Trends and patterns in machine perfusion research in organ transplantation: A bibliometric study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to comprehensively analyze the global scientific literature on machine perfusion (MP) using bibliometric methods, to identify publication trends, influential authors and journals, thematic evolution, research focuses, and emerging topics.

METHODS

A bibliometric analysis of MP research in transplantation was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection database (1982-2024). Bibliometrix (R package) was utilized to evaluate publication outputs, citation dynamics, and thematic clustering.

RESULTS

A total of 1,145 publications were identified, showing rapid growth after 2000, peaking between 2022 and 2024. The USA, UK, and Netherlands were the most productive countries. Leading investigators included Ploeg RJ, Watson CJE, Friend PJ. Keyword and thematic analyses highlighted central focuses on organ preservation, delayed graft function, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and donation after circulatory death. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) appeared more frequently than hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) (65 vs 50 occurrences), while oxygenated hypothermic perfusion emerged as a recent trend.

CONCLUSION

Thematic patterns indicate an evolution in MP research from early preservation studies toward dynamic perfusion strategies, organ-specific applications, and ex-vivo organ assessment. The literature reflects ongoing heterogeneity in perfusion protocols and reporting practices. Future research should prioritize standardized reporting, multicenter validation of viability indicators, and international harmonization of perfusion protocols.