Donation After Circulatory Death/Normothermic Regional Perfusion Update

Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) is a cutting-edge donation after circulatory death (DCD) organ recovery technique that is gaining recognition among organ procurement organizations (OPOs), hospitals and transplant programs. NRP is performed in the operating room, specifically on authorized DCD donor patients who are deceased following compassionate extubation. This innovative technique involves in-situ perfusion, allowing for additional observation of organ function on lifesaving gifts that have already been matched or accepted for transplant.

During NRP procedures, incoming recovery and transplant teams provide the necessary organ perfusion equipment and are accompanied by a perfusion specialist, ensuring comprehensive care during the recovery process.

Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) clinical leadership has started the process of introducing Normothermic Regional Perfusion in our service area. The process was fully vetted through an extensive clinical analysis of NRP recoveries, and consultation with esteemed bioethical professionals. With the support of clinical leaders, medical professionals and ethicists, MTN is committed to implementing NRP in a manner that is transparent, collaborative and ethically sound.

Research indicates that organs retrieved through NRP demonstrate improved recipient outcomes when compared to those procured via traditional DCD methods, potentially translating to numerous additional lives saved. When approved by your facility, we will provide specific NRP education to OR staff. MTN eagerly anticipates collaborating with your hospital leadership to explore the integration of NRP into your protocols. For more information, please contact your designated MTN Hospital Services Coordinator (HSC).