Germany's First Machine-Perfused Kidney Transplant Marks a Medical Breakthrough

A major advancement in kidney transplantation arrived in Germany this year. Halle University Hospital's Kidney Transplant Center performed the country's first machine perfusion procedure for a kidney transplant on January 20, 2026. The technique replaces the older method of static cold storage, offering better preservation of donor organs before surgery.

Machine perfusion works by connecting the kidney to a specialised pump system. The organ receives a continuous flow of oxygen and nutrients, keeping it viable for longer. This method is particularly useful for kidneys from extended-criteria donors—those over 60 or aged 50 to 59 with pre-existing conditions.

The procedure requires highly trained teams and is only carried out in certified retrieval hospitals. Major transplant centers, including those in Berlin, Munich, and Heidelberg, have already adopted the technology. However, as of February 4, 2026, no official registry—such as the German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO)—has released a full count of clinics using the method.

Halle University Hospital's Kidney Transplant Center, led by Prof. Dr. Matthias Girndt and Prof. Dr. Georgios Gakis, has been a pioneer in transplant medicine for over 50 years. The DSO supplies the necessary perfusion devices, supporting hospitals in implementing this new approach. The center remains focused on advancing care and exploring future innovations in the field.

The introduction of machine perfusion expands the pool of viable donor kidneys. Patients waiting for transplants may now benefit from organs previously considered too high-risk. Official data on its widespread adoption across Germany is still pending.