Portable Tissue Preservation Device Using Pneumatic Oxygenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracorporeal preservation of bodily tissue for transplantation, such as nonperfused cold storage and hypothermic perfusion, are limited by insufficient oxygen levels, portability issues, and high complexity and cost due to the need for large devices with significant oxygen and power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that self-purges excess fluid and oxygenates a perfusate using a pneumatic system with a semi-permeable membrane to minimize oxygen and power usage, allowing for extended tissue preservation by delivering oxygen in a controlled sequence and venting carbon dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If nonperfused cold storage is used for tissue preservation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tissue viability duration is limited due to insufficient oxygen levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic system where oxygen is delivered to the pumping chamber to create pressure changes. These pressure changes drive the perfusion of oxygenated fluid through the tissue without requiring complex mechanical pumps, thus maintaining low device complexity while extending tissue viability through active oxygen delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter within the pumping chamber cyclically - increasing pressure to push fluid through the tissue and decreasing pressure to allow chamber refilling. This parameter change enables continuous perfusion and oxygenation, extending tissue viability duration without adding complex control mechanisms
2Duration of action of moving object
If hypothermic perfusion devices are used to extend tissue viability, then the tissue viability duration is improved, but the device portability deteriorates due to large size and significant oxygen and power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue itself serves as the oxygen consumer, automatically taking up oxygen from the perfusate without requiring external control systems. The system self-regulates oxygen delivery based on tissue metabolic needs, eliminating the need for complex sensors and control algorithms that would increase device weight and reduce portability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pressure changes in the pumping chamber to deliver oxygen in cycles rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces average oxygen consumption and power requirements compared to continuous perfusion systems, thereby improving portability while maintaining extended tissue viability
3Reliability
If continuous oxygen delivery is used to maintain tissue oxygenation, then the tissue oxygenation level is improved, but the oxygen and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic oxygen delivery through cyclic pressure changes in the pumping chamber. Oxygen is delivered in pulses during pressure increase phases, followed by rest phases during pressure decrease. This periodic delivery maintains adequate tissue oxygenation levels while significantly reducing average oxygen and power consumption compared to continuous delivery systems
Solution Approach 2:
Although oxygen delivery is periodic, the useful action of oxygenation is maintained continuously in the tissue because the perfusate retains dissolved oxygen during the cycle. The oxygenated fluid remains in contact with the tissue throughout the pressure cycle, ensuring continuous oxygenation without requiring continuous oxygen input
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
The device extends the viability of bodily tissue for transplantation and research by reducing oxygen and power consumption, improving portability, and simplifying the oxygenation and perfusion process while maintaining tissue health.
Implementation Method 1
A membrane is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the pumping chamber. The membrane is configured to permit the passage of a gas from the first portion to the second portion of the pumping chamber while preventing the passage of a liquid from the second portion to the first portion
Implementation Method 2
Oxygen is introduced into the first portion of the pumping chamber to a pressure sufficient to facilitate diffusion of the oxygen through the membrane into the second portion of the pumping chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) according to an embodiment is configured to oxygenate and perfuse a bodily tissue (T) for extracorporeal preservation of the bodily tissue. The apparatus includes a pneumatic system, a pumping chamber (14), and an organ chamber (30). The pneumatic system is configured for the controlled delivery of fluid to and from the pumping chamber based on a predetermined control scheme. The pumping chamber is configured to diffuse a gas into a perfusate and to generate a pulse wave for moving the perfusate through the bodily tissue. The pumping chamber is configured to substantially automatically purge excess fluid from the pumping chamber to an area external to the apparatus. A semi -permeable membrane (20) is inclined from the first side (22) towards the second side (24) of the apparatus in order to direct a rising fluid towards a port (38) disposed at the highest portion of the pumping chamber.