Ex-vivo organ care system

Abstract

To provide systems, methods, and devices that facilitate ex-vivo organ care for the liver under physiologic or near-physiologic conditions.SOLUTION: An organ care system comprises: a pump configured to supply perfusion circuit fluid into a perfusion circuit; a gas exchanger; a hepatic artery interface configured to supply the perfusion circuit fluid to the hepatic artery of an ex-vivo liver; a portal vein interface configured to supply the perfusion circuit fluid to the portal vein of the ex-vivo liver; and a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the perfusion circuit fluid. The organ care system is configured to: examine the ex-vivo liver and create examination results; and modify the characteristics of the organ care system in response to the examination results.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under U.S. Code § 1030(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 006,871, entitled "Ex-Vivo Organ Care System," filed on June 2, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 006,878, entitled "Ex-Vivo Organ Care System," filed on June 2, 2014, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field The present invention relates generally to systems, methods and devices for ex-vivo organ management. More specifically, in various embodiments, the present invention relates to ex-vivo management of organs under physiological or near-physiological conditions. [Background technology]

[0003] Current organ preservation techniques typically involve cryopreservation of organs in ice with a chemical perfusion solution. In the case of liver transplantation, the use of hypothermic techniques to preserve the liver ex vivo can result in tissue damage due to ischemia. The severity of such damage increases as a function of the length of time the organ is maintained ex-vivo. Continuing with the example of the liver, for example, a liver is typically rendered unusable for transplantation after only about seven hours ex-vivo. This relatively short time limits the number of recipients that can be reached from a given donor location, and therefore limits the pool of recipients for the harvested liver. Even within this time limit, the liver can become significantly damaged. A major problem is that there may be no visible signs of damage. This can lead to suboptimal organs being transplanted, leading to organ dysfunction or other damage after transplantation. It would therefore be desirable to develop a technique that could extend the time that organs such as the liver can be preserved ex-vivo in a healthy state and that could enable evaluation capabilities. Such a technique would reduce the risk of transplant failure and increase the pool of potential donors and recipients. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following summary is intended to be illustrative only and is not limiting, as other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are possible.

[0005] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide techniques for portable ex vivo organ management, such as ex vivo liver organ management. In some embodiments, the liver management system can maintain the liver at or near normal physiological conditions. To this end, the system can circulate an oxygenated, nutrient-rich perfusate to the liver at or near physiological temperatures, pressures, and flow rates. In some embodiments, the system utilizes a blood product-based perfusate to more accurately mimic normal physiological conditions. In some implementations, the system uses a synthetic blood substitute solution, while in still other embodiments, the solution can contain blood products in combination with blood substitutes.

[0006] Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter relate to methods of using lactate and liver enzyme measurements to assess i) the global perfusion status of a harvested liver, ii) the metabolic status of a harvested liver, and / or iii) the global vascular patency of a harvested donor liver. This aspect of the disclosed subject matter is based on the ability of liver cells to produce / generate lactate when they are oxygen deficient / metabolize / utilize lactate for energy production when they are perfused with sufficient oxygen.

[0007] Some embodiments of the organ management system can include a module with a chassis and an organ chamber assembly attached to the chassis and adapted to house a liver during perfusion. The organ management system can include a fluid conduit with a first interface for connecting to a hepatic artery of the liver, a second interface for connecting to a portal vein, a third interface for connecting to an inferior vena cava, and a fourth interface for connecting to a bile duct. The organ management system can include a lactate sensor for sensing lactate in fluids being provided to and / or flowing from the liver. The organ management system can also include sensors for measuring pressure and flow in the hepatic artery, portal vein, and / or inferior vena cava.

[0008] Some embodiments may relate to a method of determining liver perfusion status. For example, a method for assessing liver perfusion status may include placing a liver in a protective chamber of an organ management system, pumping perfusate into the liver, providing a flow of the perfusate away from the liver, measuring lactate levels of the fluid away from the liver, measuring the amount of bile produced by the liver, and assessing the status of the liver using the measured lactate levels, oxygen saturation levels, and / or the amount and quality of bile produced.

[0009] Some embodiments may relate to a method for providing physiological flow and pressure to both the hepatic artery and portal vein. In some embodiments, this flow is provided from a single pump. In particular, the system may include a mechanism for a user to manually split a single perfusion fluid source between the hepatic artery and portal vein and adjust the division of physiological flow and pressure. In other embodiments, the system automatically splits the flow of the single perfusion fluid source between the hepatic artery and portal vein to obtain physiological flow pressures and flow rates, for example using an automatic control algorithm.

[0010] Some embodiments of the organ management system can include a nutrient subsystem that infuses a maintenance solution supply into the perfusion fluid as it flows through the system, and in some embodiments, when it is in a reservoir. In one feature, the maintenance solution includes nutrients. In another feature, the maintenance solution includes a supply of therapeutic agents and / or additives (e.g., vasodilators, heparin, bile salts, etc.) to support long-term preservation to reduce ischemia and / or other reperfusion-related injury.

[0011] In some embodiments, the perfusate comprises blood collected from a donor through a process of exsanguination during liver removal. Initially, this blood from the donor is placed in a reservoir and the cannula location in the organ chamber assembly is bypassed through a bypass conduit, also referred to as a "priming tube," to allow for a normal flow mode of perfusate through the system in the absence of a kidney, i.e., a "priming tube." Prior to cannulation of the removed liver, the system can be primed by circulating the exsanguined donor blood through the system to warm, oxygenate, and / or filter it. Nutrients, preservatives, and / or other therapeutic agents may also be provided through an infusion pump in the nutrition subsystem during priming. Various parameters may be initialized and calibrated during priming through an operator interface. Once primed and operating properly, the pump flow can be reduced or taken off cycle, the bypass conduit can be removed from the organ chamber assembly, and the liver can be cannulated into the organ chamber assembly. Optionally, the pump flow can be restored or increased.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system can include multiple compliance chambers. The compliance chambers are effectively small serial fluid accumulators with soft, elastic walls to simulate the vascular compliance of the human body. Thus, these chambers can assist the system in more accurately mimicking the blood flow of the human body, for example, by filtering / reducing fluid pressure spikes due to flow rate changes. In one configuration, compliance chambers are located in the perfusate path to the portal vein and at the output of the perfusate pump. According to one embodiment, the compliance chambers are located next to clamps used to adjust pressure to achieve physiological hepatic artery and portal vein flow.

[0013] In some embodiments, the organ chamber assembly includes a pad or sac assembly sized and shaped to fit over the bottom surface of the housing. Preferably, the pad assembly includes a pad formed from a material that is sufficiently resilient to cushion the organ from mechanical vibration and shock during transport. When the organ chamber assembly is configured to house a liver, in one feature, the pad of the present invention includes a mechanism for adapting the pad to the liver to restrain organs of different sizes and shapes from the effects of shock and vibration experienced during transport.

[0014] Some embodiments of the organ management system are divided into a multi-use module and a single-use module. The single-use module is sized and shaped to couple with the portable chassis of the multiple-use module for electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and fluidic interoperability with the multiple-use module. According to one embodiment, the multiple-use and single-use modules can communicate with each other through an optical interface that is automatically optically aligned when the single-use disposable module is placed in the portable multiple-use module. In another feature, the portable multiple-use module can provide power to the single-use disposable module through a spring-loaded connection that also automatically connects when the single-use disposable module is placed in the portable multiple-use module. In one feature, the optical interface and spring-loaded connection can ensure that the connection between the single-use and multiple modules is not lost due to collision, such as during transportation over rough ground.

[0015] In some embodiments, the disposable single-use module includes a plurality of ports for sampling fluid from the perfusion fluid pathway. The ports can be interlocked such that sampling of fluid from a first of the plurality of ports prohibits simultaneous sampling of fluid from a second of the plurality. This safety feature reduces the likelihood of mixing of fluid samples or inadvertent opening of the ports. In one embodiment, the single-use module includes ports for sampling from one or more of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and / or IVC interface.

[0016] Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter relate to a method of treating a liver. An exemplary method may include placing a liver in a protective chamber of a portable organ management system, pumping perfusate into the liver via the hepatic artery and portal vein, providing a flow of the perfusate away from the liver via the aorta, operating a flow controller to vary the flow of the perfusate so that the perfusate is pumped into the liver via the hepatic artery and portal vein and out of the liver via the aorta, and administering a treatment to the liver. The treatment may include, for example, administering one or more of immunosuppressive treatments, chemotherapy, gene therapy, and radiation therapy to the liver. Other treatments may include surgical applications including split transplants and cancer resections.

[0017] In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter can include a perfusion circuit for ex-vivo perfusion of a liver, the perfusion circuit including a single pump providing a pulsatile fluid flow of perfusate within the circuit, a gas exchanger, and a splitter configured to split the flow of perfusate into a first branch and a second branch, the first branch configured to provide a first portion of the perfusate to a hepatic artery of the liver at high pressure and low flow rate, the first branch in fluid communication with the pump, and the second branch configured to provide a remaining portion of the perfusate to a portal vein of the liver at a relatively low pressure and high flow rate, the second branch in fluid communication with the pump, and the second branch configured to selectively control the flow of perfusate to the portal vein. the second branch further comprises a compliant chamber between the divider and the liver configured to reduce pulsatile flow characteristics of the perfusate from the pump to the portal vein, the pump is configured to communicate fluid pressure to the liver via the first branch and the second branch, the perfusion circuit includes a drain configured to receive perfusate from an uncannulated inferior vena cava of the liver, and a reservoir positioned completely below the liver and between the drain and the pump, the reservoir configured to receive the perfusate from the drain and store a volume of fluid. Additional embodiments are possible.

[0018] In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter includes a solution pump including a stepper motor in communication with a threaded rod; a carriage connected to the rod and configured to move along a linear axis when the rod rotates, the carriage configured to compress a plunger of a syringe when moved in a first direction and configured to retract the plunger of the syringe when moved in a second direction; a clamp configured to connect to the plunger; a connection assembly including a port configured to couple to a tip of the syringe; a first one-way valve configured to allow fluid to flow into the syringe through the port when the syringe is retracted; a second one-way valve configured to allow fluid to flow away from the syringe through the port when the syringe is compressed; a pressure sensor coupled to the connection assembly for calculating a pressure of the fluid in the connection assembly; a controller configured to control operation of the stepper motor; and a sensor configured to determine when the syringe is fully retracted. Additional embodiments are possible.

[0019] In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter includes rotating a rod to move a carriage connected to the rod along a linear axis of the rod, compressing a plunger of a syringe as the carriage moves in a first direction along the linear axis, delivering fluid from the syringe through a first one-way valve and into a port of a connection assembly as the plunger is compressed, retracting a plunger of a syringe as the carriage moves in a second direction along the linear axis, delivering fluid to the syringe through a second one-way valve and through the port of the connection assembly as the plunger is retracted, sensing a pressure of fluid in the connection assembly, and sensing a position of the plunger when the syringe is retracted. Additional embodiments are possible.

[0020] In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter can include an ex-vivo perfusion solution for machine perfusion of a donor liver, the perfusion solution including an energy-rich component, bile salts, electrolytes, and a buffer component. The perfusion solution can include a blood product. The energy-rich component can be one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, pyruvate, flavin adenosine dinucleotide (FAD), β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), phosphate derivatives of nucleosides, coenzymes, and their metabolites and precursors. The perfusion solution further includes one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of anticoagulants, lipids, cholesterol, fatty acids, oxygen, amino acids, hormones, vitamins, and steroids. The perfusion solution is substantially free of carbon dioxide. Additional embodiments are possible.

[0021] These and other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] The following drawings are intended to illustrate non-limiting examples of the disclosed subject matter. Further embodiments are possible. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of the liver. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a photograph of an exemplary single-use module. [Diagram 3] 3A-3I show various views of an exemplary organ management system and its components. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system that may be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system that may be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Figure 6] 6A-6E show exemplary pump configurations that can be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 7] 7A-7Q illustrate an exemplary solution infusion pump that can be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system that may be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary system that can be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary system that may be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary system that may be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Figure 12] 12A-12G show exemplary graphical user interfaces that may be used within embodiments of the organ management system, and FIG 12H shows an exemplary system that may be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 13] 13A-13R show exemplary embodiments of a single-use module and its components that can be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 14] 14A-14S show exemplary embodiments of organ chambers and their components that can be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 15] 15A-15D show exemplary embodiments of support structures that can be used in embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 16] 16A-16J show exemplary pads and their components and supporting surfaces of compliant materials that can be used in embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary system that may be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Figure 18] 18A-18G show an exemplary heater assembly and its components that can be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 19] 19A-19C illustrate an exemplary sensor system that may be used within embodiments of the organ care system. [Figure 20]20A-20C illustrate an exemplary system that can be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Figure 21] 21A-21K show an exemplary hepatic artery cannula that may be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 22] 22A-22G show an exemplary portal vein cannula that may be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 23] 23A-23N show exemplary connectors that may be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 24] 24A-24L show exemplary connectors that may be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Diagram 25] 25A-25D show an exemplary clamp that can be used within embodiments of the organ management system. [Figure 26-27] 26-27 illustrate exemplary processes that may be used within embodiments of the organ care system. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows exemplary test results from an embodiment of the organ management system. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary process that may be used within an embodiment of the organ care system. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary system that can be used within an embodiment of the organ management system. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 shows the trend of hepatic arterial flow (HAF) throughout 8 hours of preservation in OCS. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 shows the trend of portal vein pressure (PVF) throughout the 8-hour storage in OCS. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 shows a graph of portal vein pressure versus hepatic arterial pressure throughout 8 hours of OCS-liver perfusion. [Diagram 34] Figure 34 is a graph of arterial lactate levels following OCS liver perfusion over an 8-hour period. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a graph of total bile production of OCS liver perfusion over an 8 hour period. [Diagram 36]FIG. 36 shows a graph of AST levels of OCS liver perfusion over an 8 hour period. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 shows a graph of ACT levels of OCS liver perfusion over an 8 hour period. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a graph of inflation pressure throughout 8 hours of storage in OCS. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a graph of sodium bicarbonate levels over an 8 hour OCS liver perfusion. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a graph of pH levels detected throughout the 8 hour storage in OCS. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 shows images of tissue taken from Stage I, Group A specimens. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 shows hepatic artery flow for 12 hours of OCS liver perfusion. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 shows portal vein flow for 12 hours of OCS liver perfusion. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 shows a graph of portal vein pressure versus hepatic arterial pressure during 12 hours of OCS-liver perfusion. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 shows arterial lactate following 12 hours of OCS-liver perfusion. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 shows bile production during 12 hours of OCS-liver perfusion. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 shows AST levels following 12 hours of OCS-liver perfusion. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 shows ACT levels in 12 hours of OCS-liver perfusion. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 shows hepatic artery flow in the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 shows portal vein flow in the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 shows hepatic arterial pressure and portal vein pressure in the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 52]FIG. 52 shows arterial lactate in the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved group. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 shows bile production in the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 shows AST levels in the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 shows ACT levels in the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 shows distension pressures of the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 57] Figure 57 shows sodium bicarbonate levels in the sham-transplanted OCS liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 shows pH levels in the sham-transplanted OCS-liver-preserved group versus the sham-transplanted cryopreserved control group. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 shows images of tissue taken from Stage I, Group A specimens. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 shows images of tissue taken from Stage I, Group A specimens. [Figure 61] FIG. 61 shows the location of samples taken from the pig liver. [Figure 62] FIG. 62 shows the trend in hepatic arterial pressure (HAP) with OCS perfusion over 24 hours with OCS. [Figure 63] FIG. 63 shows portal vein pressure in the OCS-liver preservation group versus the cryopreservation control group. [Figure 64] FIG. 64 shows hepatic artery flow in the OCS-liver preservation group versus the cryopreservation control group. [Figure 65] FIG. 65 shows portal vein flow in the OCS-liver preservation group versus the cryopreservation control group. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 shows arterial lactate in the OCS-liver-preserved group versus the cryopreserved control group. [Figure 67] FIG. 67 shows AST levels in the OCS-liver-preserved group versus the cryopreserved control group. [Figure 68] FIG. 68 shows ALT levels in the OCS-liver preservation group versus the cryopreservation control group. [Figure 69] FIG. 69 shows GGT levels in the cryopreserved control group versus the OCS liver preserved group. [Figure 70] FIG. 70 shows the pH levels of the OCS liver preservation group versus the cryopreservation control group. [Figure 71] FIG. 71 shows HCO3 levels in the OCS-liver preservation group versus the cryopreservation control group. [Figure 72] Figure 72 shows bile production in the OCS-liver preserved versus cryopreserved control group, demonstrating that both groups maintained bile production rates above 10 ml / hr. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following description uses section headings, which are included for the convenience of the reader only. These section headings are not intended to be limiting or to impose limitations on the subject matter of this description. For example, elements described in one section of this description can additionally or alternatively be included in another section. The embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the disclosed embodiments and various features can be interchanged without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0024] I. Introduction A. Overview Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide techniques for maintaining a liver ex vivo, such as during a transplant procedure. The system can maintain the liver in conditions that mimic the human body. For example, the system can provide a blood substitute to the ex vivo liver in a manner that simulates the blood flow provided by the human body. More specifically, the system can provide a blood substitute flow to the hepatic artery and portal vein of the liver with flow and pressure characteristics similar to the human body. In some embodiments, the desired flow can be achieved using a pump system using a single pump. The system can also warm the blood substitute to normothermia that simulates the human body, and can also provide nutrients to the blood substitute to maintain the liver and promote normal bile production by the liver. By implementing these techniques, the time that the liver can be maintained outside the human body can be extended, making the geographic distance between the donor and the recipient less important than it was in the past. Additionally, some of the embodiments disclosed herein used to maintain the liver ex vivo can be used to assess the condition of the liver prior to transplantation. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein allow for ex vivo treatment of damaged and / or diseased livers using procedures that would be harmful to the human body if performed in vivo. Other embodiments are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[0025] Although the present disclosure focuses on embodiments intended to maintain or treat the liver, the disclosure is not limited thereto, for example, the techniques described herein can be used or adapted for use with organs such as the lungs, heart, intestines, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, bladder, gallbladder, stomach, skin, and brain.

[0026] II. The Liver Compared to Other Organs The liver is one of many organs in the human body, but ex vivo maintenance and transportation of the liver presents challenges not present with other organs such as the heart or lungs. Some representative differences and problems are described below.

[0027] A. The liver utilizes two inflow supplies of perfusate. Importantly, the liver uses two unique input pathways, compared to only one perfusion pathway used by other organs. The hepatic circulation is unique, characterized by a dual vascular blood supply, each with different flow characteristics. Referring to FIG. 1, which is an exemplary schematic diagram of a liver 100, the liver utilizes two blood supplies, the portal vein 10 and the hepatic artery 12. In particular, the hepatic artery delivers high pressure, pulsatile but relatively low flow rate blood to the liver. Hepatic blood flow typically accounts for approximately one third of the total liver blood flow. In particular, the portal vein delivers a larger flow rate of blood with low pressure and minimal pulsatility to the liver. Portal blood flow typically accounts for approximately two thirds of the total blood flow to the liver.

[0028] When the liver is in an ex vivo system, the potential dual blood supply from this organ can create problems when attempting to artificially provide it with a physiological blood flow. This problem can be difficult even when using a dual-pump design, but can be even more difficult when using a single-pump design. Some embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein can address these problems.

[0029] B. Auxiliary drainage of blood In vivo, the liver is located below the diaphragm. Due to this location, hepatic blood flow and venous drainage via the inferior vena cava are typically promoted by diaphragm contraction as a result of pressurizing the liver. When the diaphragm moves with the lungs as air is sucked in and expelled by the lungs, this movement of the diaphragm acts on the liver by exerting pressure on the organ, thus pushing blood out of the tissue. This phenomenon can be mimicked in an ex-vivo liver to promote blood outflow from the liver and help prevent blood accumulation in the organ.

[0030] C. Inflation pressure To minimize edema formation in the ex-vivo liver, the perfusate, e.g., dextran, 25% albumin, and / or fresh frozen plasma, should have a high inflation pressure. In some embodiments, the inflation pressure of the circulating perfusate is maintained in the range of 5-35 mmHg, more specifically in the range of 15-25 mmHg. Possible inflation pressures are 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 mmHg, or any range bounded by the values ​​set forth herein.

[0031] D. Metabolism and CO2 levels The liver is the metabolic center of the body and is in a constant metabolic state. Most compounds absorbed by the intestine first pass through the liver, which can then regulate the levels of many metabolites in the blood. For example, the conversion of sugars to fat and other stored energy (e.g., gluconeogenesis and glycolysis) results in the generation of CO2. The liver consumes approximately 20% of the total oxygen in the body. As a result, the liver produces higher levels of CO2 than most other organs. In vivo, the organ is able to autoregulate and remove excess carbon dioxide from itself. However, it may be desirable to remove excess carbon dioxide from the organ in order to maintain physiological levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and therefore pH. The system described herein can facilitate the achievement of a blood chemical equilibrium suitable for ex vivo organ preservation.

[0032] E. Bile Production The liver is an organ that produces waste products. Its waste product, bile, is normally produced and excreted by the organ in vivo. Bile is produced in the liver by hepatocytes. In vivo, the liver uses bile salts to produce bile, which are recycled and reused to the liver via the enterohepatic circulation. These bile salts then stimulate hepatocytes to produce more bile. Ex vivo, bile salts are not recycled to the liver. As a result, it may be desirable to supplement the perfusate with bile salts to help the organ produce bile. Furthermore, in some instances, the bile produced by the liver can provide an indication (e.g., volume, color, and viscosity) of the organ's suitability for transplantation.

[0033] F. Liver Support Although the liver is the largest solid organ in the body, it is delicate and fragile. In the human body, it is protected by the rib cage and other organs. Unlike many other organs, the liver does not contain protective elements and is not surrounded by a strong structure. Therefore, when the liver is removed from the body and maintained ex-vivo, it should be handled more delicately than other organs. For example, it may be desirable to properly support the liver, place it on a low friction surface, and / or wrap the organ to protect it during transportation and ex-vivo maintenance.

[0034] G. Perfusate Considering the wide range of biological functions of the liver compared to other organs (e.g., detoxification, protein synthesis, glycogen storage, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion), the perfusate used in the organ management system described herein can be specifically designed to maintain the liver in near-physiological conditions to maintain its normal function. For example, since the liver is in a constant state of metabolism that consumes energy, the oxygen content in the perfusate can be maintained at near-physiological levels or above to meet the high demands of the liver as a metabolic storehouse. Similarly, the perfusate can be designed to contain sufficient concentrations of energy-rich components such as sugars and electrolytes to provide the liver with a source of energy to perform its functions.

[0035] Furthermore, the flow rate of the perfusate can be appropriately adjusted to ensure that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the ex vivo liver in appropriate amounts. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide content in the perfusate can be lower than that of a physiological liver, thus further promoting the equilibrium of the liver's biological responses to metabolism and oxidation. In some embodiments, the perfusate used herein does not contain significant amounts of carbon dioxide or does not contain any carbon dioxide at all. In some embodiments, the perfusate used herein also contains sufficient bile salts to maintain the liver's need to produce bile. Thus, the perfusate for the organ management system described herein can be designed to maintain the liver's normal cellular functions in order to keep the liver viable.

[0036] III. Description of Representative System Components A. General Configuration 3 illustrates an exemplary organ management system 600 that can be used to preserve an organ, such as a liver, while the organ is ex vivo, for example during a transplant surgery or medical procedure. At a general level, the organ management system 600 is configured to recreate conditions for the ex vivo organ that mimic the conditions the organ experiences when in vivo. For example, in the case of a liver, the organ management system 600 can perfuse the organ in a manner that mimics blood flow in the human body (e.g., flow, pressure, and temperature) and achieves similar environmental characteristics (e.g., temperature).

[0037] In some embodiments, the organ management system 600 can be divided into two parts: a single-use disposable part (e.g., 634) and a non-disposable, multiple-use part (e.g., 650) (also referred to herein as a single-use module and a multiple-use module). As the names suggest, the single-use part can be replaced after the liver is delivered, while the multiple-use part can be reused. At a general level, although not a requirement, the single-use part includes parts of the system that are in direct contact with biological material, while the multiple-use part includes components that are not in direct contact with biological material. In some embodiments, all components of the single-use part are sterilized before use, while the components of the multiple-use part are not sterilized. Each of these parts is described in detail below. This configuration allows for a method of operation where, after use, the single-use module 634 can be discarded and replaced with a new single-use module. This allows the system 600 to be reused after a short period of time.

[0038] Typically, the single-use and multi-use parts can be configured to releasably connect to one another via a mechanical interface. Additionally, the single-use and multi-use parts can include mechanical, pneumatic, optical, and / or electrical connections that allow the two parts to interact with one another. In some embodiments, the connections between the parts are designed to be modularly connected / disconnected from one another.

[0039] The disposable module 634 and the multi-use module 650 are at least partially formed from lightweight yet durable materials such as polycarbonate plastic, carbon fiber epoxy composite, polycarbonate ABS plastic blend, fiberglass reinforced nylon, acetal, pure ABS, aluminum and / or magnesium. In some embodiments, the entire system 600 weighs less than 100 pounds including the multi-use module, organs, batteries, gas tanks, and priming, nutrients, preservatives and perfusion fluids, and less than about 50 pounds excluding such portions. In some embodiments, the disposable module 634 weighs less than 12 pounds excluding any solutions. In some embodiments, the multi-use module, excluding all fluids, batteries and gas supplies, weighs less than 50 pounds.

[0040] With the cover removed and the front panel open, the operator can easily access many of the components of the single-use module 634 and the multi-use module 650. For example, the operator can access various components of the single-use and multi-use modules, and can also attach and / or detach the single-use module from the multi-use module.

[0041] Although some components are described as being within the single-use or multi-use portion of system 600, this is by way of example only, i.e., components described herein as being located within the single-use portion may also be located within the multi-use portion, and vice versa.

[0042] B. Exemplary Multi-Use Modules With reference to Figures 3A-3I, the multi-use module can include several components including a housing, a cart, a battery, a gas supply, an irrigation fluid pump, at least a portion of an infusion pump, and a control system.

[0043] 1. Cart / Housing 3A-3I, an exemplary embodiment of an organ management system is shown, where the organ management system 600 can include a housing 602 and a cart 604. The cart 604 can include a platform and wheels for transporting the system 600 from one location to another. A latch 603 can secure the housing 602 to the cart 604. To further aid portability, the system 600 can include a handle hinged to the left side of the housing 602 along with two rigidly attached handles 612a and 612b attached to the left and right sides of the housing 602. The housing 602 further includes a removable top cover (not shown) and a front panel 615 hinged to the bottom panel by hinges 616a and 616b. The cover can include a handle to aid in removal.

[0044] The system 600 can include an AC power cable 618 along with a frame for securing the power cable, both located on the lower portion of the left side of the housing 602. A power switch 622, also located on the lower portion of the left side, allows an operator to restart the system software and electronics.

[0045] 3G shows a front perspective view of the multi-use module 650 with the single use module 634 removed. As shown, the multi-use module 650 can include the cart 604 and the housing 602 with all components mounted thereon / inside. The multi-use module 650 also includes a bracket assembly 638 for receiving and locking in place the single use module 634. An exemplary bracket assembly 638 is shown in FIG. 3H.

[0046] In some embodiments, the housing 602 includes a fluid-tight basin configured to capture any irrigation fluid and / or other fluids that may inadvertently leak out of an upper portion of the housing 602 and prevent it from reaching a lower portion of the housing 602. Thus, in some embodiments, the basin can shield the electronic components of the system 600 from leaking fluids. In some embodiments, the basin 652 can be sized to accommodate the entire volume of fluid used within the system 600 at any one time.

[0047] The system 600 may further include an operator interface module 146 along with a cradle 623 for holding the operator interface module 146. The operator interface module 146 may include a display 624 for displaying information to an operator. The operator interface module 146 may further include a rotatable and depressible knob 626 for selecting among a number of parameters and a display screen. The knob 626 may also be used to set parameters for automatic control of the system 600 or to manually control the operation of the system 600. In some embodiments, the operator interface module 146 may include its own battery 368 and may be removed from the cradle 623 for use in a wireless mode. When in the cradle 623, the operator interface module 146 may be charged by connection to a power source. The operator interface module may also include control buttons for controlling the pump, stopping or disabling alarms, entering or exiting a standby mode, and starting a perfusion clock that begins displaying data obtained during organ management.

[0048] Referring also to FIG. 5, the system 600 further includes a number of interconnected circuit boards to facilitate power distribution and data transmission to and from the system 600. For example, the multiple use module 650 includes a front end interface circuit board 636 that optically and electromechanically connects to the front end circuit board 637 of the single use module 650. The system 600 further includes a main board 718, a power circuit board 720, and a battery interface board 711 disposed on the multiple use module 650. The main board 718, by its configuration, allows the system 600 to be fault tolerant in that in the event of a failure in the operation of one of the circuit boards, the main board 718 stores one or more parameters (e.g., pumping parameters) in a non-volatile memory. When the system 600 reboots, it can recapture such parameters and continue to operate accordingly. Additionally, the system 600 can divide critical functions among multiple processors such that if one processor fails, the remaining critical functions can continue to be performed by the other processors.

