MADISON, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin doctors are using new technology to help more patients who need kidney transplants get the life-saving organ they need.

The LifePort Kidney Transporter keeps the organ constantly pumped with oxygen and blood with a cold solution -- even during transportation. Unlike traditional coolers, the transporter will ensure more kidneys will be available and that the organs will arrive at the recipient in better condition.

Dr. Anthony D'Allessandro, UW organ transplant expert, said that the transporter has been a huge boost to their efforts.

"Over 400 more kidneys are working in those patients who received them at the end of the year making that many more kidneys available for patients who are currently on our waiting list and the waiting list is large and growing," D'Allessandro said.

Officials said that more than 100,000 people are on the waiting list for kidneys, but only 17,000 transplants were performed last year because of a lack of available organs.