North America Organ Preservation Market Report

North America Organ Preservation Market Size

The North America Organ Preservation Market was valued at USD 104.39 million in 2024. The North America Organ Preservation Market is expected to have 9 % CAGR from 2024 to 2033 and be worth USD 226.72 million by 2033 from USD 113.79 million in 2025.

Organ preservation refers to the medical process of maintaining the viability of organs outside the human body for transplantation purposes. This involves specialized solutions, storage techniques, and transport mechanisms that help prolong organ functionality before implantation. In North America, this field has gained significant traction due to the region’s high demand for transplant surgeries, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and ongoing innovations in preservation technologies.

The United States and Canada are at the forefront of organ transplantation activities, with thousands of procedures conducted annually. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 40,000 organ transplants were performed in the U.S. alone in 2023, highlighting the critical need for effective preservation systems.

In addition, advancements such as hypothermic machine perfusion and normothermic preservation methods are increasingly being adopted to improve graft survival rates and expand the donor pool.

Moreover, regulatory support from agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has facilitated the approval of novel preservation devices and solutions. With rising investments in biotech research and growing public awareness about organ donation, North America continues to serve as a pivotal hub for innovation and growth in the organ preservation sector.

MARKET DRIVERS

Increasing Number of Organ Transplants Across North America

One of the primary drivers fueling the growth of the North America Organ Preservation Market is the steadily increasing number of organ transplant procedures performed across the United States and Canada. This surge is largely attributed to an aging population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, and improved surgical outcomes leading to higher acceptance of transplantation as a viable treatment option.

In parallel, Canada has also witnessed a rise in transplant activity. Each transplant requires efficient organ preservation to maintain tissue integrity during transportation, thereby directly driving demand for preservation solutions, machines, and related services.

Besides, the expansion of transplant centers and increased collaboration among hospitals, organ banks, and logistics providers have further reinforced the need for advanced preservation technologies. The ability to extend organ viability beyond traditional limits through newer techniques such as ex vivo perfusion is enhancing transplant success rates, which in turn supports the sustained growth of the organ preservation market in North America.

Technological Advancements in Organ Preservation Techniques

A key factor contributing to the expansion of the North America Organ Preservation Market is the rapid advancement in preservation technologies aimed at improving organ viability and extending shelf life. Traditional static cold storage methods, while widely used, have limitations in preserving organs beyond a few hours. However, emerging dynamic preservation techniques such as hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) have significantly enhanced post-extraction organ function, allowing for longer transport times and better compatibility matching.

Similarly, NMP technology, which maintains organs at body temperature and provides oxygenated nutrients, has shown promising results in liver and heart transplants, expanding the donor pool by enabling the use of previously marginal organs.

Major players in the biotech and medical device sectors, including Organ Recovery Systems and XVIVO Perfusion, have been instrumental in commercializing these technologies in North America. Their integration into major transplant centers across the U.S. and Canada has not only improved patient outcomes but also driven substantial investment in next-generation preservation systems, reinforcing the market’s upward trajectory.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Cost of Advanced Organ Preservation Technologies

One of the most significant restraints affecting the North America Organ Preservation Market is the high cost associated with advanced preservation technologies. Hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion systems, which offer superior organ viability compared to traditional cold storage, come with substantial capital expenditures and operational costs. This financial burden is particularly challenging for smaller hospitals and regional transplant centers that may lack the funding or reimbursement structures necessary to adopt these innovations at scale. Even within larger institutions, budget constraints often lead to selective implementation, limiting widespread adoption. Moreover, insurance coverage for machine-perfused organ transplants remains inconsistent across private and public payers, discouraging broader utilization despite proven clinical advantages.

As a result, many transplant programs continue to rely on conventional cold storage methods, which are less expensive but also less effective in preserving marginal or extended-criteria donor organs. Until cost barriers are mitigated through policy reforms or technological scaling, the full potential of advanced preservation techniques will remain underutilized, hindering market expansion.

Shortage of Donor Organs and Regulatory Complexities

A further critical challenge impeding the growth of the North America organ preservation market is the persistent shortage of available donor organs coupled with complex regulatory frameworks governing organ procurement and distribution. Despite advancements in preservation technologies that could potentially expand the donor pool, the supply of viable organs remains insufficient to meet the rising demand for transplants. According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), over 100,000 patients were on the waiting list for organ transplants in the U.S. in 2023, with many facing prolonged wait times or never receiving a suitable match.

