UC Health Adopts Paragonix LIVERguard to Cut Liver Transplant Costs, Expand Donor Pool
Event summary
- UC Health now uses Paragonix LIVERguard for liver transplant preservation, reducing reliance on charter jets for organ transport.
- The system enables real-time monitoring of organ temperature, location, and transport status during liver transplants.
- UC Health performed 145 liver transplants in 2025 with a median wait time of nine days, among the lowest in the nation.
- Paragonix LIVERguard allows UC Health to transport livers by ground for up to six hours, cutting costs and carbon emissions.
The big picture
UC Health’s adoption of Paragonix LIVERguard reflects a broader trend in transplant medicine toward cost-efficient, tech-driven solutions. As programs face pressure to expand donor pools while managing financial constraints, advanced preservation systems like LIVERguard are becoming critical infrastructure. The shift from charter jets to ground transport also aligns with growing healthcare industry focus on sustainability.
What we're watching
- Cost Efficiency
- How UC Health’s shift from charter jets to ground transport will impact overall transplant program economics.
- Donor Pool Expansion
- Whether Paragonix LIVERguard’s real-time monitoring capabilities will enable UC Health to accept more geographically distant donor livers.
- Industry Adoption
- The pace at which other transplant centers adopt similar preservation technologies to reduce costs and improve access.