[0049] 2. Power System With reference to FIG. 4, the multi-use portion of the system 600 can include a power subsystem 148 configured to provide power to the system 600. The power subsystem 148 can provide power to the system 600 using a replaceable battery and / or an external power source. In some embodiments, the power subsystem 148 can switch between external power and an on-board battery without interrupting the operation of the system. Additionally, the power subsystem 148 can be configured to automatically allocate externally provided power between powering the system 600, charging the battery, and charging the internal battery of the operator interface module 146. The battery of the power system can be used as a primary power source and / or as a backup power source in the event that the external power source fails or becomes insufficient. Additionally, the power subsystem 148 can be configured to be compatible with multiple types of external power sources. For example, the power system can be configured to receive multiple input voltages (e.g., 100V-230V), multiple frequencies (e.g., 50-60 Hz), single-phase power, three-phase power, AC power, and / or DC power. Additionally, in some embodiments, the operator interface module 146 may include its own battery 368 .

[0050] The housing 602 may include a battery bay 628 configured to hold one or more batteries 352. In embodiments with multiple batteries, the battery bay 628 may include a lockout mechanism 632 configured to prevent more than one battery from being removed from the battery bay 628 at any time while the system 600 is in operation. This feature may provide an additional level of fault tolerance to help ensure that a power source is always available. The system 600 may also include a tank bay 630 that may be configured to accommodate one or more gas tanks.

[0051] Referring to the conceptual diagram of FIG. 5 , cabling 731 can carry power (e.g., AC power 351) from power source 350 to power circuit board 720 via connectors 744 and 730. Power supply 350 converts AC power to DC power and distributes the DC power as described above. Power circuit board 720 can connect DC power and data signals 358 from connectors 726 and 728 via respective cables 727 and 729 to corresponding connectors 713 and 715 on front end interface circuit board 636. Cable 729 can carry power and data signals to front end interface board 636. Cable 727 can carry power to heater 110 via front end interface board 636. Connectors 713 and 715 can mate with corresponding connectors 712 and 714 on front end circuit board 637 of single-use module 634 to provide power to the single-use module 634.

[0052] The power circuit board 720 may further provide DC power 358 and data signals from connectors 732 and 734, respectively, of the power circuit board 720 to corresponding connectors 736 and 738 of the main circuit board 718 via cables 733 and 735. Cable 737 may connect DC power 358 and data signals from connector 740 of the main circuit board 718 to the operator interface module 146 via connector 742 of the operator interface module cradle 623. The power circuit board 720 may further provide DC power 358 and data signals from connectors 745 and 747 to connectors 749 and 751 of the battery interface board 711 via cables 741 and 743. Cable 741 may carry the DC power signals, and cable 743 may carry the data signals. The battery interface board 711 can distribute DC power and data to one or more batteries 352 (in FIG. 5, 352a, 352b and 352c), which contain electronic circuitry that allows them to communicate their respective charge states so that the controller 150 can monitor and control the charging and discharging of the one or more batteries 352.

[0053] 3. Perfusion fluid pump The system 600 can include a pump 106 configured to pump a perfusion fluid into the organ management system. The perfusion fluid utilizes a blood product-based perfusion fluid that can mimic normal physiological conditions. In some embodiments, the perfusion fluid can be an artificial blood substitute solution and / or the perfusion fluid can be a blood product in combination with a blood substitute. In embodiments where the perfusion fluid is blood product-based, it typically contains red blood cells (e.g., oxygen-carrying cells). The perfusion fluid is described in more detail below.

[0054] In some embodiments, the pump 106 can have a systolic and diastolic phase. The amount of perfusion fluid pumped by the pump 106 can be altered by varying one or more characteristics of the pump itself. For example, the number of strokes per minute and / or stroke displacement can be varied to achieve the desired flow and pressure characteristics. In some embodiments, the pump 106 can be configured to use a stroke rate of 1-150 strokes / min and a displacement of 0.1-1.5 inches. More specifically, however, a nominal stroke rate of 60 strokes / min ±5 strokes / min in combination with a displacement of 0.5 inches can be used. These values ​​are exemplary only and values ​​outside these ranges can be used. By varying the characteristics of the pump 106, flow rates between 0.0 L / min and 10 L / min can be achieved.

[0055] In some embodiments, the perfusion fluid pump 106 is split into two separable parts: a pump driver located in the multi-use portion 650 and a pump interface assembly in the single-use portion 634. This interface assembly in the single-use portion can isolate the pump driver in the multi-use portion from direct biological contact with blood.

[0056] Figures 6A-6D show an exemplary embodiment of pump 106. Figures 6A-6C show various views of pump interface assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6D is a perspective view of an exemplary pump driver portion 107 of perfusion fluid pump 106. Figure 6E is a perspective view of pump interface assembly 300 engaged with pump driver portion 107 of perfusion fluid pump assembly 300 according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0057] The pump interface assembly 300 includes a housing 302 with an outer side 304 and an inner side 306. The interface assembly 300 includes an inlet 308 and an outlet 310. The pump interface assembly 300 may further include inner 312 and outer 314 O-ring seals, two deformable membranes 316 and 318, a donut-shaped bracket 320, and half rings 319a and 319b that fit between the O-ring 314 and the bracket 320. The half rings 319a and 319b may be made from foam, plastic, or other suitable material.

[0058] The inner O-ring 312 can fit into an annular track around the periphery of the inner side 306. The first deformable membrane 316 can be attached to the inner O-ring 312 in fluid-tight interconnection with the inner side 306 of the housing 302 to form a chamber between the inner side of the first deformable membrane 316 and the inner side 306 of the housing 302. The second deformable membrane 318 can be attached over the first deformable membrane 316 to provide fault tolerance in the event that the first deformable membrane 316 tears or tears. By way of example, the deformable membranes 316 and 318 can be formed from a thin polyurethane film (approximately 0.002 inches thick). However, any suitable material of any suitable thickness may be used. 6A and 6B, the bracket 320 can be mounted on the second deformable membrane 318, and the rings 319a and 319b can be secured to the housing 302 along the periphery of the inner side 306. Threaded fasteners 322a-322i can attach the bracket 320 to the housing 302 through threaded openings 324a-324i in the bracket 320. The outer O-ring 314 can fit into an annular groove in the bracket 320 to provide a fluid seal with the pump assembly 106. Before inserting the O-ring 314 into the annular groove of the bracket 320, the half rings 319a and 319b are typically placed in position within the groove. The O-ring 314 can then be compressed and placed into the annular groove of the bracket 320. After being placed into the annular groove, the O-ring 314 can expand within the groove to secure itself and the half rings 319a and 319b in position.

[0059] The pump interface assembly 300 may further include heat stake points 321a-321c protruding from its outer side 304. These points 321a-321c may receive thermal adhesive to heat stake the pump interface assembly 300 to a C-bracket 656 of the temporary portion of the system 300.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6C, the fluid outlet 310 includes an outlet housing 310a, an outlet fitting 310b, a flow regulating ball 310c, and an outlet port 310d. The ball 310c is sized to fit within the outlet port 310d but not pass through the inner opening 326 of the outlet 310. The fitting 310b is glued (e.g., with an epoxy or another adhesive) to the outlet port 310d, capturing the ball 310c between the inner opening 326 and the fitting 310b. The outlet housing 310a is similarly glued to the fitting 310b.

[0061] In operation, the pump interface assembly 300 is configured and aligned to receive pumping force from a pump driver 334 of the perfusate pump assembly 106 and translate the pumping force to the perfusate 108 to circulate the perfusate 108 through the organ chamber assembly 104. In this exemplary embodiment, the perfusate pump assembly 106 includes a pulsatile pump having a driver 334 that can contact the membrane 318. In response to the pump driver moving in a direction away from the deformable membranes 316 and 318, the fluid inlet 308 can draw in perfusate 108 from a reservoir 160, for example, and deliver the fluid to a chamber formed between the inner membrane 316 and the inner side 306 of the housing 302, causing the membranes 316 and 318 to deform in the same direction.

[0062] As the pump driver moves away from the deformable membranes 316 and 318, the pressure head of the fluid 108 in the reservoir 160 causes the perfusion fluid 108 to flow from the reservoir 160 into the pump assembly 106. At this time, the pump assembly 106, the inlet valve 191 and the reservoir 160 are oriented to naturally pump the perfusion fluid 108 into the pump assembly 106. At the same time, the flow control ball 310c is pulled into the opening 326, preventing the perfusion fluid 108 from also being drawn into the chamber through the outlet 310. It should be noted that while the outlet valve 310 and the inlet valve 191 are one-way valves in the illustrated embodiment, in alternative embodiments, these valves 310 and / or 191 are two-way valves. In response to movement of pump driver 334 in a direction toward deformable membranes 316 and 318, flow regulating ball 310c moves toward fitting 310b to open inner opening 326 so that outlet 310 can expel irrigation fluid 108 out of the chamber formed between inner side 306 of housing 302 and inner side of deformable membrane 316. Another one-way inlet valve 191, shown in FIG. 1 between reservoir 160 and inlet 308, prevents fluid from being expelled from inlet 308 back into reservoir 160.

[0063] In an embodiment of the system 600 divided into a single-use module 634 and a multi-use module 650, the pump assembly 107 can be rigidly attached to the multi-use module 650 and the pump interface assembly 300 can be rigidly attached to the disposable single-use module 634. The pump assembly 106 and the pump interface assembly 300 can have corresponding mating connections that mate with each other to form a fluid seal between the two assemblies 107 and 300.

[0064] More specifically, as shown in perspective in FIG. 6D , the perfusion fluid pump assembly 107 can include a pump driver housing 338 having a top surface 340 and a pump driver 334 housed within a cylinder 336 of the housing 338. The pump driver housing 338 can further include a mating port 342 that can include a slot 332 sized and shaped to engage with a flange 328 protruding from the pump interface assembly 300. The top surface 338 of the pump driver housing 338 is attached to a bracket 346 on the non-disposable, multi-use module 650. The bracket 346 can include features 344a and 344b that abut with the tapered protrusions 323a and 323b, respectively, of the pump interface assembly 300. The bracket 346 can further include a cutout 330 sized and shaped to align with the mating port 342 and slot 332 of the pump driver housing 338.

[0065] 6D and 6E. In a first step, the flange 328 is positioned within the mating port 342 with the tapered projections 323a and 323b positioned on the clockwise side adjacent corresponding features 344a and 344b on the bracket 346. In a second step, the pump interface assembly 300 and the fluid pump assembly 106 are rotated in opposite directions (e.g., rotating the pump interface assembly 300 counterclockwise while holding the pump assembly 106 stationary) as shown by arrows 345, 347, and 349, causing the flange 328 to slide into the slot 332 of the mating port 342. At the same time, tapered protrusions 323a and 323b slide under bracket features 344a and 344b, respectively, engaging the inner surfaces of bracket features 344a and 344b with the tapered outer surfaces of tapered protrusions 323a and 323b, pulling the inner side 306 of pump interface assembly 300 toward pump driver 334 and interlocking flange 328 with coupling port 342 and tapered protrusions 323a and 323b with bracket features 344a and 344b to form a fluid seal between the two assemblies 300 and 106.

[0066] In some embodiments, system 100 may be configured such that the flow characteristics, including pressure and flow rate, of the perfusate provided to the hepatic artery and portal vein are directly controlled by and under pressure generated by pump 106 (e.g., the hepatic artery and portal vein may be in fluid pressure communication with pump 106). This embodiment differs from embodiments in which a pump supplies perfusate to a reservoir (e.g., a reservoir located above the liver) and utilizes gravity to apply fluid pressure to the liver.

[0067] 4. Solution injection pump The system 600 may also include a solution pump 631 that may be configured to infuse one or more solutions into the perfusion module circuit. In some embodiments of the organ management system 600, the solution pump 631 may be a commercially available pump, such as the MedSystem III manufactured by CareFusion Corporation of San Diego, Calif., and / or may be a solution pump as described below with respect to FIGS. 7A-7P. The infusion solutions provided by the solution pump 631 may be used to provide continuous management of the organ, such as, for example, inotropic support, glucose control, pH control, etc. Additionally, although the solution pump 631 is generally considered to be part of the multi-use module 650, some parts of the solution pump 631 may be replaced as needed, each time the system is used.

[0068] The solution pump 631 can be configured to simultaneously deliver one or more solutions (also referred to as having one or more channels). In some embodiments, the solution pump 631 can deliver three solutions: a maintenance solution, bile salts, and a vasodilator such as epoprostenol sodium. Each of these solutions is described in more detail below. The solution pump 631 can support multiple infusion rates (e.g., 1-200 ml / hour, although faster / slower rates are possible). The infusion rate can be adjustable in time increments (e.g., 1 ml / hour increments, although faster / slower rates are possible), with changes in infusion rate typically taking effect within 5 seconds, although this is not a requirement. At infusion rates of 10 ml / hour or less, the amount infused can be accurate to within + / - 10% of the infusion volume set point, although this is not a requirement. At infusion rates above 10 ml / hour, the amount infused can be accurate to within + / - 5% of the infusion volume set point, although this is not a requirement.

[0069] The solution pump can be configured to maintain any desired accuracy with input pressures (static pressures for the solution pump-line connections) of 0 to -50 mmHg on the solution side and 0 to +220 mmHg on the organ side. Preferably, the injection should not experience flow discontinuities of more than 3 seconds. After the solution pump is degassed, air bubbles larger than 50 uL are typically not injected into the perfusion module. In some embodiments, the line portion between the solution pump 631 and the organ can include valves (e.g., pinch valves) to further control the flow of solution to the organ. The solution pump 631 can provide status information for each channel, such as injection status and errors.

[0070] The solution pump 631 can be used in combination with one or more disposable cartridges to supply the solution. For example, the line section between the solution source and the solution pump 631 can include a spike for connection to an IV bag. In embodiments that include a disposable cartridge to supply the solution, the cartridge should be operable for at least 24 hours.

[0071] The solution pump 631 can be configured to be controlled through one or more communication ports. For example, the solution pump 631 can be controlled through commands that can be received through a serial port, a network (e.g., Ethernet, WiFi), and / or cellular communication. Various aspects of the solution pump 631 can be controlled, such as the amount of solution initially available for each channel and the infusion status (e.g., infusing or stopped). The general and / or alarm status of each channel can be accessed through this communication port. The status of each channel can include an indication of whether a disposable cartridge is present, whether an initial amount is available, the infusion status, the infusion rate, the time remaining until empty, and the total amount infused. Additionally, the solution pump 631 can be configured such that each channel has a failure mode infusion rate that can be written / read through the communication port. In some embodiments, sensors located throughout the organ management system 600 can be connected (either directly or indirectly through the controller 150) to facilitate automatic control of the solution pump 631 by the controller 150 using open or closed feedback loops.

[0072] The solution pump 631 can be configured to indicate when a fault has occurred. For example, when a fault or closure is detected, the solution pump 631 can illuminate a fault indicator associated with the channel where the fault occurred and / or send a notification via the communication port. The solution pump 631 can be configured to suspend infusion in the channel where the fault occurred and resume infusion after the fault or closure is resolved. In embodiments where the infusion rate is set via the communication port, if the signal to / from the communication port is lost, the solution pump 631 can be configured to set the infusion rate to a preprogrammed fault mode infusion rate.

[0073] The solution pump 631 may include one or more fault detection algorithms / mechanisms. For example, if a hardware fault is detected, the solution pump 631 may alert a device connected to the communication port that the hardware fault has occurred. If a solution and / or organ side occlusion is detected, the solution pump 631 may alert a connected device via the communication port that the occlusion has occurred. The solution pump 631 may be configured to perform self-diagnostic tests, including self-diagnostics after power-up and background self-diagnostics. The results of the self-diagnostics may be displayed on the solution pump 631 itself and / or communicated via the communication port.

[0074] As discussed above, the solution pump may be a commercially available solution pump and / or a custom designed pump. With reference to Figures 7A-7P, an exemplary embodiment of a custom designed solution pump 631 is shown and described.

[0075] Some embodiments of the solution pump described herein may use a syringe connected to a motor to control the delivery of the infusion solution. By increasing the diameter of the syringe, the capacity of the syringe to hold fluid may be increased. This increased fluid capacity may reduce the number of times the syringe must be replaced with a new pre-filled syringe. However, the increased diameter syringe may result in a loss of accuracy in delivering the solution, since the increased diameter increases the amount of solution delivered per unit depression of the plunger. Another exemplary embodiment of the solution pump uses a smaller diameter syringe, which may improve the accuracy of the solution delivery. However, due to the smaller fluid capacity of the syringe, the solution may be depleted quickly. Replacing the syringe with a new pre-filled syringe may result in problems such as the introduction of air bubbles, interruption of the solution delivery, inconvenience to the user, and access problems. Thus, in some embodiments, the smaller diameter syringe may be connected to an external fluid solution source and an irrigation circuit via a fluid line and a series of one-way valves. In these embodiments, when the syringe is depressed, solution flows through a one-way valve and enters the perfusion circuit. When the syringe is retracted, solution enters the syringe from an external fluid source through another one-way valve, refilling the syringe with solution. Thus, some embodiments of this design allow for highly precise control of solution delivery (e.g., by using smaller diameter syringes) while eliminating the need to exchange a pre-filled syringe for another.

[0076] 7A-7P, an exemplary embodiment of a solution pump 9000 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the solution pump 9000 can provide infusion solutions using a removable / replaceable cassette 9020. Figures 7C and 7D are exploded views of the solution pump 9000 and the infusion cassette 9020, respectively. In this embodiment, the solution pump 9000 includes three channels and is therefore configured to provide up to three different solutions. Other embodiments can include more or fewer channels.

[0077] The solution pump 9000 may be a syringe pump driven by stepper motors 9002a, 9002b, 9002c. The stepper motors 9002 may rotate respective lead screws 9005. A carriage 9042 with a carriage cover is in communication with the lead screw 9005 and may move back and forth along the lead screw 9005. The carriage 9042 may be internally threaded with matching threads to facilitate movement along the lead screw 9005 as the lead screw 9005 rotates. Additionally, the carriage 9042 may move along a linear rail 9041 that facilitates movement back and forth along the lead screw 9005. A pin 9003 may be attached to the carriage cover 9004 and a carrier 9036 configured to hold a syringe plunger 9017 such that the plunger can be pushed and retracted as the carriage 9042 moves back and forth along the lead screw 9005. The pin 9003 may be threaded to facilitate attachment to the carrier 9036, although this is not a requirement. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7E, 7F, 7G and 7H, the carrier 9036 can be molded to fit around and retain the plunger 9017. The carrier 9036 can be press fit using protrusions 9045, fabricated in two pieces that can mate via screws and / or any other fasteners to clamp the syringe plunger.

[0078] In some embodiments, the stepper motors 9002 can be configured to operate at different speeds depending on whether the syringe is being extended or compressed. For example, when the syringe is being compressed (e.g., when injecting), the motor can move at a slower speed, such as 4 steps per second, while when the syringe is being extended (e.g., when refilling), the motor can move at a faster speed, such as 16,000 steps per second. Other speeds are possible. Additionally, each stepper motor 9002 can include an optical encoder enclosed within (or elsewhere) on the motor shaft that can be used to track the position and / or speed of the motor 9002. Thus, the position of the syringe plunger can be calculated.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7C, the stepper motors 9002a, 9002b, 9002c are arranged in parallel with one another, although this is not a requirement. The pin 9003 passes through a slot 9008 in the top cover 9001 and can be attached to a carrier 9036 which connects to the plunger 9017 of the syringe 9016. The connection between the carriage 9042 and the plunger 9017 via the pin 9003 and the carrier 9036 can be used to push and retract the syringe, allowing the syringe to dispense or refill with fluid if properly connected. For example, as the stepper motor 9002 rotates the lead screw 9005 clockwise, the carriage 9042 and carriage cover 9004, which are connected to the carrier 9036 and plunger 9017 by the pin 9003, can move in a direction that pushes the plunger 9017 and expels the fluid solution from the syringe 9016. When the stepper motor rotates counterclockwise, the carriage 9042 can move in the opposite direction, retracting the plunger 9017 so that the syringe 9016 can be refilled with fluid from an external fluid source such as an IV bag.

[0080] The solution pump 9000 can include an optical switch 9007 that can be used to detect when the syringe is at a "home" or other position. In some embodiments, this home position can be the position when the syringe 9016 is extended and filled with solution, although other home positions are possible. The optical switch 9007 can be U-shaped and further configured to transmit a light beam between two tops of the U (e.g., with a transmitter on one side and a receiver on the other). In some embodiments, when the carriage 9042 is at the home position, a flag 9006 on the carriage cover 9004 can block the light beam from the optical switch 9007 to provide information regarding the position of the syringe. The flag 9006 can be made of any material that blocks this light beam, such as translucent plastic and / or metal. In some examples, the solution pump 9000 can lose track of the position of the carriage 9042, for example due to a malfunction. When this occurs, the carriage 9042 can return to the home position, allowing the syringe 9016 to refill and leaving the plunger 9017 extended, allowing the pump 9000 to regain control of the syringe's position without accidentally dispensing additional solution. Some embodiments of the solution pump 9000 may include an additional optical switch 9007 to determine when the syringe is nearly or completely empty.

[0081] The solution pump 9000 may include a pressure sensor 9009 for detecting a clog in the delivery line 9010 or the output line 9011. An alarm may indicate that the pressure sensor 9009 has detected a clog by sensing a pressure above or below a predetermined threshold. The pressure sensor may be any commercially available sensor suitable for this purpose. In one embodiment, the sensor may be a MEMSCAP SP854 transducer with hydraulic fluid and a diaphragm. The pressure sensor 9009 may pass through an opening 9012 in the top cover 9001.

[0082] The stepper motor 9002, linear rail 9041, and pressure sensor 9009 can be mounted to a structural plate 9013. A printed circuit board ("PCB") 9015 can be mounted to the opposite side of the structural plate 9013 and can contain the electronic components used to operate the solution pump 9000. The plate 9013 can be made of aluminum or any other suitable material and can include a flange 9014 for increased rigidity. The plate can also include a series of mounting holes to provide connection points for the top and bottom covers.

[0083] The top cover 9001 can engage with the bottom cover 9018 to enclose the solution pump 9000. The two parts can engage along an edge and be secured with screws or other fasteners. A mounting plate 9019 can be attached to the bottom cover 9018 (numbered as 9015 in some figures) and can also be attached to an interior wall of the system 600, for example. The top cover 9001 can also include openings 9025 for connector cables that connect to other parts of the system 600, such as the controller 150.

[0084] The solution pump 9000 can engage with an infusion cassette 9020 that holds a syringe 9016. In one embodiment, the top cover 9001 can include a boss 9023 with a pin. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, a tab 9021 on the infusion cassette 9020 engages with the pin of the boss 9023 to connect the solution pump 9000 and the infusion cassette 9020. Additionally, the solution pump 9000 can engage with the infusion cassette 9020 via a peripheral groove of the pressure sensor 9009 that can be housed in a pinch release 9022 of the infusion cassette 9020.

[0085] The infusion cassette 9020 can include an output line 9010 with an IV bag spike 9024 at one end that can be connected to an IV bag or other external solution source. The other end of the output line 9010 can be connected to a one-way check valve 9026 designed to only allow fluid to flow away from the IV bag and toward the syringe 9016. The one-way check valve 9026 can be connected to a connector 9027. The output line 9011 can be connected to a second one-way check valve 9032 designed to only allow fluid to flow away from the syringe 9016 and toward a port 9034. The one-way check valve 9032 can also be connected to a connector 9027. The output line 9011 can include a filter 9033 that filters particles and air from the solution. The filter 9033 can be any hydrophobic filter suitable for this purpose. The output line 9011 can further be coupled to a port 9034 that connects to a perfusion module. The port 9034 can include a luer fitting. The output line 9011 can further include a roller clamp 9035 that can close the output line 9011. In use, the roller clamp 9035 can remain open to allow fluid to pass through the output line 9011.

[0086] 7I-7K, the connector 9027 can be, for example, a Y-connector. The connector 9027 can include connectors 9043, 9044. The connector 9043 can be connected to the delivery line 9010, and the connector 9044 can be connected to the output line 9011. The connector 9027 can also include a vertical injection line. The vertical injection line can be connected to a connector mount. The connector 9027 can also include alignment tabs 9028.

[0087] 7L-7P, an exemplary connector mount 9029 is illustrated. The connector mount 9029 can include a connection port 9031 that can be coupled to the connector 9027 and a syringe mount 9030 that can be coupled to the syringe 9016. A pressure membrane (not shown) can be disposed in the connector mount 9029 to monitor the pressure of the fluid circuit between the syringe 9016, the delivery line 9010, and the output line 9011 (e.g., using a pressure sensor 9009). The pressure membrane can be attached to the connector mount 9029 opposite the connection port 9031. The connector mount 9029 can also be used to removably attach the cassette 9020 to the top cover 9001 using a snap connector. For example, the wings 9055 can pass through an opening in the top cover 9037. Tightening the wings 9055 can cause the bottom portion 9056 to bend outward, releasing it from a corresponding connector portion of, for example, the pressure sensor 9009 .

[0088] In one embodiment, the syringe 9016 can deliver fluid when the plunger 9017 is compressed by the movement of the carriage 9042 along the lead screw 9005 by the stepper motor 9002. Fluid from the syringe enters this vertical infusion line, passes through a one-way check valve 9032, into the output line 9011, through a filter 9033, and into the perfusion fluid circulating in the system 600. When the plunger 9017 is nearly or fully compressed such that little or no fluid is being delivered from the syringe 9016, the syringe is retracted, allowing fluid to pass from the drip bag (not shown), through the delivery line 9010, over the one-way check valve 9026, into the vertical infusion line, and into the syringe 9016, thereby refilling the syringe.

[0089] The infusion cassette can include a top cover 9037 that can engage with a bottom cover 9038 to enclose the syringe 9016. A gasket 9039 can seal around the slot 9008 in the top cover 9001 to prevent fluid from entering the solution pump 9000 through the slot 9008. The gasket can be made from any suitable sealing material, including foam. A shipping lock 9040 holds the plunger 9017 and carrier in a fully retracted position so that the carriage 9042 can engage in a home position. The purpose of the shipping lock 9040 is to ensure that the hole 9092 in the carrier 9036 is in the correct position so that the drive pin 9003 can protrude into the hole 9092 when the user installs the cassette 9020. The shipping lock 9040 can be removed prior to use.

[0090] As should be appreciated, the type and configuration of syringes used in the cassette 9020 may affect how the system is controlled. For example, a larger inner diameter syringe may require less travel of the plunger to deliver a given amount of solution. Additionally, syringes may have different capacities, which may affect how often the syringes are refilled. Thus, it may be advantageous for the solution pump 9000 to know which type of syringe is loaded into the cassette 9020. Thus, in some embodiments, the system 9000 includes a mechanism that can determine which type of syringe is included in the cassette 9020. For example, in embodiments where the solution pump 9000 is configured to operate in conjunction with two different types of syringes, the pump may include a magnet and a Hall effect sensor that may be configured to determine which of the two types of syringes is being used. For example, the cassette 9020 may include a magnet with a north and south pole. The magnet may be oriented such that only one of the two poles interacts with the Hall effect sensor. When a first type of syringe is used, the north pole can be configured to interact with the Hall effect sensor, and similarly, when a second type of syringe is used, the south pole can be configured to interact with the Hall effect sensor. By determining which of the two types of syringes interacts with the Hall effect sensor, the solution pump 9000 can determine which type of syringe is being used in the cassette 9020. This sensor configuration is for illustrative purposes only, and other sensors can be used to determine which type of syringe is being used in the cassette 9020.

[0091] The solution pump 9000 can be controlled by one or more control systems. For example, the solution pump 9000 can be controlled by the controller 150 and / or can include an internal control system. Wherever the controller is located, the controller can be configured to know how many partial or full revolutions of the stepper motor 9002 are required to deliver the required amount of solution and / or refill the syringe. Thus, for example, the controller knows that 40 steps of the stepper motor will deliver 1 mL of solution. In some embodiments, the amount of solution delivered by the solution pump 9000 can be controlled manually and / or automatically by the controller 150.

[0092] The solution pump 631 can be configured to provide solution flow rates that vary between 0.5 and 200 mL / hour, although other flow rates are possible.

[0093] Some embodiments of the solution pump 631 can include a priming cycle that can be used to prime the pump 631 and remove any air in its lines. For example, a user can dry assemble the complete line set and run until the air is removed. For example, each priming cycle can pump 3 mL of air (or solution) forward with a special fast forward, fast refill action. In some embodiments, this prime cycle can be under user control and / or run automatically.

[0094] In some embodiments, when the motor 9002 is operated at high speeds (e.g., when refilling and / or priming), the high speed cycle can include ramp-up and ramp-down periods in entering and exiting the high speed operation. These ramp-up and ramp-down periods can be used to overcome the rotational inertia of the motor 9002. This feature can be implemented by firmware and / or a controller controlling the pump 631 using, for example, a calculated look-up table to adjust the pulse rate of the motor 9002 for constant acceleration and / or deceleration. These ramp-up and ramp-down periods can also be used during low speed operation.

[0095] In some embodiments, the solution pump 631 can be configured to compensate for inherent backlash that can occur when the direction of syringe movement is reversed. For example, fluid flow can be affected, among other things, by backlash inherent in the motor 9002 and lead screw 9005. Errors due to backlash can affect the resumption of injection flow after a refill cycle. To compensate for these possible errors, firmware and / or a controller within the pump can capture the pressure in the syringe chamber at the end of every injection stroke. A fast refill cycle is then performed, where the firmware and / or controller can advance the plunger at a moderately fast rate until the pressure in the syringe chamber equals the pressure captured during the last injection stroke. Once that pressure is reached, any system backlash has typically been resolved and the pump can continue to inject at the desired rate.