Regulatory hurdles further complicate the situation. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) and policies enforced by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) impose strict guidelines on organ allocation and preservation protocols, varying by state and institution. These inconsistencies can delay the deployment of innovative preservation methods and limit cross-state organ sharing, reducing efficiency in the transplant system.

Apart from these, ethical and logistical challenges surrounding expanded criteria donors and donation after circulatory death (DCD) require careful oversight, making it difficult for new preservation technologies to gain swift regulatory approval. Until systemic issues around donor availability and streamlined regulation are addressed, the full impact of advanced preservation solutions will remain constrained.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Expansion of Normothermic Preservation Techniques

One of the most promising opportunities in the North America Organ Preservation Market is the growing adoption of normothermic preservation techniques, which maintain organs at physiological temperatures to preserve metabolic function and improve transplant outcomes. Unlike traditional cold storage, normothermic perfusion sustains organ viability by continuously supplying oxygenated nutrients, allowing for real-time assessment and repair of marginal organs before transplantation.

According to a research published in Nature Medicine, normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has successfully extended the preservation time for livers up to 24 hours, significantly longer than the typical six-hour window offered by static cold storage. This advancement enables greater flexibility in donor-recipient matching and facilitates long-distance transportation, broadening access to transplants.

In North America, several academic medical centers and transplant networks have begun integrating NMP into clinical practice. Institutions such as the University of Toronto and Massachusetts General Hospital have reported improved graft survival rates and reduced discard rates for organs preserved using normothermic methods. As clinical evidence accumulates, regulatory bodies and healthcare payers are showing increased interest in supporting wider adoption.

With continued investment in research and development, along with potential reimbursement incentives, normothermic preservation stands poised to revolutionize the organ preservation landscape, offering a substantial growth avenue for companies operating in this space.

Integration of AI and Predictive Analytics in Organ Viability Assessment

An emerging opportunity in the North America organ preservation market lies in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics to assess organ viability and optimize preservation strategies. Traditionally, organ suitability for transplantation has relied on subjective evaluations and limited biomarkers, often resulting in unnecessary discards of potentially usable organs. AI-driven models now offer the potential to enhance decision-making by analyzing real-time data from preservation systems and predicting post-transplant outcomes with greater accuracy.

Similar approaches are being explored for liver and lung preservation, where machine learning models analyze perfusion parameters to determine optimal implantation windows.

Companies such as TransMedics and WIT Ischemia Technologies are actively developing smart preservation systems equipped with integrated diagnostics and AI-powered analytics. These innovations enable clinicians to make data-driven decisions, reduce organ wastage, and expand the pool of viable organs for transplant.

With increasing collaboration between tech firms and medical device manufacturers, the application of AI in organ preservation is expected to gain momentum, opening new avenues for market expansion and improved patient outcomes.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Complexity in Logistics and Transportation of Preserved Organs

A significant challenge for the North America organ preservation market is the complexity involved in transporting preserved organs efficiently and safely to recipient hospitals. Despite advancements in preservation technology, ensuring timely delivery remains a critical hurdle due to geographical distances, coordination inefficiencies, and the fragile nature of stored organs. Even with cutting-edge preservation techniques extending viability periods, delays in transportation can compromise organ function and lead to discard.

Coordination between organ procurement organizations (OPOs), transplant centers, and logistics providers must be seamless to minimize ischemic time. However, factors such as air traffic congestion, weather disruptions, and limited availability of dedicated transport teams can cause unforeseen delays. According to a report by the New England Organ Bank, approximately 10% of retrieved organs are discarded annually due to logistical complications, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

Moreover, the reliance on manual tracking and communication systems in some regions hampers real-time monitoring of organ condition during transit. While newer preservation units incorporate telemetry features, their adoption is uneven across transplant centers. Standardizing transport protocols, investing in real-time tracking systems, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration are essential steps toward overcoming this logistical barrier and maximizing the effectiveness of advanced preservation technologies.

Variability in Reimbursement Policies Across Healthcare Providers

Reimbursement variability presents a formidable challenge for the North America organ preservation market, as inconsistent payment structures across private insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare hinder widespread adoption of advanced preservation technologies. While some health plans cover the costs associated with machine perfusion and premium preservation solutions, many others do not, leaving transplant centers to absorb the financial burden or avoid utilizing these innovations altogether.

