System for hypothermic transport of samples

Abstract

A method for preserving an extracorporeal organ during hypothermic transport of the organ. The method includes placing an organ in a self-purging preservation apparatus to suspend the sample in preservation fluid, and filling the apparatus with a cold preservation solution. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature, thereby increasing the distance that the organ can be transported without compromising organ function.

1 . A method of preserving an extracorporeal organ during hypothermic transport of the organ, comprising:
 providing an organ preservation apparatus comprising:
 an organ chamber and a lid assembly adapted to fit on the organ chamber, the lid assembly comprising:
 an organ adapter configured to secure an extracorporeal organ; 
 a fill port providing a fluid path between an exterior of the lid assembly and the organ chamber, 
 a vent port providing a fluid path between the exterior of the lid assembly and a highest point of an interior of the lid assembly, and 
 an inclined surface that is inclined when the organ preservation apparatus is upright, the inclined surface providing a path for a rising fluid from the organ chamber to the highest point of an interior of the lid assembly; 
 
   coupling an artery of an extracorporeal organ to the organ adapter; and   filling the organ chamber with a cold preservation solution by introducing the cold preservation fluid through the fill port until the cold preservation fluid emerges from the vent port.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cold preservation solution does not pass through the organ as it travels from the fill port to the organ chamber, from the organ chamber to the inclined surface, and from the inclined surface to the vent port. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lid assembly further comprises a pumping chamber having a semi-permeable membrane that is adapted to exert a force against a preservation fluid when a pressure is applied against the semi-permeable membrane to push the preservation fluid through the organ adapter. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the inclined surface comprises the semi-permeable membrane. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the cold preservation solution does not pass through the organ as it travels from the fill port to the organ chamber, from the organ chamber to the inclined surface, and from the inclined surface to the vent port. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising circulating the cold preservation solution from the pumping chamber through the organ adapter, into the organ, and into the organ chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein circulating comprises providing a time-varying pressure against the semi-permeable membrane, thereby causing the cold preservation solution to circulate through the organ in a pulsatile fashion. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein circulating comprises providing a time-varying pressure of an oxygen-containing gas to a first surface of the semi-permeable membrane, thereby causing a second surface of the semi-permeable membrane to push against the cold preservation solution. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the inclined surface is inclined at an angle between approximately 1°-30° with respect to horizontal when the organ preservation apparatus is upright. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the semi-permeable membrane is inclined at an angle between approximately 1°-30° with respect to horizontal when the organ preservation apparatus is upright. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising a valve in communication with the organ chamber and the pumping chamber. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the extracorporeal organ is selected from a heart, a kidney, a lung, and a liver. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cold preservation fluid is at a temperature between 2° C. and 8° C. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising placing the organ preservation apparatus inside an insulated container. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising maintaining the cold preservation fluid at a temperature of between 2° C. and 8° C. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising placing the organ preservation apparatus inside an insulated container. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising maintaining the cold preservation fluid at a temperature of between 2° C. and 8° C.