[0096] Stepper motors typically provide the most torque for a given motor size and are easy to drive, but they can consume a lot of power and produce loud mechanical noise. Thus, in some embodiments of the pump 631, the firmware and / or controller can include a dynamic torque feature that can operate the motor 9002 at the minimum torque required at a given time. This can be achieved using a digital-to-analog converter that controls the current limit of each stepper motor driver, which can control the torque provided by the motor. Thus, the torque of the stepper motor can be adjusted to efficiently achieve the required motion. When stopped, a small current can be supplied to the motor to maintain its stationary position without slipping. At the start of each forward injection stroke, the stepper motor can be run at the selected injection speed with a predetermined minimum torque. If the encoder indicates that the step is not moving as desired, the torque can be increased until proper motion is achieved. In this way, the forward injection stroke can be performed with the minimum torque required to perform the job.

[0097] The solution pump 631 can be configured to compensate for slippage between the actual position of the syringe plunger and the desired position. For example, if the firmware and / or controller determines that the syringe position (e.g., as provided by an encoder) is lagging behind the desired profile, it can double its speed until the syringe position catches up. This process of slippage, torque increase, and / or speed doubling can be performed fast enough to achieve continuous injection at a selected rate.

[0098] 7Q illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a microcontroller architecture that may be included in solution pump 631, although this is not a requirement and other configurations are possible. In this embodiment, the microcontroller architecture includes a processor (e.g., a PIC 18F8722 processor) that receives inputs from, for example, controller 150, pressure input sensors, motor current and diagnostic voltage sensors, Hall magnetic sensors, photointerrupters, and / or encoder inputs. The processor can use the information it receives to provide feedback to controller 150 and / or control stepper motor drives to actuate the syringes in the respective channels.

[0099] 5. Gas system including variable delivery rate control The multi-use module 650 can include an on-board gas cylinder, such as one or more common gas cylinders that can fit into the gas tank bay 630 and / or an oxygen concentrator. The gas supply system can include (i) one or more regulators that reduce the pressure of the gas supplied by the one or more gas cylinders, (ii) a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the gas supply, and (ii) a gas pressure gauge that can visually indicate the sufficiency of the gas supply. Each of these components can be manually controlled and / or automatically controlled by connecting to the controller 150. For example, the controller 150 can automatically control the flow of gas to the gas exchanger 114. The gas supplied by the gas source can vary, but in some embodiments the gas supply can provide a gas mixture of 85% O2, 1% CO2, and the remainder N2 with a mixing process accuracy of 0.030%, while in other embodiments the gas supply can be between 50% O2 and 95% O2 with the remainder N2 and / or Ar. In some embodiments, multiple gases can be premixed and supplied from a single cylinder, or can be supplied from multiple gas cylinders and mixed within the system 600. In some embodiments, the gases can be supplied from a portable oxygen concentrator, such as the Oxus Portable Oxygen Concentrator available from Oxus, Inc., Rochester Hills, Michigan, or the Freestyle series of portable oxygen concentrators available from AirSep or Buffalo, New York.

[0100] In some embodiments, the system 600 can support gas flow rates of 0-1000 mL / min and can have a set point resolution of 50 mL / min with a gas flow delivery accuracy of ±20% in the range of 200-1000 mL / min. The system 600 and gas supply 172 can be configured to provide gas flow upon circulation pump failure. The ranges listed above are exemplary and values ​​other than those specifically listed can be used. Finally, in some embodiments, the system 600 and gas supply 172 can be configured to indicate the pressure of the gas supply 172 via a number of interfaces (e.g., via gauges on the gas supply 172 and / or the operator interface module 146).

[0101] 6. Controller and User Interface The system 600 may include a control system (e.g., controller 150) that controls the overall operation of the system 600 and the components employed therein. At a general level, the control system may include an on-board computer system connected to one or more components of the system 600 and to one or more sensors, network connections, and / or user inputs. Using information derived from these sensors, network connections, and / or user inputs, the control system may control various components within the system 600. For example, the control system may be used to implement one or more open or closed feedback systems to control the operation of the system 600. The control system may be a generic off-the-shelf computer and / or a custom designed computer system. Although the system 600 has been conceptually described with reference to a single controller, control of the system 600 may be distributed across multiple controllers or processors. For example, any or all of the subsystems described may include dedicated processors / controllers. Optionally, these dedicated processors / controllers of the various subsystems may communicate with and through a central controller / processor. For example, in some embodiments, a single controller provided in the multi-use module 650 can control the entire system 600, while in other embodiments, a single controller provided in the single-use module 634 can control the entire system 600, and in yet other embodiments, the controller can be split between the single-use module 634 and the multi-use module 650.

[0102] In another example, the controller 150 can be located on the main circuit board 718 and can provide all of the control and processing required by the system 600. However, in other embodiments, the controller 150 can be distributed, with some processing functions located on the front end interface circuit board 636, some on the power circuit board 720, and / or some on the operator interface module 146. Depending on whether and to what extent the controller 150 is distributed within the system 600, suitable cabling can be arranged between the various circuit boards.

[0103] 8 shows a representative block diagram of an exemplary control scheme for the system 600. For example, the system 600 can include a controller 150 that controls the operation of the system 600. As shown, the controller 150 can be interoperably connected with several subsystems: an operator interface 146 that assists an operator in monitoring and controlling the system 600 and in monitoring the status of the organ; a data acquisition subsystem 147 that can include various sensors that obtain data related to the organ and the system 600 and convey the data to the controller 150; a power management subsystem 148 that provides fault tolerant power to the system 600; a heating subsystem 149 that provides controlled energy to a heater 110 that heats the perfusate 108; a data management subsystem 151 that stores and maintains data related to the operation of the system 600 and the liver; and a pumping subsystem 153 that controls the pumping of the perfusate 108 through the system 600.

[0104] An exemplary embodiment of the data acquisition subsystem 147 is described below with reference to FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the data acquisition subsystem 147 includes sensors to obtain information about how the system 100 and the liver are functioning. The data acquisition subsystem 147 can provide this information to the controller 150 for processing. For example, the data acquisition subsystem 147 can be connected to the following sensors: temperature sensors 120, 122, and 124; pressure sensors 126, 128, and 130 (which may be pressure sensors 130a, 130b described elsewhere herein); flow sensors 134, 136, and 138; oxygenation / hematocrit / temperature sensor 140; Hall effect sensor 388; shaft encoder 390; battery sensors 362a, 362b, 362c; external power availability sensor 354; operator interface module battery sensor 370; and gas pressure sensor 132. How the system 600 uses the information from the data acquisition subsystem 147 is described below with reference to the heating 149, power management 148, pumping 153, data management 151, and operator interface 146 subsystems.

[0105] 10, which illustrates an example block diagram of a power management system 148 that provides fault tolerant power to a system 600. The system 600 may be powered from any one of a number of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., 60 Hz, 120V AC in North America, or 50 Hz, 230V AC in Europe), or from one or more batteries 352. While the remainder of this description will describe an AC power source as the external power source, it should be understood that a DC power source may also be used. The controller 150 may receive data from an AC line voltage availability sensor 354 that indicates whether AC voltage 351 is available to the system 600 and / or sufficient for use.

[0106] In response to the controller 150 detecting that external power is unavailable, the controller 150 signals the power switching circuitry 356 to provide system power from one or more batteries 352. The controller 150 determines from a battery charge sensor 362 which of the one or more batteries 352 has the most sufficient charge and then switches through the switching network 356 to operate that battery. The system can be designed such that operation of the system 600 is uninterrupted when power is switched from one source to another.

[0107] Alternatively, when the controller 150 detects that an external power source is available, it can determine whether the external power source should be used to provide system power and to provide power to the user interface module 146, to charge one or more batteries 352, and / or to charge an internal battery of the user interface module 146 that has its own internal charger and charging controller. To use an available external power source (e.g., AC power source 141), the controller 150 can draw the external power to the power management system 148 by sending a signal through the switching system 164. If the external power source is AC, the power management system 148 can receive the external AC power, convert it to DC, and provide power to the system 600. The power management system 148 is universal and can operate with any line frequency or line voltage commonly used throughout the world. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 150 can also direct power to a suitable battery through the switching network 364 and charging circuitry 366 in response to one or more battery sensors 362 indicating low battery power. In response to the controller 150 receiving a battery power signal from a sensor 370 (which may monitor the battery of the user interface module 146), the controller 150 may also or alternatively direct a charging voltage 367 to the user interface battery 368. In some embodiments, the power management subsystem 148 may select a battery to power the system 600 using an algorithm to optimize battery life, including sequentially selecting the least charged first and other factors such as least number of charging cycles. If the battery currently being used to power the system 600 is removed by the user, the power management subsystem 148 may automatically switch to the next battery according to the algorithm to continue powering the system 600.

[0108] 11, an exemplary embodiment of the heating subsystem 149 is illustrated. The heating subsystem 149 can control the temperature of the perfusate 108 in the system 600, for example, through a dual feedback loop approach. In a first loop 251 (perfusate temperature loop), the perfusate temperature thermistor sensor 124 provides two (fault tolerant) signals 125 and 127 to the controller 150, which are typically indicative of the temperature of the perfusate 108 as it exits the heater assembly 110. The controller 150 can adjust drive signals 285 and 287 to the drivers 247 and 249, respectively. The drivers 247 and 249 can convert the corresponding digital level signals 285 and 287 from the controller 150 into heater drive signals 281 and 283, respectively, having sufficient current levels to drive the first 246 and second 248 heaters to heat the perfusate 108 to within a desired temperature range. In response to the controller 150 detecting that the perfusate temperature 125 and 127 is below the desired temperature range, it can set the drive signals 281 and 283 to the first 246 and second 248 heaters, respectively, to a level sufficient to continue to heat the perfusate 108. Conversely, in response to the controller 150 detecting that the perfusate temperature 125 and 127 exceeds the desired temperature range, it can decrease the drive signals 281 and 283 to the first 246 and second 248 heaters, respectively. In response to detecting that the temperature of the perfusate 108 is within the desired temperature range, the controller 150 can maintain the drive signals 281 and 283 at a constant or substantially constant level. The temperature control system can be controlled to warm the perfusate to a temperature range of 0-50° C., more specifically, a temperature range of 32-42° C., and even more specifically, a temperature range of 32-37° C. These ranges are for illustrative purposes only, and the temperature control system can be controlled to warm the perfusate to any temperature range within 0-50° C. The desired temperature can be user selected and / or automatically controlled by the controller 150. As used herein and in the claims, "normothermic" is defined as a temperature between 34-37° C.

[0109] In some embodiments, the controller 150 can vary the drive signals 281 and 283 that can control the first and second heaters in substantially the same manner. However, this is not a requirement. For example, each heater 246 and 248 may respond differently to a drive signal of a particular current or voltage level. In such a case, the controller 150 can drive each heater 246 and 248 at slightly different levels to obtain the same temperature from each. In some embodiments, the heaters 246 and 248 can each have an associated calibration factor that the controller 150 stores and uses in determining the level of the particular drive signal to provide to a particular heater to achieve a particular temperature result. In some configurations, the controller 150 can set one of the thermistors of the dual sensor 124 to a default thermistor and will use the temperature reading from this default thermistor if the thermistors give two different readings. In some embodiments, if the temperature readings are within a predetermined range, the controller 150 can use the higher of the two readings. Drivers 247 and 249 apply heater drive signals 281 and 283 to corresponding drive leads 282 a and 282 b of the heater assembly 110 .

[0110] In a second loop 253 (heater temperature loop), heater temperature sensors 120 and 122 can provide signals 121 and 123 to the controller 150 indicative of the temperature of heaters 246 and 248, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper temperature limit can be set for heaters 246 and 248 (e.g., by default, or by operator selection, or automatically determined by controller 150) above which the temperature of heaters 246 and 248 is not allowed to rise. If the temperature of heaters 246 and 248 rises and approaches this upper temperature limit, sensors 121 and 123 can indicate this to controller 150, which can then reduce or stop the power supply to heaters 246 and 248 by lowering drive signals 281 and 283 to heaters 246 and 248. In this way, while a low temperature signal 125 or 127 from the irrigation fluid temperature sensor 124 can cause the controller 150 to increase power to the heaters 246 and 248, the heater temperature sensors 120 and 122 ensure that the heaters 246 and 248 are not driven until their respective heater plates 250 and 252 become so hot that they damage the irrigation fluid 108.

[0111] In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be configured to maintain the temperature of the irrigation fluid between 0-50° C. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid is maintained within a temperature range of 32-42° C., or in more specific embodiments, within a range of 35-37° C. In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to limit the temperature of the heater plates 250 and 252 to approximately 38° C., 39° C., 40° C., 41° C., or 42° C. All of the ranges and figures above are exemplary, and values ​​outside these ranges can be used. Finally, when a claim refers to a specific temperature value or range as "substantially," this means that the temperature is within the operating temperature swing of the heater / control system used. For example, if a claimed temperature is "substantially 32° C.," and a heater / control system that maintains a temperature within ±5% of the desired value is used in the accused product, then any temperature that is ±5% of 32° C. is "substantially 32° C.."

[0112] As shown, if desired, the second loop 253 can be configured to override the first loop 251 such that a temperature reading from the temperature sensors 120 and 122 indicating that the heaters 246 and 248 are reaching their maximum allowable temperature overrides the effect of any low temperature signal from the irrigation fluid temperature sensor 124. In this respect, the subsystem 149 can ensure that the temperature of the heater plates 250 and 252 does not rise above the maximum allowable temperature even if the temperature of the irrigation fluid 108 has not reached the desired temperature value. This override feature can be particularly important in the event of a failure. For example, if both irrigation fluid temperature sensors 124 fail, the second loop 253 can prevent the heater assembly 110 from overheating and damaging the irrigation fluid 108 by switching control solely to the heater temperature sensors 120 and 122 and lowering the temperature set point to a lower value. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can take into account two time constants specified for the delays associated with the temperature measurements from the heaters 246 and 248 and the irrigation fluid 108 to optimize the dynamic response of the temperature control.

[0113] In some embodiments, the user may be provided with the option to disable the blood warming feature of the system 600. In this manner, the system may more efficiently support cooling of the liver during post-preservation hypothermic procedures. In some embodiments, the heater assembly 110 (or another device, such as a gas exchanger with an integrated cooling interface) may function as a chiller to cool the temperature of the perfusate.

[0114] Returning to the operator interface subsystem 146, FIGS. 12A-12G show examples of various display screens of the operator interface subsystem 146. These display screens allow the operator to receive information from the system 600 and issue commands to the system 100. FIG. 12A shows an exemplary top-level "home page" screen 400. From this display screen 400, the operator can typically access all or nearly all of the data available from the data acquisition subsystem 147 and can also typically issue any desired commands to the controller 150. For example, a user can monitor and adjust the pumping subsystem 153 via the screen 400. As will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 12B-12G, the screen 400 can also allow the operator to access more detailed display screens for obtaining information, providing commands, and setting operator selectable parameters.

[0115] In this exemplary embodiment, screen 400 includes various portions, each of which displays different information and / or accepts different inputs. However, screen 400 is for illustrative purposes only, and the information displayed on screen 400 may be customizable by the user (e.g., using dialog 590, described below in FIG. 12F). Values ​​displayed on screen 400 may be updated at regular intervals, such as every second. In this example, screen 400 includes the following portions: A portion 402 displaying hepatic artery flow. This value may be a reading of the flow at the flow sensor 138b. A portion 404 displaying portal flow. This value may be a reading of the flow at the flow sensor 138a. A portion 406 displaying the oxygen saturation (SvO2) of the perfusate leaving the liver as measured, for example, by sensor 140. A portion 408 displaying the hematocrit (HCT) level of the perfusate leaving the liver as measured, for example, by sensor 140 . A portion 410 that displays the desired and measured temperatures of the irrigation fluid. In this embodiment, the larger upper number represents the measured temperature while the smaller number shown below represents the temperature at which the desired irrigation fluid temperature was set. This temperature can be measured from one or more points, such as the output of the heater assembly 110 using temperature sensors 120 and 122 and, in some embodiments, sensor 140. A portion 412 that displays the flow rate measured by the flow sensor 136 . A portion 414 showing the systolic / diastolic pressure of the hepatic artery. The numbers in brackets below the systolic / diastolic pressure are the arithmetic mean of the pressure waveform. This systolic / diastolic / mean pressure of the hepatic artery can be measured by the pressure sensor 130a. A portion 416 displaying the waveform of hepatic artery pressure over time. Portion 418 displaying the portal systolic / diastolic pressure. The numbers in brackets below the systolic / diastolic pressure are the arithmetic mean of the two. The portal systolic / diastolic pressure can be measured by pressure sensor 130a. A portion 420 displaying the portal vein pressure waveform over time. A portion 422 displaying the hepatic artery pressure averaged over time (eg, 2 minutes). A portion 424 displaying hepatic artery flow averaged over time (eg, 2 minutes). Portion 426, which graphically displays the values ​​from portions 422 and 424 over time. In this embodiment, the graph represents a three and a half hour time period. In some embodiments, portion 426 can be controlled by the user to represent different time periods. Portion 428 displays an icon indicating that the irrigation fluid pump is running. Portion 429 (not illuminated in this example) may show an organ type indicator that indicates which organ is being perfused and which mode of operation is being used. For example, an "M" may be used to indicate that system 600 is in maintenance mode. A portion 430 that displays the status of a storage medium (e.g., an SD card) included in the system 600. A portion 432 displaying the flow rate from the on-board gas supply. This portion may also display the time remaining until the on-board gas supply is empty. A portion 434 that displays the status of the power supply system. In this embodiment, the system 600 includes three batteries, each with a corresponding status indicator that indicates the degree of charge of that battery. This portion also indicates whether the system 600 is connected to an external power source (by displaying a plug icon). In some embodiments, this portion can also include a numerical indication of the amount of time the battery can power the system 600 in the current operating mode. A portion 436 that displays the status and remaining charge of a battery contained in the operator interface module 146. This portion may also include an indication of the remaining time that the battery of the operator interface module 146 can support it in the wireless mode of operation. A network and / or cellular connection status display portion 438. This portion can identify whether the operator interface module 146 is operating in wireless 464 mode, along with a graphical display of the strength of the wireless connection between the operator interface module 146 and the rest of the system 600. Additional sections may be displayed to indicate one or more alarms and / or when portions of the system 600 have been disabled by the user.

[0116] As can be seen in Figures 12A-12G, some portions may also include alarm range indicators (e.g., indicator 440) that indicate where within an acceptable range the current value is. Each portion may also include an alarm indicator (not shown) that indicates when the respective value is outside the range indicated by the corresponding range indicator. Each respective value's range indicator may be associated with an alarm value set within dialog 512 or set by the user. Screen 400 may be implemented on a touch screen interface. In portions that accept user input, the user may touch a particular portion to change the value therein using knob 626.

[0117] 12B, 12C, and 12D, the user may select to enter a configuration menu 484. In some embodiments of the system, the configuration menu 484 may be limited to a portion of the screen so that the user can continue to monitor the information displayed on the screen. The configuration menu allows the user to program the desired operating parameters of the system 600. In this embodiment of the configuration menu 484, the menu includes three tabbed pages 484a, 484b, 484c ("Liver", "System", and "Action").

[0118] Tabbed page 484a shows a Liver tab, which allows the user to enter alarm dialog 512 (described below with reference to FIG. 12E), select data shown in the center graphic frame, select data shown in the lower graphic frame, set a desired gas flow rate, and set a desired temperature. Changes made on tabbed page 484a may be reflected in screen 400.

[0119] Tabbed page 484b shows a System tab. This tab allows the user to adjust one or more display features of the system 600. For example, the user can select the units used to display various measurements (e.g., Pascals or mmHg), restore factory defaults, save new default settings, and restore saved default settings. From this tab, the maintenance technician can make a wireless connection from a work laptop to the system. Changes made on tabbed page 484b can be reflected on screen 400.

[0120] Tabbed page 484c shows an Actions tab. This menu allows the user to view the status of the device, view a summary of any warnings, adjust the scale of the displayed measurements, and / or interact with the data stored by the system 600. For example, in some embodiments, the user can take a sample of the perfusate and perform external tests on it. The user can then manually enter the values ​​obtained from the external tests into the data stream maintained by the system 600. In this way, the system 600 can include all data related to the organ to be transplanted, regardless of whether such data was generated outside the system 600.

[0121] 12E, alarm dialogue 512 displays parameters related to the operation of system 600. In this embodiment, there are alarms for hepatic arterial flow (HAF), portal vein pressure (PVP), hepatic arterial pressure (HAP), inferior vena cava pressure (IVCP), perfusate temperature (Temp), oxygen saturation (SvO2), and hematocrit (HCT). Dialog 512 may include more or fewer parameters. Column 514 indicates an upper alarm limit (e.g., a value above this number will cause an alarm to be generated) and 516 indicates a lower alarm limit (e.g., a value below this number will cause an alarm to be generated). The user may enable / disable individual alarms by selecting the associated alarm icon in column 518. The icon in column 518 may indicate whether the individual alarm is enabled or disabled (e.g., in FIG. 12E, the IVCP alarm is disabled). These alarm limits may be predefined, user configurable, and / or set by controller 150. In some embodiments, the system 600 can be configured to automatically switch between sets of alarm limits for a given flow mode upon changing that flow mode. Changes made in the dialogue 512 can be reflected in the screen 400.

[0122] Figure 12F shows an exemplary user interface (dialog 590) that allows a user to select what is displayed on various portions of screen 400. For example, in Figure 12F, a user can select to display real-time waveforms of hepatic artery pressure, portal vein pressure, or inferior vena cava pressure, or to display trend graphs of those or other measured parameters on a portion of screen 400. Other waveforms can also be calculated and displayed by controller 150.

[0123] 12G shows an exemplary user interface (dialog 592) that allows a user to adjust parameters of the pumping subsystem 153. In this example, the user can adjust the pump flow and turn the pump on / off.

[0124] The data management subsystem 151 can receive and store data and system information from various other subsystems. This data and other information can be downloaded to a portable storage device and organized into a database as needed by the operator. The stored data and information can be accessed by the operator and displayed through the operator interface subsystem 146. The data management subsystem 151 can be configured to store this information in one or more locations. For example, the data management subsystem 151 can be configured to store data in storage either internal to the system 600 (e.g., hard drive, flash drive, SD card, compact flash card, RAM, ROM, CD, DVD) or external to the system (e.g., remote storage or cloud storage).

[0125] In embodiments using external storage devices, the data management subsystem 151 (or another portion of the controller 150) can communicate with the external storage devices via various communication connections, such as point-to-point network connections, intranets, and the Internet. For example, the data management subsystem 151 can communicate with remote storage devices or the "cloud" (e.g., data servers and storage devices on shared and / or private networks) via WiFi (e.g., 802.11), cellular connections (e.g., LTE), Bluetooth (e.g., 802.15), infrared connections, satellite-based connections, and / or hardwired network connections (e.g., Ethernet). In some embodiments, the data management subsystem can be configured to automatically detect the optimal network connection for communicating with the remote storage devices and / or the cloud. For example, the data management subsystem can be configured to default to a known WiFi network and automatically switch to a cellular network when a known WiFi network is unavailable. Remote and cloud based embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0126] 12H, the pumping subsystem 153 will now be described in more detail. The controller 150 can operate the pumping subsystem 153 by sending a drive signal 399 to a brushless three-phase pump motor 360 using Hall effect sensor feedback. The drive signal 339 rotates a pump motor shaft 337, which in turn causes a pump screw 341 to extend and retract a pump driver 334. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive signal 339 is controlled to change the direction and speed of rotation of the motor shaft 337, causing the pump driver 334 to cyclically extend and retract. This cyclical motion infuses perfusate into the system 600.

[0127] The controller 150 can receive a first signal 387 from a Hall effect sensor 388 integrally disposed within the pump motor shaft 337 to indicate the position of the pump motor shaft 337 for purposes of commutating the motor winding current. The controller 150 can receive a second, higher resolution signal 389 from a shaft encoder sensor 390 to indicate the exact rotational position of the pump screw 341. From the current motor commutation phase position 387 and the current rotational position 389, the controller 150 can calculate the appropriate drive signal 339 (both amplitude and polarity) to effect the required rotational change of the motor shaft 337 and the appropriate position change of the pump screw 341 to achieve the desired pumping action. By varying the amplitude of the drive signal 339, the controller 150 can vary the pump speed (i.e., how often the pumping cycle is repeated), and by varying the rotational direction change, the controller 150 can vary the pumping stroke volume (e.g., by changing how far the pump drive 334 moves during one cycle). Generally speaking, the cyclic pumping speed adjusts the pulsatile rate at which perfusate 108 is provided to the liver, while the pumping stroke (for a given speed) adjusts the amount of perfusate provided to the liver.

[0128] Both the speed and stroke volume affect the flow rate of perfusate 108 to the liver, and indirectly its pressure. As described herein, system 600 may include three flow sensors 134, 136, and 138, and three pressure sensors 126, 128, and 130. Sensors 134, 136, and 138 may provide corresponding flow signals 135, 137, and 139 to controller 150. Similarly, sensors 126, 128, and 130 may provide corresponding pressure signals 129, 131, and 133 to controller 150. Controller 150 may utilize all of these signals in feedback to ensure that the commands it is providing to perfusion pump 106 have the desired effect on system 600. In some cases, controller 150 may generate various alarms in response to signals indicating that a particular flow rate or fluid pressure is outside an acceptable range. Additionally, by utilizing multiple sensors, the controller 150 can distinguish between a mechanical problem with the system 600 (eg, a ruptured duct) and a biological problem with the liver.

[0129] Although the above discloses three pressure sensors, this is not a requirement. In many embodiments described herein, only two pressure sensors are used (e.g., pressure sensors 130a, 130b). In this example, the input of the third pressure sensor can be ignored. However, in some embodiments of the systems described herein, a third pressure sensor can be used to measure the pressure of the perfusion fluid flowing from the inferior vena cava (or elsewhere in the system 100). In this example, the controller 150 can process pressure signals from the sensors mentioned above.

[0130] The pumping system 153 may be configured to control the position of the pump driver 334 at each instant of a pumping cycle to fine-tune the pumping rate and volume profile. This allows the pump system 153 to deliver the perfusate 108 to the liver in a desired pulsatile pattern. In one exemplary embodiment, the rotational position of the shaft 337 is detected by the shaft encoder 390 and can be adjusted by the controller 150 by at least about 100 increments per revolution. In another exemplary embodiment, the rotational position of the shaft 337 is detected by the shaft encoder 390 and can be adjusted by the controller 150 by at least about 1000 increments per revolution. In a further exemplary embodiment, the rotational position of the shaft 337 is detected by the shaft encoder 390 and can be adjusted by the controller 150 by at least about 2000 increments per revolution. The position of the pump screw 341, and therefore the pump driver 334, can be initially calibrated to a reference position of the pump screw 341.

[0131] As described above, the system 600 can be manually controlled using the controller 150. However, some or all of the control of the system 600 can be automated and performed by the controller 150. For example, the controller 150 can be configured to automatically control the pump 106 flow (e.g., pressure flow), the solution pump 631, the pump 106, the gas exchanger 114, the heater 110, and / or the flow clamp 190. The control of the system 600 can be achieved with minimal or no user intervention. For example, the controller 150 can be programmed with one or more predetermined routines and / or can implement an open or closed feedback system using information from various sensors in the system 600. For example, if the controller determines that the oxygenation level of the perfusate exiting the IVC is too low or the CO2 level is too high, the controller 150 can adjust the gas supply to the gas exchanger 114 accordingly. As another example, controller 150 can control the infusion of one or more solutions based on sensor 140 and / or any other sensors of system 600. As a further example, if the controller senses that the liver is producing too much CO2, the controller can reduce the liver temperature to 35°C (if it was maintained at a higher temperature) and reduce the metabolic rate and CO2 production or O2 consumption accordingly. As yet another example, controller 150 can adjust the gas flow to gas exchanger 114 based on measurements from one or more sensors of system 600.

[0132] In some embodiments, the controller 150 can be configured to control aspects of the system 600 as a function of the perfusate lactate value. In one embodiment, multiple perfusate lactate values ​​can be obtained over time. For example, a user can draw a sample of the perfusate and calculate the lactate value using an external blood gas analyzer, and / or the system 600 can use an on-board lactate sensor (e.g., a lactate sensor located at the measurement drain 2804). This lactate value can be measured in the IVC or elsewhere and can be repeated at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes). The controller 150 can analyze the trend of lactate values ​​over time. If lactate trends downward or remains relatively flat, this can be an indication that the liver is adequately perfused. If lactate trends upward, this can be an indication of inadequate perfusion, which can result in the controller 150 increasing the pump flow, adjusting the rate of perfused vasodilator, and / or modifying the gas flow to the gas exchanger 114.

[0133] Automating this control process offers many advantages, including more precise control over the system's parameters, and therefore better liver health and / or reduced user discomfort.

[0134] In some embodiments, the system 600 may include a global positioning device that tracks the geographic location of the system.

