West Coast Lung Transplants Get a Boost with Advanced Preservation & EVLP Partnership

PHOENIX, AZ – November 18, 2025 – A new partnership between Paragonix Technologies and Gravitas Surgical is poised to significantly enhance lung transplant capabilities across the Western United States. The collaboration combines Paragonix’s advanced organ preservation devices with Gravitas Surgical’s expertise in Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP), addressing a critical need for increased availability of viable donor lungs and potentially saving lives.

Addressing the Lung Shortage

The demand for lung transplants consistently outstrips the supply of available organs. This disparity is due to a complex interplay of factors, including limited donor availability, the technical challenges of assessing lung quality, and the relatively short window of viability for donor lungs. “The biggest hurdle in lung transplantation isn't necessarily the surgery itself, but finding suitable organs and keeping them viable long enough to get to the recipient,” explains one transplant surgeon. “Every minute counts when it comes to lung preservation.”

Traditional cold storage methods, while still widely used, have limitations. Lungs can suffer cold ischemic injury during storage, reducing their function and increasing the risk of post-transplant complications. The partnership between Paragonix and Gravitas seeks to mitigate these challenges with a more comprehensive approach. Paragonix’s LUNGguard and BAROguard systems provide a sophisticated means of hypothermic preservation, maintaining organs at optimal temperatures and reducing cold ischemic injury. These devices have demonstrated significant improvements in post-transplant outcomes, including reductions in hospital readmissions and acute rejection rates, in clinical trials.

EVLP: Giving Lungs a Second Look

Beyond preservation, the partnership incorporates the power of EVLP. Gravitas Surgical’s EVLP program, operating in Phoenix, Arizona, allows transplant teams to assess and potentially rehabilitate donor lungs outside the body. This process involves connecting the donor lung to a perfusion system, providing it with oxygen, nutrients, and allowing it to function as if it were still within a patient. “EVLP gives us the opportunity to ‘test drive’ the lungs, so to speak,” says a physician involved in the program. “We can assess their function, identify any potential problems, and even treat certain conditions before transplant.”

EVLP isn’t merely a diagnostic tool; it can expand the donor pool by allowing the use of “marginal” lungs – organs that might otherwise be considered unsuitable for transplantation. Lungs from extended criteria donors, or those with a history of lung disease, can be assessed and, if deemed viable, rehabilitated using EVLP. This is particularly important given the chronic shortage of suitable donor lungs. While the technology has shown significant promise, adoption has been somewhat limited by cost and logistical hurdles. This partnership may help overcome these barriers by streamlining the process and making EVLP more accessible to transplant centers in the Western US.

The Economic Impact and Future Growth

The organ preservation market is experiencing substantial growth, fueled by advancements in technology and an increasing demand for organ transplantation. Valued at approximately $246.64 million in 2023, the market is projected to reach $438.14 million by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. Paragonix’s recent acquisition by Getinge signals a strong vote of confidence in the company’s technologies and potential for future expansion. This partnership and the broader growth of the organ preservation market are attracting investment and fostering innovation.

Beyond the financial implications, the collaboration between Paragonix and Gravitas Surgical has the potential to transform lung transplantation in the Western United States. By combining advanced preservation techniques with EVLP, transplant teams can maximize the utilization of available donor lungs and improve outcomes for patients awaiting transplantation. The benefits extend beyond the individual recipient; successful transplants improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs associated with chronic lung disease, and allow patients to return to productive lives. “We’re not just saving lives; we’re giving people their lives back,” adds a leading transplant coordinator. This collaboration could also serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges in organ transplantation, encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies and collaborative approaches. The partnership aims to standardize organ preservation protocols and establish best practices for EVLP, ultimately improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of lung transplantation across the nation.