health
February 14, 2026
Heart transplant clinical trial expands access to lifesaving medicine
A new medical technology expected to be on the market in 2027 is poised to help patients in middle America have greater access to heart transplants.
TL;DR
- Xvivo Perfusion's new technology keeps donor hearts viable for longer periods after retrieval.
- This innovation aims to increase heart transplant access across the U.S., including remote areas.
- Nearly 20% of retrieved organs are discarded due to deterioration during transit.
- Clinical trial results will be presented in April, with an FDA Pre-Market Approval application planned for spring.
- The technology has received experimental use authorization in France and has been used for intercontinental transport.
- Kim Castellano, a clinical trial participant, received a successful heart transplant due to this technology.
- The global market for organ preservation solutions is growing significantly.
- Improved preservation methods can reduce transplant costs by enabling the use of commercial airlines for transport.
- There is a call for improved support systems for living donors, including health insurance costs.
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