Liver transplantation started in the United States of America. It then was taken up by their friends in England. And then, the Netherlands could not look away: the University Medical Center in Groningen, a city in the north of the country, started to transplant (parts of) livers.
So worldwide, in starting liver transplantation, we hold the bronze medal. With the 24/7 Guardian Angel to control the liver transplant, we go for Gold. When I arrived at the University Hospital the Doppler control of the blood vessels of the liver transplant was intense during the operation. Post-operatively the control rhythm was: once per 24 hours. If for some reason, for instance thrombosis or vessel kinking, the blood flow is reduced, one has to act to save the transplant. Reduction of the blood flow can occur at any moment.
The above shows that something is not right.
Reduction of the blood flow can occur at any moment, and the control thereof is done once per 24 hours. So I suggested to synchronize the Doppler control to the pathology. And that is what is done now: 24/7 control via a tiny Doppler Sensor placed by the liver surgeon in direct contact with the liver transplant artery.
By pushing a button on a small device attached to a bedside infusion stand, anyone, the patient included, can check the blood flow in the hepatic artery leading to the liver transplant.
When I came to Groningen I was versed in the Doppler Technique. I knew nothing about liver transplantations. The support of the liver surgeons, the excellent cooperation with one of them (Koert de Jong), and my innovation drive made the day. And of course: our enthusiasm invoked Serendipity, we discovered the suitable tiny Doppler Sensor, already active in quite another field. Of course there remains work to be done. At the moment we still can’t register, so historical comparison of the Doppler signals is not possible.
BUT:
Our 24/7 Guardian Angel still takes care of the transplant patients in Groningen. To the joy of all concerned.
The Turning Point ? To synchronize the rhythm of the pathology (can happen anytime) to the rhythm of the control (always).