Patent ID: 6642045
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: A01N

Abstract:
An exsanguinous metabolic support system for maintaining an isolated organ, tissue or section of anatomy in a near normal metabolic state comprising:(a) a non-blood perfusion solution comprising a component of the citric acid cycle wherein said perfusion solution is capable of reestablishing and supporting the vascular integrity and oxidative metabolism of an organ, thereby maintaining the organ in a functional state and at a near normal metabolic rate at warm temperatures from about 25Â° C. to about 37Â°; (b) a perfusion subsystem comprising one or more perfusion fluid paths for circulating said perfusion solution; (c) an organ chamber for holding said organ, said organ chamber being situated in said perfusion fluid path and having one or more perfusion solution inlets and support means capable of keeping the exterior of the organ from being in contact with said perfusion solution; (d) a controlled gassing subsystem for regulation of respiratory gases and maintenance of the pH of said perfusion solution comprising: (i) a first controller for continuously introducing oxygen at a constant concentration into said perfusion solution; and (ii) a second controller for intermittently introducing carbon dioxide into said perfusion solution wherein said second controller has a single setpoint for activation and deactivation of said second controller; and (e) a temperature controller for maintaining temperature of said perfusion solution at 25-37Â° C.