AUTHOR=He Xiaoshun , Chen Guodong , Zhu Zebin , Zhang Zhiheng , Yuan Xiaopeng , Han Ming , Zhao Qiang , Zheng Yitao , Tang Yunhua , Huang Shanzhou , Wang Linhe , van Leeuwen Otto B. , Wang Xiaoping , Chen Chuanbao , Mo Liqiu , Jiao Xingyuan , Li Xianchang , Wang Changxi , Huang Jiefu , Cui Jun , Guo Zhiyong 

TITLE=The First Case of Ischemia-Free Kidney Transplantation in Humans

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2019

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2019.00276

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2019.00276

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Background. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) has been considered an inevitable event in organ transplantation since the first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954. To avoid IRI, we have established a novel procedure called ischemia-free organ transplantation. Here, we describe the first case of ischemia-free kidney transplantation (IFKT). Meterials and methods. The kidney graft was donated by a 19-year-old brain dead donor. The recipient was a 47-year-old man with end-stage diabetic nephropathy. The graft was procured, preserved and implanted without cessation of blood supply using normothermic machine perfusion. Results. The graft appearance, perfusion flow and urine production suggested the kidney was functioning well during the whole procedure. The creatinine dropped rapidly to normal range within three days post-transplantation. The levels of serum renal injury markers were low post-transplantation. No rejection, vascular or infectious complications occurred. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Conclusion. This paper marks the first case of IFKT in humans. This innovation might offer a unique solution to optimize transplant outcomes and overcome organ shortage in kidney transplantation.