Private payers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna have introduced coverage for certain preservation techniques based on clinical evidence, but their policies differ by state and plan type. Meanwhile, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement guidelines remain restrictive, often limiting coverage to traditional cold storage methods unless specific exceptions apply. According to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) bulletin, only select transplant centers receive special funding for experimental preservation techniques under approved research protocols.

This disparity creates financial uncertainty for hospitals considering investment in next-generation preservation systems, especially those serving lower-income populations. Without standardized reimbursement models that recognize the long-term cost savings and improved outcomes associated with advanced preservation, market expansion will face continued resistance from budget-constrained healthcare providers.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Preservation Solution Insights

The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution segment dominated the North America organ preservation market, holding 45.2% of total share in 2024. This dominance is primarily attributed to its widespread adoption as the gold standard for preserving abdominal organs such as kidneys, livers, and pancreases during static cold storage.

According to data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a significant share of kidney transplants in the U.S. continue to rely on UW solution due to its proven ability to maintain cellular integrity and reduce ischemic injury over extended preservation periods. Its formulation containing hydroxyethyl starch (HES), lactobionate, and adenosine helps prevent cellular swelling and provides energy substrates that enhance organ viability.

Besides, the long-standing presence of UW solution in clinical practice since the late 1980s has fostered trust among transplant surgeons and procurement teams. As per a publication in Transplantation Proceedings , more than 60% of surveyed transplant centers in North America prefer UW solution for liver preservation, despite the emergence of newer alternatives.

Furthermore, the solution’s compatibility with traditional cold storage methods makes it cost-effective and easy to integrate into existing workflows, reinforcing its entrenched position in the organ preservation ecosystem across the region.

The perfadex segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category within the North America organ preservation market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.7% between 2025 and 2033. Originally developed for lung preservation, Perfadex has expanded its application to include hearts and other thoracic organs, driving increased demand in transplant centers adopting dynamic preservation techniques.

One key growth driver is its use in ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), a technique that allows for real-time assessment and reconditioning of marginal donor lungs before transplantation. Also, EVLP utilization has grown since 2020 , with Perfadex being the preferred perfusate in most protocols due to its low viscosity and optimal electrolyte balance.

Moreover, clinical evidence supports improved graft survival rates when using Perfadex-based perfusion. As per a multicenter trial published by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, lungs preserved with Perfadex had a lower incidence of primary graft dysfunction , enhancing post-transplant outcomes.

With increasing investment in machine perfusion technologies and growing interest in expanding the donor pool, Perfadex is positioned to see accelerated adoption, particularly in advanced transplant centers seeking to optimize organ utilization.

By Transportation Technique Insights

The Static Cold Storage (SCS) segment held the largest share of a 58.2% in the North America organ preservation market, driven by its widespread use across transplant centers due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and established protocols. Despite advancements in dynamic preservation techniques, SCS remains the predominant method for transporting organs such as kidneys, livers, and pancreases. Also, the reliance on ice-based transport and simple preservation solutions like UW and HTK continues to be favored for short-distance organ retrieval and implantation.

A major factor contributing to its dominance is the relatively low capital expenditure required compared to machine perfusion systems. Moreover, regulatory familiarity and reimbursement structures favor static cold storage, further entrenching its position in routine transplant operations. While newer techniques offer enhanced preservation capabilities, the extensive clinical experience and logistical simplicity associated with SCS ensure its continued dominance in the current landscape.

The Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP) segment is experiencing the boom in the North America Organ Preservation Market , expanding at a CAGR of 15.2%. Unlike traditional cold storage or hypothermic perfusion, NMP maintains organs at physiological temperatures, allowing for active metabolic support and functional assessment prior to transplantation.

One of the key drivers behind this rapid expansion is the ability of NMP to assess and repair previously discarded or marginal organs. Another critical factor is the integration of NMP into clinical trials and high-volume transplant centers. Institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Toronto have reported improved graft survival rates and reduced early allograft dysfunction with NMP-assisted transplants. These findings are encouraging broader adoption across North America.

Additionally, advancements in portable NMP devices, such as those developed by OrganOx and WIT Ischemia Technologies, allow for continuous organ function monitoring during transport, improving logistics and transplant planning. With growing clinical validation and increasing support from regulatory bodies, NMP is poised to revolutionize organ preservation practices in the region.

