Organ perfusion device

Abstract

An organ perfusion device (1) includes: a chamber (100) that is open to the atmosphere and houses an organ; an inflow channel (220) that receives a perfusion fluid to be sent to the organ; and an outflow channel (210) that can be connected at one end to an inlet blood vessel of the organ to send the perfusion fluid received by the inflow channel toward the inlet blood vessel. The chamber (100) includes a connecting port (120) that is openable / closable and configured to be connectable to the inlet flow channel (220). In the organ perfusion device (1), an open system circuit is formed by connecting an end (401) that receives the perfusion fluid in the inflow channel (220) to the connecting port (120), and a closed system circuit is formed by closing the connecting port and connecting an end (402) that receives the perfusion fluid in the inflow channel to an outlet blood vessel of the organ.

Description

Organ perfusion device

[0001] The present invention relates to an organ perfusion device.

[0002] Organ perfusion devices that perfuse organs with a perfusion solution have been developed as devices for preserving organs after they have been extracted for transplantation while maintaining their functions.

[0003] Organ perfusion can be performed using an open circuit in which at least a portion of the circuit through which the perfusion fluid circulates is open to the atmosphere, or using a closed circuit in which no portion of the circuit through which the perfusion fluid circulates is open to the atmosphere.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-002062 (Patent Document 1) discloses an organ perfusion device in which one end of an inflow pipe is connected to a renal artery of a kidney and one end of an outflow pipe is connected to a renal vein of the kidney.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-002062

[0006] Traditionally, organ perfusion systems have been designed specifically for each circuit, which means that the circuits available to organ perfusion system users are inevitably determined by the type of organ perfusion system they have on hand.

[0007] However, the inventors have found that both open and closed circuits have advantages and disadvantages, and that the type of circuit that can be used is determined by the type of organ perfusion device, which is a problem.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an organ perfusion apparatus that allows the user to select between an open circuit and a closed circuit at will.

[0009] The organ perfusion device disclosed herein is an organ perfusion device for perfusing a perfusion fluid through an organ. The organ perfusion device includes a chamber open to the atmosphere and containing an organ, an inflow channel connected to an inlet blood vessel of the organ, and one or more outflow channels fluidly connected to the inflow channel and disposed on the outlet blood vessel side of the organ. The chamber includes a connecting port configured to be openable and closable and connectable to one or more outflow channels. The one or more outflow channels are configured to be selectively connectable to one of the connecting port and the outlet blood vessel. In the organ perfusion device, an open circuit is formed by connecting the one or more outflow channels to the connecting port, and a closed circuit is formed by connecting the one or more outflow channels to the outlet blood vessel.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the user of the organ perfusion apparatus can freely select between an open circuit and a closed circuit.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organ perfusion apparatus; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organ perfusion apparatus in which an open system circuit is formed; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organ perfusion apparatus in which a closed system circuit is formed; Fig. 4 is a side view of a chamber; Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a part of a closed system circuit; Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a replenishment method.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] [Overall Configuration of the Organ Perfusion Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the organ perfusion apparatus 1. The organ perfusion apparatus 1 is an apparatus for passing a perfusion fluid through an organ removed from a donor in order to preserve and / or evaluate the organ. The "donor" may be a human or a non-human animal. The "organ" may be any organ that has an inlet blood vessel through which blood flows and an outlet blood vessel through which blood flows, such as the heart, kidney, lung, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, testis, ovary, or eyeball. Note that an organ may have at least one inlet blood vessel and at least one outlet blood vessel. In this embodiment, a liver 10 removed from a human will be described as an example of an organ. The "perfusion fluid" is appropriately selected depending on the purpose of perfusion, and may be, for example, physiological saline, organ preservation solution, or blood.

[0014] The organ perfusion device 1 comprises a chamber 100 that receives the liver 10, an outflow channel 210 that is located on the outlet blood vessel side of the liver 10, a reservoir 400 that stores perfusate from the outflow channel 210, and an inflow channel 220 that is connected to the inlet blood vessel of the liver 10. The reservoir 400 is provided between the outflow channel 210 and the inflow channel 220, and although they are not directly connected, the two channels are fluidically connected.

