Hybrid Artificial Liver

Hybrid artificial liver (HAL) is the combination of the biological artificial liver (BAL) and the non-biological artificial liver (N-BAL) support systems together in an extracorporeal circulation, which can replace the liver in terms of detoxification, synthesis, and biological transformation functions. In this chapter, several HAL systems, including Li-hybrid artificial liver support system (Li-HAL), HepatAssist system, modular extracorporeal liver support (MELS), and Amsterdam Medical Center-bioartificial liver (AMC-BAL) will be introduced. In general, HAL is constructed by a circulation path, heating system, and monitoring system. Each HAL consists of different parts according to their different functions. The components and functions of HAL will be emphatically elucidated, as well as relevant animal experiments and clinical trials.