Organ Transport Container with Active Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting donated organs, such as hearts, are limited by temperature instability, lack of oxygen and nutrients, mechanical damage, and inadequate monitoring, which restricts the geographic range of available donors and increases the risk of organ deterioration during transport.
Innovation Solution
A system providing a sterile, temperature-stabilized environment with real-time monitoring and oxygenation of organs using a first transport container with a temperature sensor and a second transport container equipped with cooling media and an oxygen source, allowing for GPS tracking and secure communication among transplant teams.
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 system transitions from static ice-based cooling to dynamic active temperature control with sensors and adjustable cooling elements that continuously monitor and adjust temperature to maintain optimal ranges during transport
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors provide real-time feedback on organ temperature, which is used to automatically adjust cooling elements to maintain stable temperature, eliminating the wide temperature fluctuations experienced with passive ice storage
2Device complexity
If the organ is placed in a cooler with ice, then the organ can be transported, but the organ does not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients due to the protective covering preventing absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The protective covering is modified with permeable sections or removed in controlled areas to act as an intermediary that allows oxygen and nutrient diffusion while still providing protection, enabling substance transfer that was previously blocked
Solution Approach 2:
The protective covering incorporates porous materials that allow selective passage of oxygen and nutrients while maintaining structural protection, solving the contradiction between protection and substance absorption
3Reliability
If the organ is sealed in a bag and placed in a cooler, then the organ is protected from contamination, but the organ is subject to mechanical damage from contact with ice chunks or cooler sides during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates cushioning elements and positioning structures that are pre-installed to protect the organ from mechanical shocks and impacts during transport, preventing damage before it occurs rather than reacting to it
4Loss of information
If real-time monitoring of organ conditions is implemented, then the condition of the organ can be assessed, but the system complexity increases with additional sensors and monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system uses multi-functional sensors that can detect multiple parameters (temperature, oxygen levels, shock events) simultaneously, reducing the number of separate devices needed while providing comprehensive organ condition information
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
This system enables the transportation of organs over greater distances while maintaining their viability, increasing the pool of available organs and improving transplant outcomes by ensuring consistent temperature, oxygenation, and reducing mechanical damage.
Implementation Method 1
a second transport container having an insulated cavity for receiving the first transport container, and having recesses for receiving cooling media
Implementation Method 2
a second transport container having an insulated cavity for receiving the first transport container
Implementation Method 3
The first transport container includes a temperature sensor, thereby allowing a user to continually monitor the temperature of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing secure, sterile, and temperature-controlled environment for transporting biological samples and further providing active tracking allowing a medical team, or any other interested party, to know the geographic location and condition of the biological sample, as well as the state of the consumables.