[0015] The chamber 100 is a container that houses the liver 10. An opening 102 is provided at the top of the chamber 100, so that the interior of the chamber 100 is open to the atmosphere and exposed to the atmosphere. The chamber 100 may further include a lid that covers the opening 102. The chamber 100 only needs to be open to the atmosphere of the space in which the chamber 100 is installed. For example, if the chamber 100 is installed under a nitrogen gas atmosphere, the chamber 100 will be open to the nitrogen gas atmosphere.

[0016] The chamber 100 is configured to be openable and closable, and includes a connection port 120 configured to be connectable to the outflow channel 210. The connection port 120 is configured so that both the cap 120a and the outflow channel 210 can be attached.

[0017] A waste fluid flow path 240 is connected to the chamber 100 to send the perfusion fluid in the chamber 100 to a waste fluid tank (not shown). The waste fluid flow path 240 is equipped with a waste fluid valve 242 that opens and closes the waste fluid flow path 240. By opening the waste fluid valve 242, the perfusion fluid in the chamber 100 can be sent to the waste fluid tank through the waste fluid flow path 240. The detailed structure of the chamber 100 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0018] The outflow channel 210 is a channel that receives perfusion fluid discharged from the liver 10. One end of the outflow channel 210 is configured to be connectable to the reservoir 400, and the other end is configured to be selectively connectable to either the connecting port 120 or the hepatic vein 13.

[0019] In this embodiment, the outflow channel 210 includes a first connection channel 212 and a second connection channel 214. One end of the first connection channel 212 is configured to be connectable to a connector 401 formed on the reservoir 400, and the other end is configured to be connectable to the coupling port 120. One end of the second connection channel 214 is configured to be connectable to a connector 402 formed on the reservoir 400, and the other end is configured to be connectable to the hepatic vein 13.

[0020] The reservoir 400 is a sealed container that stores the perfusion fluid. The reservoir 400 is connected to an outflow channel 210 and an inflow channel 220. The perfusion fluid sent from the outflow channel 210 is sent to the reservoir 400. The perfusion fluid sent to the reservoir 400 is sent from the reservoir 400 to the liver 10 through the inflow channel 220.

[0021] The reservoir 400 is equipped with a fluid level sensor 410 that measures the fluid level of the perfusion fluid in the reservoir 400. In addition, a refilling flow path 230 is connected to the reservoir 400. The refilling flow path 230 receives the perfusion fluid to be refilled into the reservoir 400, and refills the perfusion fluid into the reservoir 400. The refilling flow path 230 is equipped with a refilling valve 232 that opens and closes the refilling flow path 230.

[0022] In this embodiment, the reservoir 400 includes at least five connectors 401 to 405. The connector 401 is configured to be connectable to the first connection flow path 212. The connector 402 is configured to be connectable to the second connection flow path 214. The connector 403 is configured to be connectable to the first inlet flow path 222 of the inlet flow path 220. The connector 404 is configured to be connectable to the second inlet flow path 224 of the inlet flow path 220. The connector 405 is configured to be connectable to the refill flow path 230.

[0023] The inflow channel 220 is a channel that is connected to an inlet blood vessel of the liver 10, which is an organ, and sends perfusion fluid toward the liver 10. One end of the inflow channel 220 is connected to the inlet blood vessel of the organ, and the other end is connected to the reservoir 400. The liver 10 has two inlet blood vessels, the hepatic artery 11 and the portal vein 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inflow channel 220 includes a first inflow channel 222 that is connected to the hepatic artery 11, and a second inflow channel 224 that is connected to the portal vein 12. The first inflow channel 222 is a channel that connects the reservoir 400 and the hepatic artery 11. The second inflow channel 224 is a channel that connects the reservoir 400 and the portal vein 12.

[0024] By connecting the first inflow channel 222 and the second inflow channel 224 to the liver 10 in this manner, the perfusion fluid in the reservoir 400 flows through the first inflow channel 222 from the hepatic artery 11 to the liver 10, and flows through the second inflow channel 224 from the portal vein 12 to the liver 10. Bile produced in the liver 10 is sent to the container 252 from the bile channel 250 connected to the bile duct 14.

