Early graft function has a long-term effect on graft survival. Poor early graft function and DGF contributes to decreased short- and long-term patient and graft survival, increased incidence of acute rejection, prolonged hospitalization, and higher costs of transplantation. Although multiple factors contribute to the impaired graft function, ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the underlying pathophysiology leading to poor early graft function and DGF. A >35% incidence of DGF has remained constant over time despite significant improvements in immunosuppressive strategies and patient management. This may be due to increased use of kidneys from "extended-criteria" and/or non-heart-beating donors, where even greater rates (>60%) of DGF have been reported.