Differentiated Tissue (e.g., Organ) Perfusion Or Preservation Apparatus Patents (Class 435/284.1)
  • Publication number: 20140356850
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention generally relate to prolonging viability of bodily tissue in static cold storage and hypothermic machine perfusion techniques by reducing the rate of edema through the application of compressive force to the bodily tissue via a compression device. Compression devices of the invention may comprise biocompatible materials and may apply compressive force through incorporation of elastic materials, through expandable bladders, or other means. Certain embodiments include perfusion devices comprising a pneumatic system, a pumping chamber, and an organ chamber. The pumping chamber is configured to diffuse a gas into a perfusate and to generate a pulse wave for moving the perfusate through a bodily tissue. The organ chamber is configured to receive the perfusate along with a bodily tissue fitted with a compression device. Both the organ chamber and the pumping chamber are configured to substantially automatically purge excess fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Lisa Maria Anderson, Jared Alden Judson
  • Publication number: 20140356933
    Abstract: An apparatus according to an embodiment is configured to oxygenate and perfuse a bodily tissue for extracorporeal preservation of the bodily tissue. The apparatus includes a pneumatic system, a pumping chamber, and an organ chamber. The pneumatic system is configured for the controlled delivery of fluid to and from the pumping chamber based on a predetermined control scheme. The predetermined control scheme can be, for example, a time-based control scheme or a pressure-based control scheme. The pumping chamber is configured to diffuse a gas into a perfusate and to generate a pulse wave for moving the perfusate through a bodily tissue. The organ chamber is configured to receive the bodily tissue and the perfusate. The organ chamber is configured to substantially automatically purge excess fluid from the organ chamber to the pumping chamber. The pumping chamber is configured to substantially automatically purge excess fluid from the pumping chamber to an area external to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Lisa Maria Anderson, Jared Alden Judson
  • Patent number: 8889403
    Abstract: A system for generating a tissue construct includes a mixing chamber, a piston chamber, a reaction chamber, and a pump. The mixing chamber is configured to receive a hydrogel solution and a cell suspension solution. The piston chamber includes a first piston and is configured to receive a mixture of the hydrogel solution and the cell suspension solution from the mixing chamber. The first piston is configured to push the mixture through one or more capillaries into the reaction chamber. The reaction is configured to receive the mixture and a cross-linking initiator. The pump is configured to move the mixture through the reaction chamber such that the mixture and the cross-linking initiator combine to form an encapsulated cell material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Marvi A. Matos, William B. Carlson, Ivan Vesely, Yansong Gu
  • Publication number: 20140329219
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preserving tissues in situ using critical point drying are disclosed. Such methods and systems are particularly applicable to the preservation of a deceased body, such as a deceased person or animal, with or without removal of internal tissues or organs. A fixative can be perfused through the vascular system of the body while blood is removed from the body. The exterior of the body can also be immersed in a bath of fixative. The fixative in the vascular system and the bath can be replaced by subsequent washes of buffer, de-ionized water, and/or alcohol. The alcohol-infused and fixated body can be disposed in a pressure chamber and subjected to a critical point drying process using carbon dioxide. After the critical point drying process, the body is in a preserved state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Anastasios J. TOUSIMIS
  • Patent number: 8877489
    Abstract: Thin parylene C membranes having smooth front sides and ultrathin regions (e.g., 0.01 ?m to 5 ?m thick) interspersed with thicker regions are disclosed. The back sides of the membranes can be rough compared with the smooth front sides. The membranes can be used in vitro to grow monolayers of cells in a laboratory or in vivo as surgically implantable growth layers, such as to replace the Bruch's membrane in the eye. The thin regions of parylene are semipermeable to allow for proteins in serum to pass through, and the thick regions give mechanical support for handling by a surgeon. The smooth front side allows for monolayer cell growth, and the rough back side helps prevents cells from attaching there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Bo Lu, Mark Humayun
  • Publication number: 20140322696
    Abstract: The vasculature of a donor lung is perfused with a lung preserving fluid to preserve its structure. At the same time, a decellularization fluid is perfused through the airways, which strips away donor cells. The decellularized region is then seeded with pulmonary cells of the transplant recipient, which regenerate the lung. The pulmonary cells may be derived from stem cells, and the decellularization can be targeted to reduce the quantity of cells required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: GORDANA VUNJAK-NOVAKOVIC, JOSHUA SONETT, JOHN O'NEILL, MATTHEW BACCHETTA, DONALD O. FREYTES, GOPAL SINGH, SCOTT A. KANNER