[0025] The organ perfusion apparatus 1 also includes a pump 300, a supply device 600, a flow meter 700, and a pressure meter 800.

[0026] The pump 300 is a device for sending perfusion fluid from the reservoir 400 toward the inlet blood vessel, and in this embodiment, is provided in the inlet flow path 220. When the pump 300 is driven, the perfusion fluid in the reservoir 400 is sent to the inlet blood vessel through the inlet flow path 220. In this embodiment, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 includes a first pump 310 and a second pump 320 as the pumps 300. The first pump 310 is a device for sending perfusion fluid from the reservoir 400 toward the hepatic artery 11, and is provided in the first inlet flow path 222. The second pump 320 is a device for sending perfusion fluid from the reservoir 400 toward the portal vein 12, and is provided in the second inlet flow path 224.

[0027] The supply device 600 supplies oxygen to the perfusate sent to the organ and is provided in the inlet flow path 220 in this embodiment. For example, the supply device 600 is an artificial lung that supplies oxygen to the perfusate to increase the oxygen concentration in the perfusate. In this embodiment, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 includes a first supply device 610 and a second supply device 620 as the supply device 600. The first supply device 610 supplies oxygen to the perfusate flowing through the first inlet flow path 222 and is provided in the first inlet flow path 222. The second supply device 620 supplies oxygen to the perfusate flowing through the second inlet flow path 224 and is provided in the second inlet flow path 224.

[0028] The flow meter 700 measures the flow rate of the perfusion fluid flowing through the inflow channel 220. In this embodiment, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 includes, as the flow meter 700, a first flow meter 710 that measures the perfusion fluid flowing through the first inflow channel 222 and a second flow meter 720 that measures the perfusion fluid flowing through the second inflow channel 224.

[0029] The pressure gauge 800 measures the pressure of the perfusion fluid flowing through the inflow channel 220. In this embodiment, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 is equipped with, as the pressure gauges 800, a first pressure gauge 810 that measures the pressure of the perfusion fluid flowing through the first inflow channel 222 and a second pressure gauge 820 that measures the pressure of the perfusion fluid flowing through the second inflow channel 224.

[0030] The control device 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501 which is a calculation unit, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 502 , and a storage device 503 .

[0031] The CPU 501 reads and executes programs stored in the storage device 503 to control the operation of each component of the organ perfusion apparatus 1. For example, the CPU 501 controls a pump by executing the program. Although the example in Fig. 1 shows a configuration with a single CPU 501, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 may also be configured with multiple CPUs.

[0032] The storage device 503 is realized by a non-volatile storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a hard disk. The storage device 503 stores programs executed by the CPU 501, data used by the CPU 501, etc. The programs may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0033] The control device 500 receives measurement results from each of the liquid level sensor 410, the first flow meter 710, the second flow meter 720, the first pressure meter 810, and the second pressure meter 820. The control device 500 controls the opening and closing of the refill valve 232 in accordance with the measurement results of the liquid level sensor 410. The control device 500 controls the first pump 310 in accordance with the measurement results of the first flow meter 710 and the first pressure meter 810, and controls the second pump 320 in accordance with the measurement results of the second flow meter 720 and the second pressure meter 820.

[0034] An input device 504 is connected to the control device 500 according to this embodiment for inputting information that can identify whether the circuit assembled in the organ perfusion apparatus 1 is an open circuit or a closed circuit. The input device 504 may receive input by mechanical operation of, for example, a switch. Furthermore, when a display device such as a liquid crystal display is further provided, the input device 504 may be composed of a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0035] [Open Circuit and Closed Circuit] The organ perfusion apparatus 1 comprises an outflow channel 210 that is selectively connectable to either the connecting port 120 or the hepatic vein 13, and a chamber 100 having the connecting port 120. In the organ perfusion apparatus 1, an open circuit is formed by connecting the outflow channel 210 to the connecting port 120, and a closed circuit is formed by connecting the outflow channel 210 to the hepatic vein 13 of the liver 10. The open circuit and the closed circuit will be explained below with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organ perfusion apparatus with an open circuit, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an organ perfusion apparatus with a closed circuit. In Figures 2 and 3, some reference numerals have been omitted for simplicity.

