Per Lindnér: Between surgery, algorithms, and the existential
He runs a Nordic kidney exchange program, wants solid evidence before buying new golf clubs—and believes organ donation can help donor families cope with grief. Per Lindnér’s work spans surgery, algorithms, and existential questions.
Per Lindnér is adjunct professor and until recently served as head of research area for transplant surgery at the Institute of Clinical Sciences. For him, research has become a way of life. And he says it is important to publish studies even when the results are not what one had hoped for.
“It otherwise creates a skewed picture. Everything with positive results gets published, and studies that show no difference often disappear. That leads people to believe in methods that may not actually work. We jokingly call it the Journal of Negative Results, but it really is important to publish those findings too.”
Algorithms that save lives
One of the projects that has meant the most to him is the Nordic kidney exchange program, which he initiated and still runs. The program matches patients in need of a kidney with living donors they are not biologically related to, but who are a compatible match based on algorithmic analysis.
“It might be three or four pairs exchanging organs. Or an altruistic donor who gives one of their kidneys and acts as the starting point in a chain. It may sound simple, but the math behind it is extremely complex. And everything has to be done carefully.”
We’re looking for the immune system’s license plates
In addition to matching based on blood type and HLA type (HLA are proteins on the surface of cells that help the immune system recognize foreign tissue), blood samples are used in which the donor’s and recipient’s blood are mixed to see if they are compatible. This helps detect antibodies in the recipient that could trigger rejection—before the final crossmatch is performed ahead of the transplant.
“It’s all in the blood. We’re looking for the immune system’s license plates, so we can avoid rejection.”
One person dies so that others may live
Despite all the parameters, techniques, and logic, the fact remains: many transplants involve death. One life ends so that others may continue. That is part of the job.
“These donor procedures can be somber and may seem brutal—leaving a dead body behind. But I see the transplant as a support for the donor’s family as they work through their trauma and grief. Knowing that they have helped so many others—that brings meaning to the tragedy.”
The boy’s teddy bear was still by his pillow
Per Lindnér has performed many donation procedures and says he focuses intensely on his task.
“I remember being in Iceland once, when a four-year-old boy donated his organs. His teddy bear was still by the pillow. It was heavy. You can’t take it all in. You have to shut it out. You put on your loupes and focus on stitching.”
Research in Australia and the US
Research has taken him across the globe. He spent four years in Boston doing clinical research for a pharmaceutical company. He was also a visiting researcher in Sydney, but stayed only one year.
“I took the ferry to work every day, bike on board and then off again. It was probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived. My biggest regret in life might be not staying another year. I had funding but was afraid of falling behind at home.”
Per Lindnér never set out to have an academic career.
“I’ve always just done things because I enjoyed them. I never thought I’d become a researcher, let alone an adjunct professor. It just happened.”
It’s amazing to watch students grow
One part of the job he enjoys is supervising medical students doing their degree projects.
“Especially those who haven’t done research before, but who are just naturally smart. They absorb the science, how to read articles, and how to use statistical tools. It’s striking how much they grow in a short time. I’m always impressed by them, and they get positive feedback,” says Per Lindnér, and continues:
“It’s really fun, and they’re so proud. Once they’ve completed a solid project, they might get to present it at a conference. Having a publication can often help when applying for residency.”
“Science” in everyday decisions
Per Lindnér’s research mindset does not stay at work. He wants facts and proof before making decisions.
“My wife complains about it sometimes. I want everything to be evidence-based before we do anything. That mindset just sticks—it makes me question everything, whether it’s a new surgical method or whether to fix the mortgage rate. I want to look at the data and see if the average interest rate ends up lower with a variable loan. I’ve basically become a research type in all things,” he says, laughing, and continues:
“When I was trying out new golf clubs recently, I hit ten balls with each new model and compared them to my old ones. The one that went the farthest and straightest—I bought that one. Then I know it’s the right product. I don’t just buy it because it looks good.”
Text: Jakob Lundberg