MRS Compatible Perfusion Apparatus for Kidney Viability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of objective, quantitative, and non-invasive methods to determine organ viability, particularly for kidneys, which leads to unreliable results and potential damage during transport and transplantation, as existing methods are invasive or subjective.
Innovation Solution
Integration of dedicated MR elements into an organ holding container with a high-field MR apparatus to perform multi-nucleus NMR spectroscopy, allowing for rapid and accurate determination of organ viability using ratios like PME/ATP and αATP/βATP, facilitating simplified and optimized processing for timely viability assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If visual observation of kidney during perfusion is used, then the method is non-invasive, but the viability determination is subjective and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual observation with objective magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurement. Instead of relying on human visual assessment during perfusion, the system uses magnetic field interactions to detect metabolic markers (PME, Pi, ATP) that quantitatively indicate kidney viability, thereby substituting a mechanical/physical measurement system for subjective observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an intermediary measurement technique. Rather than directly observing the kidney visually, the system uses MRS to detect intermediate metabolic markers (phosphomonoesters, inorganic phosphorous, ATP) that serve as reliable indicators of tissue viability, providing an objective bridge between the organ and the assessment.
2Measurement precision
If microdialysis is used to assess viability, then quantitative data can be obtained, but local tissue hemodynamics and metabolism are altered leading to unreliable results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive microdialysis (a mechanical insertion method) with non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Instead of physically inserting probes into tissue to extract metabolic data, the system uses magnetic field interactions to detect the same metabolic markers in situ, eliminating mechanical disruption of tissue hemodynamics while maintaining quantitative measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If harvest-time biopsy is performed, then viability data can be obtained, but cells are damaged and results may be misleading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical biopsy (physical tissue sampling) with magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Instead of extracting physical tissue samples that cause cellular damage and potential artifact, the system uses non-invasive MRS to detect metabolic markers in situ, providing viability information without mechanical disruption or cell damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metabolic markers detected by MRS as intermediaries to assess viability without direct tissue sampling. Rather than examining actual tissue samples that may be damaged during extraction and processing, the system detects intermediate metabolic compounds (PME, Pi, ATP) that reflect tissue state without requiring physical sample removal.
4Measurement precision
If conventional MRS acquisition is used, then viability data can be obtained, but the acquisition time is too long for surgical relevance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing MRS measurement on specific, surgically relevant metabolic markers (PME, Pi, ATP) rather than attempting comprehensive metabolic profiling. By selectively measuring only the key viability indicators needed for surgical decision-making, the system achieves clinically useful results in a shortened time frame without requiring exhaustive spectral acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes MRS acquisition parameters to optimize for speed rather than comprehensive detail. By adjusting spectral width, number of averages, and relaxation delay parameters, the system reduces acquisition time from hours to minutes, making the measurement compatible with surgical time constraints while maintaining sufficient precision for viability assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and other embodiments associated with determining organ viability are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes logic configured to apply nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) energy to a kidney positioned in a hypothermic pulsative perfusion (HPP) apparatus. The NMR energy is produced according to an MRS 31P specific pulse sequence. The HPP apparatus has an integrated RF coil. The HPP may also have an integrated magnet. The RF coil is positioned and oriented to facilitate optimizing 31P MRS of the kidney. The apparatus also includes logic configured to receive spectrum data from the kidney. The spectrum data is produced in response to applying the NMR energy to the kidney. The apparatus also includes logic configured to provide objective, quantitative kidney viability data (e.g., PME/Pi, ATP/ADP) from the spectrum data. More generally, MRI/MRS compatible HPP apparatuses are configured to interact with dedicated NMR spectroscopy apparatuses.