Paediatric transplant team employs innovative organ preservation system
Paragonix Technologies has announced the first paediatric use of its BAROguard Donor Lung Preservation System. The transplantation was performed at UF Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, USA.
The BAROguard system, which received FDA 510(k) clearance in August 2023 and was commercially launched in April 2024, addresses specific challenges in lung preservation during transport. Unlike other organs, lungs must contain air, making them susceptible to thermal damage and injury from improper inflation. The device combines hypothermic preservation techniques with active airway management control to maintain optimal air pressure throughout transport.
Technological features
The system incorporates Bluetooth tracking and real-time reporting capabilities, providing continuous data on organ condition during transit. This feature allows transplant teams to monitor the preserved lungs remotely.
Dr Mindaugas Rackauskas, Surgical Director of Pediatric Lung Transplant Program at UF Health Shands Hospital, commented on the technology: “The ability to actively manage airway pressure and internal temperature is an advancement that is increasing the availability of high-quality donor lungs nationwide. Introducing this technology to the paediatric field will significantly impact the many children on the paediatric donor waiting list.”
Implications for paediatric transplantation
The successful use of the BAROguard system in a paediatric case suggests potential for broader application in child recipients. This development may have particular significance given the limited availability of donor organs for paediatric patients.
Lisa Anderson, Ph.D., President of Paragonix Technologies, stated: “Our advanced preservation system, which has consistently proven successful in previous paediatric transplant cases, offers young recipients a vital second chance at life and reinforces our commitment to continued innovation in organ transplantation.”
The company’s focus on advanced organ preservation devices aims to improve the logistics and outcomes of organ transplantation, potentially increasing the viability of donor organs and expanding the pool of available organs for transplant.
- For more information, visit: paragonix.com
