NICE Recommends Routine NHS Funding for Bridge to Life's VitaSmart System

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published new health technology guidance recommending routine funding for Bridge to Life's VitaSmart™ Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion System. This system is used for preserving organs prior to transplantation.

The recommendation, released on August 28, 2026, follows an assessment of the device's efficacy and its potential to improve transplant outcomes. The VitaSmart system is designed to extend organ viability and enhance post-transplant function by maintaining optimal temperature and oxygen levels.

NICE's guidance represents a significant development for organ preservation technologies in the United Kingdom. It could potentially lead to an increase in organ transplant volumes and improved patient prognoses by reducing organ damage during transport. Bridge to Life, a company specializing in organ preservation solutions, anticipates this recommendation will facilitate wider adoption of the system within the National Health Service (NHS).

The adoption of the VitaSmart system is expected to provide surgeons with enhanced capabilities to assess organ quality before transplantation, potentially reducing rejection rates and improving long-term patient outcomes. This decision underscores the role of emerging technologies in advancing healthcare and patient care.