Waltham, Mass. — Paragonix Technologies, a leader in organ transplant technologies, has announced the launch of its OPO Expanded Lung Utilization Initiative, a new program aimed at increasing the use of donor lungs for transplantation. The initiative provides Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) with access to Paragonix’s advanced BAROguard™ preservation device, designed to enable the rapid procurement and preservation of extended criteria donor lungs, particularly those from donation after circulatory death (DCD) cases.
Indiana Donor Network, based in Indianapolis, is among the first OPOs to join the program and recently became the first to successfully facilitate a lung transplant using the BAROguard device. The donor lungs, which would likely have gone unrecovered, were transplanted into a recipient in Pennsylvania, marking a milestone in expanding access to life-saving transplants.
The OPO Expanded Lung Utilization Initiative focuses on improving the recovery and use of DCD lungs, which are often underutilized due to the logistical complexities involved in their procurement and preservation. “One way to expand lung transplantation is by addressing the obstacles that limit the utilization of deceased donor lungs, particularly DCD lungs,” said Rich Rothweiler, National Director of Strategic Partnerships at Paragonix Technologies. “By enabling OPOs to proactively recover unallocated lungs and preserve them with BAROguard, we extend the critical time window for organ allocation and help navigate the challenges of complex transplant cases.”
Dr. Lisa Anderson, Founder and President of Paragonix Technologies, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving transplant outcomes. “Our mission at Paragonix is to give every patient the best possible chance at life,” she said. “This initiative reflects that commitment, helping to increase donor lung utilization and ensuring that more patients on transplant waitlists receive their second chance.”
The BAROguard system uses clinically validated hypothermic preservation techniques combined with active airway management to maintain donor lungs in optimal condition during transport. The device also features real-time tracking and monitoring, providing transplant teams with continuous data on the lungs’ condition and location, improving coordination throughout the transplantation process.
Kellie Tremain, President and CEO of Indiana Donor Network, expressed pride in the organization’s role as a pioneer in the initiative. “With more than 100,000 people waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, it’s critical to explore new ways to expand the donor pool and ensure every possible gift is used,” Tremain said. “We’re committed to advancing transplantation and leading the way with innovative solutions like this one.”
The program underscores Paragonix’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with OPOs nationwide, remove financial barriers, and leverage technology to improve transplant outcomes and increase the availability of donor organs.
