uncertainty—directly addressing the critical shortage of available donor livers. For patients on transplant waiting lists, this translates to shorter waits and better outcomes.
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