The Role of the Kidney Preservationist
Kidney Preservationist: a function consisting of 3 key features
Being a kidney preservationist is multifaceted and highly diverse. If summarized in just 3 words: Technician, Consultant and Representative.
Technician
As Kidney Preservationist, you are responsible for preparing the LifePort device and preparing the perfusion circuit for hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP). This includes priming the system, ensuring sterile conditions and verifying all components are operational.
You also initiate and oversee the perfusion process: securely cannulating and connecting the kidney, confirming optimal initial flow and resistance parameters and actively responding to any alerts throughout perfusion to maintain organ viability.
Consultant
You are considered an expert on the LifePort® Kidney Transporter. In this capacity, you advise the surgical team on selecting the appropriate cannula, troubleshoot challenging cannulations, and guide optimal techniques for connecting the kidney to the device.
Important: Your role is strictly advisory. You do not perform any sterile procedures.
Representative
In many hospitals, organ donation is a relatively rare procedure, and HMP is often unfamiliar. Consequently, it is common for doctors, nurses, and students to ask for information about HMP, as they may have never encountered it before. As a kidney preservationist, it is your responsibility to answer their questions and provide a brief introduction to HMP.