[0135] C. Exemplary Single-Use Module Turning now to the single-use module, an exemplary embodiment is described herein as single-use module 634, although other embodiments are possible. As noted above, this portion of the system 600 typically includes at least all of the components of the system that are in contact with biological material such as perfusion fluid, as well as various peripheral components, flow lines, sensors, and supporting electronics used in conjunction therewith. After an organ has been transported using the system 600, the single-use module can be removed from the system 600 and discarded. To transport a new organ, a new (and sterilized) single-use module can be installed in the system 600. In one embodiment, the module 634 does not include a processor, but instead relies on the controller 150, which can be distributed across the front end interface circuit board 636, the power circuit board 720, the operator interface module 146, and the main circuit board 718 for control. However, in some embodiments, the single-use module can include its own controller / processor (e.g., on the front end circuit board 637).

[0136] 13A-13H, an exemplary single-use module 634 is illustrated. Figures 13M-R show another exemplary single-use module 634 with an alternatively shaped organ chamber 104. However, in some figures, some components have been omitted for clarity (e.g., tubing connections, ports, and / or clamps have been omitted).

[0137] The single use module 634 can include a chassis 635 with upper 750a and lower 750b portions. The upper portion 750a can include a platform 752 for supporting various components. The lower portion 750b can support the platform 752 and can include structure for pivotally connecting to the multi-use module 650.

[0138] The lower chassis portion 750b can include a C-mount 656 for rigidly mounting the perfusion pump interface assembly 300, and a protrusion 662 for sliding and fitting snugly into a slot 660. In some embodiments, the lower chassis portion 750b can also provide structure for mounting portions of the perfusion circuit, including the following components: gas exchanger 114, heater assembly 110, reservoir 160, and perfusion fluid flow compliance chambers 184, 186. In some embodiments, the lower chassis portion 750b can also include various sensors, such as sensor 140, flow sensors 136, 138a, 138b, and pressure sensors 130a, 130b, via appropriate mounting hardware. The lower chassis portion 750b can also mount a front end circuit board 637. This embodiment is for illustrative purposes only, and the components listed above as part of the lower chassis portion 750b may be located elsewhere, such as in the upper portion 750a (eg, pressure sensors 130a, 130b).

[0139] The upper chassis portion 750a may include a platform 752. The platform 752 may include handles 752a and 752b formed thereon to aid in installation and removal of the single-use module 634 from the multiple-use module 650, although the handles may be located elsewhere on the single-use module 634. The platform 752 may include one or more orifices (e.g., 717) through which tubing and / or other components may pass. The platform 752 may include one or more integrally molded brackets (e.g., 716) for holding components in place on the platform 752, such as fluid injection and / or sampling ports, as described in more detail below. The upper chassis portion 750a further includes a flow clamp 190 for regulating the flow of perfusate to the portal vein, as described in more detail below. The organ chamber assembly 104 may be configured to be attached to the platform 752 via one or more supports 719. With particular reference to Figure 13I, the organ chamber 104 can be mounted so that its left and right sides (relative to the main drain) are angled at approximately 15° to the platform 752. This can help perfusion fluid flow out of the organ chamber 104, especially during transient conditions that can occur during transport (e.g., taking off and landing of an airplane).

[0140] 1. Organ Chamber The system 600 can include an organ chamber configured to hold an ex vivo organ. The design of the organ chamber can vary depending on the type of organ. For example, the design of the organ chamber can vary depending on whether it is being used to transport a liver, a heart, and / or a lung. The following description focuses on an organ chamber 104 configured to transport a liver, however, this embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and other configurations are possible. For example, other configurations of the organ chamber 104 can be used to transport a liver.

[0141] a) Shape / Drain structure 14A-14H, an exemplary embodiment of the organ chamber 104 is illustrated from multiple perspectives. In this embodiment, the organ chamber 104 includes a base 2802, a front member 2816, a removable lid 2820, and a support surface 2810 (discussed in more detail in connection with FIGS. 15A-15D). In some embodiments, the organ chamber 104 can include a pad 4500 for supporting the liver. The bottom of the organ chamber 104 can be configured with a quasi-funnel shape, with the sides of the funnel angled at approximately 15° relative to the platform 752, as more clearly shown in FIG. 13I.

[0142] At a general level, the base member 2802 can include one or more drains (e.g., 2804, 2806), one or more orifices (e.g., 2830) for tubing, connectors, and / or instruments to be inserted into the interior of the organ chamber 104 while the lid (e.g., 2820) is closed, one or more hinged portions (e.g., 2832), and one or more mounting brackets (e.g., 2834). In some embodiments, the mounting brackets 2834 are molded, as shown in FIG. 14I. In some embodiments, the base member 2802 is configured to mate with and support a support surface 2810 upon which the liver typically rests. The organ chamber 104 and support surface 2810 can be formed from any suitable polymeric plastic, such as, for example, polycarbonate.

[0143] The base 2802 of the chamber 2204 is shaped and positioned within the system 600 to facilitate drainage of perfusion medium from the liver 101. The organ chamber 104 may include two drains: a measurement drain 2804 and a main drain 2806 that may receive overflow from the measurement drain. The measurement drain 2804 may drain perfusion fluid at a flow rate of approximately 0.5 L / min, which is significantly less than the 1-3 L / min flow of perfusion fluid 250 through the liver 101. The measurement drain 2804 leads to a sensor 140 that may measure SaO2, hematocrit, and / or temperature, and then leads to the reservoir 160. The main drain 2806 may lead directly to the defoamer / filter 161 without passing through the sensor 140. In some embodiments, the sensor 140 may only obtain accurate measurements if the perfusion fluid 108 is substantially free of air bubbles. To obtain a bubble-free perfusate column, the base 2802 is configured to collect the perfusate 108 draining from the liver 101 into a pool that is collected above the measurement drain 2804. This perfusate pool typically allows air bubbles to dissipate before the perfusate enters the drain 2804. Pool formation above the drain 2804 is facilitated by an optional wall 2808 that can partially prevent the flow of perfusate from the measurement drain 2804 to the main drain 2806 until the pool of perfusate is large enough to ensure that air bubbles dissipate from this flow. The main drain 2806 can be lower than the measurement drain 2804, and once the perfusate overflows, it flows around and / or over the wall 2808 and out the main drain 2806.

[0144] In alternative embodiments of this dual drain system, other systems are used to collect the perfusate in a pool that is sent to the measurement drain. In some embodiments, the flow from the liver is directed to a container, such as a small cup 2838, which is then sent to the measurement drain. The cup 2838 fills with perfusate and excess blood spills over the cup and is directed to the main drain and thus to this reservoir pool. In this embodiment, the cup 2838 can perform a function similar to that of the wall 2808 in the previous embodiment by forming a small volume of perfusate where air bubbles can dissipate before the perfusate flows from the measurement drain to the oxygen sensor. In yet another embodiment of the measurement drain, a gentle indentation can be formed in the bottom of the base 2802 around the measurement drain 2804, which serves the same function as the cup described above.

[0145] The top of the organ chamber 104 can be covered with a sealable lid including a front member 2816, a removable lid 2820, an inner lid with a sterile drape (not shown), and a sealing member 2818. The removable lid 2820 can be hingedly and removably coupled to the base member 2802 via a hinge portion 2832. The sealing member 2818 can seal the front member 2816 and / or the base 2802 to the lid 2820 to form a fluid and / or air tight seal. The sealing member 2818 can be made from rubber and / or foam, for example. In some embodiments, the front member 2816 and the lid 2820 are sufficiently strong to physically protect the liver 101 from indirect or direct contact.

[0146] An exemplary embodiment of the organ chamber 104 is illustrated from multiple perspectives in Figures 14I-S. In this embodiment, the base 2802 of the organ chamber 104 has a different shape. Figures 14I-14K ​​show top views, Figures 14L-14O show side views, Figures 14P-14R show bottom views, and Figure 14S shows an exploded view of the alternative embodiment. The organ chamber 104 includes a base 2802, an organ supporting surface 2810, and a removable lid 2820.

[0147] For example, the top of the organ chamber can be covered with a single sealable lid 2820. The removable lid can be hingedly and removably coupled to the organ chamber base member via hinge portion 2832. The lid is secured to the base via a series of latches 2836 or other mechanism. The lid sealing member 2818 can be made of rubber and / or foam, which can seal the lid to the base to form a fluid or air tight seal. In some embodiments, the lid and base are strong enough to physically protect the liver from indirect or direct contact. The organ chamber includes orifices (e.g., 2830) for ductal connections of cannulated vessels including the HA, PV, and bile duct. The organ chamber includes a structure 2840 located above the measurement drain 2804 to hold the end of the IVC in place during transport of the organ. The structure directs perfusate exiting the IVC cannula to the measurement drain.

[0148] In another embodiment (not shown), the organ chamber 104 can include a dual lid system including an inner lid and an outer lid. More specifically, in one embodiment, the organ chamber assembly can include a housing, an outer lid, and a mid-lid. The housing can include a bottom and one or more walls for containing the organ. The mid-lid can cover an opening in the housing to substantially enclose the organ within the housing and can further include a frame and a flexible membrane suspended within the frame. The flexible membrane can be transparent, opaque, translucent, or substantially transparent. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane includes sufficient excess membrane material to contact the organ contained within the chamber. This feature allows a medical operator to indirectly contact / examine the organ through the membrane while maintaining sterility of the system and the organ. For example, the area of ​​the membrane of the mid-lid can be 100-300% larger than the area defined by the mid-lid frame or 100-300% larger than the two-dimensional area occupied by the liver. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane can be selected to allow an operator to perform an ultrasound examination of the liver through the membrane while maintaining the sterility and / or environment of the chamber.

[0149] In some embodiments, the mid-lid is hinged to the housing. The mid-lid also includes a latch for securing the mid-lid closed over the opening of the organ chamber. The outer lid may be similarly hinged and latched, or may be completely removable. In some embodiments, a gasket may be provided to form a fluid and / or air tight seal between the mid-lid frame and one or more organ chamber walls, and / or to form a fluid and / or air tight seal between the periphery of the outer lid and the mid-lid frame. In this manner, the environment surrounding the liver 101 may be maintained whether the outer lid is open or not.

[0150] Covering the organ chamber 104 has the effect of minimizing gas exchange between the perfusate 108 and the ambient air, which may help ensure that the oxygen sensor measures the desired oxygen value (e.g., a value corresponding to the perfusate leaving the liver 101) and may help maintain sterility. Closing the organ chamber 2204 also has the effect of reducing heat loss from the liver. Because of the large surface area of ​​the liver, heat loss can be significant. Heat loss can be a significant issue when the system 600 is in a relatively cold environment, such as outdoors when the system 600 is in a vehicle or during transportation of the liver to and from the vehicle. Additionally, prior to implantation, the system 600 may be temporarily placed in a hospital waiting area or operating room, which typically have temperatures in the range of 15-22° C., respectively. At these ambient temperatures, it is important to reduce heat loss from the organ chamber 2204 so that the heater 230 can maintain the desired perfusate and liver temperatures. Sealing the liver 101 within the organ chamber 2204 may help maintain temperature uniformity throughout the liver 101.

[0151] 15A-15D, an exemplary embodiment of a support surface 2810 configured to support the liver 101 is shown. This embodiment includes a drain channel 2812, a drain 2814, and an orifice 2815. The drain channel 2812 channels perfusate draining from the liver 101 and directs it to the drain 2814. In some embodiments, when the support surface 2810 is attached to the base 2802, the drain 2814 is located above and / or adjacent to the measurement drain 2804, ensuring that a substantial amount of perfusate 108 drains from the support surface 2810 into the measurement drain 2804. The orifice 2815 is configured to provide an auxiliary portion for draining perfusate from the support surface 2810. Additionally, the support surface 2810 can be configured for use with a pad 4500 (described below). The support surface 2810 can include an orifice 2813 that can be used to secure the pad 4500 using, for example, a screw or rivet. In some embodiments, when the support surface 2810 is attached to the organ chamber 104 it is positioned at an angle of approximately 5 degrees to the horizontal, although other angles can be used (eg, 0-60 degrees).

[0152] 16F-16J, in an alternative embodiment, the support surface 4700 is a flexible material that supports and cushions the organ, and the support surface 2810 is omitted. The material is of a composition that forms a compliant and smooth surface against which the sensitive liver tissue can be placed. The surface can be perforated, and the number, placement, and diameter of the perforations provide an atraumatic surface to the liver tissue while allowing drainage from the liver. In this and other embodiments, the support 4700 is a multi-material layer that includes a top layer 4706, a bottom layer 4708 of flexible material 4706, and an inner layer that is a malleable metal substrate (e.g., aluminum) frame 4702 of metal material 4706. In some embodiments, the top layer 4706 and bottom layer 4708 can be made of polyethylene foam and / or porous silicone foam.

[0153] The assembly is supported by the organ chamber base 2802, which suspends the support surface 4700 above the bottom of the organ chamber base 2802 at a height suitable for providing displacement due to the weight of an organ. The frame 4702 of the support surface 4700 can be held in place to the organ chamber base 2802 using fasteners 4704, such as molded pins, rivets, screws, or other hardware that are inserted into openings 4610 in the frame 4702.

[0154] In some embodiments, the malleable metal frame 4702 extends into protrusions 4712. The protrusions 4712 may be surrounded by the top layer 4706 and the bottom layer 4708. The protrusions 4712 may be formed into a position surrounding the liver to stabilize the x, y, and z position of the liver. By bending the protrusions 4712, the user may selectively support the liver in a manner that mimics the way it is supported in the human body. In some embodiments, some portions of the frame 4702 may be tapered and terminate in a rounded section, as shown in FIG. 16G. The tapering of these portions of the frame 4702 i) allows the protrusions 4712 to easily curl, reducing or even eliminating the possibility of creasing, and ii) reduces the weight of the support surface 4700. The rounded section may provide a surface that is easy for the user to hold. The tapered shape of this portion of frame 4702 may be specifically selected to round into a natural arc rather than fold or bend. Protrusions 4712 may be of any desired shape to encircle the liver. In use, the liver is placed on top layer 4706 of support surface 4700 and support surface 4700 may be depressed. Thus, protrusions 4712 may be formed into position to encircle the liver.

[0155] b) Liver stabilization In some embodiments, stabilization of the liver during transport can be performed by one or more systems designed to support and hold it in place without putting unnecessary pressure on the liver and causing damage. For example, in some embodiments, system 600 can use a soft stabilizing liver pad (e.g., 4500) to support the liver in conjunction with a wrap / tarpaulin (e.g., 4600). In some embodiments, the stabilizing system can allow some movement of the liver within certain limits (e.g., the system can allow up to 2 inches of movement of the liver in any direction). In some embodiments, the surface on which the liver rests can have a low friction surface that helps reduce damage to the liver. The side of the pad that contacts the support surface 2810 can have a high friction surface that helps hold the pad in place.

[0156] The pad can be designed to form a cradle that selectively and controllably supports the liver 101 without applying undue pressure to the liver 101, that is, placing the liver 101 on it without using any other than the support surface 2810 may physically damage the portion of the liver it comes into contact with during shipping. For example, the pad can be formed from a material that is sufficiently resilient to cushion the liver from mechanical vibrations and shocks during shipping.

[0157] An exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing liver pad and wrap is shown in FIGS. 16A-16E as pad 4500 and in FIG. 16D as wrap 4600. Pad 4500 can include two layers, a top layer 4502 and a bottom layer 4504. In some embodiments, top layer 4502 can be made from polyethylene foam and bottom layer 4504 can be made from porous silicone foam. In this embodiment, top layer 4502 can be 6 mm thick and bottom layer 4504 can be 3 / 16 inch thick, although other thicknesses and materials can be used. Top layer 4502 and bottom layer 4504 can be bonded together using an adhesive such as MOMENTIVE silicone RTV 118 silicone. The shape of pad 4500 can be optimized for the liver (e.g., as shown in FIG. 16A). For example, the shape of pad 4500 can include curved corners and one or more fingers (e.g., 4506, 4508, 4510, 4512, 4514, and 4516). Pad 4500 can also include one or more holes 4520 through which pad 4500 is secured to support surface 2810, for example, with rivets and / or screws. In some embodiments, pad 4500 measures approximately 16 by 12 inches, although other sizes are possible.

[0158] A deformable metal substrate 4518 can be sandwiched between the top layer 4502 and the bottom layer 4504. The deformable substrate 4518 can be made of a strong but flexible material such as metal, although other materials can be used. In some embodiments, the deformable substrate 4518 is 0.04 inch thick aluminum 1100-0. The substrate 4518 can be configured to be easily handled by a user, but not displaced by vibration or impact of the liver. The deformable substrate 4518 can include fingers 4522, 4524, 4526, 4528, 4530, 4532 corresponding to fingers 4506, 4508, 4510, 4512, 4514, 4516, respectively. By bending the various fingers of the pad 4500, a user can selectively support the liver in a manner that mimics the manner in which it is supported within the human body. An exemplary embodiment of the pad 4500 with the fingers in a curled position is shown in FIG. 16D. In some embodiments, each finger of the deformable substrate 4518 may be tapered (e.g., as shown by 4534) and terminate in a circular shape. The tapered shape of these portions of the substrate 4518 i) allows the fingers to easily curl, reducing or even eliminating the possibility of creasing when bent, and ii) reduces the weight of the pad 4700. This circular section may provide an easy to hold surface for a user. The tapered shape of these portions of the fingers may be specifically selected to allow the pad fingers to curl and form a natural arc rather than break or bend.

[0159] 16F-16J, in an alternative embodiment, the stabilizer can include three layers. Top layer 4708 and bottom layer 4504 can be made from porous silicone foam. Each foam layer is 3 / 16 inch, although other thicknesses and materials can be used. The inner layer is a frame 4702, a deformable metal substrate in a narrow frame shape. Frame 4702 can be made from a strong but flexible material, although other materials can be used. In some embodiments, frame 4702 is 0.04 inch thick aluminum 1100-0. Frame 4702 can be configured to be easily handled by the user, but not displaced by vibration or impact of the liver.

[0160] The top layer 4706 and bottom layer 4708 can be bonded together using an adhesive such as MOMENTIVE silicone RTV 118 silicone. The top and bottom layers 4706, 4708 can cover the inner extent of the frame 4702 to form a flexible support surface 4700 on which the liver can be placed for transport. The shape of the support surface 4700 can be optimized for the liver. For example, the shape of the support surface 4700 can include curved corners and one or more protrusions 4712 to inhibit movement of the liver during transport. In some embodiments, a wrap 4600 can be placed over the liver to hold it in place during transport and retain moisture within the liver. For example, as shown in FIG. 16D, the wrap 4600 can be attached to a pad on one side (e.g., the right side of FIG. 16D) with the remainder of the wrap draped over the liver. In other embodiments, the wrap can be secured at multiple edges or all edges. The wrap 4600 can be used with a flexible support surface 4700. In some embodiments, the wrap 4600 can perform one or more functions, such as immobilizing the liver during transplant, helping to maintain sterility, and retaining moisture within the liver by acting as a vapor barrier. The wrap can be made of polyethylene sheeting and can be translucent or transparent to facilitate visual inspection of the liver. The wrap 4600 can vary in size. For example, it can be between 0.5 and 24 inches long and between 0.5 and 24 inches wide.

[0161] 2. Overview of the perfusion circuit As mentioned above, the liver has two blood supply sources, the hepatic artery and the portal vein, which supply approximately 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the blood to the liver, respectively. Typically, when comparing the blood supply by the hepatic artery and the portal vein, the hepatic artery supplies blood at high pressure but low flow rate, while the portal vein supplies blood at low pressure but high flow rate. Furthermore, typically, the hepatic artery supplies pulsatile flow to the liver, while the portal vein does not.

[0162] The system 600 can be configured to use a single pump to deliver perfusion solution to the liver in a manner that simulates the human body (e.g., appropriate pressure, volume, and pulsatile flow). For example, in normal flow mode, the system 600 can circulate perfusion solution to the liver in the same manner that blood circulates in the human body. More specifically, perfusion solution enters the liver via the hepatic artery and portal vein and leaves the liver via the IVC. In normal flow mode, the system 100 pumps perfusion solution to the liver 102 at a rate close to physiological rates of about 1 L / min to about 3 L / min, which in some embodiments may be in the range of 1.1-1.75 L / min (although the system may be configured to provide flow rates outside of this range, e.g., 0-10 L / min). Each of the numbers above is the total flow rate per minute provided to the hepatic artery and portal vein.

[0163] 17, an exemplary embodiment of a perfusion set 100 is illustrated. The perfusion set 100 can include a reservoir 160, a one-way valve 191, a pump 106, a one-way valve 310, a compliant chamber 184, 186, a gas exchanger 114, a heater 110, flow meters 136, 138a, 138b, a divider 105, a flow clamp 190, pressure sensors 130a, 130b, an organ chamber 104, a sensor 140, a defoamer / filter 161, and tubing / interfaces connecting them. The liver can also be connected to a bag 187 that collects bile resulting therefrom. In some embodiments, the perfusion set 100 is entirely contained within the single-use module 634, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the inferior vena cava (IVC) is cannulated and flow from the IVC can be directed to a conduit that can measure IVC pressure, flow, and oxygen saturation, hi other embodiments, the IVC is cannulated and perfusate flows freely from the IVC into the organ chamber 104 (and eventually into one or more drains of the organ chamber 104).

[0164] In one embodiment, perfusion fluid flows from reservoir 160 to valve 191 and then to pump 106. After pump 106, perfusion fluid can flow to one-way valve 310 and to compliance chamber 184. After compliance chamber 184, perfusion fluid can flow to gas exchanger 114 and then to heater 110. After heater 110, perfusion fluid flows to flow meter 136 configured to measure the flow rate in that portion of the perfusion circuit. After flow meter 136, perfusion fluid flows to divider 105, which divides the flow of perfusion fluid into branches 313 and 315. In some embodiments, divider 105 divides the flow between the hepatic artery and portal vein in a ratio between 1:2 and 1:3. Branch 313 eventually connects to the portal vein of the liver, and branch 315 eventually connects to the hepatic artery of the liver. Branch 313 may include a flow meter 138a and a compliant chamber 186 that provides perfusate to a flow clamp 190. From the flow clamp 190, the perfusate may flow to a pressure sensor 130a before flowing to the portal vein of the liver. Branch 315 may include a flow meter 138b that provides perfusate to a pressure meter 130b before the perfusate is provided to the hepatic artery of the liver. As the perfusate leaves the liver, a portion of the perfusate is collected by a measurement drain 2804 and the remainder is collected by a main drain 2806. The perfusate collected by the measurement drain 2804 may be provided to the sensor 140. The perfusate leaving the sensor 140 may be provided to a defoamer / filter 161. The perfusate collected by the drain 2806 may be provided directly to the defoamer / filter 161. The perfusate leaving the defoamer / filter 161 may be provided to a reservoir 160. Additionally, bile produced by the liver can be collected in bag 187.

[0165] In some embodiments, the system 100 has at least 1.6 L of irrigation fluid (or other fluid) therein during operation.

[0166] 3. Reservoir The single-use module 634 can include a perfusion reservoir 160 mounted beneath the organ chamber 104. The reservoir 160 can be configured to store and filter the perfusion fluid 108 as it circulates through the perfusion set 100. The reservoir 160 can include one or more one-way valves (not shown) to prevent wrong-way flow of the perfusion fluid. In some embodiments, the reservoir 160 includes a minimum volume of 2 L, although smaller volumes can be used. In some embodiments, the reservoir 160 can include a filter (shown separately in FIG. 17 as defoamer / filter 161) designed to trap particles within the perfusion fluid 108. In some embodiments, the filter can be configured to trap particles larger than 20 microns within the perfusion fluid 108. In some embodiments, the reservoir 160 includes a defoamer (shown separately in FIG. 17 as defoamer / filter 161) to reduce and / or remove bubbles generated from the perfusion fluid 108. In some embodiments, the reservoir 160 can be made of a transparent material and include water level markings to allow a user to estimate the amount of perfusate in the reservoir 160. In some embodiments, the reservoir 160 can be configured to allow a minimum of 4.5 L / min of fluid ingress from the organ chamber 104, although other flow rates are possible. In some embodiments, the reservoir 160 includes a vent to atmosphere that includes a sterile barrier (not shown).

[0167] Reservoir 160 can be placed in a variety of locations within system 600. For example, reservoir 160 can be placed above the liver, completely below the liver, partially below the liver, next to the liver, etc. Thus, one potential advantage of some of the embodiments described herein is that the reservoir can be located below the liver since a gravity-induced pressure head of perfusate is not required.

[0168] 4. Valves In some embodiments, valves 191 and 310 are one-way valves configured to ensure that perfusion fluid in system 100 flows in the correct direction through system 100. Exemplary embodiments of valves 191 and 310 are described above in connection with pump 106.

[0169] 5. Perfusion fluid pump Exemplary embodiments of pump 106 are described in more detail above in connection with Figures 6A-6E. As described above, in some embodiments, the pump is split between a multi-use module 650 and a single-use module 634. For example, the single-use module 634 can include a pump interface assembly, while the multi-use module 650 includes a pump driver portion. 6. Compliance chamber

[0170] While the pump 106 provides a generally pulsatile output, the flow characteristics are typically adapted to match the flow typically provided to the liver from the human body. For example, when the liver is in vivo, the portal vein typically provides a pulsatile flow of blood to the liver. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more compliant chambers can be used to provide a non-pulsatile flow of perfusate to the liver portal vein, thereby mitigating the pulsatile flow generated by the pump 106. In some embodiments, these compliant chambers are essentially small in-line fluid accumulators with soft, elastic walls to simulate the vascular compliance of the human body. The compliant chambers can assist the system 600 in more accurately mimicking the blood flow of the human body, for example, by filtering / reducing fluid pressure spikes due to the flow profile from the pump 106. In the embodiment of the system 600 described herein, two compliant chambers 184 and 186 are used. Various characteristics of these compliant chambers can be varied to achieve desired results. For example, a combination of i) the pressure vs. volume relationship and ii) the overall volume of the compliant chamber can affect the performance of the compliant chamber. Advantageously, the characteristics of each compliant chamber can be selected to achieve a desired result.

[0171] In some embodiments, the compliant chamber 184 is located between the valve 310 and the gas exchanger 114 and operates to partially smooth the pulsatile output of the pump 106. For example, the compliant chamber 184 can be configured such that the perfusate flow ultimately provided to the hepatic artery of the liver mimics that of the human body. In some embodiments, if the output of the pump 106 results in a flow of perfusate to the hepatic artery that closely mimics that of the human body's hepatic artery, the compliant chamber 184 can be omitted.

[0172] In some embodiments, the compliance chamber 184 is disposed between the divider 105 and the flow clamp 190. The compliance chamber 184 can operate to substantially reduce or even eliminate the pulsatile nature of the perfusate flow that is ultimately provided to the portal vein. Additionally, while the compliance chamber 184 is disposed before the flow clamp 190 in the branch 313, this is not a requirement. For example, the flow clamp 190 can be disposed before the compliance chamber 186. However, in this embodiment, it may be desirable to adjust parameters of the compliance chamber 186.

[0173] 7. Gas exchanger The system 600 may also include a gas exchanger 114 (also referred to as an oxygenator) configured to, for example, remove CO2 and add O2 from the perfusate. The gas exchanger 114 may receive input gas from an external or on-board source 172 (e.g., a gas supply 172 or an oxygen concentrator) through a gas regulator and / or gas flow chamber, which may be a pulse width modulated solenoid valve that controls the gas flow or other gas control device that allows precise control of the gas flow rate. In some embodiments, the gas exchanger 114 may be a standard membrane ventilator, such as a NOVALUNG Interventional Lung Assist Membrane Oxygenator or a Maquette Company of Jersey's Quadrox series of products. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas includes a mixture of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. An exemplary mixture of gases contains 80% O2, 0.1% CO2, and the remainder N2, with a mixing process accuracy of 0.030%. In some embodiments, the operation of the gas exchanger, regulator, and / or gas flow chamber can be controlled by the controller 150 using the output of the sensor 140 .

[0174] In some embodiments, the oxygenator 141 can provide an oxygen transfer rate of 27.5 mLpm / LPM at a blood flow of 500 mLpm at standard conditions. The oxygenator 141 can also provide a carbon dioxide transfer rate of 20 mLpm at a blood flow of 500 mLpm at standard conditions, e.g., standard conditions are: gas = 100% O2, blood temperature = 37.0 ± 0.5°C, hemoglobin = 12 ± 1 mg%, SvO2 = 65 ± 5%, pCO2 = 45 ± 5 mmHg, and a gas to blood ratio of 1:1). The vapor values ​​are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. Higher and / or lower transfer rates than those listed above may also be used.

[0175] 8. Heater / cooler The perfusion set 100 may include one or more heaters configured to maintain the temperature of the perfusate 108 at a desired level. By heating the perfusate and passing the heated liquid through the liver, the liver itself may be heated. The heater may heat the perfusate to a wide range of temperatures (e.g., 0-50° C.), but typically the heater heats the perfusate to a temperature of 30-37° C. In some embodiments, the heater may be configured to heat the perfusate to 34-37° C., 35-37° C., or any range within 0-50° C. In some embodiments, the ranges described herein may be extended to 42° C.

[0176] 18A-18G, an exemplary embodiment of a heater assembly 110 is illustrated. FIGS. 18A-18F show various views of the irrigation fluid heater assembly 110. The heater assembly 110 can include a housing 234 with an inlet 110a and an outlet 110b. As shown in both the longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional views, the heater assembly 110 can include a flow passage 240 extending between the inlet 110a and the outlet 110b. The heater assembly 110 can be conceptualized as having upper 236 and lower 238 symmetrical halves. Thus, only the upper half is shown in the exploded view of FIG. 18F.

