Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US5807737?dq=4484186
Timestamp: 2015-04-19 20:12:47
Document Index: 108817540

Matched Legal Cases: ['art. 19', 'art 132', 'art 132', 'art 132', 'art 132', 'art 132']

Patent US5807737 - Heart and lung support assembly - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA heart and lung support assembly for extracorporeal support of a heart and one or both associated lungs, using the lungs of the donor as oxygenators. The heart and lung support assembly is controlled by an automated feedback control system to monitor and control various attributes of the heart, lungs,...http://www.google.com/patents/US5807737?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5807737 - Heart and lung support assemblyAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS5807737 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 08/687,807Publication dateSep 15, 1998Filing dateJul 26, 1996Priority dateJul 26, 1996Fee statusLapsedPublication number08687807, 687807, US 5807737 A, US 5807737A, US-A-5807737, US5807737 A, US5807737AInventorsDavid M. Schill, Joseph G. Schill, Robert A. Schill, Jr.Original AssigneeSchill Enterprises, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (12), Non-Patent Citations (2), Referenced by (19), Classifications (9), Legal Events (6) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetHeart and lung support assembly
US 5807737 AAbstract
A heart and lung support assembly for extracorporeal support of a heart and one or both associated lungs, using the lungs of the donor as oxygenators. The heart and lung support assembly is controlled by an automated feedback control system to monitor and control various attributes of the heart, lungs, and blood, such that the heart and lungs may be stabilized for an extended period of time in an extracorporeal state. The heart and lung support assembly includes generally a housing, a chest cavity actuator assembly, a blood pressure controller assembly, and an automated monitor and feedback control system. The housing is provided for receiving the heart, lungs, and trachea after being removed from the donor patient as a unit. The chest cavity actuator assembly is carried on the exterior of the housing and is provided for simulating normal inhaling and exhaling by the donor lungs. The blood pressure controller assembly is carried by the housing and includes a fluid circuit for the circulation of blood through the heart and lungs to simulate the normal circulation of blood and to provide a means for monitoring the composition and controlling the flow of the blood. The automated monitor and feedback control system includes an arterial cell for detecting at least the partial pressure of oxygen, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and pH levels in blood as the blood passes therethrough. A plurality of blood pressure detectors is provided for measuring the various pressures of interest.
1. A heart and lung support assembly for extracorporeal support of a donor heart using the donor lungs as an oxygenator for blood being pumped therethrough by the donor heart, said heart and lung support assembly comprising:a housing defining an enclosure for placement of a donor heart and donor lungs, said housing defining a trachea opening configured to mount a trachea receptor therein, said trachea receptor being configured for attachment of a trachea associated with the donor lungs thereto; a cradle carried within said housing above a bottom of said housing for placement of the donor heart thereon, the donor lungs being positioned on said housing bottom below the donor heart, the donor lungs remaining intact with and in a normal disposition with the donor heart; a chest cavity actuator assembly carried by said housing for inducing inhaling and exhaling of the donor lungs, said chest cavity actuator being operable to create a vacuum within said housing to induce a draw of air into the donor lungs; a fluid circuit for circulating blood through the donor heart and donor lungs in similar fashion to the circulatory system associated with the donor heart; a blood pressure controller assembly for selectively raising and lowering the pressure of blood being pumped through said heart and lung support assembly; and an automated monitor and feedback control system including a blood content detector for detecting levels of components in blood circulated through said heart and lung support assembly and at least one blood pressure detector for detecting at least one blood pressure associated with the donor heart, said automated monitor and feedback control system controlling said chest cavity actuator assembly and said blood pressure controller assembly as a result of data obtained from said blood content detector and said at least one blood pressure detector. 2. The heart and lung support assembly of claim 1 wherein said chest cavity actuator assembly includes an elastomeric membrane, a piston-type actuator, a sevo motor, and a mounting bracket, said servo motor being secured to said mounting bracket, said mounting bracket being secured to said housing, a first end of said piston-type actuator being engaged with said servo motor, a second end of said piston-type actuator being secured to said elastomeric membrane, said housing defining a chest cavity actuator opening proximate said chest cavity actuator assembly, said chest cavity actuator opening being covered by said elastomeric membrane, said servo motor being operated to reciprocate said second end of said piston-type actuator away from and toward said housing to draw air into and expel air from the donor lungs through the trachea.
