Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP): What You Need to Know

By Carla Maul, VP of Cardiovascular Services and Brian Osswald, Business Development

Organ transplantation is one of the most time-sensitive and complex procedures in modern medicine. Success depends not only on the skill of the surgical team but also on the preservation of the organs themselves. As the demand for transplants grows, hospitals and transplant centers are turning to advanced methods like Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) to expand the donor pool and improve outcomes.

At Epic Cardiovascular Services, we specialize in helping facilities adopt and optimize NRP and related services like Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD). Together, these approaches offer a powerful combination: more viable organs, more time for planning, and better results for patients.

Understanding Normothermic Regional Perfusion and Its Impact

Normothermic Regional Perfusion is an innovative technique designed to preserve and optimize organs intended for transplantation. Unlike traditional cold storage, which slows down cellular activity, NRP restores circulation by perfusing organs with warm, oxygen-rich blood at normal body temperature. This process prevents ischemic damage and maintains organ function in a way that closely replicates natural physiology.

For hospitals and transplant centers, this approach is significant because it:

• Reduces cellular injury, improving organ function after transplantation.
• Extends preservation time, allowing surgical teams greater flexibility for coordination and logistics.
• Improves recipient outcomes, with lower rates of complications and stronger long-term function.
• Increases organ utilization, expanding the number of patients who can benefit from transplant.

In short, NRP helps shift organ preservation from “keeping organs on ice” to keeping them alive and functional until they reach the recipient.

How Normothermic Regional Perfusion Works in Practice

Behind every successful NRP procedure is a well-coordinated team, rigorous planning, and a system designed to protect organ quality at every step. At Epic Cardiovascular Services, we deliver Normothermic Regional Perfusion as a fully integrated service that empowers hospitals to build consistency, confidence, and clinical excellence across their organ recovery programs.

Each NRP case follows a structured, collaborative process:

• Thorough Pre-Procedure Evaluation: Every case begins with a detailed assessment of donor health and organ-specific factors to ensure the best possible conditions for recovery.
• Advanced Perfusion Technology: We deploy state-of-the-art systems to reestablish oxygenated blood flow at normal body temperature, maintaining organ viability and function.
• Real-Time Data and Oversight: Continuous monitoring of perfusion parameters allows our team to make immediate, evidence-based adjustments that protect organ quality.
• Seamless Team Collaboration: Our multidisciplinary specialists – surgeons, perfusionists, and transplant coordinators – work in lockstep to ensure efficiency and clinical precision.
• Customized Protocols and Training: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Epic Cardiovascular Services develops tailored protocols and provides on-site training so hospitals can confidently integrate NRP into their workflows.
• Comprehensive Case Reviews: After each procedure, we conduct debriefs and performance analyses to identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen outcomes over time.

By viewing NRP as a sustainable program rather than a single intervention, hospitals can build internal expertise, streamline donor-to-recipient transitions, and ultimately help more patients receive life-saving transplants.

The Role of Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) in Expanding the Donor Pool

As hospitals look for ways to meet the growing need for organ transplants, Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) has emerged as a transformative solution. While NRP focuses on preserving and optimizing organ quality, DCD broadens the very foundation of donation, making it possible for more patients to become lifesaving donors.

DCD enables organ recovery from individuals who have suffered irreversible cardiac failure but whose organs remain viable for transplantation. By incorporating DCD protocols, hospitals are not only expanding their donor pools but also shortening wait times and improving access to critical care for patients on transplant lists.

Key Advantages of DCD:

• Broadened Donor Eligibility: By including donors who were previously ineligible, DCD significantly increases the number of viable organs available for transplant.
• Ethical Excellence: Every DCD procedure is carried out with respect for donor dignity and full adherence to ethical and clinical standards.
• Faster Access to Transplants: A larger donor pool means reduced wait times and greater opportunities to save lives.
• Optimized Organ Recovery: When paired with NRP, DCD allows organs to be maintained under ideal physiological conditions, improving both graft survival and long-term outcomes.

Implementing DCD requires not only medical expertise but also precision in process and coordination. That’s why Epic Cardiovascular Services supports hospitals with an end-to-end approach:

• Careful Planning and Coordination: We work closely with care teams and transplant centers to ensure a seamless, timely, and compliant DCD process.
• Strict Adherence to Protocols: Our specialists follow rigorous standards designed to protect both donor integrity and transplant success.
• Advanced Recovery Techniques: We apply the latest evidence-based methods and preservation technologies to maximize the quality and viability of each recovered organ.

When combined, NRP and DCD create a powerful continuum of innovation – one that enables hospitals to turn more moments of loss into opportunities for life. Together, these approaches strengthen donation programs, support ethical best practices, and help institutions deliver on the promise of modern transplantation.

Why Healthcare Facilities Partner with Epic Cardiovascular Services

At Epic Cardiovascular Services, we understand that successful organ recovery programs depend on more than technology. They rely on expertise, collaboration, and the right clinical support. Our seasoned team of practicing cardiovascular professionals brings a rare combination of clinical and business expertise in perfusion and blood management, enabling hospitals to strengthen both patient care and operational performance.

Our leadership is made up of professionals who have stood in the OR and understand the real-world challenges hospitals face. That experience makes us flexible, nimble, and responsive – able to work on your schedule, adapt to your needs, and solve your most critical perfusion and organ recovery challenges in real time.

With proven outcomes, consistent coverage, and a deep passion for advancing cardiovascular care, Epic Cardiovascular Services helps healthcare facilities build programs that deliver confident, consistent results and lasting impact for patients and transplant teams alike.

Shaping the Future of Organ Transplantation

Normothermic Regional Perfusion and Donation after Circulatory Death are redefining what’s possible in modern transplantation. Together, they give hospitals the tools to recover more viable organs, extend preservation time, and improve outcomes for recipients. By integrating these approaches into their programs, healthcare facilities can expand access to life-saving transplants, uphold the highest ethical standards, and transform more moments of loss into renewed hope for patients and families.

Ready to strengthen your hospital’s transplant program? With Epic Cardiovascular Services, your team gains the clinical expertise and operational support to integrate NRP and DCD seamlessly, expanding donor potential and improving outcomes across every case. Get in touch with us today to bring these life-saving innovations to your facility.

About Carla

About Brian

Brian Osswald is part of the Business Development team at Epic Cardiovascular Services, where he helps hospitals implement advanced solutions like NRP and DCD to strengthen their transplant and perfusion programs. To explore how NRP and DCD can elevate your hospital’s organ recovery capabilities, connect with Brian at [email protected] or (317) 908-0047.