Leading Academic Medical Center Pioneers Donor Liver Preservation System in Life-Saving Pediatric Transplant

WALTHAM, MA. August 7, 2024 - Paragonix Technologies, a leading organ transplant company, announced today the first liver transplant case in which a pediatric donor liver was preserved using the LIVERguard^® Donor Liver Preservation System and successfully transplanted by Dr. Deepak Vikraman at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Launched in 2022, the Paragonix LIVERguard has now been used in over 300 clinical liver transplant cases across the United States, with this case being the first use in a pediatric setting.

The LIVERguard System has been shown in recent clinical presentations to reduce potential post-transplant complications compared to traditional ice storage.¹ These presentations are recent clinical reports from the  GUARDIAN-LIVER global clinical registry, a comprehensive study that seeks to evaluate a missing piece of the organ procurement process: the impact of methods and technologies used for liver preservation and transportation.  Additionally, the LIVERguard system has been used by liver transplant centers across the U.S. to change the way donor livers are procured and allocated, including long distance procurements from Puerto Rico and Hawaii, and the enablement of OPOs to place high-risk donor livers.

“This case exemplifies the importance of employing the latest innovations in transplant preservation within pediatric care,” said Dr. Vikraman, liver transplant surgeon at Duke. “New technologies are pushing the boundaries of what was previously possible. By advancing preservation methods, we can expand donor pools and offer young patients a second chance at life.”

LIVERguard provides a highly controlled, state-of-the art environment for hypothermic liver preservation, complemented by real-time digital monitoring, to protect the donor liver throughout the entire transplant process. Unlike traditional methods using ice and off-the-shelf coolers, which have been the standard of care for over 50 years, the LIVERguard represents a significant advancement in organ transplantation technology.  

“We are thrilled to see our technology utilized in the pediatric setting, extending its impact to more liver transplant patients and improving preservation techniques and outcomes for children,” said Dr. Lisa Anderson, CEO and President of Paragonix Technologies. “Partnering with a leading pediatric liver transplant center like Duke University, whose mission it is to provide extraordinary care aligns perfectly with our vision of improving outcomes. It is truly exciting to work together to transform the healthcare system for the better.”

For more information about Paragonix Advanced Organ Preservation devices, please visit www.paragonix.com.

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