[0037] 2, an open circuit is formed by connecting the end of the outflow channel 210 that receives the perfusion fluid to the connection port 120. More specifically, one end of the first connection channel 212 is connected to a connector 401 formed on the reservoir 400, and the other end of the first connection channel 212 is connected to the connection port 120. Furthermore, the second connection channel 214 is not necessary in an open circuit, and therefore does not need to be connected to the connector 402. A cap 402a is attached to the connector 402.

[0038] The perfusion fluid in the chamber 100 is sent from the connecting port through the first connecting flow path 212 to the reservoir 400. As the first pump 310 and the second pump 320 are driven, the perfusion fluid in the reservoir 400 is sent from the hepatic artery 11 or the portal vein 12 to the liver 10 through the first inflow flow path 222 and the second inflow flow path 224, respectively. The perfusion fluid sent to the liver 10 is released to the atmosphere through the hepatic vein 13 and discharged into the chamber 100. The discharged perfusion fluid is sent again to the liver 10 through the first connecting flow path 212, the reservoir 400, the first inflow flow path 222, and the second inflow flow path 224. In this way, by connecting the first connecting flow path 212 to the connecting port 120, an open circuit is formed.

[0039] 3, the end of the outflow channel 210 that receives the perfusion fluid is connected to the hepatic vein 13, and the connecting port 120 is closed, thereby forming a closed circuit. More specifically, one end of the second connecting channel 214 is connected to a connector 402 formed on the reservoir 400, and the other end of the second connecting channel 214 is connected to the hepatic vein 13. Furthermore, the first connecting channel 212 is not necessary in a closed circuit, and therefore does not need to be connected to the connector 401. A cap 401a is attached to the connector 401.

[0040] An infusion bag 234 is connected to the refilling flow path 230, and a refilling valve 232 is opened and closed depending on the measurement result of the liquid level sensor 410, thereby refilling the perfusion fluid from the infusion bag 234. The refilling method will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0041] The perfusion fluid sent to the liver is discharged from the hepatic vein 13 through the second connecting flow path 214 into the reservoir 400 without being exposed to the atmosphere. Because the reservoir 400 is a sealed container, the perfusion fluid is discharged into the reservoir 400 without being exposed to the atmosphere. As in the open circuit, the perfusion fluid in the reservoir 400 is sent to the liver 10 as the first pump 310 and the second pump 320 are driven. In this way, by closing the connecting port 120 and connecting the second connecting flow path 214 to the hepatic vein 13, a closed circuit is formed.

[0042] (Advantages and disadvantages of open and closed circuits) In an open circuit, the hepatic vein 13 is open to the atmosphere, which reduces the risk of excessive pressure being exerted inside the liver 10. Furthermore, administration of reagents and replenishment of perfusion fluid can be performed directly from the chamber 100, which is open to the atmosphere, making these operations easy.

[0043] However, in an open circuit, the perfusion fluid returned to the liver 10 is exposed to the atmosphere inside the chamber 100. This poses a risk of contamination. In addition, the perfusion fluid is discharged from the hepatic vein 13 into the chamber 100, and since the perfusion fluid discharged into the chamber 100 is returned to the liver 10, it is necessary to fill not only the flow path but also the chamber 100 with perfusion fluid, which requires a large amount of perfusion fluid in an open circuit.

[0044] On the other hand, in a closed circuit, the perfusion fluid is not exposed to the atmosphere, so the risk of contamination is low. Also, since there is no need to fill the chamber 100 with the perfusion fluid used for perfusion, the total amount of perfusion fluid used can be reduced, and in a closed circuit, it is easier to analyze metabolites from the liver 10.

