Abstract: A dispersal pattern of hydrogen bonding sites on an ice surface is used as a template in a process for the design, selection and manufacture of synthetic ice interface dopants. Ice interface dopants are molecules which when bound to a surface of an ice crystal inhibit the incorporation of additional water molecules into the crystal. The ice interface dopants thus inhibit ice crystal growth, recrystallization, and sublimation. Ice interface dopants can also inhibit heterogenous nucleating agents, and thus postpone or prevent ice nucleation. Exemplary dopant structures are provided that achieve near-perfect ice-bonding efficiency while being thoroughly adaptable to a wide variety of specialized ice-bonding applications. Orbital steering provides for steering lone pair orbitals of ice bonding atoms in the interface dopant to result in an optimal angular alignment with the complementary binding sites on ice.

Abstract: Human growth hormone therapy and thymic regeneration are effected by the generally simultaneous administration of one of human growth hormone, its analogs, precursors, metabolites, releasers or mixtures thereof in combination with one of DHEA, its precursors, releasers, analogs, metabolites or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of organ and tissue perfusion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing organs, such as the kidney and liver, for cryopreservation through the introduction of vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotectant into them. To prepare the organ for cryopreservation, the donor human or animal, is treated in the usual manner and may also be treated with iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor &bgr;1. Alternatively, or additionally, the organ which is to be cryopreserved can be administered iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor &bgr;1 directly into its artery. The invention also relates to preparing organs for transplantation by a method for the removal of the cryoprotectant therefrom using low (such as raffinose, sucrose, mannitol, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of organ and tissue perfusion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing organs, such as the kidney and liver, for cryopreservation through the introduction of vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotectant into them. To prepare the organ for cryopreservation, the donor human or animal, is treated in the usual manner and may also be treated with iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1. Alternatively, or additionally, the organ which is to be cryopreserved can be administered iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1 directly into its artery. The invention also relates to preparing organs for transplantation by a method for the removal of the cryoprotectant therefrom using low (such as raffi nose, sucrose, mannitol, etc.

Abstract: An ice restrainer for mounting on a container rim. The restrainer includes a fitting adapted to be mounted to one discreet segment of the container rim and a rigid barrier pivotally attached to the fitting. The platform is repositionable between a first functioning position within the container interior for restraining and submerging ice in a beverage contained within the container wherein the barrier is adapted to permit the flow of liquids therebeyond while retaining solid objects therebehind when the container is tipped. The platform has a second non-functioning position wherein the barrier is positionable at an angle inclined from horizontal when the container is upright for replenishment of ice without removal of the fitting from the container rim.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer controlled apparatus for perfusing, cooling, and warming a biological organ. The apparatus includes a programmable computer, selectively addressable arterial perfusate reservoirs having inputs and outputs in a recirculating fluid flow path, a main pump in the recirculating flow path for recirculating the fluid in said path, an organ pump that withdraws fluid from the recirculating fluid flow path and provides it to one or more organs in an organ flow path for subsequent return to the recirculating fluid flow path or discard, a temperature-controlled cabinet housing most components of the apparatus, and improvements that permit organ perfusion at temperatures below -10.degree. C., immersion cooling of the organ to allow organ temperature reduction to below -40.degree. C. to -140.degree. C., immersion warming of the organ, and elimination of stagnant fluid in the organ flow path by means of an organ bypass valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of organ and tissue perfusion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing organs, such as the kidney and liver, for cryopreservation through the introduction of vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotectant into them. To prepare the organ for cryopreservation, the donor human or animal, is treated in the usual manner and may also be treated with iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1. Alternatively, or additionally, the organ which is to be cryopreserved can be administered iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1 directly into its artery. The invention also relates to preparing organs for transplantation by a method for the removal of the cryoprotectant therefrom using low (such as raffinose, sucrose, mannitol, etc.

Abstract: A vessel or biological duct repair device and method includes a strap of material that is placed around the exterior surface of the vessel and drawn snugly about the vessel. The device can be used to seal an incision or rupture in a vessel, to correct an aneurysm, or to apply pressure to the exterior of the vessel. The device may also include a projection or other means to aid grasping and positioning the device. The device may include a closure mechanism that allows the device to assume various internal diameters or to exert varying amounts of pressure to a vessel. A layer of pro-coagulant material may be provided on a vessel contacting surface of the device to promote clotting of any blood that escapes the vessel. The device may be prevented from moving relative to a surrounded vessel by ridges provided on the vessel contacting surfaces, by suturing the device to surrounding tissue, or by applying an adhesive to fix the device to the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of organ and tissue perfusion. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing organs, such as the kidney and liver, for cryopreservation through the introduction of vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotectant into them. To prepare the organ for cryopreservation, the donor human or animal, is treated in the usual manner and may also be treated with iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1. Alternatively, or additionally, the organ which is to be cryopreserved can be administered iloprost, or other vasodilators, and/or transforming growth factor .beta.1 directly into its artery. The invention also relates to preparing organs for transplantation by a method for the removal of the cryoprotectant therefrom using low (such as raffinose, sucrose, mannitol, etc.

