Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is changing the landscape of organ recovery, especially in relation to kidney procurement. This is critical, because the United Network for Organ Sharing reports that every year 90,000 Americans are waiting for kidney transplant.
The American Journal of Transplantation conducted a survey that evaluated outcomes of kidney transplants between two different recovery techniques: NRP and the traditional rapid recovery (RR) method. Their research concluded that NRP can improve viable kidney recovery for DCD donors, a key signal that increased utilization of NRP can help decrease kidney demand and save lives.
How Normothermic Regional Perfusion Improves Kidney Quality Before Recovery
According to a recent JAMA report, nearly half of organ donors are deceased after circulatory death (DCD), which increases the risk of warm ischemic injury. Warm ischemic injury can compromise cell viability and potentially cause delayed graft function, leading to post-operation complications. However, NRP restores oxygenated blood flow prior to organ recovery, preventing ischemic injury and allowing the surgeon to assess the organ’s function under direct visualization.
Re-oxygenating organs through NRP allows them to retain energy storage and maintain homeostasis, improving their viability and extending the window for transplant. Utilization of NRP means more DCD organs remain functional for a longer period of time, increasing the odds of successful transport and transplant.
Better Outcomes at One Year for Kidney Transplants
The survey from The American Journal of Transplantation found that NRP made a considerable difference in the incidence of delayed graft function and outcomes one year post-transplant. Kidneys recovered with the traditional RR method were more than twice as likely to experience delayed graft function than NRP-recovered kidneys. Graft survival at one year improved with NRP, whereas RR was associated with higher risk of graft loss within 12 months.
Additionally, NRP did not increase other risks, such as primary nonfunction or patient mortality at one year. Because NRP reduced delayed graft function, patients experienced fewer complications, such as post-transplant dialysis, which has often resulted in increased costs and longer length of stay.
In another study, Transplantation Direct revealed that out of 62 kidney transplants from DCD donors using NRP, only one graft was unsuccessful after one year. NRP is improving long-term outcomes for patients and increasing the opportunities for effective DCD donor transplants.
Let Us Support Your Transplant Program with NRP
At SpecialtyCare, our highly trained perfusionist teams are adept at NRP and organ recovery, enabling your transplant program to function more successfully. We can assist with preparation, procurement, transport, and transplant procedures, integrating with your team and relieving the burden of logistical challenges. For both thoracic and abdominal NRP, we offer a response time in as little as 30 minutes and team availability twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If your transplant program is in need of reliable NRP services, get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help!