[0045] However, because the closed circuit is not open to the atmosphere, there is a risk of excessive pressure being applied inside the liver 10, and it is necessary to construct a control system to prevent excessive pressure. Furthermore, because the perfusion fluid flows through a closed circuit, it is time-consuming to administer a reagent to the perfusion fluid or to replenish the perfusion fluid.

[0046] As described above, both the open circuit and the closed circuit have their advantages and disadvantages. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can be configured as either an open circuit or a closed circuit by providing the chamber 100 with an openable connecting port 120 that can be connected to the inflow channel 220. Therefore, by using the organ perfusion apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, users such as doctors can consider the advantages and disadvantages of each circuit and select an appropriate circuit depending on the condition of the organ, the purpose of perfusion, etc.

[0047] [Chamber Structure] The detailed structure of the chamber 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a side view of the chamber. The chamber 100 has a convex portion 140 formed on at least a part of the bottom surface thereof, which protrudes outward on the side opposite to the side where the liver 10 is accommodated.

[0048] The protrusion 140 is formed with a connection port 120 and a waste liquid port 122. Both the connection port 120 and the waste liquid port 122 are provided facing the outside of the chamber 100 and have a cylindrical shape.

[0049] The chamber 100 is provided with a cylindrical connector 130 that penetrates the side surface. The connector 130 provided on the side surface of the chamber will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a part of a closed circuit. Note that in Figure 5, some reference numerals and drawings have been omitted to simplify the drawing.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, the connector 130 includes a first connection portion 132 provided inward from the wall of the chamber 100 and a second connection portion 134 provided outward from the wall of the chamber 100 .

[0051] The second connecting flow path 214 includes two flow paths 214a, 214b connected by the connector 130. The flow path 214a is a cannula configured so that one end can be attached to the hepatic vein 13. The other end of the flow path 214a can be connected to a first connecting portion 132 of the connector 130. The flow path 214b can be connected to a second connecting portion 134 of the connector 130 and a connector 402 of the reservoir 400.

[0052] By connecting the two flow paths 214 a and 214 b via the connector 130 in this manner, a second connecting flow path 214 is formed, and the second connecting flow path 214 can be attached to the hepatic vein 13 .

[0053] In this embodiment, the connection port 120 is formed on the bottom surface of the chamber 100. In an open circuit, the perfusion fluid is discharged directly from the hepatic vein 13 into the chamber 100. At this time, if the hepatic vein 13 protrudes above the surface of the perfusion fluid, the perfusion fluid may become foamy. In this embodiment, by forming the connection port 120 on the bottom surface of the chamber 100, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entering the flow path through the connection port 120, and as a result, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entering the liver 10.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection port 120 is formed on a convex portion 140 provided on the bottom of the chamber 100. This prevents the liver 10 from coming into contact with the connection port 120, thereby preventing the liver 10 from being damaged by irregularities in the connection port 120 and preventing the suction pressure from the first connection flow path 212 from being applied to the liver 10 if the connection port 120 is blocked by the liver 10.

[0055] In this embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area A1 (see FIG. 2) of the first connecting flow path 212 for the open circuit is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area A2 (see FIG. 3) of the second connecting flow path 214 for the closed circuit. Therefore, the outer diameter a1 of the connecting port 120 is larger than the outer diameter a2 of the connector 130. For example, the outer diameter a1 of the connecting port 120 is 9 mm to 18 mm, and the outer diameter a2 of the connector 130 is 6 mm to 15 mm.

[0056] By increasing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first connecting flow path 212, the pressure loss in the first connecting flow path 212 can be reduced, and the atmospheric pressure acting on the perfusion fluid in the chamber 100 can efficiently send the perfusion fluid in the chamber 100 to the reservoir 400.

[0057] [Control when using a closed circuit] If the condition of the liver 10 is poor, the liver 10 may accumulate perfusate. In such a case, the amount of perfusate sent to the liver 10 may not be balanced with the amount of perfusate coming out of the liver 10, and the amount of perfusate in the reservoir 400 may decrease, or in the worst case, become empty. If the pump 300 is driven when there is no perfusate in the reservoir 400, air may enter the liver 10.

