Methods and systems for assessing the suitability of an organ for transplant

Abstract

Methods of determining the health of an organ, such as a transplant organ, by measuring the ex-situ oxygen consumption rate of the organ. Systems for preserving and transporting organs while monitoring viability by measuring oxygen consumption rates.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A method for perfusing an organ, the method comprising:
 inserting an organ into a preservation solution;   perfusing the organ with an oxygenated solution at a hypothermic temperature;   measuring the oxygen consumption rate of the organ;   comparing the measured oxygen consumption rate to a functional oxygen consumption rate, wherein a measured oxygen consumption rate greater than or equal to the functional oxygen consumption rate is indicative of a suitable organ; and   using a processor to alter a perfusion property based on the comparison.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising varying a pressure of the oxygenated solution to create a differential perfusion pressure 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the differential perfusion pressure is greater than 0 mm Hg and less than or equal to 120 mm Hg. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the differential perfusion pressure is greater than 0 mm Hg and less than or equal to 50 mm Hg. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the functional oxygen consumption rate is greater than or equal to 50 nmolO 2 /min/g of organ mass. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the organ is selected from the group consisting of heart, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the hypothermic temperature is less than 10° C. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the organ is from an expanded criteria donor (ECD) or from a donation after cardiac death (DCD). 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising monitoring vascular resistance of the organ to perfusion. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the pressure is varied at least once per minute. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the pressure is varied at least once every 10 seconds. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the preservation solution is oxygenated with a partial pressure of oxygen of at least 100 mmHg (100 Torr). 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the perfusion property is one selected from the list consisting of: perfusion temperature; flow rate; and pressure.