[0177] A flow path 240 can be formed between a first 242 and a second 244 flow path plate. An inlet 110a can allow perfusion fluid to flow into the flow path 240, and an outlet 110b can allow perfusion fluid to exit the heater 110. The first 242 and second 244 flow path plates can have a substantially bio-inert perfusion fluid 108 contacting surface that provides direct contact with the perfusion fluid flowing through the channel 240. The fluid contacting surface can be formed by treating or coating the plate, or can be the plate surface itself. The heater assembly 110 can include first and second electric heaters 246 and 248, respectively. The first heater 246 can be positioned adjacent to the first heater plate 250 and can couple heat to the plate. The first heater plate 250 can then couple heat to the first flow path plate 242. Similarly, the second heater 248 can be positioned adjacent to the second heater plate 252 and can couple heat to the plate. The second heater plate 252 can couple heat to the second flow path plate 244. In an exemplary embodiment, the first 250 and second 252 heater plates can be formed from a material that conducts and distributes heat relatively evenly from the first 246 and second 248 electric heaters, respectively, such as aluminum. The even heat distribution by the heater plates 250 and 252 allows the flow path plates to be formed from a bio-inert material, such as titanium, mitigating concerns regarding their heat distribution properties. The heater assembly 110 can further include O-rings 254 and 256 for fluidly sealing the flow path plates 242 and 244, respectively, to the housing 234 to form the flow path 240. In some embodiments, the functions of the heater plate and the flow path plate are combined into a single plate.

[0178] The heater assembly 110 may further include first assembly brackets 258 and 260. The assembly bracket 258 may be attached to the top side 236 of the heater assembly 110 and around the periphery of the electric heater 246, thereby sandwiching the heater 246, the heater plate 250, and the flow path plate 242 between the assembly bracket 258 and the housing 234. Bolts 262a-262j may fit into corresponding through holes in the bracket 258, the electric heater 246, the heater plate 250, and the flow path plate 242, and may be threaded into corresponding nuts 264a-264j to secure all of these components to the housing 234. The assembly bracket 260 may be attached to the bottom side 238 of the heater assembly 110 in a manner similar to that which secures the heater 248, the heater plate 252, and the flow path plate 244 to the housing 234. A resilient pad 268 may fit within the periphery of the bracket 258. Similarly, resilient pad 270 can fit within the periphery of bracket 268. Bracket 272 can fit over pad 268. Bolts 278a-278f fit within holes 276a-276f, respectively, in bracket 272 and threadably engage nuts 280a-280f to compress resilient pad 268 toward heater 246 to provide more efficient heat transfer to heater plate 250. Resilient pad 270 can be compressed toward heater 248 in a similar manner by bracket 274.

[0179] The illustrated heater assembly 110 may include temperature sensors 120 and 122 as well as dual sensors 124. The dual sensors 124 may in effect include dual thermistors providing fault tolerance and may measure the temperature of the perfusate 108 exiting the heater assembly 110 and provide these temperatures to the controller 150. As will be described in more detail with respect to the heating subsystem 149, signals from the sensors 120, 122 and 124 may be used in a feedback loop to control the drive signals to the first 246 and / or second 248 heaters, thereby controlling the temperature of the heaters 256 and 248. Additionally, to ensure that the heater plates 250 and 252, and thus the blood contacting surfaces 242 and 244 of the heater plates 250 and 252, do not reach temperatures that may damage the perfusate, the illustrated heater assembly 110 may further include temperature sensors / leads 120 and 122 that monitor the temperatures of the heaters 246 and 248, respectively, and provide these temperatures to the controller 150. In practice, the sensors attached to the sensors / leads 120 and 122 can be RTD (resistance temperature device) based. The signals from the sensors attached to the sensors / leads 120 and 122 can be used in a feedback loop to further control the drive signals to the first 246 and / or second 248 heaters to limit the maximum temperature of the heater plates 250 and 252. As a fault protection, a sensor can be provided for each of the heaters 246 and 248 so that if one fails, the system can operate at the temperature at the other sensor.

[0180] The heaters 246 of the heater assembly 110 can receive drive signals 281a and 283b (collectively 283) on corresponding drive leads 282b from the controller 150. Similarly, the heaters 248 receive drive signals 283a and 283b (collectively 283) on drive leads 282b from the controller 150. The drive signals 281 and 283 control the current to each heater 246 and 248, and thus the heat generated by each heater 246 and 248. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 18G, the drive lead 282a includes a high pair and a low pair that connect to a resistive element 286 of the heater 246. The more current provided through the resistive element 286, the hotter the resistive element 286 becomes. The heater 248 operates in the same manner with respect to the drive lead 282b. In the illustrated embodiment, the element 286 has a resistance of about 5 ohms. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the element may have a resistance between about 3 ohms and about 10 ohms. Heaters 246 and 248 may be individually controlled by processor 150.

[0181] The heater assembly 110 containing the components can be formed from molded plastic, such as polycarbonate, and can weigh less than about 1 pound. More specifically, the housing 234 and brackets 258, 260, 272, and 274 can all be formed from molded plastic, such as polycarbonate. As another feature, the heater assembly can be a single-use disposable assembly.

[0182] In operation, the illustrated heater assembly 110 can utilize between about 1 Watt and about 200 Watts of power and can be sized and configured to transfer the perfusion fluid 108 through the flow path 240 at a flow rate of between about 300 ml / min and about 5 L / min, at a temperature of less than about 30° C. to at least about 37° C., in less than about 30 minutes, less than about 25 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, or even less than about 10 minutes, without causing hemolysis of cells, denaturing proteins, or damaging any of the blood product portions of the perfusion fluid.

[0183] The heater assembly 110 can include housing components such as the housing 234 and brackets 258, 260, 272, and 274 that are formed from polycarbonate and weigh less than about 5 pounds. In some embodiments, the heater assembly can weigh less than 4 pounds. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater assembly 110 can have a length 288 of about 6.6 inches, not including the inlet 110a and outlet 110b, and a width 290 of about 2.7 inches. The heater assembly 110 can have a height 292 of about 2.6 inches. The flow path 240 of the heater assembly 110 can have a nominal width 296 of about 1.5 inches, a nominal length 294 of about 3.5 inches, and a nominal height 298 of about 0.070 inches. The height 298 and width 296 can be selected to uniformly heat the irrigation fluid 108 as it passes through the flow path 240. The height 298 and width 296 are also selected such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 240 is approximately equal to the interior cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid conduits that carry the perfusion fluid 108 into and / or out of the heater assembly 110. In one embodiment, the height 298 and width 296 are selected such that the cross-sectional area within the flow path 240 is approximately equal to the interior cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet fluid conduit 792 and / or substantially equal to the interior cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet fluid conduit 794.

[0184] Protrusions 257 a - 257 d and 259 a - 259 d may be included on the heater assembly 110 and may be used to receive a heat-activated adhesive for coupling the heater assembly to the multi-use unit 650 .

[0185] In addition to the heater 110, the system 100 can include an additional heater (not shown) disposed in the organ chamber 110 to provide heat (eg, a resistive heater). 9. Pressure / Flow Probes

[0186] In some embodiments, the system 600 may include pressure sensors 130a, 130b and flow sensors 138a, 138b. The probes and / or sensors may be standard commercially available. For example, the flow sensors 136, 138a, and 138b may be ultrasonic flow sensors, such as those available from Transonic Systems, Inc., Ithaca, NY. The hydraulic pressure probes 130a, 130b may be conventional strain gauge pressure sensors, such as those available from MSI or GEThermometrics. Alternatively, a pre-calibrated pressure transducer chip may be embedded within the organ chamber connector and connected to the controller 150. In some embodiments, the sensors may be configured to measure average, instantaneous, and / or peak flow and / or pressure values. In embodiments where an average value is calculated, the system may be configured to calculate this average using a moving average sample value. The sensors may be further configured to provide systolic and diastolic measurements. Although these are separate devices in FIG. 17, in some embodiments, a single device may measure pressure and flow. In some embodiments, the sensors can be configured to measure pressures in the range of 0-225 mmHg with an accuracy of ±(7% + 10 mmHg) for each transducer. In some embodiments, the flow sensors can be configured to measure flows in the range of 0-10 L / min with an accuracy of ±12% + 0.140 L / min. In some embodiments, the pressure and flow sensors can be configured to sample pressure / flow in the cannula tip, in the vessel, or in the tubing prior to the cannula.

[0187] Although a single sensor 130b and a single sensor 130a are provided, the sensors may include more than one pressure sensor. For example, in some embodiments, sensor 130a may include two pressure sensors for redundancy. In some embodiments, when both sensors are operational, controller 150 may average the outputs of both to calculate the actual pressure. In some embodiments, when one of the two pressure sensors in sensor 130a fails, the controller may ignore the malfunctioning sensor.

[0188] As will be described in more detail with respect to Figures 23A-23K, these pressure sensors can be incorporated into the housing 3010 of the connector 3000 (and similarly in the connector 3050).

[0189] 10. Flow Control The system 600 can be configured to provide a perfusate flow rate at the flow sensor 136 (e.g., before the divider 105) that varies in the range of 0-10 L / min. In some embodiments, the system can be configured to provide a flow rate of 0.6-4 L / min at the flow sensor 136, or more specifically, a flow rate of 1.1-1.75 L / min at the flow sensor 136. These ranges are for illustrative purposes only, and the flow rate at the sensor 136 can be any range within 0-10 L / min. The system 600 can be configured to provide a perfusate flow rate to the hepatic artery of the liver (e.g., as measured by the flow sensor 130b) that varies in the range of 0-10 L / min, or more specifically, in the range of 0.25-1 L / min. These ranges are for illustrative purposes only, and the flow rate at the hepatic artery can be any range within 0-10 L / min. The system 600 can be configured to provide a perfusate flow rate to the liver portal vein (e.g., as measured by flow sensor 130a) that varies in the range of 0-10 L / min, and more specifically, in the range of 0.75-2 L / min. These ranges are for illustrative purposes only, and the flow rate in the portal vein can be anywhere in the range of 0-10 L / min.

[0190] In some embodiments, system 600 can generate a perfusion fluid flow through the perfusion module at a rate of 0.3-3.5 L / min with at least 1.8 liters contained therein. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to the hepatic artery via branch 315 is in the range of 25-150 mmHg, more specifically in the range of 50-120 mmHg, and the pressure applied to the portal vein via branch 313 is in the range of 1-25 mmHg, more specifically in the range of 5-15 mmHg. These ranges are for illustrative purposes only, and each pressure can be anywhere in the range of 5-150 mmHg.

[0191] 11. Irrigation fluid sensor The sensor 140 can sense one or more properties of the perfusate flowing from the liver by measuring the amount of light absorbed or reflected by the perfusate when applied at multiple wavelengths. For example, the sensor 140 can be an O2 saturation, hematocrit, and / or temperature sensor. FIGS. 19A-19C show an exemplary embodiment of the sensor 140. The sensor 140 can include an in-line cuvette-type portion of tubing 812 connected to the conduit 798, which can have at least one optically transparent window through which the infrared sensor can provide infrared light. An exemplary embodiment of the sensor 140 can be the BLOP4 and / or BLOP4 Plus probes available from DATAMED SRL. The cuvette 812 can be a one-piece molded member having connectors 801a and 801b. The connectors 801a and 801b can be configured to abut the receptacles 803a and 803b that connect to the conduit ends 798a and 798b, respectively. Such interconnections between the cuvette 812 and the conduit ends 798a and 798b can be configured to provide a substantially constant cross-sectional flow area inside the conduit 798 and cuvette 812. This configuration thus reduces, and in some embodiments substantially eliminates, discontinuities at the interfaces 814a and 814b between the cuvette 812 and the conduit 798. The reduction / elimination of discontinuities allows the blood-based perfusate 108 to flow through the cuvette with less lysis of red blood cells and less turbulence, resulting in more accurate readings of the perfusate oxygen level. This also reduces damage to the perfusate 108 by the system 600, ultimately reducing damage to the transplanted organ.

[0192] The cuvette 812 can be made of any suitable optically transparent material, such as optically transparent glass or polymer. As shown in FIG. 19A, the sensor 140 can further include an optical transceiver 816 for directing light waves at the perfusate 108 passing through the cuvette 812 and measuring the optical transmission and / or optical reflectance to determine the amount of oxygen in the perfusate 108. In some embodiments, the optical transceiver is disposed on one side of the cuvette 812 and a detector for measuring the optical transmission through the perfusate 108 is disposed on the opposite side of the cuvette 812. FIG. 19C shows a top cross-sectional view of the cuvette 812 and the transceiver 816. The transceiver 816 can fit around the cuvette 812 such that inner flat surfaces 811 and 813 of the transceiver 816 mate against the flat surfaces 821 and 823 of the cuvette, respectively, while an inner convex surface 815 of the transceiver 816 mates with a convex surface 819 of the cuvette 812. In operation, as ultraviolet light passes through the transceiver 816, it travels from the flat surface 811 through the perfusate 108 in the cuvette 812 and is received by the flat surface 813. This flat surface 813 can be configured with a detector that measures the light transmission through the perfusate 108.

[0193] In some embodiments, sensor 140 may be configured to measure SvO2 in the range of 0-99%, although in some embodiments this may be limited to 50-99%. If sensor 140 also measures hematocrit, the measurement range is 0-99%, although in some embodiments this may be limited to 15-50%. In some embodiments, the accuracy of these measurements by sensor 140 may be ±5 units, and measurements may be taken at least every 10 seconds. In embodiments in which sensor 140 also measures temperature, the measurement range may be 0-50°C.

[0194] In some embodiments, system 600 can include one or more lactate sensors (not shown) configured to measure lactate in the perfusate. For example, a lactate sensor can be located between measurement drain 2804 and defoamer / filter 161 in branch 315 and / or branch 313. In this configuration, system 600 can be configured to measure lactate levels in the perfusate before and / or after it has been processed by the liver. In some embodiments, the lactate sensor can be an in-line lactate analyzer probe. In some embodiments, the lactate sensor can be located external to system 600 and can use a sample of the perfusate removed from a sampling port.

[0195] In some embodiments, the system 600 can further include one or more sensors (e.g., sensor 140 and / or other sensors such as disposable blood gas analysis probes) that measure pH, HCO3, pO2, pCO2, glucose, sodium, potassium, and / or lactate. Exemplary sensors that can be used to measure the above values ​​include commercially available probes from Sphere Medical, Cambridge, UK. As mentioned above, the sensor can be coupled to a measurement drain 2804. Alternatively, a length of tubing can be used to route the perfusate to and from the sensor. Some embodiments of the sensor use a calibration fluid before and / or after making a measurement. In embodiments using such a sensor, the system can include a valve that can be used to control the flow of the calibration fluid to the sensor. In some embodiments, the valve can be manually actuated and / or automatically actuated by the controller 150. In some embodiments, no calibration fluid is used, thereby allowing continuous sampling of the perfusate.

[0196] In addition to using the above-mentioned sensors in a feedback loop to control the system 600, some or all of these sensors may be used to determine the viability of the liver for transplantation.

[0197] In some embodiments, an external blood analyzer sensor may be used. In these embodiments, blood samples may be taken from ports in the branches 313, 315, which are described in more detail below. These blood samples may be subjected to analysis using standard hospital equipment (e.g., a radiometer) or via point-of-care blood gas analysis (e.g., I-STAT1 available from Abbott Laboratories or Epoc available from Alere).

[0198] 12. Sampling / injection ports System 600 can include one or more ports that can be used to sample the perfusate and / or inject fluid into the perfusate. In some embodiments, the ports can be configured for use in conjunction with a standard syringe and / or can be configured with a controllable valve. In some embodiments, the ports can be Luer ports. Essentially, system 100 can include an injection / sampling port anywhere internally, the following examples are not limiting.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 17, ports 4301, 4302, 4303, 4304, 4305, 4306, 4307, and 4308 can be included. Port 4301 can be used to provide bolus and / or flush (e.g., post-storage flush) to the hepatic artery. Port 4302 can be used to provide bolus and / or flush (e.g., post-storage flush) to the portal vein. Ports 4303, 4304, and 4305 can be coupled to respective channels of a solution pump 631 to provide infusion fluid to the portal vein (in the case of 4301 and 4304) and the hepatic artery (in the case of 4305). Ports 4306 and 4307 can be used to obtain samples of perfusate entering the hepatic artery and portal vein, respectively. Port 4308 can be used to sample the perfusate of the IVC (or hepatic vein, depending on the method of liver removal). In some embodiments, each port can include a valve that is operated by the user to allow fluid flow from these ports.

[0200] 17 is for illustrative purposes only and more or fewer ports can be used. Additionally, ports can be located between the pump 106 or the divider 105, between the organ chamber and the bile bag 187, within the bile bag 187, between the main drain 2806 and the defoamer / filter 161.

[0201] The single-use module 634 may further include tubing 774 for loading the reservoir 160 with priming solution and blood products from a donor or blood bank. The priming tube 774 may feed directly into the reservoir 160 and / or the priming tube may be positioned such that its end drains directly above a drain 2806 in the organ chamber 104. The single-use module 634 may also include non-venting caps to replace venting caps on selected fluid ports, for example, for use during flow of sterilizing gas within the single-use module 634.

[0202] In some embodiments, the system 100 can include vents and / or air purge ports for removing air from the hepatic artery interface, the portal vein interface, and other locations in the system 100 .

[0203] In some embodiments, an additional injection port may be included for the user to introduce contrast agents into the perfusion fluid to enhance imaging of the liver, for example, an ultrasound contrast agent may be injected to perform a contrast ultrasound examination.

[0204] 13. Organ Support Although perfusate can naturally drain from the liver as a result of applying pressure to the hepatic artery and portal vein, system 600 can also include additional features that help the perfusate drain from the liver in a manner that mimics the human body. That is, in the human body, the diaphragm typically applies pressure to the liver as a person breathes. This pressure pushes blood out of the human liver. System 600 can include one or more systems designed to mimic the pressure applied to the liver by the diaphragm. Exemplary embodiments include contact and non-contact embodiments. In some embodiments, the amount of pressure applied to the liver can be less than the pressure in the portal vein and / or hepatic artery of the liver. A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of these organ assist systems is shown in FIG. 30.

[0205] One embodiment of a contactless pressure system is one that varies the air pressure in the organ chamber 104 to simulate the pressure exerted on the liver by the diaphragm. In this embodiment, the organ chamber 104 can be configured to provide a substantially airtight environment such that the air pressure in the organ chamber 104 can be maintained at a higher (or lower) pressure than the outside air. As the air pressure in the organ chamber 104 increases, it can exert a pressure on the liver that simulates the pressure exerted by the diaphragm, increasing the rate at which the liver pushes out perfusate. In some embodiments, the air pressure can be varied in a manner that mimics a human breathing rate (e.g., 12-15 breaths per minute) or at other frequencies (e.g., 0.5-50 breaths per minute). The air pressure in the organ chamber 104 can be varied by a variety of methods, including, for example, a dedicated air pump (not shown) and / or an on-board gas supply 172. In some embodiments, the air pressure in the organ chamber 104 can be controlled by the controller 150. In these embodiments, the controller can be connected to an air pressure sensor that measures the pressure within the organ chamber 104 for use as part of a feedback control loop.

[0206] One embodiment of a contact pressure system is one that uses a wrap and / or bladder to apply pressure to the liver. For example, a wrap can be placed over some or all of the liver in the organ chamber 104. The edges of the wrap can then be mechanically tightened to apply pressure to the portion of the liver covered by the wrap. In this example, the edges of the wrap can be tightened using one or more motors attached at various points around the perimeter of the wrap. Another example of a contact pressure system can use a removable bladder (not shown). In this embodiment, an inflatable bladder can be placed between the liver and the top surface (or other location) of the organ chamber 104. A pump can then be used to inflate / deflate the bladder. As the bladder inflates, it presses against the top surface (or other location) of the organ chamber 104, thereby applying pressure to the liver therein. As with the non-contact pressure system described above, the pressure applied to the liver can be cyclical to mimic the natural pressure applied by the diaphragm. In some embodiments, the pressure applied to the liver can be varied in a manner that mimics a human breathing rate (e.g., 12-15 breaths per minute) or at other frequencies (e.g., 0.5-50 breaths per minute). Whether pressure is applied to the liver using a wrap or a bladder, the pressure can be controlled by the controller 150. In some embodiments, one or more sensors that measure the pressure applied to the liver can be included in the organ chamber 104 as part of a feedback control loop. Alternative methods for applying contact pressure to the liver are possible.

[0207] 14. Cannulation In use, in one embodiment, a liver can be harvested from a donor and coupled to system 600 by cannulation. For example, interface 162 cannulate the hepatic artery vascular system via a conduit disposed within the organ chamber assembly. Interface 166 cannulate the portal vein vascular system via a conduit disposed within the organ chamber assembly. The liver releases perfusate via the inferior vena cava (IVC). In some embodiments, the IVC can be cannulated by interface 170 (not shown) to direct flow directly into a conduit within which IVC pressure, flow, and oxygen saturation can be measured. In another embodiment, the IVC can be cannulated by interface 170 to direct flow into the organ chamber. In yet another embodiment, the IVC is not cannulated, and the organ chamber provides a means to direct perfusate flow into a reservoir for efficient collection.

[0208] Each of the interfaces 162, 166, and 170 can be cannulated into the liver by pulling vascular tissue over the respective ends of the interfaces and then tying or fastening the tissue to the interfaces. The vascular tissue is preferably a short section of blood vessels that remain connected to the liver after the liver has been cut and explanted from the donor. In some embodiments, the short section of blood vessels is approximately 0.25-5 inches long, although other lengths are possible.

[0209] 21A-21D, an exemplary embodiment of a hepatic artery cannula 2600 is illustrated. The cannula 2600 is generally tubular and includes a first portion 2604 configured to be inserted into tubing used with the system 100 and including a first orifice 2612. The first portion 2604 may also include a ring 2602 that may be used to help secure the first portion 2604 within the tubing of the system 100 by friction. The cannula 2600 may also include a second portion 2608 that is smaller in diameter than the first portion 2604 and defines a second orifice 2614. The second portion 2608 may also include a channel 2610 recessed from a surface of the second portion 2608. In some embodiments, when a user ties the hepatic artery to the second portion 2608, the user may apply a suture to the channel 2610 to aid in securing the hepatic artery. A collar 2606 may be provided between the first portion and the second portion. The outer diameter of the collar can be slightly larger than the first portion 2604 to prevent the tubing of the system 100 from overlaying the second portion 2608 during insertion. Looking at the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 21D, the inner diameter of the cannula 2600 can vary with an internal taper 2616. The cannula 2600 can be made in a variety of sizes, lengths, inner diameters, and outer diameters. In some embodiments of the system 600, it may be advantageous to provide a significantly larger inner diameter in the first portion 2604 and a significantly smaller inner diameter in the second portion 2608 to offset pressure and flow changes through the cannula 2600.

[0210] 21H-21KD, in an alternative embodiment, a cannula 2600 includes a beveled end 2618.

[0211] The outer diameter of the first portion 2604 can be configured to be press fit inside of silicone or polyethylene tubing. Thus, the outer diameter of the first portion 2604 can vary, with an exemplary range of possible diameters being 0.280-0.380 inches. The outer diameter of the second portion 2608 can range from 4-50 Fr, more specifically 12-20 Fr. Additionally, the cannula 2600 can be manufactured from a variety of biocompatible materials, such as stainless steel, titanium, and / or plastic (the dimensions of the cannula 2600 can be adapted to be manufactured using different materials).

[0212] Additionally, 10-20% of the population has a genetic mutation that includes an accessory hepatic artery in the liver. For these examples, the hepatic artery cannula described above may be a double-ended (e.g., Y-shaped) cannula. An exemplary embodiment of a Y-shaped hepatic artery cannula 2642 is shown in Figures 21E-21G, with similar numbers used to indicate corresponding features of cannula 2600. The bifurcated design of the hepatic artery cannula 2642 allows system 100 to treat both vessels as a single input for hepatic artery flow without requiring configuration changes to system 100 and / or controller 150.

[0213] In an alternative embodiment, if the liver contains an accessory hepatic artery, two hepatic artery cannulas can be attached to a piece of Y-tubing at one end and connected to the organ chamber at the other end.

[0214] 22A-22D, an exemplary embodiment of a portal vein cannula 2650 is illustrated. The cannula 2650 is generally tubular and includes a first portion 2654 configured to be inserted into tubing used with the system 100 and including a first orifice 2660. The first portion 2654 may also include a ring 2654 that may be used to help secure the first portion 2652 within the tubing of the system 100 by friction. The cannula 2650 may also include a second portion 2656 that is larger in diameter than the first portion 2654 and defines a second orifice 2662. The second portion 2656 may also include a channel 2658 recessed from a surface of the second portion 2656. In some embodiments, as the user ties the portal vein to the second portion 5626, the user may apply a suture to the channel 2658 to aid in securing the portal vein. 22D, the inner diameter of the cannula 2600 can vary with an internal taper 2664. The cannula 2650 can be formed in a variety of sizes, lengths, inner diameters, and outer diameters. In some embodiments of the system 600, it may be advantageous to provide a significantly larger inner diameter in the first portion 2654 and an even larger inner diameter in the second portion 2656 to offset pressure and flow changes through the cannula 2650.

[0215] 22E-22G, in an alternative embodiment, the cannula 2650 includes a beveled end 2666 between the first and second portions. The outer diameter of the collar can be slightly larger than the first portion 2654 to prevent the tubing of the system 100 from extending over the second portion 2656 during insertion. The cannula 2650 can include a beveled end 2668.

[0216] The outer diameter of the first portion 2654 can be configured to be press fit inside of silicone or polyethylene tubing. Thus, the outer diameter of the first portion 2654 can vary, with an exemplary range of possible diameters being 0.410-0.510 inches. The outer diameter of the second portion 2656 can range from 25-75 Fr, more specifically 40-48 Fr. Additionally, the cannula 2650 can be manufactured from a variety of biocompatible materials, such as stainless steel, titanium, and / or plastic (the dimensions of the cannula 2600 can be adapted to be manufactured using different materials).

[0217] 23A-23N, an exemplary hepatic artery connector 3000 is illustrated. The connector 3000 may be part of a branch duct 315 that leads to the hepatic artery of the liver. For example, the connector 3000 may be inserted into the organ chamber 104 and secured to a wall thereof. The connector 3000 may include a first portion 3006 that includes a circumferential channel 3007 and defines an opening 3008. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the first portion 3006 is sized to couple to ¼ inch tubing, although other diameters are possible. In some embodiments, the tubing coupled to the first portion 3006 may be friction coupled and / or a regular zip tie (or other similar fastener) may be tightened around the channel 3007 to secure the tubing connected thereto. The connector 3000 may also include a second portion 3002 that defines an opening 3003. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of second portion 3002 can be sized to couple to ¼ inch tubing using a press / friction fit, although other diameters are possible. In some embodiments, perfusion fluid flows from opening 3008 towards opening 3003.

[0218] The connector 3000 can include an interface configured to engage an opening in the wall of the organ chamber 104. For example, the connector 3000 can include a ridge 3003 sized to fit within a corresponding opening in the wall of the organ chamber 104. The backstop 3004 can be larger than the opening to prevent the connector from being inserted too deeply, and can provide a surface for applying an adhesive to adhere the connector 3000 to the organ chamber 104. In some embodiments, the ridge 3003 can include a protrusion 3011 configured to rotate and position the connector 3000 within the organ chamber 104. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusion 3011 and the corresponding opening in the organ chamber 104 can be configured to allow the connector 3000 to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the second portion 3003. In some embodiments, this rotation can be optimized to prevent the generation of air bubbles.

[0219] The connector 3010 may also include a housing 3010 configured to accommodate the pressure sensor 130b. In this embodiment, two pressure sensors constitute the pressure sensor 130b. In such an embodiment, the pressure sensors may be mounted in the opening 3009, which may provide direct access to the fluid in the connector 3000. Additionally, some embodiments of the connector 3000 may include a vent 3005, which may be connected to a valve that may be opened to bleed air bubbles trapped in the connector 3000. In operation, a user may attach one end of a tube to the second portion 3002 and connect the other end of the tube to the hepatic artery cannula 2600, which may be connected to the hepatic artery. In some embodiments, a user may place a liver in the organ chamber 104 and connect the cannula 2600 to one end of a length of tubing, which may be connected to the hepatic artery using a suture. Then, since livers vary in size, a user may then trim the tubing to an appropriate length and connect it to the second portion 3003.

[0220] 24A-23L, an exemplary portal vein connector 3050 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the portal vein module 3050 is configured and operates similarly to connector 3000, except that the first and second portions may be connected to 3 / 8 inch or ½ inch tubing rather than ¼ inch, although it may be configured to work with other sized tubing. Also, as the name suggests, the portal vein connector may be configured to couple a branch vessel 313 to the portal vein of the liver.

[0221] Although several dimensions are provided above, these dimensions are for illustrative purposes only, and each of the above components can be sized as needed to achieve the desired flow characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous to use a larger diameter cannula to avoid introducing undesirable pressure or flow changes. Additionally, during surgery, the cannula diameter can be selected by the surgeon such that the largest cannula that will physically fit within the vessel is used.

[0222] Note that some people consider the Fr scale to end at 34. Therefore, when an Fr size greater than 34 (or an Fr number that does not exist on the traditional Fr scale) is given, the size in millimeters can be determined by dividing the Fr number by 3.

