Administration And Monitoring Of Nitric Oxide In Ex Vivo Fluids

Abstract

Described are systems and methods for monitoring administration of nitric oxide (NO) to ex vivo fluids. Examples of such fluids include blood in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits or perfusion fluids used for preserving ex vivo organs prior to transplanting in a recipient. The systems and methods described herein provide for administering nitric oxide to the fluid, monitoring nitric oxide or a nitric oxide marker in the fluid, and adjusting the nitric oxide administration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 095,621, filed Dec. 3, 2013, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 787,865, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of methods and devices for delivering and monitoring nitric oxide (NO). In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of NO in the contexts of extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems and organ and tissue preservation.BACKGROUND[0003]Cells, tissues, organs, and organisms that are deprived of appropriate blood flow undergo ischemic damage. Traditional methods of reducing ischemic damage involve perfusing affected tissues with oxygen, but this procedure can cause significant tissue damage and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides methods and systems for administering NO-containing gas to ex vivo fluid and monitoring NO and other parameters in the fluid, as well as in tissues or organs that receive the fluid. The NO administration can prevent platelet activation and clogging in ECMO circuits, and can improve the preservation of organs and tissues for transplantation. The NO administration can also reduce microcirculation alterations that can occur after organ removal and during ECMO. The methods and systems described herein can be used in various applications, including ECMO and organ transplantation.

Problems solved by technology

For example, a filter in the ECMO circuit may become clogged due to the aggregation of platelets, and the filter may have to be replaced, which is expensive and inconvenient.

However, excess NO may result in the formation of methemoglobin, which does not bind oxygen, and can lead to methemoglobinemia.

The more restructuring that occurs, the poorer the prognosis for the organ transplant.

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