System and method for perfusing biological organs

Abstract

A system for perfusing a biological organ for use as an experimental model includes a housing having sides that define a cavity for containing a biological organ model within a solution. The housing includes a plurality of apertures defined therethrough configured to mechanically interface with a filter, one or more heating elements and one or more sensors. A peristaltic pump is configured to withdraw and pressurize the solution from the housing and reintroduce the solution under pressure into the biological organ. A heat control module operatively connects to the heating elements and is configured to regulate the temperature of the solution within the housing. A data acquisition system operatively connects to the heat control module, the peristaltic pump and the sensor(s) and regulates and monitors the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the solution during electrical treatment of the biological organ.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system for perfusing a biological organ comprising:
 a housing defining a cavity therein, the cavity configured to hold a biological organ and perfusion fluid;   a pump operatively coupled to the housing and configured to draw perfusion fluid from the cavity of the housing and to reintroduce perfusion fluid into the cavity through the biological organ;   at least one temperature sensor disposed within the cavity of the housing for sensing a temperature of perfusion fluid disposed within the housing;   at least one heating element in mechanical engagement with the housing for controlling the temperature of perfusion fluid disposed within the housing; and   at least one sensor configured to measure at least one of pressure, flow rate, or temperature in an orifice of the biological organ.   
     
     
         22 . The system according to  claim 21 , further comprising at least one tube extending between the pump and the orifice of the biological organ. 
     
     
         23 . The system according to  claim 21 , further comprising at least one valve configured to regulate flow of perfusion fluid into the housing. 
     
     
         24 . The system according to  claim 21 , further comprising a heat control module in operable communication with the at least one temperature sensor. 
     
     
         25 . The system according to  claim 24 , wherein the heat control module is operably coupled to the at least one heating element and is configured to adjust the at least one heating element to maintain a pre-determined temperature of perfusion fluid in the cavity. 
     
     
         26 . The system according to  claim 21 , further comprising a data acquisition system operably connected to the pump, the at least one temperature sensor, the at least one heating element, and the at least one sensor, the data acquisition system configured to receive measured values from the at least one temperature sensor and the at least one sensor and to regulate the pump and the at least one heating element. 
     
     
         27 . The system according to  claim 21 , further comprising a specimen table disposed within the cavity of the housing for supporting the biological organ. 
     
     
         28 . The system according to  claim 27 , wherein the specimen table includes perforations to facilitate circulation of perfusion fluid around the biological organ. 
     
     
         29 . The system according to  claim 27 , further comprising a conductive ground plate disposed within the cavity of the housing and below the specimen table. 
     
     
         30 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein the specimen table and the conductive ground plate are in a nested arrangement. 
     
     
         31 . The system according to  claim 21 , further comprising a perfusion fluid. 
     
     
         32 . The system according to  claim 21 , further comprising a lid mountable to the housing. 
     
     
         33 . The system according to  claim 32 , wherein the lid defines an opening therethrough. 
     
     
         34 . The system according to  claim 33 , further comprising an electrode holder assembly mountable to the lid and dimensioned to extend across the opening defined in the lid. 
     
     
         35 . A system for perfusing a biological organ comprising:
 a housing having sides that define a cavity therein, the cavity configured to hold a biological organ and a solution, the housing including a plurality of ports defined through one or more of the sides, each of the plurality of ports, each port configured to mechanically interface with one of a plurality of components selected from the group consisting of a filter, a valve, a thermocouple, a heater, a tube that is operably connected to a pump, and a sensor configured to measure at least one of pressure, flow rate or temperature;   a specimen table disposed within the cavity of the housing, the specimen table configured to support the biological organ;   a removable conductive ground plate disposed within the cavity of the housing below the specimen table in a nested arrangement; and   a data acquisition system configured for operative engagement with the plurality of components for monitoring or regulating each of the plurality of components.   
     
     
         36 . The system according to  claim 35 , wherein the specimen table and the removable conductive ground plate each includes a plurality of legs extending therefrom. 
     
     
         37 . The system according to  claim 35 , wherein the specimen table and the removable conductive ground plate each includes perforations. 
     
     
         38 . The system according to  claim 35 , wherein the data acquisition system includes a computer configured to analyze data received from the components.