Hypothermic Transport System Using Phase Change Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting donor organs are limited by temperature instability, lack of oxygen and nutrients, and mechanical protection, leading to organ damage and reduced availability for transplantation.
Innovation Solution
A system providing a sterile, temperature-stabilized environment with oxygenated preservation fluid, self-purging capabilities, and pulsatile perfusion to maintain tissue health during transport, using a self-purging preservation apparatus and insulated transport container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If simple hypothermic storage with ice is used, then cooling effect is provided, but temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phase change material (PCM) as an intermediary thermal storage medium between the cooling source and the organ. The PCM absorbs and releases heat during phase transitions, maintaining a stable temperature environment for the organ while providing effective cooling without direct contact with ice, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling effect and temperature stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the storage system by using phase change materials with specific melting points matched to organ preservation requirements. This allows the system to maintain a narrow temperature range (e.g., 2-8°C) through the phase transition process, achieving both cooling and temperature stability simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If transport time is extended to reach distant recipients, then geographic accessibility is improved, but organ viability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary preservation actions by perfusing the organ with cold preservation solution before transport and maintaining optimal temperature conditions throughout the transport process. This preliminary and continuous care extends the safe transport time window, allowing organs to be transported over longer distances while maintaining viability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous preservation through sustained hypothermic storage and periodic perfusion during transport. The cooling system operates continuously, and the organ receives ongoing protection from metabolic damage, enabling extended transport times without compromising organ viability, thus improving geographic accessibility
3Ease of manufacture
If organ is bagged and placed in cooler with ice, then simple storage is achieved, but mechanical protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible, form-fitting container or bag that closely conforms to the organ's shape, providing uniform mechanical support and protection. This flexible enclosure prevents direct contact between the organ and hard surfaces or ice chunks, reducing mechanical damage while maintaining a compact, simple storage configuration that is easy to handle and transport
4Reliability
If preservation solution is used to reduce swelling, then tissue protection is improved, but oxygen and nutrient supply deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic perfusion of the organ with preservation solution during transport intervals. This periodic replenishment of oxygenated solution ensures that while the organ remains protected from swelling and ischemia between perfusions, it receives adequate oxygen and nutrient supply at regular intervals, resolving the contradiction between tissue protection and substance supply
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, ensuring they arrive healthier and more viable, thereby increasing the pool of available organs for donation and improving transplant outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The container includes a phase change material configured to absorb heat from the biological sample as the phase change material transitions from a solid state to a liquid state
Implementation Method 2
The container includes an insulated wall configured to reduce thermal energy transfer between the biological sample and an external environment
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.