Thermoelectric Cell Transplant Cooler with Sterile Positioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cooling cell transplants during epicardial micrograft transplantation therapy are inefficient, as traditional cold packs either freeze or fail to maintain temperature effectively, and existing coolers are not suitable for sterile environments due to contamination risks and sterilization challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a continuously-operating cooler with a sterile positioner and cell transplant base, utilizing thermoelectric elements and a liquid cooling circuit to maintain a suitable temperature range for cell transplants, while preventing contamination and facilitating efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cold pack is used for cooling the cell transplant, then the cell temperature is reduced to prevent cell death, but the cold pack either melts too quickly (losing cooling capability) or freezes the cell transplant (causing damage)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cold pack system with a thermoelectric cooling system (Peltier element) that uses electrical energy to actively control temperature. This substitution enables precise temperature regulation without the phase change limitations of ice-based cold packs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining cooling capability and preventing freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature control parameter from passive ice melting (fixed temperature at 0°C) to active thermoelectric control (variable temperature). The thermoelectric element can adjust output temperature dynamically, allowing optimization between cooling effectiveness and freezing prevention based on real-time conditions.
2Temperature
If continuously-operating coolers with fans are used, then cooling capability is maintained, but air circulation creates contamination risk in sterile environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful air circulation function from the cooling system while retaining the essential cooling capability. By removing the fan-driven air circulation that causes contamination, the system eliminates the source of sterile field compromise while maintaining temperature control through thermoelectric means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sterile barrier (sterile drape or cover) as an intermediary between the cooling system and the sterile field. This barrier allows thermal energy transfer while preventing contamination, enabling continuous cooling without compromising sterility.
3Temperature
If traditional coolers are used, then cooling function is provided, but sterilization is difficult due to complex structure and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into sterilizable and non-sterilizable portions. The thermoelectric cooling element and immediate contact surfaces are designed to be sterilizable, while the power supply and control electronics remain outside the sterile field. This segmentation enables partial sterilization sufficient for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable sterile components (such as single-use sterile barriers or covers) that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need to sterilize complex reusable equipment. This approach prioritizes sterility assurance over equipment reusability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sterile instrument pockets are opened during operation, then all necessary instruments are available, but the preparation time is excessive and effort is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate sterile instrument components into an integrated sterile kit containing the thermoelectric cooler, positioner, and cell transplant base as a unified assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate sterile packages that must be opened and prepared during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the complete cooling and positioning system in advance as a pre-sterilized integrated unit, so that all components are ready for immediate use during surgery. This preliminary preparation eliminates intraoperative assembly steps and reduces preparation time.
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 effectively maintains the viability of cell transplants by controlling temperature and gelling speed, improving the success rate of micrograft transplantation therapy while ensuring sterility and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing thermoelectric elements and a liquid cooling circuit to maintain a suitable temperature range for cell transplants
Implementation Method 2
liquid cooling circuit to maintain a suitable temperature range
Implementation Method 3
utilizing thermoelectric elements and a liquid cooling circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the handling of cell transplants includes a continuously-operating cooler, which includes at least one plate-like base, which includes a cooled area; a sterile positioner; and a sterile cell transplant base. The sterile positioner is arranged to align the sterile cell transplant base relative to the continuously-operating cooler so that the cell transplant base comes at the cooled area. The alignment is implemented by means of a coding, based on shape, such that, when the positioner is placed over the plate-like part, at least one shape and/or at least one opening position the at least one transplant base by aligning it over the cooled area.