[0223] 15. Flow Clamp 25A-25B, an exemplary embodiment of a flow clamp 190 is illustrated. The flow clamp 190 can be used to control the flow and / or pressure of perfusate to the portal vein of the liver. The flow clamp 190 can include a cover 4001, a knob 4002, a pivot 4003, a pin 4004, a screw 4005, a bearing 4006, a slide 4007, a stem 4008, and a body 4009. The slide 4007 can include a groove 4010 and a detent 4012 and can be configured to move up and down within the body 4009. In some embodiments, a tube carrying perfusate is disposed within the body 4009 under the slide 4007. FIGS. 25C-25D show a flow clamp 190 with a molding.

[0224] The flow clamp 190 can be configured to allow a user to quickly engage and release the clamp 190 while still being able to precisely control the amount of clamping force applied. In this embodiment, the cover 4001, knob 4002, pivot 4003, pin 4004, screw 4005, and bearing 4006 comprise a switch unit 4011. The pivot 4003 of the switch unit 4011 can rotate about a longitudinal axis formed by the axle 4008 (which can be comprised of two separate screws). In this manner, when the switch unit 4011 is engaged (e.g., the screw 4005 is vertical), as shown in FIG. 25A, the bearing 4006 forces the slide 4007 down within the body 4009 (which can then press against the tube carrying the irrigation fluid, if any, and restrict flow therethrough). How far down the slide is forced is a function of how much the screw 4005 is stretched relative to the pivot 4003. When the switch unit 4011 is released, it pivots laterally and the screw is not oriented vertically and does not restrict the movement of the slide 4007. As the switch unit 4011 pivots, the bearing can move along the groove 4010. In some embodiments, the switch unit 4011 can be "locked" in place when the bearing 4006 stops at the detent 4012. The user can adjust the flow restriction imposed by the flow clamp 190 when engaged by turning the knob 4002 to extend / retract the screw 4005. In some embodiments, the pitch of the screw can be 4-40 threads, although other pitches can be used to adjust the precision of the flow clamp 190.

[0225] 16. Priming In some embodiments, the perfusion fluid comprises a packed red blood cell concentrate, also referred to as "banked blood." Alternatively, the perfusion fluid comprises blood collected from the donor through a process of exsanguination during liver removal. Initially, this blood is stored in a reservoir 160, and the cannula locations in the organ chamber assembly are connected through a bypass conduit, also referred to as a "priming tube," allowing a normal flow mode of perfusion fluid through the system without passing through the liver. Prior to cannulation of the removed liver, the system may be primed by circulating exsanguinated donor blood through the system and heating, oxygenating, and / or filtering it. Nutrients, preservatives, and / or other therapeutic agents may also be provided during priming through an infusion pump in the nutrition subsystem. Various parameters may be initialized during priming through the operator interface and calibrated during priming. Once primed and operating properly, the pump flow can be reduced or taken off cycle, the bypass conduit removed from the organ chamber assembly, and the liver cannulated into the organ chamber assembly. Pump flow can then be restored or increased, as appropriate. This priming procedure is described in more detail below.

[0226] 17. IVC Cannulation In some embodiments, the inferior vena cava (IVC) can be cannulated, although this is not a requirement. In these embodiments, additional pressure and / or flow sensors can be used to measure the pressure and / or flow rate of the perfusate flowing from the liver. In some embodiments, the cannulated IVC can be directly coupled to the sensor 140 and / or reservoir. In other embodiments, the IVC can be cannulated to direct the drainage of the perfusate (e.g., directed free drainage). For example, the cannulated end of a short piece of tubing connected to the IVC can be secured in place with a clip, allowing the perfusate to drain directly above the measurement drain 2804. In other embodiments, the IVC is not cannulated and the perfusate can be allowed to drain freely therefrom. In yet another embodiment, the IVC can be partially tied off.

[0227] In embodiments where the IVC is cannulated and connected to tubing, it is preferable to keep the tubing as short as possible to achieve the desired results. Because physiological IVC pressure is low, even a small length of thin tubing can result in increased IVC pressure. In embodiments of system 600 that include pressure on the liver to promote drainage (e.g., pressurizing chamber 104 as described above), the liver may be able to tolerate a longer cannula / tubing.

[0228] 18. Bile duct cannulation In some embodiments of the system 600, the bile duct of the liver can be cannulated using commercially available and / or custom cannulas. For example, a 14 Fr bile duct cannula can be used. Additionally, a bile bag 187 is configured to collect bile produced by the liver. In some embodiments, the bag 187 is transparent so that a user can visually observe the color of the bile. In some embodiments, the bag 187 can collect up to 0.5 L of bile, although other amounts are possible. In some embodiments, the bag 187 can include graduations that indicate how much has been collected. Although the system 600 is described as including a soft shell (e.g., the bag 187) for collecting the bile, a hard shell container can also be used. Some embodiments of the system 600 can include sensors (e.g., capacitive, ultrasonic, and / or cumulative flow rate) to measure the amount of bile collected. This information can then be displayed to the user and / or sent to the cloud.

[0229] 19. Blood collection / filter Some embodiments of the system 600 that use whole blood from a donor can include a leukofilter (not shown). In these embodiments, the leukofilter can be used during priming of the system to filter blood received from the donor's body via blood collection lines connected to the donor's arteries and / or veins. In some embodiments, the leukofilter can be configured to filter at least 1500 mL of blood in 6 minutes or less (although other speeds are possible). In some embodiments, the leukofilter can filter 30% or more of the total leukofilter in up to 1500 mL of whole blood.

[0230] 20. Final cleaning management kit During surgery, it may sometimes be desirable to remove all of the perfusion solution from the liver vasculature without disconnecting the liver from the system 100. Thus, embodiments of the system 600 may be used with a final wash management kit. This kit may include a bag (or other container) for collecting a volume of fluid (e.g., wash solution and / or perfusion solution) so that when wash solution is administered to the liver (e.g., via ports 4301, 4302), the system 100 is not overwhelmed with this additional volume of fluid. Thus, in some embodiments, the system 100 may include a drain line (not shown) that may be used to drain fluid from the reservoir 160 and / or other parts of the system 100, so that the liver does not have to be disconnected from the system 100 before adding additional fluid. In some embodiments, the system may also be set up for a bypass operation in which the liver is temporarily isolated from the system 100 using one or more valves. For example, in this embodiment, a valve may be used before the valves 4301, 4302 to stop the flow of fluid in the system 100. An additional drain port may then be included between the drains 2804, 2806 and the valves. In this embodiment, a cleaning solution (or other solution) may be provided through ports 4301, 4302 and drained through the additional drain port without being circulated through the rest of the system 100. In some embodiments, the drain line may hold at least 3 L of liquid, although this is not a requirement.

[0231] D. Interface between Single Use and Multiple Use Modules As shown in FIG. 3G and described in more detail below, the multi-use module 650 can include a front end interface circuit board 636 that connects to a front end circuit board (shown at 637 in FIG. 13J) of the disposable module 634. As described in more detail below, power and drive signal connections between the multi-use module 650 and the disposable module 634 are made via corresponding electromechanical connectors 640 and 647 on the front end interface circuit board 636 and the front end circuit board 637, respectively. By way of example, the front end circuit board 637 can receive power for the disposable module 634 from the front end interface circuit board 636 via the electromechanical connectors 640 and 647. The front end circuit board 637 can also receive drive signals for various components (e.g., the heater assembly 110, the flow clamp 190, and the oxygenator 114) from the controller 150 via the front end interface circuit board 636 and the electromechanical connectors 640 and 647. The front end circuit board 637 and the front end interface circuit board 636 exchange control and data signals (e.g., between the controller 150 and the single use module 634) via optical connectors (shown at 648 in FIG. 20B ). As will be described in more detail below, the configuration of connectors used between the front end 637 and front end interface 636 circuit boards ensures that the critical power and data interconnections between the single use and multi-use modules 634 and 650, respectively, remain operational even during travel over rough terrain that may be encountered during organ transport.

[0232] Turning now to the installation of the single use module 634 on the multi-use module 650, FIG. 3H shows a detailed view of the bracket assembly 638 described above positioned on the multi-use module 650 to receive the single use module 634 and lock it in place. FIG. 3F shows a side perspective view of the single use module 634 mounted in the multi-use module 650 on the bracket assembly 638, and FIG. 3C shows a side view of the single use module 634 mounted in the multi-use module 650. The bracket assembly 638 includes two mounting brackets 642a and 642b that are mountable to the inner side of the rear panel of the housing 602 via mounting holes 644a-644d and 646a-646d, respectively. A cross bar 641 extends between and is rotatably attached to the mounting brackets 642a and 642b. Locking arms 643 and 645 are spaced apart from one another and extend radially from cross bar 641. Each locking arm 643 and 645 includes a downwardly extending locking protrusion 643a and 645b, respectively. Lever 639 is attached to cross bar 641 and extends radially upward from cross bar 641. Actuation of lever 639 in the direction of arrow 651 causes locking arms 643 and 645 to rotate toward rear surface 606b of housing 602. Actuation of lever 639 in the direction of arrow 653 causes locking arms 643 and 645 to rotate toward front surface of housing 602.

[0233] As described above with reference to Figure 6E, the perfusion pump interface assembly 300 includes four protruding heat stake points 321a-321d. During assembly, the protrusions 321a-321d are aligned with corresponding holes (e.g., 657a, 657d in Figure 13B) and heat staked through these holes to securely attach the outer side 304 of the pump interface assembly 300 to the C-bracket 656 of the temporary module chassis 635.

[0234] During installation, in the first step, the single-use module 634 is lowered into the multi-use module 650 while tilting the single-use module 634 forward (as shown in FIG. 3F). This process causes the protrusions 662 to slide into the slots 660. As shown in FIG. 6E, this further causes the flange 328 of the pump interface assembly 300 to be seated within the docking port 342 of the perfusion pump assembly 106, and the tapered protrusions 323a and 323b of the pump interface assembly 300 to be seated on the clockwise sides of the corresponding ones of the features 344a and 344b of the pump assembly bracket 346. In a second step, the single-use module 634 is rotated backwards until the locking arm cradle of the single-use module chassis 635 engages the prongs 643 and 645 of the spring-loaded locking arm 638, and the prongs 643 and 645 are rotated upwards until the locking prongs 643a and 645a clear the height of the locking arm cradle, at which point the spring rotates the locking arm 638 downwards so that the locking prongs 643a and 645a can releasably lock into the locking arm cradle of the disposable module chassis 635. This motion rotates the curved surface 668 of the single-use module prong 662 in FIG. 13B to engage the flat side 670 of the basin slot 660 in FIG. 20B. A lever 639 can be used to rotate the locking arm 638 upwards when releasing the single-use module 635.

[0235] 6E, this motion also rotates pump interface assembly 300 counterclockwise relative to pump assembly 106, sliding flange 328 into slot 332 of docking port 342 and simultaneously sliding tapered protrusions 323a and 323b under respective bracket features 344a and 344b. As tapered protrusions 323a and 323b slide under respective bracket features 344a and 344b, the inner surfaces of bracket features 344a and 344b engage the tapered outer surfaces of tapered protrusions 323a and 323b, drawing inner side 306 of pump interface assembly 300 toward pump driver 334, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between pump interface assembly 300 and pump assembly 106. Locking the lever 639 in place will securely hold the disposable module 634 within the multi-use module 650 .

[0236] When the single use module 374 is coupled into the multi-use module 650, both electrical and optical interconnections can be made between the front end interface circuit board 636 on the multi-use module 650 and the front end circuit board 637 on the single use module 634. This electrical and optical connection allows the multi-use module 650 to power, control, and collect information from the single use module 634. FIG. 20A is an exemplary conceptual diagram showing the various optical couplers and electromechanical connectors on the front end circuit board 637 of the single use disposable module 634 that are used to communicate with corresponding optical couplers and electromechanical connectors on the front end interface circuit board 636 of the multi-use module 650. Because this correspondence is one-to-one, the various optical couplers and electromechanical connectors are described with reference only to the front end circuit board 637, without also showing the front end circuit board 650.

[0237] In an exemplary embodiment, the front end circuit board 637 receives signals from the front end interface circuit board 636 via both an optical coupler and an electromechanical connector. For example, the front end circuit board 637 receives power 358 from the front end interface circuit board 636 via electromechanical connectors 712 and 714. The front end circuit board 637 then powers the components of the single use module 634, such as the various sensors and transducers of the single use module 634. Optionally, the front end circuit board 637 converts this power to an appropriate level before distribution. The front end interface circuit board 636 can also provide heater drive signals 281a and 281b to the appropriate connection points 282a on the heater 246 of FIG. 6E via electromechanical connectors 704 and 706. Similarly, electromechanical connectors 708 and 710 connect the heater drive signals 283a and 283b to the appropriate connection points 282b of the heater 248.

[0238] According to an exemplary embodiment, the front end circuit board 637 can receive signals from the temperature, pressure, fluid flow, and oxygenation / hematocrit sensors, amplify these signals, convert these signals to digital format, and provide them to the front end interface circuit board 636 utilizing electrical and / or optical couplers. For example, the front end circuit board 637 can provide a temperature signal 121 from a sensor 120 on the heater plate 250 to the front end interface circuit board 636 via an optical coupler 676. Similarly, the front end circuit board 637 can provide a temperature signal 123 from a sensor 122 on the heater plate 252 to the front end interface circuit board 636 via an optical coupler 678. Additionally, the front end circuit board 637 can provide perfusate temperature signals 125 and 127 from the thermistor sensor 124 to the front end interface circuit board 636 via respective optical couplers 680 and 682. The perfusate pressure signals 129, 131 and 133 can be provided from the respective pressure transducers 126, 128 and 130 to the front end interface circuit board 636 via respective optical couplers 688, 690 and 692. Further, the front end circuit board 637 can provide the perfusate flow signals 135, 137 and 139 from the respective flow sensors 134, 136 and 138 to the front end interface circuit board 636 via respective optical couplers 694, 696 and 698. In addition, the front end circuit board 637 can provide the oxygen saturation 141 and hematocrit 145 signals from the oxygen saturation sensor 140 to the front end interface circuit board 636 via respective optical couplers 700 and 702. In another implementation, the front end circuit receives signals from an integrated blood gas analysis probe. In another implementation, the front end board passes control signals to the fluid path restrictors to facilitate real-time control of the division of perfusate flow to the portal vein and hepatic artery conduits. The controller 150 uses the signals provided to the front end interface circuit board 636, along with other signals, to transmit data or otherwise control the operation of the system 600.

[0239] Although the front end circuit board 637 has been described with the couplers mentioned above, more or less couplers may be used based on the number of connection points required.

[0240] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned sensors can be wired directly to the main system board 718 for processing and analysis, thereby bypassing the front end interface board 636 and the front end board 637 altogether. Such an embodiment may be preferred if a user wishes to reuse one or more of the sensors until disposal. In one such example, the flow sensors 134, 136, and 138 and the oxygen and hematocrit sensors 140 are electrically connected directly to the system main board 718 through electrical couplers 611 shown in FIG. 23C, thereby bypassing any connections to the circuit boards 636 and 637.

[0241] FIG. 20B illustrates the operation of an exemplary electro-mechanical connector pair of the type used for the electrical interconnection between circuit boards 636 and 637. Similarly, FIG. 20C illustrates the operation of an optical coupler pair of the type used for the optically connected interconnection between circuit boards 636 and 637. One advantage of using both electrical connectors and optical couplers is that they ensure the integrity of the connections even when system 600 is transported over rough terrain, such as when wheeled onto an airport runway, transported through an airport in bad weather, or transported in an ambulance over rough roads. Power for the front end board 637 is isolated in a DC power supply located on the front end interface board 636.

[0242] As shown in FIG. 20B, an electromechanical connector such as connector 704 includes a portion, such as portion 703, disposed on the front end interface circuit board 636 and a portion, such as portion 705, disposed on the front end circuit board 637. Portion 703 includes an enlarged head 703 mounted on a substantially straight, rigid stem 703b. Head 703 includes an outwardly facing, substantially flat surface 708. Portion 705 includes a substantially straight, rigid pin 705 including an end 705a that contacts surface 708 and a spring loaded end 705b. Pin 705 is capable of axially moving in and out as indicated by directional arrow 721 while maintaining electrical contact with surface 708 of enlarged head 703a. This feature allows single use module 634 to maintain electrical contact with multi-use module 650 even when subjected to mechanical shocks associated with transportation over rough ground. An advantage of the flat surface 708 is that it allows for easier cleaning of the interior surface of the multi-use module 650. In this exemplary embodiment, the system 600 utilizes a connector for electrical interconnection between the single-use disposable 634 and the multi-use 650 module. One example of a connector is part number 101342 manufactured by Interconnect Devices. However, any suitable connector may be used.

[0243] Optical couplers such as optical couplers 684 and 687 on front end circuit board 637 are used, including corresponding counterparts such as optical couplers 683 and 685 on front end interface circuit board 636. The optical transmitter and receiver portions of the optical couplers can be located on either circuit board 636 or 637.

[0244] As with any electromechanical connectors used, optical alignment tolerances between the optical transmitters and corresponding optical receivers ensure that circuit boards 636 and 637 remain in optical communication even during transportation over rough terrain. In the illustrated embodiment, system 100 uses optical couplers manufactured by Osram Corporation under part numbers SFH485P and / or SFH203PFA. However, any suitable coupler may be used.

[0245] These couplers and connectors facilitate data transmission within the system 100. The front end interface circuit board 636 and the front end board 637 transmit data for the system 600 at intervals. As shown in FIG. 20C, the circuit board 636 transmits a clock signal to the front end board 637 that is synchronized to the clock of the controller 150. The front end circuit board 637 receives this clock signal and uses it to synchronize its system data (temperature, pressure, or other desired information) transmission with the clock period of the controller 150. This data is digitized by a processor on the front end circuit board 637 according to the clock signal and a pre-established sequence of data type and source address (i.e., the type and location of the sensor providing this data). The front end interface circuit board 636 receives this data from the front end board 637 and transmits this data set to the main board 618 for use by the controller 150 for evaluation, display, and system control. Additional optical couplers can be added between the multiple use module and the single use module to allow control data from the multiple use module to be transmitted to the single use module, including heater control signals or clamp / flow throttle control.

[0246] IV. Description of typical system operation A. General As described below, system 600 can be configured to operate in a number of modes, such as a perfusion circuit priming mode, an organ stabilization mode, a maintenance mode, a cooling mode, and a self-test / diagnostic mode. During each mode, the system can be configured (via controller 150) to operate in a different manner. For example, characteristics such as perfusate flow rate, perfusate pressure, perfusate temperature, etc., may change during operation in different modes, as described in more detail below.

[0247] Additionally, some embodiments of system 600 can include a self-test mode in which diagnostics can be performed. For example, system 600 can automatically test circuitry and sensors in the single-use and multiple-use modules before an organ is instrumented on the system. System 600 can also verify that the single-use module is properly attached to the multiple-use module (e.g., all connections are secure and functional). In the event of a fault, the system can notify the user and inhibit further operation of the system until the problem is resolved.

[0248] B. Temperature Monitoring and Control In general, the temperature of an organ contained in the system 600 can be controlled by circulating warm or chilled perfusion fluid therein. Thus, the temperature of the organ can be controlled using the perfusion fluid itself, without the need for a dedicated heater / cooler in the organ chamber 104.

[0249] In some embodiments of the system 600, the controller 150 can be configured to receive signals from one or more temperature sensors, such as temperature sensors 120, 122, 124. Although the sensors are described as being located at or near the heater 110, this is not a requirement. For example, temperature sensors measuring the temperature of the perfusate can be located throughout the system 100, such as in the branches 315, 313, in the measurement drain 2804, and / or in the reservoir 160. Additional temperature sensors may be included to measure other temperature aspects of the system 600. For example, the system 600 can include an ambient air temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the environment surrounding the system 600, a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the environment within the organ chamber 104, and / or a sensor to measure the temperature on and / or within the contained organ.

[0250] The controller 150 uses information from various temperature sensors in the system 600 to control the temperature of the environment and / or internal perfusate. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 150 can maintain the perfusate leaving the heater at a desired temperature. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can calculate the temperature difference between the inflow and outflow of the perfusate to the organ. If this temperature difference is large, the controller 150 can indirectly determine the temperature of the organ and adjust the temperature of the perfusate entering the organ to achieve the desired organ temperature. Additionally, in some embodiments, the organ chamber 104 can include a heater / cooler, such as a heater or thermoelectric cooler, to heat / cool the environment within the organ chamber 104. Such a heater / cooler can be controlled by the controller 150.

[0251] Much of this disclosure focuses on heating the organ to a desired temperature, but this is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, the system 600 can include a cooling unit (not shown) in addition to and / or instead of the heater 110. In such embodiments, the cooling unit can be used to cool the perfusate and ultimately the organ itself. This can be useful during post-preservation cryotherapy procedures used, for example, for the heart, lungs, kidneys, and / or liver. In some embodiments, the cooling unit can consist of a gas exchanger with built-in water cooling, although other configurations are possible.

[0252] C. Blood Flow Monitoring and Control Many organs in the human body receive a blood supply with one set of pressure and flow characteristics (e.g., kidneys, lungs). As long as these organs are maintained ex vivo in the organ management system, a single pump and a single supply line can be used to supply perfusate to the organs. However, the liver is different from other organs in that it has two blood supplies, each with different pressure and flow characteristics. As described above, the liver receives approximately one-third of its blood supply from the hepatic artery and approximately two-thirds of its blood supply from the portal vein. The hepatic artery provides a relatively high-pressure, low-flow pulsatile blood flow to the liver. In contrast, the portal vein provides a relatively low-pressure, non-pulsatile, high-flow non-pulsatile blood flow to the liver. These different flow characteristics make it difficult to supply perfusate to an ex vivo liver when a single pump is used. Thus, some embodiments of the organ management system 600 include a system configured to achieve a dual flow of perfusate in a manner that mimics the human body. In particular, the branch 315 of the system 100 can provide pulsatile, high pressure, low flow rate perfusate to the hepatic artery, and in particular, the branch 313 of the system 100 can provide non-pulsatile, low pressure, high flow rate perfusate to the portal vein.

[0253] As discussed above, pump 106 can provide a flow of perfusate at a predetermined rate, which can be divided by divider 105. In some embodiments, this fluid flow can be divided between the hepatic artery and portal vein at a ratio between 1:2 and 1:3. In some embodiments, the divider is configured such that branch 313 uses 3 / 8 inch tubing and branch 315 uses 1 / 4 inch tubing. In some embodiments, a portal vein clamp can be used to help achieve this division ratio and / or to constrain the flow available in a portal vein section of the circuit (e.g., branch 313) to create a higher pressure flow in the hepatic artery section of the circuit (e.g., branch 315) and a lower pressure flow in a parallel portal vein section of the circuit. In some embodiments, a user can manually adjust the portal vein clamp (e.g., flow clamp 190) to bring the hepatic artery pressure into an acceptable range and adjust the pump flow rate to achieve an acceptable hepatic artery flow rate. The combination of these two adjustments (portal vein clamp and pump flow) results in acceptable hepatic artery flow and pressure and corresponding acceptable portal vein flow and flow.

[0254] In some embodiments, the portal vein clamp can be implemented as a mechanism controlled by the system, such as an electromechanical or pneumatically controlled clamp. The system adjusts the pump flow rate and the portal vein clamp in response to pressure and flow values ​​measured in the hepatic artery and portal vein branches to achieve acceptable pressure and flow ranges in these flow paths. For example, in an embodiment using an automated portal vein clamp, if the controller 150 detects that the flow in the portal vein branch 315 is too low, the controller 150 can increase the flow rate provided by the pump. Similarly, if the controller 150 detects that the pressure in the hepatic artery branch 315 is too low, the controller 150 can cause the portal vein clamp to close slightly to increase the pressure in the hepatic artery branch 315.

[0255] In some embodiments, the controller 150 can monitor the level of perfusion fluid within the system 600. If the amount of perfusion fluid is below a recommended level, the controller 150 can alert the user to this fact so that recommended action can be taken, such as adjusting the pump flow and / or adding additional perfusion fluid to the system. Additionally, if the level is below a critical level, the controller 150 can automatically reduce the pump flow rate to a low or minimum level while alerting the user.

[0256] D. Gas Monitoring and Control In some embodiments, system 600 can be configured to automatically control pressure within the system by varying the flow rate of pump 106 and / or by controlling the infusion of a vasodilator. For example, one of the infusates provided by solution pump 631 can be or contain a vasodilator. When a vasodilator is administered, the perfusion fluid pressure for a given flow rate within system 100 can be reduced (due to dilation of the vasculature in the liver). Thus, for example, reducing the infusion rate of the vasodilator can result in an increase in the perfusion fluid pressure. An optimal balance can be achieved with a minimum amount of vasodilator that provides adequate liver perfusion.

[0257] The system 600 can be configured to control the gas content in the perfusate in a manner that mimics the human body. Thus, in some embodiments, the system 600 includes a gas exchanger (e.g., gas exchanger 114) configured to provide O2 and / or other desired gases to the perfusate. In principle, the gas exchanger operates by facilitating the flow of a high concentration gas to an area of ​​low concentration gas. In this way, O2 in the maintenance gas (gas provided to the gas exchanger) diffuses to the O2-depleted perfusate, and the relatively high levels of CO2 in the perfusate can diffuse into the maintenance gas before being discharged from the gas exchanger. The maintenance gas provided to the gas exchanger can be comprised of a suitable mixture of O2, N2, and CO2, which has a relatively higher concentration of O2 and a lower concentration of CO2 than in the perfusate exiting the metabolically active liver. In some examples, the gas is comprised of only O2 and N2.

[0258] Some embodiments of the system 600 include an oxygenation sensor (e.g., sensor 140) that can be used to provide information regarding the oxygenation of the perfusate. If the oxygenation level is too low, the rate of gas supplied to the gas exchanger can be increased to increase the oxygen level in the perfusate. Similarly, if the level is too high, the rate of gas supplied to the gas exchanger can be decreased. The gas supply to the gas exchanger can be controlled manually by a user (e.g., via the operator interface module 146) and / or automatically. In automated embodiments, the controller 150 can automatically increase or decrease the flow of gas from an on-board gas source to the gas exchanger to produce the desired change in oxygenation level.

[0259] However, the liver may present an additional challenge in achieving adequate perfusate gas content. Due to its inherent metabolism, the liver produces CO2 to replace O2 in the perfusate. In some embodiments, measuring O2 levels alone is insufficient to determine the amount of CO2 present in the perfusate. Thus, in some embodiments, the system 600 may be configured to separately monitor CO2 levels in the perfusate to ensure that they are maintained within acceptable limits. In these embodiments, a gas exchanger may also be used to reduce or even remove CO2 from the perfusate as it passes through.

[0260] To determine the carbon dioxide level in the perfusate, some embodiments of the system 600 incorporate a blood sample port to allow a user to withdraw a blood sample to assess the level of carbon dioxide in the perfusate via a third party blood gas analyzer. Based on this analysis, the user can specify the gas flow rate to the gas exchanger to achieve an acceptable carbon dioxide level in the perfusate. For example, if the carbon dioxide becomes higher than an acceptable level, an increase in the gas flow rate to the gas exchanger may be required to bring the carbon dioxide level down. However, it may be advantageous to keep the gas flow to the gas exchanger to a minimum to maximize the life of the on-board gas supply, which is an important factor when it comes to long-term transport.

[0261] Some embodiments of the system 600 can include a blood gas analysis system (not shown). In these embodiments, the blood gas analysis system can be configured to sample the perfusate flowing through the system 100. For example, the blood gas analysis system can be configured to sample the perfusate at one or more locations in the system 100, such as in the branches 315, 313, in the measurement drain 2804, and / or in the main drain 2806. By measuring the concentration of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide in the perfusate, the controller 150 can automatically increase or decrease the gas flow to the gas exchanger as needed to obtain the desired gas levels in the perfusate.

[0262] E. Solution Delivery and Control As mentioned above, some embodiments of the system 600 can include a solution pump configured to deliver one or more solutions. In some specific embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution includes three perfusion fluids. The first solution can include one or more high energy components (e.g., one or more carbohydrates); one or more amino acids; and / or one or more electrolytes; and / or one or more buffers (e.g., bicarbonate). In some specific embodiments, the first solution can include TPN (Clinimix E), buffers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate and phosphate), heparin, and insulin. The second solution can include one or more vasodilators. In some specific embodiments, the vasodilator used is Flolan®. The third solution can include bile acids or bile salts (e.g., sodium taurocholate). In some embodiments, these three solutions are stored separately from each other and administered separately (e.g., using the three channels of the solution pump 631). In other embodiments, these three solutions are optionally all aqueous solutions and can be mixed together to form the run-time perfusion solution. In some embodiments, a sufficient amount of heparin may be provided (eg, sufficient to maintain an activated whole blood clotting time of 400 seconds ACT).

[0263] V. Solution Described below are exemplary solutions that can be used in the organ management system 600 according to one or more embodiments. Different solutions can be used at different times during the preservation / treatment procedure.

[0264] A. Donor Wash If the organ being harvested is an abdominal organ, the surgeon performing the harvest may perform an in vivo or ex vivo donor irrigation to remove donor blood and / or other materials from the organ. The irrigation solution used during donor irrigation may be an intracellular or extracellular solution, such as University of Wisconsin solution, modified University of Wisconsin solution, or histidine tryptophan ketoglutarate (HTK) solution.

