Heart Transport Canister With Eutectic Cooling for 6-8°C Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current organ preservation and transport methods store organs at non-optimal temperatures, limiting the time window for transplantation and resulting in suboptimal outcomes.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods for hypothermic transport of organs using eutectic cooling blocks and temperature maintenance mechanisms to maintain organs at specific temperatures (6-8°C) based on donor factors, ensuring uniform cooling and flushing out metabolites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If current organ preservation methods are used, then organs can be stored, but the storage time window is limited to a few hours and temperatures are non-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the temperature parameter during organ transport. The system maintains organs at optimal temperatures (6-8°C for hearts, 4-6°C for kidneys) using eutectic cooling blocks and active temperature control mechanisms, extending the transportation window from hours to days while improving organ viability through optimized thermal parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of eutectic cooling materials to maintain stable temperatures during transport. These phase change materials absorb and release latent heat to keep organ temperatures within optimal ranges, enabling extended preservation without active energy input during critical transport phases
2Loss of time
If organs are transported quickly, then the transportation time is reduced, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-cooling organs to optimal temperatures before transport begins and pre-positioning eutectic cooling blocks in the transport container. This advance preparation ensures immediate temperature stability upon transport initiation, maintaining precision even during rapid or extended transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control through temperature sensors that continuously monitor organ temperature and adjust cooling mechanisms accordingly. This closed-loop control maintains temperature precision within ±0.5°C regardless of transport duration or environmental conditions
3Ease of manufacture
If non-optimal temperatures are used for organ storage, then the storage process is simpler, but the organ health outcomes worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through passive eutectic cooling blocks that automatically maintain optimal temperatures without requiring active energy input or complex control systems during transport. The phase change materials self-regulate temperature, providing simple yet effective temperature control that improves organ outcomes while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite cooling structures combining eutectic materials with insulating materials to create a passive temperature control system. This composite approach achieves optimal temperature maintenance through material properties rather than active control, simplifying the storage process while improving organ health outcomes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Extend the organ transportation window, improve organ health upon arrival, and increase the pool of available organs for donation by maintaining optimal temperatures during transport.
Implementation Method 1
arranging eutectic cooling blocks within the transport container... the eutectic cooling blocks maintain a temperature of at least 6° C. and less than or equal to 8° C. within the rigid canister during a preservation time
Implementation Method 2
the rigid canister maintains constant pressure within the rigid canister during preservation
Implementation Method 3
measuring, using a temperature sensor, a temperature inside the rigid canister during preservation
Data Source
AI summary
A transport container and methods for preserving a heart at a hypothermic temperature. The transport container can maintain the heart at a temperature of 6-8° C. for improved results after transplantation. The preservation of the heart within this range can improve transplantation outcomes.