U of A Hospital becomes first centre to use new kidney transplant transport technology

University of Alberta Hospital has become Canada's first centre to use the XVIVO Kidney Assist Transport, a state-of-the-art device approved by Health Canada at the end of 2025 that oxygenates kidneys during transport from donor to recipient.

"What's unique about this technology is it introduces oxygen into the circulation, which improves the outcomes of patients' kidneys after transplant," said Dr. Max Levine, surgical director of the U of A Hospital's kidney transplant program. "This is an evolution in the transplant technology we've been using previously."

More than 300 people are waiting for a kidney transplant in Alberta. Kidneys from deceased donors carry a higher risk of injury and failure in recipients. The new technology reduces that injury and speeds recovery.

David Cliplef, a veterinarian diagnosed with kidney failure four years ago, received a kidney from an older deceased donor transported using the XVIVO. The procedure also used robotic minimally invasive surgery. "I was up and walking within a few days and out of hospital at about seven, eight days," Cliplef said. Three months after transplant, he had recovered enough kidney function to return to his vet practice three days a week. "It's nice to feel better, to have more energy and be more optimistic about things going forward," he said.