Compositions, methods and devices for maintaining an organ

Abstract

Compositions, methods, systems/devices and media are provided for maintaining a harvested organ in a functioning and viable state prior to implantation. The organ perfusion apparatus includes a preservation chamber for storing the organ during the preservation period. A perfusion circuit is provided having a first line for providing an oxygenated fluid to the organ, and a second line for carrying depleted fluid away from the organ. The perfusion apparatus also includes a device operably associated with the perfusion circuit for maintaining the organ at a substantially normothermic temperature.

1 . A method for perfusing a heart, comprising
 placing the heart in an ex-vivo apparatus,   perfusing the heart with a fluid to cause the heart function in a viable state, and   maintaining the heart at a physiologic temperature during perfusion.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , including controlling perfusion pressure. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , including therapeutically treating the heart. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , including controlling flow rate of the perfusion fluid. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , including oxygenating the fluid. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , including pumping the fluid in pulsatile fashion. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , including transporting the heart from a first location to a second location remote from the first location. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , including diagnosing a condition of the heart. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , including maintaining the heart for more than about 6 hours. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , including maintaining the heart for more than about 24 hours. 
     
     
         11 . A method for evaluating a heart for a transplant, comprising
 placing the heart in an ex-vivo apparatus,   perfusing the heart to cause it to function in a viable state,   maintaining the heart at a physiologic temperature during perfusion, and   performing one or more tests on the heart during perfusion.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , including performing an echocardiogram on the heart during perfusion. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , including performing a metabolic assessment on the heart during perfusion. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , including measuring pH of fluid perfusing through the heart. 
     
     
         15 . A method for treating a heart, comprising
 placing the heart in an ex-vivo apparatus,   perfusing the heart to cause it to function in a viable state,   maintaining the heart at a physiologic temperature during perfusion, and   applying a treatment to the heart during perfusion.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , including applying a direct current shock to the heart to correct arrhythmia. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , including performing surgery on the heart.