Paragonix Technologies has announced the completion of the world’s first-in-human use of the BAROguard Donor Lung Preservation System by Duke University Medical Center in the US.

Earlier this year, the company received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for this system.

Conducted by Dr Kunal Patel, the groundbreaking case safely protected a pair of donor lungs travelling over 600 miles.

The BAROguard system kept the donor lungs safe and monitored them for more than six hours during their transportation for a life-saving transplant.

It is claimed to be the first commercially available hypothermic preservation system that can control the airway pressure of donor lungs automatically when outside the body at the time of preservation and transportation.

The new technology helps maintain the optimal temperature range and adhere to the clinically recommended inflation pressure range, thereby helping to eliminate the traditional risks that occur during transport.

The transmission of temperature and airway pressure data to transplant teams in real time enables full visibility into the lung's conditions during transport.

Paragonix CEO and president Lisa Anderson said: “This exciting milestone serves as a testament to the BAROguard System’s potential to revolutionise lung preservation and transport.

“We will continue to push the boundaries of innovation to provide more advanced tools for healthcare professionals and better outcomes for patients.”