4. The heart and lung support assembly of claim 1 wherein said blood content detector is provided for detecting at least:a partial pressure of oxygen (pO2); a partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2); and a pH level. 5. The heart and lung support assembly of claim 1 wherein said at least one blood pressure detector includes at least:a central venous pressure detector, said central venous pressure detector being provided for measuring the blood pressure in the right auricle of the donor heart, a pulmonary artery pressure detector, said pulmonary artery pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure of the venous blood going into the donor lungs from the right side of the donor heart; a left auricle pressure detector, said left auricle pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure in the left auricle of the donor heart; and an aortic pressure detector, said aortic pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure of blood leaving the donor heart from the left ventricle thereof. 6. The heart and lung support assembly of claim 1 wherein said blood content detector of said automated monitor and feedback control system includes a comparator for comparing values measured by said blood content detector to normal values, a signal processor for determining whether said values measured by said blood content detector are within an acceptable range, and a controller for controlling said chest cavity actuator in response to said signal processor in order to vary an amount and rate of air drawn into and expelled from the donor lungs.
11. A heart and lung support assembly for extracorporeal support of a donor heart using the donor lungs as an oxygenator for blood being pumped therethrough by the donor heart, said heart and lung support assembly comprising:a housing defining an enclosure for placement of a donor heart and donor lungs, said housing defining a trachea opening configured to mount a trachea receptor therein, said trachea receptor being configured for attachment of a trachea associated with the donor lungs thereto; a cradle carried within said housing above a bottom of said housing for placement of the donor heart thereon, the donor lungs being positioned on said housing bottom below the donor heart, the donor lungs remaining intact with and in a normal disposition with the donor heart; a chest cavity actuator assembly carried by said housing for inducing inhaling and exhaling of the donor lungs, said chest cavity actuator being operable to create a vacuum within said housing to induce a draw of air into the donor lungs; a fluid circuit for circulating blood through the donor heart and donor lungs in similar fashion to the circulatory system associated with the donor heart; a blood pressure controller assembly for selectively raising and lowering the pressure of blood being pumped through said heart and lung support assembly; and an automated monitor and feedback control system including a blood content detector for detecting levels of components in blood circulated through said heart and lung support assembly and at least one blood pressure detector for detecting at least one blood pressure associated with the donor heart, said automated monitor and feedback control system controlling said chest cavity actuator assembly and said blood pressure controller assembly as a result of data obtained from said blood content detector and said at least one blood pressure detector, said blood content detector being provided for detecting at least: a partial pressure of oxygen (pO2); a partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2); and a pH level,said plurality of blood pressure detectors including at least: a central venous pressure detector, said central venous pressure detector being provided for measuring the blood pressure in the right auricle of the donor heart; a pulmonary artery pressure detector, said pulmonary artery pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure of the venous blood going into the donor lungs from the right side of the donor heart; a left auricle pressure detector, said left auricle pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure in the left auricle of the donor heart; and an aortic pressure detector, said aortic pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure of blood leaving the donor heart from the left ventricle thereof. 12. The heart and lung support assembly of claim 11 wherein said chest cavity actuator assembly includes an elastomeric membrane, a piston-type actuator, a servo motor, and a mounting bracket, said servo motor being secured to said mounting bracket, said mounting bracket being secured to said housing, a first end of said piston-type actuator being engaged with said servo motor, a second end of said piston-type actuator being secured to said elastomeric membrane, said housing defining a chest cavity actuator opening proximate said chest cavity actuator assembly, said chest cavity actuator opening being covered by said elastomeric membrane, said servo motor being operated to reciprocate said second end of said piston-type actuator away from and toward said housing to draw air into and expel air from the donor lungs through the trachea.
