Illustration: Natasia Designs
The University of Alberta was recently ranked sixth in the world in transplantation, but the medical expertise required to save lives with organ, tissue and cell transplants did not develop overnight―it is the result of decades of close collaboration, generosity and teamwork.
First organ transplant in Alberta
The first kidney transplant at the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) was performed on Jan. 15, 1967, by the late William Lakey, MD.
50-plus years of generous community support
Thanks to the support of the University Hospital Foundation (UHF) and its community of donors, Edmonton has evolved to become Western Canada's epicentre for organ transplants.
Every minute counts to save a life
The Ex-Vivo Organ Support System (EVOSS) was invented and developed by U of A surgeons Darren Freed, '98 MD and Jayan Nagendran, '01 MD, '09 PhD.
Lungs in a box
EVOSS mimics the organ's regular function inside the body, giving more time for an organ to be assessed, repaired and transported.
Propelled by partnership
This made-in-Alberta technology progressed with the ongoing support of UHF and additional partners such as the Alberta Transplant Institute (ATI) and Canadian Donation and Transplantation Program―both led by U of A pediatric cardiologist Lori West, MD.
EVOSS has been used 12 times in a U of A-led clinical trial. It has the potential to dramatically increase the number of available organs worldwide.