[0058] When an open circuit is configured, the perfusion fluid can be easily replenished from the top of chamber 100, but when a closed circuit is configured, the perfusion fluid cannot be replenished from chamber 100. In addition, since reservoir 400 is also sealed, the perfusion fluid cannot be easily replenished. Furthermore, in a closed circuit, the total amount of perfusion fluid flowing through the circuit is smaller than in an open circuit, so there is a higher risk of reservoir 400 becoming empty than in an open circuit.

[0059] When a closed circuit is set up, the control device 500 in this embodiment monitors the liquid level in the reservoir 400 using a liquid level sensor 410, and replenishes the perfusion fluid in the reservoir 400 when the liquid level in the reservoir 400 falls below a predetermined threshold value.

[0060] The replenishment method will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the replenishment method. Each process (step) shown in Fig. 6 is executed by the control device 500, and is realized by the CPU 501 executing various programs stored in the storage device 503.

[0061] The control device 500 determines whether the assembled circuit is a closed circuit based on information input from the input device 504. If the control device 500 determines that the assembled circuit is not a closed circuit, in other words, if it determines that the assembled circuit is an open circuit, it does not execute the process shown in FIG. 6. If the control device 500 determines that the assembled circuit is a closed circuit, it starts the process shown in FIG. 6. The control device 500 may automatically detect the assembled circuit. For example, a detector may be provided that can detect whether a flow path is connected to each of the connectors 401 and 402, and the control device 500 may detect the assembled circuit based on the detection result of the detector. The control device 500 may start the process shown in FIG. 6 even if an open circuit is assembled.

[0062] In step S1, the control device 500 determines whether the liquid level in the reservoir 400 is lower than a predetermined first threshold value H1 based on the measurement result of the liquid level sensor 410.

[0063] If the control device 500 determines that the liquid level in the reservoir 400 is not less than the first threshold value H1 (NO in step S1), in other words, if the control device 500 determines that the liquid level in the reservoir 400 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value H1, the control device 500 proceeds to step S3. If the control device 500 determines that the liquid level in the reservoir 400 is lower than the first threshold value H1 (YES in step S1), the control device 500 proceeds to step S2.

[0064] In step S2, the control device 500 opens the refill valve 232. This causes the perfusion fluid to be replenished from the infusion bag 234 containing the perfusion fluid toward the reservoir 400 through the refill flow path 230. Note that the infusion bag 234 is, for example, positioned vertically above the reservoir 400. This causes the perfusion fluid to flow from the infusion bag 234 toward the reservoir 400 due to gravity.

[0065] In step S3, the control device 500 determines whether the liquid level in the reservoir 400 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value H2 based on the measurement result of the liquid level sensor 410. The second threshold value H2 is set to a value greater than the first threshold value H1.

[0066] If the control device 500 determines that the liquid level in the reservoir 400 is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value H2 (NO in step S3), in other words, if the control device 500 determines that the liquid level in the reservoir 400 is less than the second threshold value H2, the control device 500 ends the process. If the control device 500 determines that the liquid level in the reservoir 400 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value H2 (YES in step S3), the control device 500 proceeds to step S4.

[0067] In step S4, the control device 500 closes the refill valve 232 and ends the process, thereby stopping the refill of the perfusion fluid from 234 to the reservoir 400.

[0068] The control device 500 executes the process shown in Fig. 6 at a predetermined cycle. This maintains the liquid level of the perfusion fluid in the reservoir 400 at or above the first threshold value H1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the reservoir 400 from becoming empty and air being sent to the liver 10. Furthermore, the liquid level of the perfusion fluid in the reservoir 400 is maintained below the second threshold value H2. As a result, it is possible to keep the total amount of perfusion fluid used in the closed circuit within a predetermined range.

[0069] [Modification] In the above embodiment, the organ is the liver 10. Because the liver 10 has two inlet blood vessels, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 is provided with a first inlet blood vessel 222 and a second inlet blood vessel 224 as the inlet flow passage 220. Note that the organ perfusion apparatus 1 is provided with one inlet flow passage when the organ has only one inlet blood vessel, and is provided with three inlet flow passages when the organ has three inlet blood vessels. In other words, the number of inlet flow passages may be determined according to the number of inlet blood vessels of the target organ.

