The Monash Health Foundation and Nephrology team are proud to have supported the purchase of a new kidney perfusion machine (known as XVIVO Kidney Assist Transport) to help transform kidney transplantations across Victoria and Tasmania.
The world-leading portable transport device uses the power of oxygen to improve and extend organ preservation times, graft viability, and enhance peri-transplant care. Studies have demonstrated its game-changing benefits for transporting organs over the standard ‘icebox’ technique.
Affectionately named ‘James’, the machine has now joined two other machines in the state kidney transplant program, ‘Darren’ and ‘Greg’, supporting DonateLife Victoria to grow capacity and optimise outcomes for patients on the kidney transplant waiting list.
The purchase of the machine was made possible through a generous anonymous donation to the Monash Health Foundation from a local family – reflecting their deep commitment to advancing transplantation outcomes for patients facing kidney disease.
All Victorians and Tasmanians on the kidney transplant waiting list have the opportunity to benefit from this incredible gift. ‘James’ has already contributed to its first successful transplant at Monash Health, with this exciting program aiming to assist in the transportation of around 100 kidneys destined to be transplanted across Victoria, this year alone.
Early feedback from clinicians has been overwhelmingly positive.
‘For individuals awaiting life-changing surgery, this incredible technology not only improves the preservation and quality of precious donated organs – it also gives surgeons the gift of time to plan transplants more effectively, especially when managing multiple organs,’ said Professor John Kanellis, Head of Nephrology, Monash Health.
The machines’ benefits are expected to translate into improved post-operative function, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes for transplant recipients.
‘It is only with the incredible support of our donors that we have been able to re-imagine care for our patients. With their help, we can continue to lead the future of Nephrology care, working with our partners across donation, retrieval and transplant services to improve and save even more lives.’
