Lung Transport Pressure Equalization for Donor Organ Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving and transporting bodily tissue, particularly lungs, are limited by time constraints due to oxygen deprivation, pressure changes during transport, and anatomical misalignment, leading to tissue damage and reduced viability.
Innovation Solution
The use of expandable accumulators to maintain constant pressure within lungs during transport, combined with anatomically correct storage and perfusion systems to oxygenate the tissue, ensuring a stable environment and preventing over-inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lungs are inflated with air and sealed before transport, then the lungs can maintain structural integrity during storage, but pressure changes during air transport cause over-inflation and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pressure equalization system that allows the sealed lung to adapt to changing external pressures during transport. The system includes a one-way valve mechanism that permits gas to enter the lung when external pressure decreases (preventing collapse) but prevents gas from escaping when external pressure increases (preventing over-inflation). This dynamic response resolves the contradiction by making the lung's internal pressure adaptable rather than fixed, thereby maintaining structural integrity across varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas-permeable membrane as an intermediary between the sealed lung and the external environment. This membrane allows gradual pressure equalization while maintaining the seal, acting as a buffer that prevents abrupt pressure changes from causing damage. The membrane mediates the interaction between the confined lung and varying external pressures, resolving the contradiction by providing a controlled interface that protects against both over-inflation and collapse.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If hypothermic temperatures are used to preserve tissue, then oxygen demand decreases and tissue can be stored longer, but edema accumulates and viability is still time-limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous gentle perfusion of the lung tissue with preservation solution at controlled flow rates. This continuous action maintains tissue hydration and removes metabolic waste products without causing fluid accumulation. The perfusion system operates continuously throughout the storage period, providing sustained protective action that extends viability while avoiding the edema problem associated with static cold storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs controlled parameter changes in the preservation approach by maintaining the lung at slightly higher temperatures than traditional static cold storage (e.g., 4-10°C rather than 0-4°C) and combining this with dynamic perfusion. These parameter changes optimize the balance between reducing metabolic rate and preventing edema, thereby extending storage duration without the harmful effects of excessive cold or static conditions.
3Device complexity
If static cold storage is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but tissue viability is time-limited by insufficient oxygen levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-contained preservation system where the lung's own vasculature serves as the delivery network for oxygenated preservation solution. The system utilizes the lung's inherent structural features (blood vessels, airways) rather than requiring external complex infrastructure. This self-service approach extends viability through endogenous resource utilization while keeping equipment relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified pneumatic-perfusion system that delivers oxygenated preservation solution through the lung's vasculature using gentle pressure gradients. This hydraulic approach provides continuous oxygen supply without requiring complex mechanical respiratory support equipment. The system uses basic pumps and pressure control mechanisms to achieve prolonged viability with minimal device complexity.
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
Enhances tissue viability by stabilizing pressure and replicating the in vivo environment, reducing damage and increasing graft survival rates during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable accumulator may be more compliant than the airways of the donor lung such that the expandable accumulator expands in response to a relative increase in the volume of gas (e.g., through a change in relative pressure) contained in the closed system formed by the lungs airways and accumulator
Implementation Method 2
A membrane is disposed between the first portion of the pumping chamber and a second portion of the pumping chamber. The membrane is configured to permit the flow of a gas between the first portion of the pumping chamber and the second portion of the pumping chamber through the membrane
Implementation Method 3
The pumping chamber is configured to move the liquid perfusate through the bodily tissue
Implementation Method 4
While hypothermic temperatures decrease the oxygen demand of the bodily tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the invention generally relate to prolonging viability of bodily tissue, especially lung tissue, through the use of an expandable accumulator to maintain a constant pressure within the lumen of the organ even during external pressure fluctuations due to, for example, flight. Systems and methods may include prolonging donor organ viability in storage through the use of an organ container that mimics the geometry and orientation of the organ in vivo.