18. A heart and lung support assembly for extracorporeal support of a donor heart using the donor lungs as an oxygenator for blood being pumped therethrough by the donor heart, said heart and lung support assembly comprising:a housing defining an enclosure for placement of a donor heart and donor lungs, said housing defining a trachea opening configured to mount a trachea receptor therein, said trachea receptor being configured for attachment of a trachea associated with the donor lungs thereto, a cradle carried within said housing above a bottom of said housing for placement of the donor heart thereon, the donor lungs being positioned on said housing bottom below the donor heart, the donor lungs remaining intact with and in a normal disposition with the donor heart; a chest cavity actuator assembly carried by said housing for inducing inhaling and exhaling of the donor lungs, said chest cavity actuator being operable to create a vacuum within said housing to induce a draw of air into the donor lungs, said chest cavity actuator assembly including an elastomeric membrane, a piston-type actuator, a servo motor, and a mounting bracket, said servo motor being secured to said mounting bracket, said mounting bracket being secured to said housing, a first end of said piston-type actuator being engaged with said servo motor, a second end of said piston-type actuator being secured to said elastomeric membrane, said housing defining a chest cavity actuator opening proximate said chest cavity actuator assembly and a trachea opening, said chest cavity actuator opening being covered by said elastomeric membrane, said trachea opening being configured to mount a trachea receptor therein, said servo motor being operated to reciprocate said second end of said piston-type actuator away from and toward said housing to draw air into and expel air from the donor lungs through the trachea; a fluid circuit for circulating blood through the donor heart and donor lungs in similar fashion to the circulatory system associated with the donor heart; a blood pressure controller assembly for selectively raising and lowering the pressure of blood being pumped through said heart and lung support assembly, said blood pressure controller assembly including a flexible tubing section carried within said fluid circuit, a piston-type actuator, a servo motor, and a mounting bracket, said servo motor being secured to said mounting bracket, said mounting bracket being secured to said housing, a first end of said piston-type actuator being engaged with said servo motor, a second end of said piston-type actuator being disposed in engagement with said flexible tubing section, said servo motor being operated to move said second end of said piston-type actuator toward and away from a center of said flexible tubing section to vary a cross-sectional area therein, thereby respectively increasing and decreasing the aortic blood pressure, and an automated monitor and feedback control system including a blood content detector for detecting levels of components in blood circulated through said heart and lung support assembly and at least one blood pressure detector for detecting at least one blood pressure associated with the donor heart, said automated monitor and feedback control system controlling said chest cavity actuator assembly and said blood pressure controller assembly as a result of data obtained from said blood content detector and said at least one blood pressure detector, said blood content detector being provided for detecting at least: a partial pressure of oxygen (pO2); a partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2); and a pH level,said plurality of blood pressure detectors including at least: a central venous pressure detector, said central venous pressure detector being provided for measuring the blood pressure in the right auricle of the donor heart; a pulmonary artery pressure detector, said pulmonary artery pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure of the venous blood going into the donor lungs from the right side of the donor heart; a left auricle pressure detector, said left auricle pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure in the left auricle of the donor heart; and an aortic pressure detector, said aortic pressure detector being provided for measuring the pressure of blood leaving the donor heart from the left ventricle thereof,said blood content detector of said automated monitor and feedback control system further including a first comparator for comparing values measured by said blood content detector to normal values, a first signal processor for determining whether said values measured by said blood content detector are within an acceptable range, and a first controller for controlling said chest cavity actuator assembly in response to said first signal processor in order to vary an amount and rate of air drawn into and expelled from the donor lungs, said automated monitor and feedback control system further including a second comparator for comparing values measured by said plurality of blood pressure detectors to normal values, a second signal processor for determining whether said values measured by said plurality of blood pressure detectors are within an acceptable range, and a second controller for controlling said blood pressure controller assembly in response to said second signal processor in order to vary the blood pressure between the left ventricle and the right auricle of the donor heart. 19. The heart and lung support assembly of claim 18 further comprising a pair of defibrillator pads carried by said housing for applying an electrical shock to the donor heart.
This invention relates to the field of human and animal organ transplant devices. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a device for sustaining the life of a heart and one or both lungs associated with the heart after being removed from a donor and prior to being implanted into a recipient, the heart and lungs being maintained at approximate corporeal conditions while extracorporeal. The device uses the donor's lungs for extracorporeal oxygenation of blood used to maintain the normal functions of the heart.
