By Matthew Copithorne, Senior VP, Global Commercial and Medical Affairs
In 1967, hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) technology was introduced, and in 2003 Organ Recovery Systems (ORS) brought that technology to market via the LifePort Kidney Transporter (LKT). Since then, ORS has supported over 400 transplant programs in over 40 countries with LKT.
Transplant teams everywhere have stories of how HMP has helped honor an organ donor’s gift and improved the outcomes of kidney recipients. Recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), an update to the 2009 landmark, international clinical trial by Moers et al. showed the benefits of HMP in deceased donor kidney preservation over static cold storage remain at 10 years. Researchers empirically affirmed the value of HMP in kidney transplants and demonstrated how use of Organ Recovery Systems’ LifePort Kidney Transporter has benefits that extend far into the future for recipients.
A Decade of Improved Outcomes
With this study, we’re proud to share with transplant centers, OPOs, and clinicians everywhere that utilizing the LifePort Kidney Transporter and HMP in kidney donation has measurable, long-term benefits for patients.
Follow up data collected a decade after participants’ transplant surgery confirm and strengthen earlier findings, showing that kidney preservation with LifePort Kidney Transporter significantly reduces delayed graft function and improves long-term graft survival, particularly in expanded-criteria donor (ECD) kidneys. Specifically, the data demonstrates that ECD kidneys perfused on LKT have improved graft survival at 10 years at 69.6% versus 60.1% graft survival with standard cold storage (SCS). Overall, there was a 27% lower risk of graft failure for all kidneys in the machine perfusion group versus SCS.
The landmark machine preservation trial published in NEJM demonstrates that the LifePort Kidney Transporter plays an important role in a patient’s long-term kidney transplant journey and shows the benefits of the LKT in reducing delayed graft function. Improved outcomes can lead to fewer patients returning to dialysis or needing a second transplant. Proven better outcomes with ECD kidneys also improves access for patients awaiting a transplant.
10 Years of Data, 27 Years of Excellence
The 10-year study data is a compelling reminder of the power of hypothermic machine perfusion technology in kidney transplantation. With LifePort Kidney Transporter, Organ Recovery Systems is doing our part to protect and honor each donor’s gift. This study demonstrates that HMP of kidneys with LifePort is a clinically proven way to uphold our commitment to honor donors’ selfless gifts and improve patients’ long-term outcomes. Organ Recovery Systems is proud to continue to lead the way in organ preservation and invest in long-term solutions to ensure every donation counts.