New technology expands access to life-saving pancreas transplants for diabetes patients

An innovation in organ preservation is offering hope to patients with diabetes in need of pancreas transplants, a procedure that remains rare despite growing demand.

More than 38 million Americans live with diabetes, and while many manage the disease with medication, some experience complications that require a pancreas transplant, which is the only treatment that can eliminate their need for insulin. Currently, more than 800 people are on the national transplant waiting list, but only a small number will receive a donor pancreas each year.

One challenge has been safely transporting the fragile organ. Traditionally, donor pancreases are stored in standard coolers, which can lead to inconsistent temperatures and hidden cellular damage that may render the organ unusable upon arrival.

However, a new preservation method known as the "Pancreas Pack" is revolutionizing this process. Unlike basic coolers, the Pancreas Pack actively maintains the preservation solution at a stable temperature between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius. The system also includes a built-in GPS unit to monitor transport conditions in real-time. This level of control ensures the organ remains viable throughout longer transport times.

The technology was successfully used by a transplant team at Tampa General Hospital, which received the world’s first donor pancreas delivered in a Pancreas Pack. The organ traveled nearly 10 hours without degradation, expanding the acceptable transport radius from 250 to 500 miles and increasing the chances for more transplants to be completed.

One of the first beneficiaries of this technology was Roman Evans, who suffered from type 1 diabetes and kidney failure. After receiving a combined kidney and pancreas transplant, Roman no longer needs insulin and says he feels energized and free from the condition that once controlled his life.

With more transplant centers adopting this innovation, experts believe the number of successful pancreas transplants could rise significantly, giving more patients a second chance at life.