In the field of organ transplant, and specifically heart transplant, it is well known that the time between harvesting a heart from a donor and implanting the heart into a recipient patient is critical. It is unusual that the donor and recipient patients are closely located with respect to each other, thus requiring emergency transport of the heart. Conventionally, the heart is placed on ice in a cooler and rushed to the recipient site. However, there is typically only a few hours within which a successful transplant may be made.
Other objects and advantages will be accomplished by the present invention which is provided for extracorporeal support of a heart and associated pair of lungs between the time the heart and lungs are removed from a donor and implanted into a recipient. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment the heart and lung support assembly is designed to use the lungs of the donor as oxygenators for the heart during the extracorporeal support thereof The heart and lung support assembly is controlled by an automated system to monitor and control various attributes of the heart, lungs, and blood, such that the heart may be stabilized for an extended period of time in an extracorporeal state. The heart and lung support assembly is comprised generally of a housing, a chest cavity actuator assembly, a blood pressure controller assembly, and an automated monitor and feedback control system. The housing is provided for receiving the heart, lungs and trachea after being removed from the donor patient. The housing is pressure controlled such that the chest cavity actuator assembly may effectively draw ambient air into the lungs for oxygenation of the blood, and to expel carbon dioxide therefrom. Defibrillator pads are carried by the housing for applying an electrical charge to the heart.
The automated monitor and feedback control system includes an arterial cell disposed in the fluid circuit between the blood outlet and the flexible tubing section. The arterial cell is provided for detecting at least the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), and pH levels in blood as the blood passes therethrough. A controller is provided for controlling the operation of the chest cavity actuator assembly servo motor in response to the data collected by the comparator.
A heart and lung support assembly incorporating various features of the present invention is illustrated generally at 10 in the figures. The heart and lung support assembly 10 is designed for extracorporeal support of a heart 132 and at least one associated lung 142 between the time the heart 132 and lungs 142 are removed from a donor and implanted into a recipient. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment the heart and lung support assembly 10 is designed to use the lungs 142 of the donor as oxygenators for the heart 132 during the extracorporeal support thereof. The heart and lung support assembly 10 is controlled by an automated system to monitor and control various attributes of the heart 132, lungs 142, and blood, such that the heart 132 may be stabilized for an extended period of time in an extracorporeal state, especially compared to prior art methods.
The automated monitor and feedback control system 18 includes an arterial cell 108 disposed in the fluid circuit 78 between the blood outlet 32 and the blood pressure controller assembly 16. The arterial cell 108 is provided for detecting at least the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) 110, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) 112, and pH 114 levels in blood as the blood passes therethrough. As illustrated in FIG. 5, each attribute is detected as being low, normal, or high. The measured level of each is then compared by a comparator 116 to determine if either is out of an acceptable range. The results attained by the comparator 116 are processed by a signal processor 118, which then signals a controller 120. The controller 120 is provided for controlling the operation of the chest cavity actuator servo motor 56. For example, the comparator 116 may determine that the oxygen level in the blood is too low, thus resulting the signal processor 118 signaling to the controller 120 to increase the length or rate of the stroke in order to increase the volume or rate of air pulled into the lungs 142.