By Organ Type Insights

The kidney preservation segment accounts for the largest share of the North America organ preservation market, representing 42% of total revenue in 2024. This dominance is primarily driven by the high volume of kidney transplants performed annually, both from deceased and living donors, making kidney preservation the most extensively practiced form of organ conservation in the region. The sheer frequency of these procedures necessitates large-scale use of preservation solutions and storage techniques, predominantly based on static cold storage with UW solution.

Another major contributing factor is the well-established infrastructure for kidney donation and allocation, including the extensive network of organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and transplant centers across North America. Also, the development of machine perfusion techniques tailored specifically for kidneys has spurred innovation in this segment.

The lung preservation segment is the fastest-growing category in the North America organ preservation market, expanding at a CAGR of 14.5%. This growth is primarily fueled by advancements in ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) technology and an increasing number of lung transplantations utilizing previously suboptimal donor organs.

According to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), over 3,500 lung transplants were performed in North America in 2023. This represents a significant rise from just five years ago, when EVLP was still considered experimental in many transplant centers. A key growth enabler is the ability of EVLP systems—often using Perfadex solution—to assess and rehabilitate lungs that would otherwise be discarded due to marginal function or uncertain viability. As per clinical data from the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, EVLP usage has increased donor lung acceptance rates by up to 30% , directly boosting transplant volumes.

Besides, improvements in transportable normothermic perfusion units have allowed for real-time organ monitoring and even therapeutic interventions outside the body. Institutions like Toronto General Hospital and Columbia University Irving Medical Center have pioneered the use of these techniques, further accelerating adoption across the continent.

As lung transplant demand continues to outpace supply, the lung preservation segment is set to remain a high-growth area within the broader organ preservation landscape.

COUNTRY LEVEL ANALYSIS

The United States led the North America organ preservation market, holding a share of 82.2% in 2024, driven by the highest volume of organ transplants in the region. This substantial volume necessitates a robust infrastructure for organ preservation, fueling demand for both traditional and advanced preservation solutions and technologies. A key growth driver is the country’s well-established transplant ecosystem. These centers continuously invest in cutting-edge preservation methods, such as hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion, to improve graft survival and expand donor eligibility.

In addition, federal and private funding for biomedical research supports the development and clinical adoption of next-generation preservation tools. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and various biotech firms are actively involved in advancing organ viability assessment and dynamic preservation techniques. With strong regulatory oversight from the FDA and increasing collaboration between academic institutions and medical device companies, the U.S. remains at the forefront of innovation and implementation in organ preservation.

Canada captured a notable share of the market, supported by a growing number of transplant procedures and government-backed initiatives aimed at increasing organ donation rates. One of the key factors driving growth is the national effort to harmonize organ donation policies across provinces. The Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program (CDTRP) has played a crucial role in developing best practices for organ preservation and distribution, ensuring consistency in clinical standards. Also, the adoption of advanced preservation technologies is gaining momentum, particularly in major transplant centers such as Toronto General Hospital and the University of Alberta. These institutions have been early adopters of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), enhancing the usability of marginal donor organs.

Despite challenges related to geographic dispersion and varying provincial healthcare policies, Canada’s commitment to improving transplant outcomes through better preservation strategies positions it as a steadily growing contributor to the regional market.

While the Rest of North America , including Mexico and select Caribbean territories, holds a minor share, it presents emerging potential for future growth in the organ preservation sector. Mexico, in particular, has been working to strengthen its transplant infrastructure, with efforts led by the Mexican Center for Organ Transplantation (CMTO) and the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS). However, organ preservation remains largely reliant on conventional cold storage due to limited access to advanced perfusion technologies.

A key growth catalyst is the increasing collaboration between Mexican transplant centers and international partners, including U.S.-based organizations offering training and technical support in machine perfusion and viability assessment. Also, recent policy reforms aimed at improving organ donation awareness and consent rates are expected to contribute to higher transplant volumes in the coming years. Although still in the early stages of development, the region’s gradual modernization of transplant infrastructure suggests a trajectory toward increased adoption of advanced preservation solutions, offering untapped opportunities for market expansion.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Some of the Promising Companies dominating the North America Organ Preservation Market Profiled in the Report are Essential Pharmaceuticals (U.S.), Dr Franz Kohler Chemie GmbH (Germany), Organ Recovery Systems (U.S.), Xvivo Perfusion AB (Sweden), and Waters Medical Systems LLC (U.S.).,

The competition in the North America organ preservation market is characterized by a mix of established medical device manufacturers and emerging biotech firms striving to redefine organ viability and transplantation outcomes. With increasing demand for transplantable organs and a growing emphasis on reducing discard rates, companies are continuously innovating to offer superior preservation technologies. Traditional static cold storage methods still dominate due to their cost-effectiveness and widespread use, but dynamic preservation techniques—such as hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion—are gaining traction, intensifying competition among industry leaders.

