COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirNet Systems, Inc. announced today it completed the first unattended transcontinental delivery of a kidney using the LifePort(R) Kidney Transporter with expedited air delivery. The kidney was transported 2,700 miles from a donor in Florida to the recipient in California. AirNet's integrated national transportation network coupled with the innovative LifePort(R) solution contributed to this breakthrough achievement for organ recovery and transplant.
Tom Brennan, vice president, life sciences of AirNet, commented, "We are delighted that we had the opportunity to transport this kidney using LifePort(R). It complements our growing life sciences market focus and demonstrates AirNet's unique capabilities to provide a solution for these life saving needs based on more than three decades of time-sensitive delivery experience. Our customers' special needs and AirNet's capabilities are a perfect fit. This coordinated approach can revolutionize how the industry transports organs based on previously limited surface and air transportation alternatives."
"We are honored to be a part of this historic, first-ever transcontinental transport of a perfect match kidney on a pump," said Steve Gates, surgical coordinator for Lifesharing, the Donate Life organization in San Diego. "We're no longer limited by time and distance. The fully-supported, timely transport of the organ meant the kidney arrived quickly and was more viable. This is a positive for patients needing lifesaving transplants."
The LifePort(R) Kidney Transporter was developed by Organ Recovery Systems (Chicago, IL). This portable, hypothermic unit sets a new standard of convenience and care for the movement of kidneys. It provides continuous nourishment and monitoring of the kidney throughout its transportation from donor to recipient. Joseph Ferreira, associate director of clinical operations at the University of Miami's Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, contacted AirNet and within two hours a donor kidney with the LifePort(R) unit was in transit to California. He commented, "This innovative use of LifePort(R) and AirNet's expedited air delivery can substantially benefit recipients of life-saving kidney transplants. Specifically, this revolutionary application will enable transplant programs around the country to more safely and effectively transport kidneys without regard to distance."
"We are grateful to the clinicians who entrusted LifePort(R) to protect and preserve this kidney from coast to coast, just as we designed it to do," said Ron Mills, sales and marketing director of Organ Recovery Systems. "We are pleased to partner with AirNet to provide a new comprehensive solution for the safe and efficient delivery of kidneys nationwide. AirNet's unique airline, 24/7 availability and integrated logistics solution were important factors contributing to the success of this initial shipment utilizing expedited air transportation. Their experience in other medical and life science markets that also have demanding medical shipment parameters were evident and increase our confidence. We thank AirNet for enabling our customers to make LifePortation the new routine for organ sharing."
About AirNet Systems, Inc.
AirNet Systems, Inc. focuses its resources on providing value-added, time- critical aviation services to a diverse set of customers in the most service- intensive, cost-effective manner possible. AirNet operates an integrated national transportation network that provides expedited transportation services to banks and time-critical small package shippers nationwide. Jetride, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, provides passenger charter services nationwide to individuals and businesses. The Company currently operates 130 aircraft located strategically throughout the United States. To find out more, visit AirNet's website at http://www.airnet.com/ .
About Organ Recovery Systems
Organ Recovery Systems is a privately held company developing technologies and services to improve the quality and quantity of organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation. The company's flagship product, the FDA-cleared LifePort(R) Kidney Transporter, is a mobile perfusion device that establishes a continuum of organ care spanning the critical time between recovery and transplantation. LifePorts for the heart, liver, and pancreas are in active development. LifePort was named a top 100 breakthrough technology by Popular Science in its 2003 Best of What's New Awards and a silver winner of the IDEA2004 by the Industrial Designers Society of America. For more about Organ Recovery Systems visit http://www.organ-recovery.com/ .
AirNet Systems, Inc.CONTACT: Larry Glasscock, Senior Vice President, Express Services ofAirNet Systems, Inc., +1-614-532-4074, or larry.glasscock@airnet.com ; or RonMills, Director-Sales & Marketing of Organ Recovery Systems, +1-847-824-2470,or rmills@organ-recovery.com