  • Publication number: 20140308654
    Abstract: An organ perfusion system comprises: a perfusion fluid circuit (16) arranged to circulate perfusion fluid through the organ; a surrogate organ (126) arranged to be connected into the circuit in place of the organ so that the circuit can circulate fluid through the surrogate organ; and organ sensing means arranged to distinguish between the presence of the organ in the circuit and the presence of the surrogate organ in the circuit. The sensing means may comprise one or more pressure sensors (136, 137, 138), or a flow meter (125). Further aspects relate to adjusting the content of at least one component, such as oxygen or a nutrient, in the perfusion fluid. Bubble detection means (113), and means (74) to measure the amount of fluid secreted by or leaked from the organ, may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Organox Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Brian William Kay, Sebastien Antoine Yves Cuvelier, Jonathan Richard Oakley, JR., David George Robinson, Philip David Canner, Peter Alan Salkus, Leslie James Russell, Peter John Friend, Constantin C. Coussios
  • Publication number: 20140302481
    Abstract: A device for decellularizing a tissue includes a container, first and second electrodes disposed within the container and defining a space between the first and second electrodes to receive the tissue, a perfusion pump, and a conduit connected to the perfusion pump to transport a decellularization solution from the pump into the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Fabrico, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Chin, Leonid Bunegin
  • Patent number: 8846307
    Abstract: Creating a tissue structure in vitro includes juxtaposing mandrels on a culture/perfusion device frame where the mandrels are spaced apart substantially parallel to each other and connecting the mandrels to tubes including an upstream tubes and downstream tubes. The upstream tubes are connected with an upstream manifold and the downstream tubes are connected to a downstream manifold. The frame and the mandrels are sterilized, coated and seeded with cells that multiply and form circular layers around each of the mandrels until the circular layers merge into a tissue structure which is subjected to a growth medium. The mandrels are extracted and the tissue structure is perfused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nortis, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Neumann
  • Publication number: 20140272922
    Abstract: A basin system is provided comprising a basin, a tissue supporting plate, a platform ring and a suspension rod, the basin system configured to permit a single clinician to effectively and accurately perform the dissection with minimal movement of the resected tissue within the basin system, wherein the platform ring and the suspension rod each comprise a plurality of grooves, permitting a clinician to secure resected tissue within the basin system and tie it down in three dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: LESLIE CHARLES OLSON, ANDREW STEPHEN OUDERKIRK MALCOLM
  • Publication number: 20140272921
    Abstract: A composition and method for generating reagents and the composition of these reagents for the stabilization and preservation of viability of cancer tissue which has been surgically excised and the suspension and/or termination of apoptosis (cell death) by significant modulation of cell metabolism by low molar concentrations of synergistic chemistries and hormonal growth enhancers while maintaining normal gene expression patterns of the surgically excised tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tony K. Baker
  • Publication number: 20140272923
    Abstract: An apparatus for perfusing an organ or tissue includes a perfusion circuit for perfusing the organ or tissue with a perfusate; and a sensor operatively connected to the perfusion circuit. The sensor includes a solid support to which is attached a recognition molecule that permits detection of the target agent. The recognition molecule specifically binds to the target agent in the presence of the target agent but not significantly to other agents. The sensor also includes an enzyme that can catalyze the conversion of a substance to glucose. In the presence of the target agent the enzyme can convert the substance into glucose, which can then be detected and optionally measured by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Steven L. MAYER, David C. KRAVITZ, Tracey H. MAYER
  • Patent number: 8835158
    Abstract: An apparatus to oxygenate and perfuse a bodily tissue for extracorporeal preservation of the bodily tissue. The apparatus may be used to transport donor organs for transplant. The apparatus includes a pneumatic system, a pumping chamber, and an organ chamber. The pneumatic system is configured for the controlled delivery of fluid to and from the pumping chamber based on a predetermined control scheme. The pumping chamber is configured to diffuse a gas into a perfusate and to generate a pulse wave for moving the perfusate through a bodily tissue. The pumping chamber is configured to substantially automatically purge excess fluid from the pumping chamber to an area external to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Paragonix Technologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Alden Judson, Lisa Maria Maier