[0070] Furthermore, when an organ having two outlet blood vessels is to be perfused, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 may be provided with two second connecting channels 214 for the closed circuit. That is, the number of outlet channels (connecting channels) for the closed circuit may be determined according to the number of outlet blood vessels of the target organ.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 is provided with a first pump 310 for causing the perfusion fluid to flow through the first inflow channel 222 and a second pump 320 for causing the perfusion fluid to flow through the second inflow channel 224. Note that the organ perfusion apparatus 1 may also be configured such that a single pump performs the functions of both the first pump 310 and the second pump 320.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 is provided with the reservoir 400. However, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 does not have to be provided with the reservoir 400. In this case, the outflow channel 210 and the inflow channel 220 may be connected via a single channel. Any device or the like may be provided between the outflow channel 210 and the inflow channel 220, as long as the outflow channel 210 and the inflow channel 220 are fluidly connected.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the organ perfusion apparatus 1 has connectors 401 and 402 formed on the reservoir 400 to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path connected to the connection port 120, and uses either the first connection flow path 212 or the second connection flow path 214 depending on the circuit. If the flow path connected to the connection port 120 and the flow path connected to the hepatic vein 13 have the same cross-sectional area, it is not necessary to use different flow paths depending on the circuit, and only one connector may be formed on the reservoir 400 on the outflow flow path 210 side. In other words, in the above embodiment, the outflow flow path 210 may be configured to be selectively connectable to either the connection port 120 or the outlet blood vessel, and may be configured as a single connection flow path.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the reservoir 400 is provided with at least five connectors. Note that the reservoir 400 may include at least two or more connectors, as long as it includes a connector for connecting the outflow channel 210 and the inflow channel 220. The number of connectors provided in the reservoir 400 may be set according to the number of channels that may be connected to the reservoir 400, and is not limited to five.

[0075] Aspects It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0076] (Item 1) An organ perfusion device according to one aspect is an organ perfusion device for perfusing a perfusion fluid through an organ. The organ perfusion device includes a chamber open to the atmosphere and accommodating an organ, an inflow channel connected to an inlet blood vessel of the organ, and one or more outflow channels fluidly connected to the inflow channel and positioned on the outlet blood vessel side of the organ. The chamber includes a connecting port configured to be openable and closable and connectable to one or more outflow channels. The one or more outflow channels are configured to be selectively connectable to either the connecting port or the outlet blood vessel. In the organ perfusion device, an open circuit is formed by connecting one or more outflow channels to the connecting port, and a closed circuit is formed by connecting one or more outflow channels to the outlet blood vessel.

[0077] According to the organ perfusion apparatus described in paragraph 1, the user of the organ perfusion apparatus can freely select between an open circuit and a closed circuit.

[0078] (Item 2) In the organ perfusion apparatus described in item 1, the connecting port is formed at the bottom of the chamber.

[0079] According to the organ perfusion device described in paragraph 2, when an open circuit is formed, even if the perfusion fluid bubbles when discharged from the outlet blood vessel directly into the chamber, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entering the flow path through the connecting port, thereby preventing air bubbles from entering the organ.

[0080] (Item 3) In the organ perfusion device described in item 2, the chamber includes a convex portion formed on the bottom surface and protruding outward from the side of the chamber opposite to the side receiving the organ. The connecting port is formed in the convex portion.

[0081] The organ perfusion device described in paragraph 3 can prevent organ damage due to unevenness in the connecting port, and can prevent suction pressure from the inflow channel from being applied to the organ when the connecting port is blocked by the organ.

[0082] (4) The organ perfusion device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3 further comprises a reservoir for storing perfusion fluid. The one or more outlet channels comprise a first channel connected to the reservoir and selectively connected to a connecting port to form an open circuit, and a second channel connected to the reservoir and selectively connected to an outlet blood vessel to form a closed circuit. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first connecting channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second connecting channel.