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS2195744 *Dec 26, 1939Apr 2, 1940Emerson John HArtificial respiratorUS4756705 *Dec 8, 1986Jul 12, 1988Gambro, AbHeart-lung system using the lung as an oxygenatorUS4770165 *Jan 22, 1986Sep 13, 1988Zamir HayekVentilators and pressure oscillators thereofUS5051352 *Oct 7, 1987Sep 24, 1991The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaApparatus and method of preserving the viability of animal organsUS5308314 *Sep 11, 1992May 3, 1994Yasuhiro FukuiIntegrated heart-lung machineUS5308320 *Dec 28, 1990May 3, 1994University Of Pittsburgh Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher EducationPortable and modular cardiopulmonary bypass apparatus and associated aortic balloon catheter and associated methodUS5385540 *May 26, 1993Jan 31, 1995Quest Medical, Inc.Clinical multi-fluid pumping systemUS5411705 *Jan 14, 1994May 2, 1995Avecor Cardiovascular Inc.Inlet chamber has filter and defoamer; extracorporeal circuit for surgeryUS5449342 *Dec 23, 1993Sep 12, 1995Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.Apparatus for assisting blood circulationDD200497A1 * Title not availableEP0376763A2 *Oct 26, 1989Jul 4, 1990McKelvey, KarenA device for transportation of human organs used for transplantationSU288870A1 * Title not available* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1 *Chien et al A simple technique for multiorgan preservation. J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. vol. 95 (1988), pp. 55 61.2Chien et al"A simple technique for multiorgan preservation." J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. vol. 95 (1988), pp. 55-61.* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6046046 *Apr 3, 1998Apr 4, 2000Hassanein; Waleed H.Compositions, methods and devices for maintaining an organUS6100082 *Sep 23, 1997Aug 8, 2000Hassanein; Waleed H.Portable apparatus for donor organ storage and transport; includes sterile preservation chamber, perfusion circuit, temperature and flow control means, and oxygenator; maintains physiologic levelsUS6677150Sep 14, 2001Jan 13, 2004Organ Transport Systems, Inc.Organ preservation apparatus and methodsUS6746416Dec 5, 2001Jun 8, 2004Spin CorporationDuplex blood pump for heart surgeryUS7045279 *Oct 15, 1999May 16, 2006Medtronic, Inc.Isolated perfused heart preparation and method of useUS7410474Apr 12, 2000Aug 12, 2008Isis Innovation LimitedMethods and means for extracorporeal organ perfusionUS7572622Aug 14, 2003Aug 11, 2009Transmedic, Inc.Apparatus which allows heart to continue beating and pumping blood through all of its chambers and vessels during heart surgeryUS7651835Oct 7, 2005Jan 26, 2010Transmedics, Inc.Preserving a heart ex vivo at physiologic or near-physiologic conditions; organ transplantUS8304181Apr 25, 2007Nov 6, 2012Transmedics, Inc.Method for ex-vivo organ care and for using lactate as an indication of donor organ statusUS8409846Feb 17, 2005Apr 2, 2013The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Veteran AffairsPerfusion apparatus, comprising chamber assembly sized and shaped for containing a heart for use in maintaining the heart in functioning and viable state in ex-vivo environment; organ transplantationUS8420380Apr 8, 2008Apr 16, 2013Transmedics, Inc.Systems and methods for ex vivo lung careUS8465970Oct 7, 2005Jun 18, 2013Transmedics, Inc.Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ careUS8535934Apr 19, 2007Sep 17, 2013Transmedics, Inc.Systems and methods for ex vivo organ careUS8585380Oct 7, 2005Nov 19, 2013Transmedics, Inc.Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ careUS8822203Sep 28, 2010Sep 2, 2014Transmedics, Inc.Systems and methods for ex vivo organ careUS20120184024 *Sep 24, 2010Jul 19, 2012Vivoline Medical AbContainer and Supporting Structure for Housing an OrganWO2000022927A1 *Oct 22, 1999Apr 27, 2000Medtronic IncIsolated perfused heart preparation and method of useWO2000060936A1 *Apr 5, 2000Oct 19, 2000Andrew ButlerMethods and means for extracorporeal organ perfusionWO2014200661A1 *May 16, 2014Dec 18, 2014Medtronic, Inc.Heart-lung preparation and method of use* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification435/284.1, 435/1.2, 435/286.6, 435/286.5International ClassificationA01N1/02Cooperative ClassificationA01N1/0247, A01N1/02European ClassificationA01N1/02, A01N1/02M2PLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionNov 2, 2010FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20100915Sep 15, 2010LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesApr 19, 2010REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedOct 5, 2005FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Feb 19, 2002FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Jul 26, 1996ASAssignmentOwner name: SCHILL ENTERPRISES, INC., TENNESSEEFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SCHILL, DAVID M.;SCHILL, JOSEPH G.;SCHILL, ROBERT A. JR.;REEL/FRAME:008124/0822;SIGNING DATES FROM 19960722 TO 19960725RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services