  • Publication number: 20140256027
    Abstract: Disclosed are a perfusion culture method and a perfusion culture device whereby a perfusate can be delivered to all parts of an organ or tissue so that the organ or tissue can be preserved while sufficiently maintaining the function thereof. Specifically disclosed is a method for perfusion culture of an organ or tissue removed from a mammal, said organ or tissue having been removed together with a second organ or tissue connected to the aforesaid organ or tissue in vivo, which comprises a step for fixing said second organ or tissue so as to hang the aforesaid organ or tissue and a step for perfusing blood vessels in the aforesaid organ or tissue with a perfusate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Organ Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Tsuji, Kazuhisa Nakao
  • Patent number: 8828710
    Abstract: A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a self-purging preservation apparatus to suspend the sample in preservation fluid, and perfuse a tissue with preservation fluid. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature, while self-purging trapped gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Paragonix Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Maria Anderson, Jared Alden Judson
  • Patent number: 8822203
    Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, methods and solutions for perfusing an organ ex vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: TransMedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Waleed Hassanein, Tamer Khayal, Robert Havener, Stanley Kyi, Ihab Abdel Fattah, Hesham Saleh, Jon C. Trachtenberg
  • Patent number: 8822202
    Abstract: A unitary apparatus for isolating cells from adipose tissue including a lipid separation processor with a dispersing head equipped with a plurality of ports and a digestion chamber for dissociation of the constituent cells disposed in adipose tissue. The lipid separating apparatus is useful for the separation of lipids and adipocytes from a mixed cell population. A cell seeding chamber may be attached to the cell isolation apparatus. The components of the apparatus may be packaged in modular kit form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ingeneron Incorporated
    Inventors: Ron Stubbers, Michael Coleman
  • Patent number: 8815780
    Abstract: A method of immobilizing matter for imaging that includes providing an array of nanofibers and directing matter to the array of the nanofibers. The matter is immobilized when contacting at least three nanofibers of the array of nanofibers simultaneously. Adjacent nanofibers in the array of nanofibers may be separated by a pitch as great as 100 microns. The immobilized matter on the array of nanofibers may then be imaged. In some examples, the matter may be cell matter, such as protoplasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy E. McKnight, Udaya C. Kalluri, Anatoli V. Melechko
  • Publication number: 20140230815
    Abstract: A medical carbon monoxide generator provides for a solid carbon material that may be heated at substantially normal atmospheric pressure to provide a source of medical quality carbon monoxide. The heating source may be an electrical filament or laser controllable by a microcontroller to provide accurate delivery rates and amounts. In one embodiment, a replaceable cartridge holding the carbon material may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Tye Travis Gribb, Duncan Bathe
  • Patent number: 8802425
    Abstract: A device for hypothermic perfusion of a cardiac organ comprising a first sealed tank able to contain a physiological liquid, a second sealed tank communicating, in a sealed manner, with an internal volume of the first tank via a nozzle, a device for refrigerating the first tank and keeping the first tank at a substantially constant temperature and a device for intermittently pressurizing the internal volume of the first tank. The first tank communicates with the pressurizing device by way of a conduit connecting an interior of the first tank to the pressurizing device to permit pressurization of the internal volume of the first tank, and of the physiological liquid inside the first tank, in order to perform perfusion of the organ. The second tank comprises a safety element formed by an overflow outlet duct which communicates with the first tank and includes a non-return valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Universite Claude Bernard Lyon I, INSERM (Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale)
    Inventor: René Ferrera
  • Publication number: 20140220550
    Abstract: A donor organ treatment apparatus has a container for holding an organ and a perfusion liquid circuit. The perfusion circuit includes a supply conduit downstream of an oxygenator and a heat exchanger for supplying perfusion liquid from the oxygenator and the heat exchanger to an organ in the container and a return conduit upstream of the oxygenator and the heat exchanger for guiding perfusion liquid from the organ inside the container to the oxygenator and the heat exchanger. The supply conduit is provided with an outlet port coupling for connection to a perfusion catheter and the return conduit is provided with an inlet port coupling for connection to a return catheter. A method for successively perfusing an organ in-situ and ex-vivo with liquid circulating through the same perfusion circuit is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ORGAN ASSIST B.V.
