TOSA and NORA Make History with Longest Perfused Liver Transport to Date

San Antonio, Texas — [October 6, 2025] — Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the federally designated organ procurement organization serving South and Central Texas, partnered with Nationwide Organ Recovery Transport Alliance (NORA) to successfully complete a long-distance transport of a donated liver on a machine perfusion device. The liver traveled from San Antonio to San Diego — a 17-hour journey by ground — while being maintained on the OrganOx metra® perfusion system.

This milestone highlights the potential of advanced technology and strong partnerships to expand access to lifesaving organ transplants.

“At TOSA, we're always seeking ways to push the boundaries of what's possible in donation and transplantation,” said Dr. Joe Nespral, President and CEO, Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. “This achievement shows what can happen when skilled teams, trusted partners, and innovative tools come together with a single mission — to give more patients the chance to live.”

Technology in Action
The OrganOx metra® system maintains donated livers at body temperature, providing oxygen, blood, and nutrients during transport. In this case, the recipient surgeons elected to accept a liver that had been transported using the device, which enabled the organ to remain viable for 35 total hours, including the 1,275 mile journey. This perfusion system is breakthrough technology that allows for extended preservation times compared to traditional cold storage, creating new opportunities for long-distance organ matches.

Delivering Hope on the Road
The liver and device were transported by NORA, TOSA's trusted partner in organ delivery. The long-distance ground journey required extensive preparation, specialized training, and seamless communication between clinical and transportation teams.

“Transporting a perfused liver across multiple states requires every safeguard and every expert in place,” said Cristina Solomon, Vice President of OPO Relations, NORA. “Our team planned for every possibility — from backup drivers to onboard clinical support — to ensure the organ and device stayed stable the entire way. It's the kind of collaboration and innovation that expands what's possible for patients waiting for a transplant.”

Expanding the Possibilities
This achievement represents a new frontier in organ transplantation, where technology and collaboration can bridge geographic barriers and give more patients the chance at life-saving surgery.
“Every step forward like this brings us closer to a system where geography no longer limits hope,” said Sarah Dworaczyk, Chief Clinical Officer at Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. “It's a powerful example of teamwork, trust, and innovation working hand in hand.”