The most common way to transport a donated kidney is on ice, inside a cooler. Kidneys are also frequently put on a pump that circulates cold liquid solution through the organ. This helps the kidney stay healthy longer.
One of the newer ways to protect a donated kidney is to put it on a pump that circulates a warm liquid solution that is close to body temperature. This is called normothermic machine perfusion, or NMP.
During NMP, the pump gently moves the solution through the kidney. The solution is not blood but does provide oxygen and nutrients. This enables the transplant team to observe the kidney to make sure it is healthy and producing urine. The team can also measure the creatinine level and gather other vital information.
Benefits of NMP
With NMP, the kidney can be kept healthy for a longer time. This means our transplant team has more time to:
Ensure the kidney is in the best possible condition before it is transplanted
Find the best-matching recipient, which improves the patient’s experience and long-term results
Make all the necessary arrangements for transportation, surgeons and operating rooms
Many countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, have studied and used NMP for a long time. They are currently using NMP as part of their standard transplant process. The FDA has already approved all the materials used in the NMP pump, as well as the solution. This process is already being used for donated lungs, livers and hearts, and we are now using it for kidneys.
Why accept a NMP kidney?
If you have been told you should expect a longer than average wait time or you have had no luck finding a living donor, accepting a NMP kidney could be a great option. All patients benefit from getting a transplant sooner and delaying could mean more time spent enduring the rigors of dialysis.
Our doctors agonize over the decision to turn down a donated kidney. With NMP, our doctors get more information about the kidney, so we feel confident they are good kidneys.
Interested in receiving a NMP kidney?
Complete this form to alert us to your interest in receiving a NMP kidney.