Hypothermic Organ Transport with Self-Purging Pulsatile Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting biological samples, such as organs, suffer from temperature instability, lack of oxygen and nutrients, and mechanical damage during transport, limiting the geographic range and viability of available organs for transplant.
Innovation Solution
A self-purging preservation apparatus that provides a sterile, temperature-stabilized environment with oxygenated preservation fluid, incorporating a semi-permeable membrane to purge rising fluids and a pneumatic system for pulsatile perfusion, ensuring mechanical protection and nutrient supply during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple hypothermic storage with ice is used, then the organ can be transported without complex equipment, but the temperature is not stabilized and the organ experiences wide temperature ranges causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The preservation system uses a self-regulating gel pack that maintains stable temperature without active cooling mechanisms. The gel pack autonomously regulates temperature through its phase change properties, eliminating the need for complex active cooling systems while maintaining temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from using ice (solid phase) to a gel pack (semi-solid phase) that maintains a more stable temperature range. The gel pack's physical properties allow it to resist temperature fluctuations better than ice, providing more consistent hypothermic conditions during transport.
2Device complexity
If the organ is bagged in cold preservation solution and placed in a portable cooler, then the organ can be transported simply, but the organ does not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients
Solution Approach 1:
The preservation solution is designed to continuously provide oxygen and nutrients to the organ throughout the transport period. The solution maintains constant contact with the organ surface, ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential substances without requiring periodic replenishment or complex delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The preservation solution's composition is optimized to enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery efficiency. By modifying the chemical parameters of the preservation solution, the system achieves better substance transfer to the organ without adding complex delivery equipment.
3Device complexity
If the organ is sealed in a bag and placed in a cooler with ice, then the transport is simple, but the organ is subject to mechanical damage from contact with ice chunks or cooler sides
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a disposable containment system with a protective barrier between the organ and the cooler walls. This single-use protective structure prevents mechanical damage during transport and is discarded after use, avoiding the need for complex reusable protective mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system employs composite materials that provide both thermal insulation and mechanical protection. The multi-layer construction protects the organ from physical damage while maintaining the required thermal environment during transport.
4Loss of time
If the transport window is limited to a few hours, then current simple preservation methods can be used, but eligible organs go unused because they cannot be transported to recipients in time
Solution Approach 1:
The preservation system autonomously maintains optimal conditions for organ viability throughout the extended transport period without requiring external intervention. The self-regulating temperature control and continuous nutrient supply enable reliable preservation beyond the traditional time window.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous protection and sustenance to the organ throughout the extended transport duration. The uninterrupted supply of oxygen and nutrients, combined with stable temperature maintenance, ensures organ viability is preserved over the extended time period.
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
Extends the transport window for organs, maintaining their health and viability over longer distances, thereby increasing the pool of available organs for donation and improving transplant outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a semi-permeable membrane to purge rising fluids
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic system for pulsatile perfusion
Implementation Method 3
maintaining a temperature of the preservation fluid between 2 and 8 or 2 and 10° C.
Implementation Method 4
an insulated transport container for receiving the self-purging preservation apparatus and cooling media
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a self-purging preservation apparatus to suspend a sample in preservation fluid and perfuse a tissue with preservation fluid. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature.