Technology expands organ preservation capabilities and supports improved transplant opportunities for patients across the region

MIAMI, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- South Florida Donor Network (SFDN), the federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) serving six counties across South Florida and The Bahamas, is utilizing the OrganOx metra® ex vivo normothermic liver perfusion system to enhance organ preservation and support lifesaving liver transplantation throughout the region. 

Introduced through SFDN's operational partnership with Nevada Donor Network (NDN), a nationally recognized high-performing organ procurement organization, the technology represents an important advancement in organ preservation. It maintains donor livers in a functioning, near-physiologic state outside the body, providing clinicians with additional time to assess organ viability before transplantation and reflecting SFDN's commitment to bringing advanced donation and transplantation practices to South Florida.

"The integration of OrganOx technology into our Organ Perfusion Program reflects our continued commitment to advancing innovation in organ donation and transplantation," said Elizabeth Shipman, Chief Operating Officer of South Florida Donor Network and Nevada Donor Network. "In Nevada, the implementation of this technology contributed to a 54% increase in liver utilization between 2021 and 2025. We are excited to bring that same commitment to innovation to South Florida, where we believe advanced perfusion technology will help expand transplant opportunities, maximize the gift of donation, and improve outcomes for the patients and communities we serve."

Unlike traditional static cold storage, the OrganOx metra® provides continuous normothermic perfusion and oxygenation, creating an environment that closely mimics the human body. The technology helps maintain organ quality during preservation and transport while enabling real-time assessment of liver function. These capabilities may expand the number of organs suitable for transplantation, improve post-transplant outcomes, and provide more patients with access to lifesaving transplants.

"The successful transplant of a liver using the OrganOx system is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the South Florida Donor Network team," said Scott Clere, senior director of organ operations at South Florida Donor Network. "It is also a testament to the courageous donors and their families who, through their selfless decisions, make life-saving organ transplantation possible."

"Innovation matters when it translates into more lives saved," said Joe Ferreira, president and chief executive officer of South Florida Donor Network. "We're committed to bringing proven technologies, experienced leadership and best practices to South Florida so that every donor's gift reaches its full lifesaving potential."

SFDN began serving the region in March 2026 through a partnership with NDN, bringing decades of clinical expertise, innovative technologies and leading practices in organ donation to South Florida. Together, the organizations are committed to advancing donation, improving transplant outcomes and honoring every donor's lifesaving gift.

For more information about SFDN, visit SFLDonor.org. SFDN encourages everyone to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor by visiting DonateLifeFlorida.org and discussing their decision with their loved ones.

Michelle Ayala | vdV Consulting
786-208-6072 | 423664@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE South Florida Donor Network