[0265] B. Initial Wash Solution In some embodiments, after donor washing (whether the donor washing is performed in vivo or ex vivo) and before being placed in the storage chamber of the organ management system 600, the liver can be washed in vivo or ex vivo with an initial washing solution to remove residual blood and solvents used in the donor washing. This washing solution is referred to herein as an initial washing solution, which is optionally a sterile solution. In some embodiments, the main components of the initial washing solution can include a buffered electrolyte such as Plasmalyte and an anti-inflammatory agent such as SoluMedrol. In some embodiments, the initial washing can be used to remove fluids used during donor washing. In some embodiments, the main components of the initial washing solution can include electrolytes and buffering agents. Non-limiting examples of electrolytes include sodium salts, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate and bicarbonate. The proper combination of electrolytes at appropriate concentrations can help maintain physiological osmolality of the intracellular and extracellular environment of the liver. Non-limiting examples of buffering agents include bicarbonate ions. The buffering agent of the initial flushing solution serves to maintain a pH value within the liver at or near physiological conditions, such as, for example, about 7.3-7.6, 7.4-7.6, or 7.4-7.5. Advantageously, after the liver has been subjected to the initial flushing and cooled according to one or more embodiments described herein, the harvested liver may be placed into an organ management system 600 according to one or more embodiments.

[0266] C. Priming Solutions and Additives In some embodiments, before placing the liver in the organ management system 600, the organ management system 600 can be primed with a priming solution. This priming solution can be sterile and can be used to assess the physical integrity of the system and / or to help remove air within the system. The components of the priming solution can be similar or the same as those of the run-time perfusion solution, which is described in more detail below. This priming solution can contain certain additives to make the system suitable for liver preservation. For example, the liver constantly produces clotting factors that promote blood clotting. An anticoagulant can be added as an additive to the priming solution to prevent blood (e.g., donor blood used as part of the perfusion fluid to preserve the liver in the organ management system 600) from clotting during preservation. A non-limiting example of an anticoagulant includes heparin. Heparin can be administered throughout the preservation session to maintain an ACT (activated whole blood clotting time) of 400 seconds or more, although other ACT values ​​can be used. Depending on the liver being preserved, the amount of heparin required to achieve the desired ACT can be modified. In some embodiments, heparin can be given continuously or at intervals of 0, 3, and 6 hours after instrumentation in the system 600. In some embodiments, before placing the liver in the organ management system 600, the organ management system 600 can be primed with a blood product (e.g., donor blood) or an artificial blood product. In some embodiments, the system 600 can be primed with a priming solution and / or blood or an artificial blood product. The system 600 can be primed sequentially with a mixture of priming solution and blood or an artificial blood product, or with priming solution and blood or an artificial blood product. In some embodiments, the organ management system 600 is primed with a perfusate as described herein (e.g., a perfusate used to preserve the organ). Alternatively or additionally, any of the following can be used in combination with either albumin or dextran: donor blood, red blood cells (RBCs), or RBCs plus fresh frozen plasma.

[0267] Table 1 lists the components used in an exemplary priming solution.

[0268] [Table 1] JPEG2025028998000002.jpg88168

[0269] As will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 29 (described in more detail below), this exemplary priming solution can be added to the organ management system 600 via a priming stage 5024.

[0270] D. Run-time perfusion solution During storage (e.g., during transport) of the harvested liver within the organ management system 600, the liver can be perfused with a perfusion fluid or perfusion solution to maintain liver function at or near physiological conditions. In some embodiments, the perfusion solution includes a running perfusion solution (also called a maintenance solution) and / or a blood product, e.g., donor blood, compatible donor blood, or artificial blood. To provide nutrients to sustain the liver during storage, the perfusion solution can be periodically / continuously perfused, e.g., by a solution pump 631. In some embodiments, the running perfusion solution and / or blood product are sterile.

[0271] The compositions of the run-time perfusion solution and the priming solution are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution with particular solutes and concentrations is selected or formulated to allow the organ to function at physiological or near-physiological conditions. For example, such conditions include maintaining organ function at physiological or near-physiological conditions and / or maintaining the liver in a state that allows for normal cellular metabolism, such as protein synthesis, glucose storage, lipid metabolism, and bile production. In some embodiments, the priming solution and the run-time solution can be selected to be similar or identical to one another.

[0272] In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution is formed from the composition by combining with a fluid from a more concentrated solution by dilution, or by combining with a fluid from a more dilute solution by concentration. In some embodiments, a suitable run-time perfusion solution includes an energy source and / or one or more stimulants to help the organ continue its normal physiological functions before and during transplantation, and / or one or more amino acids selected and formulated to allow the organ to continue its cellular metabolism during perfusion. The run-time perfusion solution can include therapeutic agents, as described in more detail below. Cellular metabolism includes, for example, carrying out protein synthesis while functioning during perfusion. Some exemplary solutions are aqueous-based, while other exemplary solutions are non-aqueous, such as, for example, organic solvent-based, ionic liquid-based, or fatty acid-based.

[0273] The run-time perfusion solution may include one or more energy-rich components that assist the liver in performing its normal physiological functions. These components may include metabolizable energy-rich substances and / or components of such substances that an organ, such as the liver, may use to synthesize an energy source during perfusion. Examples of sources of high-energy molecules include, for example, one or more carbohydrates. Examples of carbohydrates include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, or combinations thereof, or precursors or metabolites thereof. Examples of monosaccharides suitable for the solution include, but are not limited to, octose; heptose; hexoses, such as fructose, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, and talose; pentoses, such as ribose, arabinose, xylose, and lyxose; tetroses, such as erythrose and threose; and trioses, such as glyceraldehyde. Examples of disaccharides suitable for the solution include, but are not limited to, (+)-maltose (4-O-(α-D-glucopyranosyl)-α-D-glucopyranose), (+)-cellobiose (4-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-D-glucopyranose), (+)-lactose (4-O-(β-D-galactopyranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranose), and sucrose (2-O-(α-D-glucopyranosyl)-β-D-fructofuranoside). Examples of polysaccharides suitable for the solutions include, but are not limited to, cellulose, starch, amylose, amylopectin, sulfomucosaccharides (e.g., dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, sulodexide, mesoglycan, heparan sulfate, idosan, heparin, and heparinoids), dextrin, and glycogen. In some embodiments, both aldose and ketose monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, or combinations thereof, are used. One or more isomers, including enantiomers, diastereomers, and / or tautomers, of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and / or polysaccharides, including those described and those not described herein, may be used in the run-time perfusion solutions described herein.In some embodiments, one or more of the monosaccharides, disaccharides, and / or polysaccharides can be chemically modified, for example, by derivatization and / or protection (with a protecting group) of one or more functional groups. In some embodiments, carbohydrates such as dextrose or other forms of glucose are preferred.

[0274] Other possible energy sources include coenzyme A, pyruvate, flavin adenosine dinucleotide (FAD), thiamine pyrophosphate chloride (co-carboxylase), β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and phosphate derivatives of nucleosides, i.e., nucleotides including mono-, di-, and tri-phosphates (e.g., UTP, GTP, GDF, and UDP), coenzymes, or other biomolecules with similar cellular metabolic functions and / or their metabolites or precursors, such as phosphate derivatives of adenosine, guanosine, thymidine (5-Me-uridine), cytidine, and uridine, as well as other natural and chemically modified nucleotides.

[0275] In some embodiments, one or more carbohydrates can be provided along with a phosphate source, such as nucleotides. The carbohydrates can help the organ produce ATP or other energy sources during perfusion. The phosphate source can be provided directly through ATP, ADP, AMP, or other sources. In other exemplary embodiments, phosphate is provided through a phosphate salt, such as glycerophosphate, sodium phosphate, or other phosphate ions. Phosphates can include these forms in any ionic state, including protonated forms and forms with one or more counterions. The energy source used can depend on the type of organ being perfused (e.g., adenosine can be omitted when perfusing the liver).

[0276] One of the important functions of the liver is the production of bile fluid. In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution includes one or more compounds that support bile production by the liver. Non-limiting examples of such compounds include cholesterol, primary bile acids, secondary bile acids, glycine, taurine, and bile acids (bile salts) that enhance bile production by the liver ex vivo, all of which can be used by the liver for bile production. In some specific embodiments, the bile salt is sodium taurocholic acid.

[0277] Due to the liver's function as the metabolic powerhouse of the human body, the liver typically requires a constant supply of energy and oxygen. Thus, in addition to maintaining an appropriate concentration of energy source compounds in the perfusate, the organ management system 600 described herein can be configured to constantly provide oxygen to the preserved liver. In some embodiments, oxygen is provided by diffusing a flow of oxygen gas into the perfusate (e.g., in the gas exchanger 114) or into the blood product, dissolving or saturating the oxygen in the liquid medium, for example by combining the oxygen with hemoglobin in the blood product. In some embodiments, the perfusate provided to the liver contains O2 at a PaO2 of 200 mmHg or more (artificial perfusate). In some embodiments, the perfusate provided to the liver contains carbon dioxide at a PaCO2 of less than 40 mmHg, thereby promoting and maintaining the oxidative metabolic function of the liver. In some embodiments, the perfusate contains carbon dioxide at a PaCO2 of less than 30 mmHg, thereby maintaining a pH value in the liver to maintain the biological function of the liver.

[0278] The run-time perfusion solutions described herein can include one or more amino acids, preferably multiple amino acids, to aid in protein synthesis by the cells of the organ. Suitable amino acids include, for example, any naturally occurring amino acid. The amino acids can be in various enantiomeric or diastereomeric forms. For example, the solution can utilize either D- or L-amino acids, or a combination thereof, and the solution can be a more enantiomeric enriched solution of the D- or L-isomers, or a racemic solution. Suitable amino acids can also be unnatural or modified amino acids, such as, for example, citrulline, ornithine, homocysteine, homoserine, β-amino acids such as β-alanine, amino-caproic acid, or a combination thereof.

[0279] Some exemplary perfusion solutions include some, but not all, of the naturally occurring amino acids. In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution includes essential amino acids. For example, the run-time perfusion solution may be prepared with one or more or all of the following amino acids: glycine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, and lysine acetate.

[0280] In some embodiments, no non-essential and / or semi-essential amino acids are included in the run-time perfusion solution. For example, in some embodiments, asparagine, glutamine, and / or cysteine ​​are not included. In other embodiments, the solution contains one or more non-essential and / or semi-essential amino acids. Thus, in some embodiments, asparagine, glutamine, and / or cysteine ​​are included.

[0281] The run-time perfusion solution may further include electrolytes, particularly calcium ions, to facilitate enzymatic reactions in the liver and / or to maintain osmotic pressure. Other electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, sulfate, magnesium, and other inorganic and organic charged species, or combinations thereof, may also be used. It should be noted that, charge and stability permitting, any of the components presented herein may be provided in ionic, protonated or non-protonated form, salt or free base form, or as ionic or covalently bonded substituents, in combination with other components that, if appropriate, can be hydrolyzed to make the component available in aqueous solution.

[0282] In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution includes a buffer component. For example, suitable buffer systems include 2-morpholinoethanesulfonic acid monohydrate (MES), cacodylic acid, H2CO3 / NaHCO3 (pK a1 ), citric acid (pK a3 ), Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-imino-tris-(hydroxymethyl)-methane (Bis-Tris), N-carbamoylmethylimidinoacetic acid (ADA), 3-bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propane (Bis-Tris propane) (pK a1 ), piperazine-1,4-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (PIPES), N-(2-acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (ACES), imidazole, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (BES), 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS), NaH2PO4 / Na2HPO4 (pK a2), N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (TES), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-(2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid) (HEPPSO), triethanolamine, N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (Tricine), trishydroxymethylaminoethane (Tris), glycineamide, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine (Bicine), glycylglycine (pK a2 ), N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the solution includes sodium bicarbonate, potassium phosphate, or TRIS buffer.

[0283] The run-time perfusion solution may also include other components that help maintain the liver and protect it from ischemia, reperfusion injury and other adverse effects during perfusion. In some exemplary embodiments, these components can include hormones (e.g., insulin), vitamins (e.g., adult multivitamins, e.g., Multivitamin MVI-Adult), and / or steroids (e.g., dexamethasone and solumedrol).

[0284] In another aspect, blood products can be provided with the run-time perfusion solution to support the liver during storage. Examples of suitable blood products can include whole blood and / or one or more components thereof, such as, for example, serum, plasma, albumin, and red blood cells. In embodiments where whole blood is used, the blood can be passed through a filter that removes white blood cells and platelets to remove pyrogens, antibodies, and / or other substances that may cause inflammation in the organ. Thus, in some embodiments, the perfusion solution utilizes whole blood that has been at least partially depleted of white blood cells and / or whole blood that has been at least partially depleted of platelets.

[0285] The perfusion solution, including blood products and run-time perfusion solution, can be provided at and maintained at about physiological temperature during perfusion and recirculation. As used herein, "physiological temperature" refers to a temperature between about 25° C. and about 37° C., such as between about 30° C. and about 37° C., such as between about 34° C. and about 37° C.

[0286] Other components or additives can be added to the run-time perfusion solution, including adenosine, magnesium, phosphate, calcium, and / or sources thereof. In some embodiments, additional components are provided to aid the liver in its metabolism during perfusion. These components can include, for example, various forms of adenosine that can be used for ATP synthesis to maintain endothelial function and / or mitigate ischemia and / or reperfusion injury. The components can further include other natural and chemically modified nucleosides, including other nucleosides such as guanosine, thymidine (5-Me-uridine), cytidine, and uridine, and nucleotides thereof. In some embodiments, a magnesium ion source is provided, a phosphate source, and in some embodiments, adenosine is provided to further enhance ATP synthesis in the cells of the perfused liver. Additionally, amino acids can be added to aid in protein synthesis by the cells of the liver. The amino acids can include, for example, any of the natural amino acids and those described above.

[0287] In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution includes one or more vasodilators (e.g., a vasodilator can be used to increase or decrease vascular tone, thereby increasing or decreasing pressure within the blood vessels.) In some specific embodiments, the vasodilator used is Flolan®, although other vasodilators can be used.

[0288] Table 2 lists ingredients that may be used in a run-time perfusion solution to preserve the liver as described herein. The run-time perfusion solution may include one or more of the ingredients listed in Table 2.

[0289] [Table 2] JPEG2025028998000004.jpg254146JPEG2025028998000005.jpg254148JPEG2025028998000006.jpg254141JPEG2025028998000007.jpg184170

[0290] Table 3 lists ingredients that can be used in exemplary run-time perfusion solutions. The amounts provided in Table 3 list preferred amounts relative to the other ingredients in the table and can be proportionally increased or decreased to provide a sufficient amount of the composition. In some embodiments, the amounts listed in Table 3 can be varied by about ±10% and still be used in the solutions described herein.

[0291] [Table 3] JPEG2025028998000009.jpg254143JPEG2025028998000010.jpg224170

[0292] In an exemplary embodiment of a run-time perfusion solution, the components in Table 3 can be combined in the relative amounts listed per about 1 L of aqueous fluid to form the run-time perfusion solution. In some embodiments, the amount of aqueous fluid in the run-time perfusion solution can be varied by about ±10%. The pH of the run-time perfusion solution can be adjusted between about 7.0 and about 8.0, such as about 7.3 to about 7.6. The run-time perfusion solution can be sterilized, for example, by autoclaving, to enhance purity.

[0293] Table 4 lists another exemplary run-time perfusion solution, including tissue culture medium having the components set forth in Table 4 and combined with an aqueous fluid, that can be used in a perfusion solution as described herein. The amounts of the components listed in Table 4 are relative to each other and to the amount of aqueous solution used. In some embodiments, about 500 mL of aqueous fluid is used. In some embodiments, the amount of aqueous solution can be varied by about ±10%. The amounts of components and the amount of aqueous solution can be scaled accordingly for use. The pH of the perfusion solution in this embodiment can be adjusted to about 7.0 to about 8.0, such as about 7.3 to about 7.6.

[0294] [Table 4] JPEG2025028998000012.jpg254130

[0295] Since amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, the unique characteristics of each amino acid provide several important properties to the protein, such as providing structure and catalyzing biochemical reactions. The selection and concentration of amino acids provided in the run-time perfusion solution provides protein structure as well as support for normal physiological functions, such as metabolizing sugars to provide or store energy, regulating protein metabolism, transporting minerals, synthesizing nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), regulating blood glucose, and supporting electrical activity. Additionally, the concentrations of specific amino acids present in the run-time perfusion solution can be used to predictably stabilize the pH of the run-time perfusion solution.

[0296] In some embodiments, an anticoagulant can be added as an additive to the run-time perfusion solution used as part of the perfusion fluid to preserve the liver in the organ management system 600 to prevent blood from clotting during storage. Non-limiting examples of anticoagulants include heparin. In some embodiments, heparin can be included in an amount sufficient to prevent clotting for 500-600 seconds, although other times are possible.

[0297] In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution includes a plurality of amino acids, hi some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution includes electrolytes, such as calcium and magnesium.

[0298] In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution includes one or more amino acids and one or more carbohydrates, including glucose or dextrose. The run-time perfusion solution may also be administered additives, such as those described herein, at the time of use immediately prior to injection into the liver perfusion system. For example, additional additives that may be included with the solution or added at the time of use by the user include hormones and steroids, such as dexamethasone and insulin, and adult multi-vitamins, such as adult multi-vitamins for injection, e.g., MVI-Adult. Additional small and large biological molecules, including therapeutic agents and / or components typically associated with blood or plasma, such as albumin, may be included in the run-time perfusion solution or added at the time of use by the user.

[0299] In some embodiments, therapeutic agents can be added either before or after liver perfusion. The therapeutic agents may be added directly to the system before or during organ perfusion, independent of the run-time perfusion solution.

[0300] With further reference to Tables 3 or 4, some of the components used in this exemplary run-time perfusion solution are molecules, such as small organic molecules or large biological molecules, that may be degraded, denatured, or otherwise inactivated if subjected to sterilization. Thus, these components may be prepared separately from the remaining components of this run-time perfusion solution. This separate preparation includes purifying each component separately through known techniques. The remaining components of the run-time perfusion solution are sterilized, for example by autoclaving, before being combined with the biological components.

[0301] Table 5 lists several biological components that can be purified separately and added to the solutions described herein (run-time perfusion solution and / or priming solution) after sterilization according to this two-step process. These additional or supplemental components can be added to the run-time perfusion solution, the priming solution, or combinations thereof, individually, in various combinations, all at once as a composition, or as a combined solution. For example, in some embodiments, insulin and MVI-adult, as listed in Table 5, are added to the run-time perfusion solution. In another example, solu-medrol and sodium bicarbonate, as listed in Table 5, are added to the priming solution. Further additional components can be combined in one or more combinations or batches and added to the solution before being added to the run-time perfusion solution and / or priming solution. In some embodiments, the additional components are added directly to the perfusion solution. The amounts of ingredients listed in Table 5 are relative to each other and / or to the amounts of ingredients listed in one or more of Tables 1-4 and / or to the amounts of aqueous solutions used in preparing the Runtime Perfusion Solution and / or Priming Solution and may be proportionally increased or decreased as appropriate to the volumes of solutions required.

[0302] [Table 5] JPEG2025028998000014.jpg62170

[0303] In one embodiment, a composition for use in a run-time perfusion solution is provided that includes one or more carbohydrates, one or more organ stimulants, and a number of amino acids, and may include other substances, such as those used in the solutions described herein.

[0304] In another embodiment, a system for perfusing a liver is provided that includes a liver and a substantially cell-free composition that includes one or more carbohydrates, one or more organ stimulants, and a plurality of amino acids. The substantially cell-free composition can include a system that is substantially free of cellular material; in particular, a system that is not derived from cells. For example, the substantially cell-free composition can include compositions and solutions prepared from non-cellular sources.

[0305] In another aspect, the run-time perfusion solution and / or priming solution can be provided in the form of a kit that includes one or more organ maintenance solutions. An exemplary run-time perfusion solution can include the components described above in one or more solutions for use in the liver perfusion solution. In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution can include multiple solutions that provide the run-time perfusion solution in various combinations. Alternatively, the kit can include dry components that can be reconstituted in a fluid to form one or more run-time perfusion or priming solutions. The kit can further include components from the run-time perfusion or priming solutions as one or more concentrated solutions, where the concentrated solutions are diluted to provide the preservation, nutrition, and / or support solutions as described herein. The kit can also include a priming solution.

[0306] In some embodiments, the kit is provided in a single package, including one or more solutions (or components necessary to prepare one or more solutions by mixing with a suitable fluid), instructions for sterilization, fluid flow and temperature control during perfusion, use, and other information necessary or appropriate for the application of the kit in organ perfusion. In some embodiments, the kit includes only a single run-time perfusion solution (or a set of dry components to be used in the solution after mixing with a suitable fluid), along with other information or materials necessary or useful for the operation of the run-time perfusion or priming solution.

[0307] In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution is a single solution. In some embodiments, the run-time perfusion solution may include one main run-time perfusion solution and one or more nutrient supplement solutions. The nutrient supplement solution may include any compound or biological component suitable for run-time perfusion as described above. For example, the nutrient supplement solution may include one or more components listed in Tables 1-5 above. Additionally, Table 6 lists components used in exemplary nutrient supplement solutions. In some embodiments, the nutrient solution further includes sodium glycerol phosphate. The amounts of components in Table 6 are relative to the amount of aqueous solvent used in the solution (approximately 500 mL), but may be scaled accordingly. In some embodiments, the amount of aqueous solvent varies by approximately ±10%. In these embodiments, when a main run-time solution and one or more nutrient solutions are used, these solutions may be separately connected to the circulatory system of the organ management system 600 and may be separately controlled. Thus, if one or more components in any nutrient solution need to be adjusted, the operator may either recreate the nutrient solution with different concentrations of those components or adjust only the flow rate and / or pressure of the nutrient solution without affecting the flow rate and / or pressure of the main run-time perfusion solution and other nutrient solutions.

[0308] [Table 6]

[0309] In one embodiment, the run-time perfusion solution and the priming solution have the same composition, which is set forth in any one or combination of Tables 1-6.

[0310] In some embodiments, the perfusion solution contains 1200-1500 ml of pRBCs, 400 ml of 25% albumin, 700 ml of Plasmalyte, antibiotics (gram positive and gram negative), 1 g cefazolin (or equivalent antibiotic) and 100 mg Cipro (or equivalent antibiotic), 500 mg Solumedrol (or equivalent anti-inflammatory), 50 mmol Hco3, multi-vitamins, and 10,000 units of heparin administered at 3 and 6 hours PT.

[0311] In some specific embodiments, the perfusion solution comprises a liver donor's blood or packed red blood cells (RBC) pack or an RBC pack comprising fresh frozen plasma, and a run-time perfusion solution comprising one or more components selected from the group consisting of human albumin or dextran.In some specific embodiments, the perfusion solution comprises a liver donor's blood or packed RBC pack or an RBC pack comprising fresh frozen plasma, and a run-time perfusion solution comprising one or more components selected from the group consisting of human albumin, dextran, and one or more electrolytes.

[0312] E. Final Wash Solution After a suitable recipient for liver transplantation has been identified and before the liver is removed from the organ management system 600, the liver can be subjected to another washing step with a washing solution. This washing solution has a similar function as the initial washing solution, which is to remove residual blood and stabilize the liver. This washing solution is referred to herein as the final washing solution. In some embodiments, this final washing solution has a similar or identical composition to the initial washing solution described above. The main components of the final washing solution can include electrolytes (e.g., Plasmalyte) and buffers as described herein. In some embodiments, one or more commercially available preservative solutions used in cryogenic organ transplantation are used as the final washing solution. After the liver has been final washed and cooled according to one or more embodiments described herein, the liver can be removed from the organ management system 600 for transplantation into a recipient.

[0313] VI. Method A method for using the organ management system 600 disclosed herein is detailed below. Figure 29 is a flow chart 5000 illustrating an exemplary, non-limiting method for harvesting a donor liver and cannulating it into the system 600 described herein. However, the process 5000 shown in Figure 29 is for illustrative purposes only and may be modified. For example, steps described herein may be modified, altered, rearranged, and / or omitted.

[0314] A. Organ Removal As shown in Figure 29, the process of obtaining and preparing a liver for cannulation and transport begins with providing a suitable liver donor (step 5004). The system 600 can be transported to the donor location, after which the process of receiving and preparing the donor's liver for cannulation and storage can proceed along two paths 5006 and 5008. Path 5006 primarily involves the steps of preparing the donor's liver for storage, while path 5008 primarily involves preparing the system to receive and store the donor's liver, followed by transporting the liver to the recipient location via the organ management system 600.

[0315] Referring to FIG. 29, the first pathway 5006 includes the steps of exsanguination of the donor (step 5010), explantation of the liver (step 5014), flushing the liver with an initial flushing solution (step 5016), and preparing and cooling the liver for the system (step 5018). Specifically, in the exsanguination step 5010, the donor's blood is partially and / or completely removed, and may be saved for use in perfusion of the liver as a blood product in a perfusion solution during storage in the system. This step is performed by inserting a catheter into the donor's vasculature, either arterial or venous, thus allowing the donor's blood to flow out of the donor and be collected in a blood collection bag. The donor's blood is allowed to flow until the required amount of blood, typically 1.0-2.5 liters, has been collected, at which point the catheter is removed. The blood extracted by exsanguination is then optionally filtered and added to the fluid reservoir of the system in preparation for use in the system. Alternatively, blood can be exsanguinated from a donor and the white blood cells and platelets filtered in a single step using a device having a filter integrated into the cannula and blood collection bag. One example of such a filter is the Pall BC2B filter. Alternatively, blood products can be used in place of donor blood in the perfusion fluid.

[0316] After exsanguination of the donor's blood, the donor's liver can be removed (step 5014). Any standard liver removal method known in the art can be used. During liver removal, the liver vasculature, including the hepatic artery, portal vein, inferior vena cava (IVC), and bile duct, is appropriately prepared and cut leaving sufficient vessel length for cannulation (e.g., standard procedures suitable for human or animal transplantation). In some embodiments, the gallbladder is removed during liver removal, with care taken to preserve the common bile duct intact to maintain a steady flow of bile during liver preservation. Livers are often washed (e.g., donor wash) or placed in saline after removal in a hospital environment. In step 5016, the removed liver can then be washed with an initial wash solution to remove residual blood and / or with a donor wash solution to improve liver stability. Exemplary compositions of this initial wash solution are detailed above.

[0317] After the liver is harvested and before it is placed in the organ management system 600, it can be cooled (step 5018) to slow down or stop its metabolic functions to avoid possible damage to the liver during transportation or placement in the organ management system 600. In some embodiments, the liver can be cooled to a temperature of about 4° C.-10° C., 5° C.-9° C., 5° C.-8° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8° C., 9° C., or 10° C., or any range bounded by values ​​described herein. The liver can be cooled by ice or refrigeration. Other temperatures below 4° C. and above 10° C. are also possible. Alternatively, an initial wash solution can be used to first cool and then perfuse the liver to cool it. Thus, in these alternative embodiments, steps 5016 and 5018 can be performed simultaneously. Once the liver is prepared and cooled to the appropriate temperature, it is ready for placement in the organ management system 600.

[0318] 29, once the liver is prepared and cooled during preparation of the liver via pathway 5006, the system is primed and ready to receive the liver for cannulation and storage by preparing it via the steps of pathway 5008. By rapidly transferring the liver from the donor to the system and then perfusing the liver with perfusate, the medical operator can limit the amount of time the liver is deprived of oxygen and other nutrients, thereby reducing ischemia and other adverse effects that occur with current organ management techniques. In some embodiments, the amount of time between injecting the liver with the initial flushing solution and beginning to flow perfusate through the liver through the organ management system 600 is less than about 15 minutes. In other exemplary embodiments, the amount of time between is less than about half an hour, less than about an hour, less than about two hours, or even less than about three hours. Similarly, the time between implanting the liver into the organ management system 600 and bringing the liver to near-physiological temperature (such as about 34° C. to about 37° C.) can be rapid to reduce ischemia in the liver tissue. In some exemplary embodiments, this time is less than about 5 minutes, but in other applications, it may be less than about half an hour, less than about an hour, less than about two hours, or even less than about three hours. In other words, when the cooled liver is first placed in the organ management system 600, the temperature of the liver can be gradually increased to the desired temperature over a predetermined amount of time to reduce potential damage that may occur due to a sudden temperature change.

[0319] As shown in Figure 29, the system is prepared via a path 5008 through a series of steps including preparing a single-use module (step 5022), priming the system with a priming solution (step 5024), filtering blood from a donor and adding it to the system, such as a reservoir of the system (step 5012), optionally priming the system with blood and / or perfusate, and connecting a liver to the system (step 5020). Specifically, preparing a single-use module step 5022 includes assembling a disposable single-use module as described herein (e.g., single-use module 634). After the single-use module is assembled, or provided in a suitable assembly, it is inserted and connected to a multi-use module (e.g., multi-use module 650) via the process described above.

[0320] In particular, in step 5024, the liver management system 600 is first primed with a priming solution, the composition of which has been detailed above. In some embodiments, to aid in priming, the system may include an organ bypass conduit mounted within the organ chamber assembly. For example, in some specific embodiments, the bypass conduit includes three sections attached to a hepatic artery cannulation interface, a portal vein cannulation interface, and an inferior vena cava (IVC) cannulation interface. With the bypass conduit mounted / cannulated to the liver chamber assembly, the operator can have the system circulate perfusate through all of the pathways that will be used during actual operation. This allows the system to be fully tested and primed prior to cannulating the liver in place.

