Machine Perfusion and the Future of Organ Preservation
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With rapidly advancing technologies such as machine perfusion, the field of organ preservation is becoming more sophisticated than ever. In this second post of our CTP series, we look at the main perfusion approaches, three recent developments worth watching, and what they mean for preservationists.
Machine Perfusion Is Changing Transplantation
One of the most exciting developments in transplantation is the expansion of machine perfusion technology.
Instead of relying exclusively on static cold storage, machine perfusion systems circulate preservation fluid through donated organs under controlled conditions.
There are several approaches:
Hypothermic Machine Perfusion (HMP)
Uses cold perfusion fluid to support organ preservation. It is widely used in kidney transplantation and may help reduce delayed graft function.
Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE)
Adds oxygen delivery during cold perfusion, with growing applications in liver preservation.
Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP)
Maintains organs at or near normal body temperature while circulating oxygenated perfusate. This approach can allow teams to assess aspects of organ function outside the body.
These technologies are creating opportunities not only to preserve organs but also to evaluate them more thoroughly before transplantation.
Recent Organ Preservation News: Three Developments Worth Watching
1. South Florida expands access to liver perfusion technology
In September 2026, South Florida Donor Network announced its use of the OrganOx metra normothermic liver perfusion system.
The technology supports preservation of donor livers outside the body while maintaining controlled perfusion conditions.
This development highlights how advanced preservation systems are moving into OPO operations, potentially expanding opportunities for organ utilization.
Source: South Florida Donor Network announcement, September 29, 2026
2. Researchers develop technology to monitor donor livers in real time
In July 2026, Mayo Clinic reported research involving a monitoring system designed to provide additional information about donor liver health during machine perfusion.
The technology could eventually help transplant teams make more informed decisions about organ viability.
Although still a research development, it represents an important direction for organ preservation: moving from simply maintaining organs to continuously assessing their condition.
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network, July 14, 2026
3. UCLA advances warm-perfusion lung transplantation
In July 2026, UCLA Health reported a lung transplant involving donor lungs transported using an updated warm-perfusion system as part of an FDA-approved clinical trial.
Unlike traditional static cold storage, this approach supports the lungs during transportation through circulating perfusate.
Developments like these could change how organs are evaluated, transported, and preserved in the future.
Source: UCLA Health, July 17, 2026
What Does This Mean for Organ Preservationists?
As preservation technology evolves, so does the knowledge required to work in this specialty.
Preservationists increasingly benefit from understanding perfusion principles, organ physiology, equipment operation, troubleshooting, and organ-specific preservation techniques.
However, even with advanced technology, foundational knowledge remains essential.
Understanding anatomy, sterile technique, preservation solutions, organ packaging, and transportation requirements continues to be central to safe organ preservation.
That's where professional certification becomes valuable. Machine preservation is part of the Organ Preservation domain on the CTP exam. Learn more in The CTP Exam: Eligibility, Topics, and How to Study.
As advances in machine perfusion and organ assessment continue, the preservationist's role will remain an important part of the future of transplantation. If you're preparing for the CTP exam, the CTP Exam Study Guide can help you work through it systematically.
More in This CTP Series
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