    Inventors: Arjan Van Der Plaats, Gerhard Rakhorst
  • Publication number: 20140220547
    Abstract: The leading cause of graft failure is the subsequent development of intimal hyperplasia, which represents a response to injury that is thought to involve smooth muscle proliferation, migration, phenotypic modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Surgical techniques typically employed for vein harvest—stretching the vein, placing the vein in low pH, solutions, and the use of toxic surgical skin markers—are shown here to cause injury. The invention therefore provides for non-toxic surgical markers than also protect against stretch-induced loss of functional viability, along with other additives. Devices and compositions for reducing physical stress or protecting from the effects flowing therefrom, also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicants: The United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Colleen M. BROPHY, Padmini KOMALAVILAS, Joyce CHEUNG-FLYNN, Kyle M HOCKING, Susan S EAGLE
  • Patent number: 8790874
    Abstract: A device for investigation of a flow conduit comprising: a base; and a module formed in the base, the module comprising: a main channel for the flow conduit, the main channel having a loading inlet for loading the flow conduit; a culture chamber in the main channel for at least one of perfusion and superfusion of the flow conduit; at least two fixation lines in communication with the main channel for providing fixation of the flow conduit at at least two fixation locations along the length of the flow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: Axel Guenther, Steffen-Sebastian Bolz
  • Publication number: 20140199756
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for the administration of a plasma modified field (PMF) to a subject comprising: (a) a non thermal plasma (NTP) emitting source for emitting a plasma beam; (b) a plasma modified field coupling mechanism (PMFCM) comprising a plasma beam dish having at least one opening for the passage of said plasma beam; said plasma beam dish having a first surface and a second opposite surface; and (c) a controller for controlling said PMFCM. In a main aspect of the invention, said first surface of said plasma beam dish is mounted with: (i) at least one coupling element selected from the group consisting of: (1) at least one ferroelectric element for providing said field; (2) at least one ferromagnetic element for providing said field; (3) at least one piezoelectric element for providing said field; and (4) at least one piezomagnetic element for providing said field; and (ii) at least one reflecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ORTERON (T.O) LTD
    Inventors: Orit ISH-YAMINI TOMER, Tamar LEVIN
  • Patent number: 8778380
    Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a 3D scaffold includes: a plotter generating a microfiber structure; an electrospinning unit installed to be adjacent to the plotter along a first direction and spinning nanofiber in an internal space or on a surface of the microfiber structure to form a nanofiber web; a collection table reciprocating a lower portion of the plotter and that of the electrospinning unit along the first direction to allow the microfiber structure to be stacked thereon by the plotter and allow the nanofiber web to be formed thereon by the electrospinning unit; and a first guide rail allowing the collection table to be mounted thereon and guiding the collection table mounted thereon to reciprocate along the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Doo Kim, Jun Hee Lee, Su-A Park
  • Patent number: 8758683
    Abstract: A system and method for processing, i.e., sampling and tracking, plant material requires the ability to identify each plant in a plurality of plants. Initially, samples are taken from selected plants and are collected in respective storage locations in a magazine. During sampling, the identity of the plant source for each plant sample is stored. Further, the identity of each storage location receiving a plant sample is stored. Subsequently, the samples are transferred from the storage locations and are placed in respective wells of a receiving member for further downstream processing. Again, the identity of each well receiving a plant sample is stored. As a result, a plant sample in a well can be traced back to its plant source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: William Michael Lafferty, Scott Wayne Beaver, Charles Wilson Tweedy, Elizabeth Ann George, Walter James Frandsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8748166
    Abstract: A system (10) for forming and maintaining a biological tissue by which a biological tissue can be artificially formed by culturing cells, which comprises a pulse pump (12), a circulation pathway (13) having such a circuit structure as allowing a liquid cell culture medium discharged from the pulse pump (12) to return into the pulse pump (12), and a cell culture section (14A) and a gas exchange section (14B) provided along the circulation pathway (13). The cell culture section (14A) holds a cell holder (H) in such a manner to form a first channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes through the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway (13) and a second channel wherein the liquid cell culture medium flowing in the circulation pathway (13) passes outside the cell holder (H) and returns into the circulation pathway thereby bringing about a difference in pressure between the liquid cell culture medium passing through the respective channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Waseda University
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Iwasaki, Mitsuo Umezu, Koji Kojima, Charles Alfred Vacanti
  • Patent number: 8748164
    Abstract: A warm perfusion system that has the ability to support a tissue or organ at a near normal metabolic rate provides the mechanism not only for restored oxidative metabolism of the organ but for the delivery of cells, cell-based therapeutics, and growth and differentiation factors to a damaged tissue or organ. Subsequent to delivery of therapeutic cells, such as stem cells or progenitor cells, to the damaged organ, the cells can be prompted to grow, multiply and differentiate, thereby restoring damaged tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Breonics, Inc
    Inventor: Lauren Brasile
  • Patent number: 8748180