Market participants are not only competing on product performance but also on ease of integration, compatibility with existing hospital infrastructure, and post-sale technical support. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships are common, allowing firms to strengthen their portfolios and accelerate clinical adoption. Additionally, companies are engaging in extensive educational outreach programs to train transplant professionals on the benefits of newer preservation methodologies. As healthcare providers seek more efficient ways to extend organ viability and improve patient outcomes, the competitive landscape continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and a growing push for better donor organ utilization. This environment fosters continuous innovation and positions North America as a global leader in organ preservation technology development and implementation.

Top Players in the Market

One of the leading companies in the North America Organ Preservation Market is Organ Recovery Systems (ORS) . The company is renowned for its innovative preservation technologies, particularly its LifePort Kidney Transport System and Organ Care System (OCS), which support dynamic organ perfusion. ORS has played a pivotal role in advancing normothermic machine perfusion, enabling real-time organ assessment and reconditioning. Their solutions have significantly improved transplant outcomes by extending organ viability and increasing the pool of usable donor organs.

Another key player is XVIVO Perfusion AB , a Swedish-based firm with a strong presence in North America. XVIVO specializes in ex vivo organ preservation, particularly for lungs and hearts, through its XPS and EVLP systems. Their technology allows for functional evaluation and rehabilitation of marginal donor organs, enhancing transplant success rates. The company collaborates closely with leading transplant centers to integrate its platforms into clinical practice, contributing to advancements in lung preservation techniques across the region.

WIT Ischemia Technologies is also a major contributor to the market, offering cutting-edge organ monitoring solutions. Its TransMedics Organ Monitoring System provides real-time data on organ condition during transport, improving decision-making for transplant teams. WIT’s innovations help reduce discard rates and optimize resource utilization, making it a crucial player in modernizing organ preservation practices in North America.

Top Strategies Used by Key Market Participants

Key players in the North America Organ Preservation Market employ strategic partnerships and collaborations to enhance their technological capabilities and expand their clinical footprint. By aligning with academic institutions, transplant networks, and regulatory bodies, companies gain access to real-world data and validation necessary for broader adoption of their products.

Product innovation remains a core strategy among leading firms. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to introduce next-generation preservation systems that offer real-time monitoring, metabolic support, and organ repair functionalities, thereby improving graft survival and reducing organ wastage.

Lastly, market participants focus on education and training initiatives to drive adoption. They conduct workshops, sponsor clinical trials, and provide hands-on training for transplant teams to familiarize them with advanced preservation techniques, ensuring smooth integration into existing surgical workflows and strengthening long-term market positioning.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

In February 2023, Organ Recovery Systems launched an enhanced version of its Organ Care System, integrating real-time analytics and remote monitoring features to improve organ viability assessment during transportation.

In July 2023, XVIVO Perfusion AB expanded its collaboration with leading U.S. transplant centers to incorporate its EVLP platform into routine clinical protocols, aiming to increase lung donor acceptance rates.

In November 2023, WIT Ischemia Technologies introduced a new mobile application designed to provide transplant teams with live updates on organ condition during transit, enhancing decision-making capabilities.

In May 2024, TransMedics announced a partnership with a major U.S. health system to deploy its normothermic preservation system across multiple transplant facilities, accelerating adoption in high-volume centers.

In September 2024, Paragonix Technologies unveiled a next-generation preservation device for heart transplants, focusing on portability, ease of use, and improved graft function post-implantation.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the North America Organ Preservation Market has been segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Preservation Solution

• UW
• Perfadex

By Transportation Technique

• Static Cold Storage (SCS)
• Normothermic Machine Perfusion

By Organ Type

• Kidney
• lung preservation

By Country

• the United States
• Canada
• Rest of North America