[0083] According to the organ perfusion device described in paragraph 4, the pressure loss can be reduced by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the first connecting channel, and when an open circuit is formed, the atmospheric pressure acting on the perfusion fluid in the chamber allows the perfusion fluid in the chamber to be efficiently sent to the reservoir.

[0084] (5) The organ perfusion device described in 4 further includes a refilling flow path connected to a reservoir for receiving the perfusion fluid to be replenished in the reservoir, a valve for opening and closing the refilling flow path, a liquid level sensor for measuring the liquid level of the perfusion fluid in the reservoir, and a control device, which performs refilling control by opening the valve to replenish the perfusion fluid in the reservoir when the liquid level is less than a first threshold value.

[0085] The organ perfusion device described in paragraph 5 can prevent the reservoir from becoming empty and air from being sent to the organ.

[0086] (Item 6) In the organ perfusion apparatus described in item 5, the control device controls replenishment when a closed circuit is formed.

[0087] According to the organ perfusion device described in paragraph 6, the total amount of perfusion fluid flowing through the circuit is smaller than in an open circuit, and replenishment control is performed in a closed circuit, which has a high risk of the reservoir becoming empty, thereby reducing the risk of the reservoir becoming empty.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0089] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Organ perfusion device, 10 Liver, 11 Hepatic artery, 12 Portal vein, 13 Hepatic vein, 14 Bile duct, 100 Chamber, 102 Opening, 120 Connection port, 120a, 401a, 402a Cap, 122 Waste port, 130, 401 to 405 Connector, 132 First connection part, 134 Second connection part, 140 Convex part, 210 Outlet flow path, 212 First connection flow path, 214 Second connection flow path, 220 Inlet flow path, 222 First inlet flow path, 224 Second inlet flow path, 230 Replenishment flow path, 232 Replenishment valve, 234 Infusion bag, 240 Waste flow path, 242 Waste valve, 250 Bile flow path, 252 Container, 300 Pump, 310 First pump, 320 Second pump, 400 Reservoir, 410 Liquid level sensor, 500 control device, 503 storage device, 504 input device, 600 supply device, 610 first supply device, 620 second supply device, 700 flow meter, 710 first flow meter, 720 second flow meter, 800 pressure meter, 810 first pressure meter, 820 second pressure meter.

Claims

1. An organ perfusion device for perfusing a perfusion fluid through an organ, comprising: a chamber open to the atmosphere and accommodating the organ; an inflow channel connected to an inlet blood vessel of the organ; and one or more outflow channels fluidly connected to the inflow channel and positioned on the outlet blood vessel side of the organ, wherein the chamber includes a connecting port configured to be openable and closable and connectable to the one or more outflow channels, wherein the one or more outflow channels are configured to be selectively connectable to either the connecting port or the outlet blood vessel, wherein an open circuit is formed by connecting the one or more outflow channels to the connecting port, and wherein a closed circuit is formed by connecting the one or more outflow channels to the outlet blood vessel.

2. The organ perfusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting port is formed in the bottom of the chamber.

3. The organ perfusion device according to claim 2, wherein the chamber includes a convex portion formed on the bottom surface and protruding outward on the side opposite to the side of the chamber that receives the organ, and the connecting port is formed in the convex portion.

4. An organ perfusion device as described in claim 1, further comprising a reservoir for storing the perfusion fluid, wherein the one or more outflow channels include a first channel connected to the reservoir and selectively connected to the connecting port to form the open circuit, and a second channel connected to the reservoir and selectively connected to the outlet blood vessel to form the closed circuit, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel.

5. An organ perfusion device as described in claim 4, further comprising: a replenishment flow path connected to the reservoir and receiving the perfusion fluid to replenish the reservoir; a valve for opening and closing the replenishment flow path; a liquid level sensor for measuring the liquid level of the perfusion fluid in the reservoir; and a control device, wherein the control device performs replenishment control by opening the valve to replenish the perfusion fluid to the reservoir when the liquid level is less than a first threshold value.

6. The organ perfusion apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control device performs the supplemental control when the closed circuit is formed.