Record-Breaking Kidney Transplant in Tamil Nadu: Innovation, Compassion & Medical Brilliance by iORTA Team
In a historic feat that sets a new benchmark in Tamil Nadu’s medical journey, a 44-year-old patient (Mr. Vivek, name changed) battling end-stage kidney disease received a life-saving kidney transplant through the iORTA system at FIMS Hospital, Coimbatore — achieving the shortest wait time ever for a brain-dead donor kidney transplant in the state.
Fastest Kidney Transplant on Record
Diagnosed with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease and on dialysis since October 2023, Mr. Vivek was listed on the transplant registry on April 25, 2025. Remarkably, within just 9 days, a compatible kidney was identified, and the transplant surgery was successfully completed on May 4, 2025 — a record turnaround that showcases the power of precision medicine, efficient coordination, and a robust transplant ecosystem.
From Rejected Organ to Life-Saver
The donor kidney, retrieved from a 43-year-old brain-dead patient at Erode Medical College following a road accident, was initially rejected by all transplant centers in Tamil Nadu due to concerns over rising creatinine levels (1.8 to 7.0 mg/dL), raising fears of organ failure.
However, the iORTA team broke conventional barriers by applying cutting-edge assessment methods including:
- Virtual Crossmatch
- Frozen Section Biopsy
- Machine Perfusion Testing
These diagnostics confirmed the kidney`s viability, turning what was considered a non-usable organ into a gift of life.
“When every other centre refused, we trusted science. With technology, teamwork, and courage, we gave a discarded organ a second chance,” said Dr. Prabhu Kanchi, Lead Transplant Nephrologist, iORTA.
Surgical Innovation at Its Best
The surgical team employed a minimally invasive en bloc implantation technique — transplanting both kidneys as a single unit on one side of the body. This advanced approach avoided multiple incisions, reduced post-operative complications, and preserved cosmetic outcomes. Despite a cold ischemia time of 10 hours and a warm time of 2.5 hours, the surgery was a success, thanks to precise planning and execution.
Mr. Vivek is now recovering well, showing positive early graft function and stable health indicators — a testament to timely and effective transplant intervention.
Pioneering a New Era in Transplant Equity
This milestone showcases the potential of Tamil Nadu’s organ donation system and the transformative capabilities of the iORTA platform in enabling fast, ethical, and scientific transplant access.
“This is not just about surgery; it’s about restoring dignity and delivering hope,” added Dr. Kanchi. “At iORTA, we’re redefining transplant care — with empathy and innovation at its core.”
This record-setting transplant is poised to inspire policy and practice in organ donation across India and beyond, setting a gold standard in clinical excellence, patient-centric care, and technological leadership.