Abstract: Delivery of fuel and cofactors augments ATP production in cells, and mitigates damages in ischemic or metabolically impaired tissues. The processes may be particularly effective in acute or chronic ischemic conditions, for reversing anesthesia, for treating diabetes, for producing or preventing coma due to lack of fuel or ATP, for reversing processes of aging, as dietary supplements, as performance enhancers, for example, in sports, for tissue transplantation and other surgery, and for cold storage or cryopreservation of tissues such as organs.

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing anoxic or ischemic brain injury that includes administering melatonin to a person who is suffering from or has a high risk of suffering from an anoxic or ischemic insult or injury. The method may also include administering complementary agents.

Abstract: A manipulator tool for grasping an anastomosis cuff has two gripping fingers with indentations. When the gripping fingers are brought together, the indentations form an aperture between the gripping fingers which is used to surround and grasp the outer surface of an anastomosis cuff. The indentations can have various shapes to conform to different sizes and different shapes of cuffs. The gripping fingers may also be adjustable and replacable. The manipulator tool may also include a latching or locking device for keeping the tool closed in a particular position.

Abstract: An organ storage device permits both static storage and perfusion of an organ without removing the organ from an organ container. The organ storage device includes a contoured organ container. The organ container is stored and transported in an insulated temperature controlled static storage module. The container module is equipped with monitoring devices for monitoring the organ during storage and transportation. The container module is also equipped with an assembly for connecting the organ container to a perfusion module.

Abstract: An anastomosis cuff for performing a vascular anastomosis procedure includes a ridge of material that extends in the radial direction. The ridge can be easily grasped with forceps or a hemostat to immobilize the cuff during an anastomosis procedure. Alternately, the anastomosis cuff can be grasped between gripping fingers of a manipulator tool designed to surround the cuff such that the ridge is trapped between and grasped by the gripping fingers.

Abstract: A computer-controlled apparatus and method for perfusing a biological organ, such as a heart, kidney, liver, etc. The apparatus comprises a plurality of fluid reservoirs and an organ container for holding the biological organ. A first fluid flow path is defined as a loop from the plurality of reservoirs to necessary sensors and temperature conditioning means and back to the plurality of reservoirs. The reservoirs are selectively connectable to the first fluid flow path. Pump means are interposed in the first fluid flow path for pumping fluid from the first fluid flow path to a second fluid flow path. The organ container is located in this second fluid flow path. Pump means may also be included in the second fluid flow path for pumping fluid from the organ container to one or more of the reservoirs or to waste. One or more sensors are interposed in the fluid flow paths for sensing at least one of the concentration, temperature, pH, and pressure of the fluid flowing in the first and second fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A computer-controlled apparatus and method for perfusing a biological organ, such as a heart, kidney, liver, etc. The apparatus comprises a plurality of fluid reservoirs and an organ container for holding the biological organ. A first fluid flow path is defined as a loop from the plurality of reservoirs to necessary sensors and temperature conditioning means and back to the plurality of reservoirs. The reservoirs are selectively connectable to the first fluid flow path. Pump means are interposed in the first fluid flow path for pumping fluid from the first fluid flow path to a second fluid flow path. The organ container is located in this second fluid flow path. Pump means may also be included in the second fluid flow path for pumping fluid from the organ container to one or more of the reservoirs or to waste. One or more sensors are interposed in the fluid flow paths for sensing at least one of the concentration, temperature, pH, and pressure of the fluid flowing in the first and second fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A method is provided for the successful cryopreservation of biological materials including whole organs, organ sections, tissues and cells, in a non-frozen (vitreous) state, comprising cooling the biological material to be preserved under pressure in the presence of a non-toxic vitrifable protective solution to at least the glass transition temperature thereof to vitrify the solution without substantial nucleation or ice crystal growth and without significant injury to the biomaterial. The invention also provides non-toxic protective vitrification solutions useful in the cryopreservation of biomaterials.