Donor Network of Arizona utilizes portable KidneyVault perfusion technology to facilitate the preservation and transport of a donor kidney on a commercial flight, providing a potential cost-effective transport alternative to improve access to donor kidneys
WALTHAM, MA. February 26, 2025 - Paragonix Technologies, a pioneer in organ transplant technologies and organ procurement services, announced today the completion of the world’s first donor kidney transported utilizing commercial air travel while being continuously perfused in its FDA-cleared KidneyVault™ Portable Renal Perfusion System. This landmark case was facilitated by leading Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), Donor Network of Arizona (DNA), and the donor kidney was successfully transplanted at a transplant center in Texas.
The KidneyVault Portable Renal Perfusion System received FDA-clearance in October 2024 and is designed for seamless, end-to-end hypothermic perfusion. Its innovative portability and real-time remote monitoring capabilities provide a new level of standardization, aligning with the workflow for all stakeholders involved in allocating a donor kidney to a recipient in need.
Donor Network of Arizona, a leader in the use of advanced preservation and perfusion techniques and an early adopter of the KidneyVault technology, has dramatically increased the use of donated organs in its local service area. As of November 2024, the average number of organs transplanted per donor facilitated by DNA rose from 1.96 to 2.82, nearly one more organ per donor. The organization has turned to advanced technologies in combination with organizational efficiencies to increase the utilization of available donor organs.
"Using the Paragonix KidneyVault is another way we’re showing our commitment to getting every possible organ available to the more than 104,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a lifesaving transplant—90,000 of whom need a kidney," says Nathan Fine, organ utilization manager at DNA. "For medically complex kidneys, this technology helps us prevent the nonuse of donated organs, which can be heartbreaking for the donor’s family as well as our team."
Recent revisions to the national kidney allocation policy have expanded organ distribution and increased transplant offers. This has led to more complex logistics and longer cold ischemia times. To mitigate these challenges, the clinical community increasingly relies on hypothermic machine perfusion, which pumps a perfusate solution through the kidney to maintain viability in a controlled environment. However, to date the ability to transport these critical devices has been difficult, typically requiring private aircraft. The KidneyVault System, equipped with a data-driven dashboard that tracks perfusion parameters, temperature conditions, and other critical metrics, allows for transportation inside the cabin of commercial flights – a previously inaccessible method presently being examined by a working group set by the Department of Transportation (DOT), in consultation with the FAA.
“We are dedicated to leveraging advanced technology to overcome geographic barriers in organ transplantation,” said Lisa Anderson, PhD, President of Paragonix Technologies. “Through innovation in hypothermic perfusion and real-time remote monitoring, we hope to enable seamless kidney transport across greater distances, ensuring more equitable access to life-saving transplants. By integrating data-driven solutions and optimizing logistics, we strive to bridge the gap between donors and recipients, making high-quality care accessible to all, regardless of location.”
About Donor Network of Arizona
Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) fulfills the lifesaving and life-healing mission of organ and tissue donation as the state’s federally designated organ procurement organization. Our work is made possible by the generosity of Arizona donors and their families. As also an eye and tissue recovering agency, DNA collaborates with health care and community partners to facilitate the gift of life. DNA is a vital link to transplantation and encourages Arizonans to sign up to be donors at DonateLifeAZ.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram: @DonateLifeAZ
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