Conservation system for organs

Sylvia Smajic-Peimann, Björn Möller, Peter Bremer, Bernd Borgwerth, Andreas Melzer, INSITE med. & Dept. of Physical engineering University of Applied Sciences, Gelsenkirchen and Biophan Europe, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany

Background

We offer training courses for the medical doctor, engineer or students using animal organs to simulating the reality. The problem with explanted organs is that they develop rigor mortis and rapidly decay. The conservation system VivoCell is based on a computerized hyperbaric oxygenation conservation that preserves the physical characteristics and texture of the organs.

Material & Methods

The conservation system consists of a pressure container. Organs are placed in a cylinder. Vasculature is connected and perfused with a solution (2.5 l NaCl 0.9% with 1 l Custodiol). This cylinder will be cool down all the time by the conservation process. The pressure (max 800 kPa), temperature (280 K) and the volume flow from the pump are controlled over a computer and special hardware components. The software can be individually adapted for the organs.

Results

First test series with muscle tissue in the pressure container were successful. The specimen showed up 14 days a normal texture. Further tests have been performed with a fresh porcine heart with perfusion. The out gassing of the heart is observed after the loss of pressure at 0 Pascal. To avoid this out gassing we are now searching for a special decompression time for the organs as well as an increased level of oxygen.

Conclusion

Vital organs can be conserved with oxygenation process and can be longer used completely applicable for tests of new methods, materials and instruments for development and research.

Keywords

Organ conservation