[0321] In step 5012, blood from a donor may be filtered and added to the system, e.g., reservoir 160. This filtration process may completely or partially remove white blood cells and platelets, thereby reducing inflammatory effects. Additionally, the donor's blood may be optionally used to prime the system as described above, and / or may be mixed with one or more priming or run-time perfusion solutions to further prime the system as described above. The blood and run-time perfusion solutions may further be mixed to form a perfusion fluid that is subsequently used for infusing and preserving the liver. In step 5026, with the bypass conduit (described above) in place, the pump may be activated to further pump blood and / or perfusion fluid through the system, thereby priming the system with blood and / or perfusion fluid. As the perfusion fluid circulates through the system in priming step 5026, it is optionally warmed to a desired temperature (e.g., normothermia) as it passes through a heater assembly of the system. Thus, prior to cannulation of the excised liver, the system can be primed by circulating a priming solution, exsanguinated donor blood, and / or a mixture of the two (e.g., perfusate) through the system and heating, oxygenating, and / or filtering it. Additionally, nutrients, preservatives, and / or other therapeutic agents can be provided during priming by adding such components to the priming solution. During priming, various parameters can be initialized through the operator interface and calibrated during priming. Once primed and operating properly, the pump flow can be reduced or taken off cycle, the bypass conduit can be removed from the organ chamber assembly, and the liver can be cannulated into the organ chamber assembly.

[0322] 1. Cannulation In step 5020, the liver can be cannulated and placed on the organ management system 600 while it is cooled as described above. During liver preservation, perfusate enters the liver via the hepatic artery and portal vein and leaves the liver via the inferior vena cava (IVC). Thus, to ensure proper perfusion through the liver (as described above), the hepatic artery, the inferior vena cava (IVC), and the portal vein can each be cannulated and connected to corresponding flow paths in the liver management system 600. In some embodiments, the IVC is not cannulated and is free draining. The bile duct can also be cannulated and connected to a reservoir to collect bile produced by the liver (e.g., bile bag 187).

[0323] The system 600 described herein can be designed to fit the anatomy of the human hepatic artery. In the majority of patients, the hepatic artery is the only major artery in the liver, so the organ management system 600 allows for a single-port cannula connection to the hepatic artery. However, in certain cases (i.e., about 10-20% of the patient population where genetic differences exist), liver donors are provided with accessory hepatic arteries in addition to the main hepatic artery. Thus, in some embodiments, the liver management system 600 can be provided with a dual cannula configuration (e.g., cannula 2642) such that the main and accessory hepatic arteries are cannulated and connected to the same perfusion fluid pathway. In some specific embodiments, the dual cannula is a Y-shape. Other suitable shapes or designs of the dual cannula are also contemplated.

[0324] In some embodiments, the cannula can be designed to be straight to reduce unnecessary flow pressure drop along the cannula flow path. In other embodiments, the cannula can be designed to be curved or angled as required by the shape, size, or anatomy of other components of the organ management system 600. In some specific embodiments, the cannula is designed with an appropriate shape, e.g., straight, angled, or a combination thereof, such that the overall flow pressure within the cannula is maintained at a desired level that mimics physiological conditions.

[0325] 2. Instrumentation The liver can then be instrumented (step 5020) in the organ management system 600, and more specifically within the organ chamber 104. Care should be taken to avoid excessive movement of the liver during instrumentation to reduce damage to the liver. As detailed above, the liver chamber can be specifically designed to maintain the liver in a stable position that reduces its movement.

[0326] B. Storage / Transportation 1. Controlled early perfusion and rewarming In some embodiments, once the liver is instrumented in the organ management system 600 with the vessels properly cannulated, the liver can be subjected to early perfusion and / or rewarming to bring the liver back to normothermia (34-37° C.) (step 5021). In some embodiments, the organ chamber includes a heating circuit to gradually warm the pre-cooled liver to normothermia over a predetermined period of time. In other embodiments, the initial perfusion fluid (for early perfusion) can heat the liver to near or up to normothermia (34-37° C.) to both perfuse and warm the liver. As described herein, livers preserved in the organ management system 600 can be maintained in near physiological conditions, including normothermia, to maintain normal biological function of the liver.

[0327] After the liver has been instrumented in the system and warmed to normothermia, a pump (e.g., pump 106) in the organ management system 600 can be adjusted to perfuse the perfusate through the liver, for example, into the hepatic artery and portal vein. The perfusate exiting the IVC (or hepatic vein, depending on the method of liver removal) can be collected and subjected to various treatments, including reoxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. Various nutrients can be added to the spent perfusate to increase nutrient concentrations to the required values ​​for recirculation.

[0328] In some embodiments, during liver perfusion on the organ management system 600, the inflow pressures in the hepatic artery and portal vein are carefully managed to ensure proper delivery of nutrients to the liver and maintain its function. In some embodiments, the flow pressure in the hepatic artery can be, for example, 50-120 mmHg, and the flow pressure in the portal vein can be, for example, 5-15 mmHg, although pressures outside these ranges are also possible, for example, 1, 2, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 mmHg, or any range bounded by the values ​​shown herein. In some embodiments, the flow rates in the hepatic artery and portal vein can be maintained within ranges defined by about 0.25-1.0 L / min or greater, and about 0.75-2.0 L / min or greater, respectively, or any value shown herein. In some embodiments, the flow rate in the hepatic artery and portal vein can be maintained at about 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.10, 1.20, 1.30, 1.40, 1.50, 1.60, 1.70, 1.80, 1.90, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 L / min, or any range bounded by the values ​​set forth herein.

[0329] In some embodiments, the fluid flows, such as flow rates and / or flow pressures, within the organ management system 600 and the hepatic artery and portal vein can be chemically and / or mechanically controlled. Chemical or mechanical control of the flows can be accomplished automatically or manually.

[0330] 2. Automatic / Manual Control The mechanical control of fluid flow in the organ management system 600, the hepatic artery, and the portal vein will be described first. In some embodiments, flow pressure or flow rate in the flow paths of the organ management system 600 can be measured by pressure or flow sensors integrated into the flow paths or elsewhere in the system. Similarly, pressure or flow sensors can be located in the cannula for the hepatic artery and / or portal vein or in the connectors connecting the cannula to these vessels. These pressure or flow sensors can provide an operator with an indication regarding the flow in the flow paths and / or in the hepatic artery and / or in the portal vein. Other pressure monitoring methods or techniques known in the art of the invention are also contemplated. If the pressure or flow readings deviate from a desired value, the operator can manually adjust the flow pump to increase or decrease the pumping pressure of the perfusate and therefore the flow rate. Alternatively, the organ management system 600 can include a flow control module with programmable desired values ​​of flow rate and / or flow pressure that automatically adjusts the pumping pressure of the perfusate to adjust the flow rate and / or flow rate if the flow rate deviates from a desired value. Manual and / or automatic control is described in more detail below.

[0331] 3. Chemical Control In other embodiments, the pressure and / or fluid flow within the organ management system 600 and the hepatic artery and portal vein can be chemically controlled. In some specific embodiments, the pressure can be controlled or increased using one or more vasodilators (e.g., the pressure within the blood vessels can be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing vascular tone using a vasodilator). Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels due to relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel walls. As blood vessels dilate, the flow of perfusate increases due to a decrease in vascular resistance. Any vasodilator known in the art of the invention can be used to dilate the hepatic artery and / or portal vein to increase fluid flow therein. In some specific embodiments, the vasodilator used is Flolan®. An operator can manually add vasodilators to the flow module of the system or to the perfusate to increase fluid flow, especially when insufficient fluid flow is indicated by low flow pressure or flow rate and / or by any of the liver viability assessment techniques detailed below. Alternatively, the organ management system 600 can include a flow control module that automatically adds one or more vasodilators to the flow path or the perfusate to increase flow rate. The amount of vasodilator delivered may range, for example, from 1-100 micrograms per hour, and more specifically, from 1-5 micrograms per hour. These ranges are for illustrative purposes only, and any range within 0-100 micrograms per hour may be used.

[0332] Some of the embodiments described above can be adapted for use in conjunction with a liver preserved by system 600. For example, in this embodiment, an algorithm can be used to provide closed loop control of the hepatic arterial pressure (HAP). The algorithm used can be a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller). The PID controller can calculate how far the HAP deviates from a desired set point and attempt to minimize this error by increasing or decreasing the flow rate of a vasodilator (e.g., Flolan®).

[0333] Thus, in some embodiments, the controller 150 (or other parts of the system) can calculate this error (e.g., how far the HAP is from the user set point) and adjust the flow rate of vasodilator to drive this error to zero. In embodiments where the algorithm runs once per second, these adjustments can be very small. Small, frequent adjustments can help stabilize the control by ensuring that noise in the system does not result in large changes in the vasodilator flow rate. The algorithm can perform an attempt to match the HAP to the user set point. This means that when the HAP is above the set point, the algorithm can increase the flow rate of vasodilator solution until the HAP reaches the user set point. When the HAP is below the user set point, the algorithm can decrease the flow rate of vasodilator solution until the HAP reaches the user set point.

[0334] In some embodiments, the PID control algorithm will not decrease the flow rate of the vasodilator until it falls below the set point. This can lead to an undershoot of the target pressure. To counter this, some embodiments can use a virtual set point that is +3 mmHg (or other value) above the user set point. This can be user definable or hard programmed. When the HAP is at least 7 mmHg above the user set point, the software can enable the user set point and attempt to control the HAP to +3 mmHg above the user set point. This allows for some undershoot of the virtual set point. Once the HAP has stabilized at the virtual set point, the software can control the HAP to the user set point. This approach can help "catch" the HAP as it falls without causing a large undershoot.

[0335] Referring to Figure 28, a related graphical representation of an elevated aortic pressure in a cardiac system is shown. In Figure 28, an exemplary graph 9500 as described above is shown. The figure shows that the AOP (e.g., 9505) ramps down to a virtual set point (9510), undershoots the virtual set point, and then ramps down gently to the user set point (50 mmHg).

[0336] Since some embodiments use drugs to control HAP, it may be advantageous to ensure that the system does not deliver too much vasodilator to the liver when it is not needed. To achieve this, the system can analyze how far the HAP is from the set point, and when the HAP is above the set point, the system (e.g., solution pump 631) can add vasodilator at a standard rate. If the HAP is below the set point, the system 600 can reduce the flow rate by four times that of adding vasodilator. This helps the system to stay slightly above the HAP set point in the "active management" region (e.g., about +0.5 to +1 mmHg), minimizing undershoot but reducing the rate of vasodilator more quickly.

[0337] Although the above description has focused on the liver, the same technique can be adapted for use in the heart by replacing the HAP with an AOP.

[0338] 4. Grading In steps 5028 and 5030, the operator can assess liver function to determine the viability of the liver for transplantation (current or possible future viability). Illustratively, step 5028 includes assessment of liver function using any of the assessment techniques described in more detail below. For example, the operator can monitor the fluid flow, pressure, and temperature of the system while cannulating the liver. The operator can also monitor one or more liver function biomarkers to assess the condition of the liver. During assessment step 5030, based on the data obtained during testing 5028 and other information, the operator can determine whether and how to adjust system characteristics (e.g., fluid flow, pressure, nutrient concentration, oxygen concentration, and temperature), and can also determine whether to subject the liver to additional therapeutic modes (e.g., surgery, medication, as described in more detail below). The operator can make any such adjustments in step 5032, and then repeat steps 5028 and 5030 to re-examine and re-assess the liver and the system. In some embodiments, the operator may choose to perform a surgical, therapeutic, or other procedure on the liver during adjusting step 5032 (or at other times), as described in more detail below. For example, the operator may perform an evaluation of liver function, such as performing an ultrasound or other imaging study of the liver, measuring arterial and venous blood gas levels, and performing other evaluation tests.

[0339] Thus, after or while the liver is preserved in the system, an operator can operate on the liver or perform therapeutic or other procedures, such as immunosuppressive therapy, chemotherapy, genetic testing and therapy, or radiation therapy. Because the system allows the liver to be perfused at near-physiologic temperatures, fluid flows, and oxygen saturation levels, the liver can be maintained for extended periods of time (e.g., at least 3 days or more, greater than at least 1 week, at least 3 weeks, or greater than 3 months or more) allowing for repeated evaluation and treatment.

[0340] In some embodiments, the system allows a medical operator to evaluate the liver for compatibility with the intended recipient by finding a suitable recipient (step 5034). For example, while the liver is cannulated into the system, the operator can perform a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching test on the liver. Such a test may require 12 hours or more and is performed to ensure compatibility of the liver with the intended recipient. Preservation of the liver using the systems described herein allows for preservation times in excess of the time required to complete HLA matching, potentially improving post-transplant outcomes. In an example of HLA matching, HLA testing can be performed on the liver while perfusion solution is being pumped through it. Any other matching tests known in the art are also contemplated.

[0341] In an exemplary embodiment, the test 5028, evaluate 5030, and adjust 5032 steps can be performed with the system operating in normal flow mode. Normal flow mode allows an operator to test liver function under or near normal physiological blood flow conditions. Based on the evaluation 5030, the system settings can be adjusted in step 5032, if necessary, to modify flow, heating, and / or other characteristics to stabilize the liver in preparation for transport to a recipient location in step 5036. In step 5036, the system can be transported to the recipient location with the preserved liver.

[0342] C. Preparation for transplantation 1. Final wash / liver cooling In some embodiments, before the liver is removed from the system 600 and / or transplanted into a recipient, the liver can be washed with a final wash solution, e.g., to remove residual blood and / or run-time perfusion solution, the composition of which is detailed above.

[0343] In some embodiments, before the liver is removed from the organ management system 600, it can be cooled again to a temperature of about 4° C.-10° C., 5° C.-9° C., 5° C.-8° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8° C., 9° C., or 10° C., or any range bounded by values ​​described herein. The liver can be cooled by contact with ice or by refrigeration of the liver storage chamber. In some embodiments, the system 600 can include a cooling unit configured to directly cool the liver and / or to cool a fluid circulating within the system 100. The liver can be cooled by first cooling the final wash solution and then using it to wash the liver. Thus, in these embodiments, the liver can be simultaneously final washed and cooled. Once the liver is prepared and cooled to the appropriate temperature, it can be ready for transplantation into a suitable recipient.

[0344] For example, in some embodiments, the liver can be cooled and washed while placed in the system 600. The user can connect one 1 liter bag of chilled wash solution to the hepatic artery wash port (e.g., 4301) but leave the port closed. The user can connect two 1 liter bags of chilled wash solution to the portal vein wash port (e.g., 4302) but leave the port closed. The user can connect the wash collection bag to the perfusion module to a perfusate collection port located just after the pump extensibility chamber of the perfusion module (e.g., port 4309). The user can then use standard surgical forceps on the perfusion module tubing just before the hepatic artery and portal vein split while stopping the circulation pump 106. The hepatic artery and portal vein wash ports can be opened to allow wash solution to enter the hepatic artery and portal vein. The forceps can be removed from the perfusate collection bag so that the mixture of perfusate and wash solution fills this perfusate collection bag rather than filling the organ chamber.

[0345] If the decision is made to cool the liver at the end of storage, the following exemplary procedure can be used. 1. Obtain and set up the Heater-Cooler unit (placed near the OCS, electrical lines plugged in, power ON, water circuit control ON, water circuit valve OFF). Do not yet connect the Heater-Cooler water line to the Liver Perfusion Module Gas Exchanger water line. 2. Set the heater / cooler water circuit temperature to near the current liver temperature (e.g., approximately 37°C) and allow it to reach that temperature. 3. Connect the heater cooler water line with the Hansen quick connect to the liver perfusion module oxygenator water line. 4. Turn off the heater 100. 5. Set the heater cooler water circuit temperature to a temperature lower than the liver but not more than 10°C lower and open the water line valve to allow flow to reach the Liver Perfusion Module Gas Exchanger water line. When the actual temperature of the perfusate reflected in the user interface approaches the heater cooler water temperature set point, gradually adjust the heater cooler water temperature set point to a temperature lower than the perfusate / liver temperature but not more than 10°C higher, and repeat until the blood / liver reaches the desired temperature. 6. Once the liver temperature has reached the desired temperature, remove the liver from the system 600.

[0346] Although the above description has focused on the terminal washing and cooling of the liver, similar or identical procedures can be used during the preservation of other organs. For example, in some embodiments, the terminal washing / cooling techniques described above can also be applied to the heart and / or lungs preserved in system 600.

[0347] VII. Evaluation In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, various techniques or methods are provided for assessing the viability of the liver while it is preserved in the organ management system 600 (e.g., viability for transplantation). In general, known biomarkers in the art and known imaging techniques for assessing liver function, such as liver enzymes, can be used to assess the biological function and status of the liver. In addition, because the liver preserved in the organ management system 600 is easily accessible to the operator, techniques that are not readily available in healthcare practice in vivo, such as visual inspection of the liver or palpation of the liver, can be used. Based on the results of the assessment, one or more parameters of the organ management system 600, such as the nutrient or oxygen content in the perfusate or the flow rate and flow pressure of the perfusate, can be adjusted to improve liver viability.

[0348] In some embodiments, perfusion parameters of the organ management system 600 can be used to assess liver viability. In particular, in some embodiments, the flow pressure of the perfusate in the cannulated hepatic artery and / or portal vein can be measured as an indication of liver viability. In some embodiments, a stable flow pressure in the range of 50-120 mmHg in the hepatic arterial line can indicate that the preserved liver is receiving an adequate supply of essential nutrients. For example, in some embodiments, a stable flow pressure of about 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 mmHg, or any range of pressures bounded by the values ​​set forth herein, can indicate that the preserved liver is receiving an adequate supply of essential nutrients. Flow pressures outside this range can indicate a leak or blockage in the system, or can prompt the operator to adjust the flow pressure to ensure that adequate nutrients are being supplied to the liver. In other embodiments, the flow rate of the perfusate in the cannulated hepatic artery and / or portal vein can be measured as an indication of liver viability. In other embodiments, a hepatic arterial flow rate in the range of 0.25-1 L / min can indicate that the preserved liver is receiving an adequate supply of essential nutrients. For example, in some embodiments, a hepatic arterial flow rate of about 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00 L / min or any range bounded by the values ​​shown herein can indicate that the preserved liver is receiving an adequate supply of essential nutrients. A flow rate outside this range can indicate a leak or blockage in the system or can prompt the operator to adjust the flow rate to ensure that adequate nutrients are being supplied to the liver. Flow rate and pressure can be measured using pressure and / or flow sensors as described herein.

[0349] In some embodiments, visual inspection or examination of the liver can be used to assess liver viability. For example, a pink or red liver color can indicate that the liver is functioning normally, while a dark or bluish liver color can indicate that the liver is functioning abnormally or is deteriorating (e.g., hypoperfusion). In other embodiments, palpation of the liver is used to assess its viability. If the liver is soft and pliable, the liver is likely functioning normally. On the other hand, if the liver is tense or hard, the liver is likely functioning abnormally or is deteriorating (e.g., hypoperfusion).

[0350] A. Bile Production In some embodiments, the bile duct is cannulated and connected to a reservoir of the organ management system 600 so that the color and amount of bile produced by the liver can be easily examined to assess liver viability. In some embodiments, black or dark green bile can indicate normal liver function, while light or clear bile can indicate an abnormally functioning or deteriorating liver. In yet other embodiments, the amount of bile produced can be used to better assess liver viability (and / or a determination that the liver is producing bile can be a good indicator). While any bile production is indicative of a healthy liver, the more bile produced, the better the liver function. In some embodiments, bile production of about 250 mL-1 L, 500 mL-1 L, 500 mL-750 mL, 500 mL, 750, 1 L per day, or any range bounded by the values ​​shown herein, indicates that the liver stored in the organ management system 600 is functioning normally and may be viable.

[0351] B. Blood Gas, Liver Enzyme, and Lactate Measurements / Trends In some embodiments, various biomarkers or compounds in the perfusate can be used to assess liver viability. For example, liver metabolic assessment can be performed by calculating oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption, and oxygen demand. In particular, the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolved in the perfusate can be monitored as an indicator of liver function. The concentrations of these gases in the perfusate (or blood product) before and after liver perfusion can be measured and compared. In some specific embodiments, the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide can be measured by various sensors in the flow modules or subsystems of the organ management system 600.

[0352] In some embodiments, the perfusate (e.g., entering the hepatic artery and leaving the IVC) before and after liver perfusion can be sampled with respective oxygen concentration (or other) sensors to measure the respective concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide. A significant increase in the carbon dioxide concentration in the perfusate after liver perfusion and / or a significant decrease in the oxygen concentration in the perfusate after liver perfusion can indicate that the liver is performing its oxidative metabolic function well. On the other hand, a slight or no increase in the carbon dioxide concentration in the perfusate after liver perfusion and / or a slight or no decrease in the oxygen concentration in the perfusate after liver perfusion can indicate that the liver is not performing its oxidative metabolic function properly. The difference between PvO2 and PaO2 can indicate metabolically active, aerobically active metabolism, oxygen consumption.

[0353] In some embodiments, liver function blood tests (LEFT) can be performed to assess liver viability. In particular, in some embodiments, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and bilirubin (direct and indirect) can be measured to assess liver function. In other embodiments, blood fibrinogen levels can also be measured as an indicator of the ability of liver cells to produce clotting factors.

[0354] AST and ALT are liver enzymes and are widely accepted clinical liver biomarkers used to assess liver function and / or suitability for transplantation. However, measurements of AST and ALT are usually complicated and time consuming, and are typically performed in a hospital or laboratory environment. Thus, there is a need for a sensitive and simple indicator to determine the status of a preserved liver. Lactate, also called lactate, is a by-product / end product of anaerobic metabolism in living cells / tissues / organs. Lactate is produced when there is no or little oxygen in cells to metabolize glucose for basic energy production via the glycolysis pathway. Applicant has discovered that the level of lactate in a perfusate, for example the perfusate exiting the IVC, can be measured as a surrogate for measuring AST levels. Lactate concentration can be measured quickly and easily, which is a major advantage over time consuming liver enzyme measurements. Based on the rapid feedback provided by lactate measurements, one or more parameters of the organ management system 600, such as flow rate, pressure, and nutrient concentration, can be adjusted to improve liver viability. In other words, lactate values ​​(e.g., trends in arterial lactate) can be correlated to and indicative of AST levels. For example, a series of lactate measurements (over time) trending lower can be correlated to and / or indicative of a trending lower AST. In some embodiments, lactate measurements can be made at the measurement drain 2804, although this is not a requirement and may be performed elsewhere in the system 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the system 600 can be configured to take lactate measurements from a single location over time, and the difference between lactate values ​​entering and leaving the liver over time at multiple locations.

[0355] C. Imaging In yet another embodiment, various other methods known in the art can be used to assess liver viability. In some specific embodiments, ultrasound analysis of the liver can be performed to assess the liver parenchyma, the intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tree. Examples of other non-limiting imaging techniques include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), fluoroscopy, and transjugular intrahepatic porto-venous shunt (TIPS), all of which can be used to assess the liver and detect abnormalities. For example, when examining the liver ultrasound, a physician can examine sinusoid size, possible obstructions in the bile duct, and / or general blood flow.

[0356] D. Pathology / Biopsy In yet another embodiment, a liver biopsy is used to assess viability, in which a piece of liver tissue is removed so that it can be examined under a microscope for signs of damage or disease. Because the liver is preserved ex vivo in the organ management system 600, it is easily accessible and the biopsy can be easily performed.

[0357] VIII. Cloud During operation, system 600 generates information about itself and / or the organ being maintained. In other embodiments of system 600, this information can be stored in an internal memory, such as RAM or ROM. In some embodiments, information generated by system 600 can also be transmitted to a remote storage location, such as the cloud. The cloud can be, for example, a series of remote interconnected computers configured to provide data and / or services over the Internet. The cloud can store this information, analyze this information, and / or provide this information to one or more third parties and / or interested parties.

[0358] In some embodiments of the system 600, the system can include a multi-modal communication link between itself and one or more other locations, such as a server in the cloud. While the communication link can be controlled by the controller 150 (e.g., via the data management subsystem 151), this is not a requirement and other components can be used to control the communication. The controller 150 can be configured to provide real-time information regarding the system and / or the organs contained therein when the system 600 is at the donor hospital, while in transit, and / or at the recipient hospital. In some embodiments, communication can be achieved using communication links such as wired network connections (e.g., Ethernet), wireless network connections (e.g., IEEE 802.11), cellular connections (e.g., LTE), Bluetooth connections (e.g., IEEE 802.15), infrared connections, and / or satellite-based connections. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can maintain a priority list that prioritizes reliable connections such as hardwired Internet connections and / or Wi-Fi...

Claims

1. 1. An organ management system comprising: a pump configured to supply perfusion fluid into the perfusion circuit; A gas exchanger; a hepatic artery interface configured to supply the perfusion fluid to a hepatic artery of an ex-vivo liver; a portal vein interface configured to supply the perfusion fluid to a portal vein of the ex-vivo liver; a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the irrigation fluid; The organ care system comprises: testing the ex-vivo liver to generate a test result; The organ management system configured to adjust a characteristic of the organ management system in response to the test result.

2. 2. The organ care system of claim 1, wherein the test results indicate an oxygen concentration of the perfusate, a carbon dioxide level of the perfusate, a nutrient concentration level of the perfusate, a blood gas level of the perfusate, a temperature level of the perfusate, a flow rate of the perfusate, a pH of the perfusate, a flow pressure of the perfusate, an intumescent pressure of the perfusate, a lactate level of the ex-vivo liver, an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level of the ex-vivo liver, or an activated whole blood clotting time (ACT) of the ex-vivo liver.

3. 3. The organ management system of claim 2, wherein the organ management system is configured to maintain the inflation pressure of the perfusate between 5 mmHg and 35 mmHg.

4. 3. The organ management system of claim 2, wherein the characteristic of the organ management system is a flow rate of the perfusate, a pressure of the perfusate, a nutrient concentration of the perfusate, an oxygen concentration of the perfusate, a temperature of the perfusate, or an anticoagulant level of the perfusate.

5. the test results indicate the activated whole blood clotting time (ACT) of the ex-vivo liver; The organ management system of claim 4, wherein the characteristic of the organ management system is the anticoagulant level of the perfusate.

6. 6. The organ care system of claim 5, wherein the anticoagulant level is a heparin level.

7. 2. The organ care system of claim 1, wherein the test result is indicative of a lactate level of the ex-vivo liver, the lactate level being the difference between a first lactate value and a second lactate value, the first lactate value being for the perfusate flowing into the ex-vivo liver and the second lactate value being for the perfusate flowing out of the ex-vivo liver.

8. The organ care system of claim 1 , wherein the organ care system is configured to re-examine the ex-vivo liver.

9. 2. The organ management system of claim 1, wherein the organ management system is configured to adjust the characteristics of the organ management system to improve suitability for transplantation of the ex-vivo liver.

10. 1. An organ management system comprising: a pump configured to supply perfusion fluid into the perfusion circuit; A gas exchanger; a hepatic artery interface configured to supply the perfusion fluid to a hepatic artery of an ex-vivo liver; a portal vein interface configured to supply the perfusion fluid to a portal vein of the ex-vivo liver; a flow sensor configured to measure a flow rate of the irrigation fluid; a drain configured to receive the perfusion fluid from the inferior vena cava of the ex-vivo liver; The organ care system comprises: testing the ex-vivo liver to generate a test result; The organ management system configured to adjust a characteristic of the organ management system in response to the test result.

11. 11. The organ care system of claim 10, wherein the test results indicate an oxygen concentration of the perfusate, a carbon dioxide level of the perfusate, a nutrient concentration level of the perfusate, a blood gas level of the perfusate, a temperature level of the perfusate, a flow rate of the perfusate, a pH of the perfusate, a flow pressure of the perfusate, an intumescent pressure of the perfusate, an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level of the ex-vivo liver, or an activated whole blood clotting time (ACT) of the ex-vivo liver.

12. 12. The organ management system of claim 11, wherein the organ management system is configured to maintain the inflation pressure of the perfusate between 5 mmHg and 35 mmHg.

13. 13. The organ management system of claim 12, wherein the characteristic of the organ management system is a flow rate of the perfusate, a pressure of the perfusate, a nutrient concentration of the perfusate, an oxygen concentration of the perfusate, a temperature of the perfusate, or an anticoagulant level of the perfusate.

14. the test results indicate the activated whole blood clotting time (ACT) of the ex-vivo liver; 14. The organ management system of claim 13, wherein the characteristic of the organ management system is the anticoagulant level of the perfusate.

15. 15. The organ care system of claim 14, wherein the anticoagulant level is a heparin level.

16. 11. The organ care system of claim 10, wherein the test result is indicative of a lactate level of the ex-vivo liver, the lactate level being the difference between a first lactate value and a second lactate value, the first lactate value being for the perfusate flowing into the ex-vivo liver and the second lactate value being for the perfusate flowing out of the ex-vivo liver.

17. The organ care system of claim 10, wherein the organ care system is configured to re-examine the ex-vivo liver.

18. The organ management system of claim 10, wherein the organ management system is configured to adjust the properties of the organ management system by treating the perfusate.

19. 20. The organ management system of claim 18, wherein the organ management system is configured to remove carbon dioxide from the perfusate.

20. The organ management system of claim 10, wherein the organ management system is configured to adjust the characteristics of the organ management system to improve suitability for transplantation of the ex-vivo liver.

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