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for culturing cells, termed a microscale cell culture analog (?CCA), is provided. The microfluidic device allows multiple cell or tissue types to be cultured in a physiologically relevant environment, facilitates high-throughput operation and can be used for drug discovery. The microfluidic device uses gravity-induced fluidic flow, eliminating the need for a pump and preventing formation of air bubbles. Reciprocating motion between a pair of connected reservoirs is used to effect the gravity-induced flow in microfluidic channels. Bacterial contamination is reduced and high throughput enabled by eliminating a pump. The microfluidic device integrates a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to enable PK-PD analyses on-chip. This combined in vitro/in silico system enables prediction of drug toxicity in a more realistic manner than conventional in vitro systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Michael L. Shuler, Jong Hwan Sung
  • Patent number: 8741555
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The method includes perfusing the organ at hypothermic and/or normothermic temperatures, preferably after hypothermic organ flushing for organ transport and/or storage. The method can be practiced with prior or subsequent static or perfusion hypothermic exposure of the organ. During the period in which the organ is preserved and/or maintained, the organ may be additionally be perfused to obtain data regarding the fluid and/or organ. The data may then be used to ultimately provide information regarding the perfusion efficacy and allow for altering of the perfusion parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Brassil, Simona Baicu
  • Patent number: 8722403
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a specimen preserver. A bubble reservoir is used to hold a preserving liquid such as artificial cerebrospinal liquid (aCSF). Oxygen is introduced into the aCSF by a gas diffuser which is attached to the bubble reservoir. The tissue samples are contained in one or more chambers in a holding platform. The platform is suspended well above the bottom of the bubble reservoir. The lower portion of each of the chambers is open toward the bottom of the bubble reservoir, but is covered by a fine mesh. The gas introduced into the aCSF circulates within the bubble reservoir. However, the tissue samples are not directly exposed to the gas bubbles because the fine mesh excludes the bubbles from the chambers in which the tissue samples are housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Florida State University Technology Transfer Office
    Inventor: Sanjay S. Kumar
  • Publication number: 20140120068
    Abstract: This disclosure provides solutions, systems, and methods for cell, tissue, and/or organ preservation. Some preservation solutions may include any combination of a balanced salt solution, electrolytes, antibiotic agents, antimycotic agents, protease inhibitors, anti-oxidants, simple sugars, starches impermeant ions, uric acid and/or amino acids. Some preservation solutions may also include hydrolyzed collagen. The preservation solutions including hydrolyzed collagen may be used alone or as part of a kit to preserve cells, tissue, or organs. The solution may also be used in connection with one or more medical procedures, for example organ transplantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Animal Cell Therapies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathy Petrucci, Chih-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 8697430
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue-derived biomaterial carrier device (1) comprising a carrier case 810), an arm (125) provided upright on an interior bottom wall surface of the carrier case (10), a mounting part (121), a swing mechanism (122), a temperature control box (20) provided detachably on an exterior wall surface of the carrier case (10), and a heater (201) provided in the temperature control box (20). The mounting part (121) receives the mounting of a housing vessel in which a tissue-derived biomaterial is housed (an opening part (121a)). The swing mechanism (122) swingably supports the mounting part (121) relative to the arm (125). With the temperature control box (20) mounted on the carrier case (10), the heater (201) in the temperature control box (20) receives the supply of electric power from a battery (203) and regulates the temperature within the carrier case (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignees: Kyoto University, Umihira Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jyuna Toguchida, Tomoki Aoyama, Kazuo Umihira
  • Patent number: 8691556
    Abstract: The leading cause of graft failure is the subsequent development of intimal hyperplasia, which represents a response to injury that is thought to involve smooth muscle proliferation, migration, phenotypic modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Surgical techniques typically employed for vein harvest—stretching the vein, placing the vein in low pH, solutions, and the use of toxic surgical skin markers—are shown here to cause injury. The invention therefore provides for non-toxic surgical markers than also protect against stretch-induced loss of functional viability, along with other additives. Devices and compositions for reducing physical stress or protecting from the effects flowing therefrom, also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Vanderbilt University, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Colleen M. Brophy, Padmini Komalavilas, Joyce Cheung-Flynn, Kyle M. Hocking, Susan S. Eagle
  • Patent number: 8685709
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a preservation apparatus is described that includes a storage compartment. The storage compartment is configured to hold an organ or tissue and a preservation fluid. A cover assembly is configured to engage the storage compartment. The cover assembly includes a support element, wherein the support element together with the storage compartment define a storage chamber. The cover assembly also includes a lid and a gas permeable membrane disposed between the lid and the support element. The gas permeable membrane and the support element together define a perfusion chamber configured to hold preservation fluid and an organ or tissue during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Leonid Bunegin, Edward F. Gelineau
  • Patent number: 8673640
    Abstract: A porous scaffold having pores for seeding cells characterized in that, in the outer peripheral face of the porous main body having the pores for seeding cells, a porous membrane having pores smaller than the cells is located. Thus, it is possible to provide a porous scaffold whereby the cells can be seeded at a high efficiency while preventing cell leakage and, moreover, even cells having little adhesiveness can be adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Guoping Chen, Tetsuya Tateishi, Junzo Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140051059
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a dehydration device and methods for drying biological materials to produce dried biological materials having enhanced structural properties. More specifically, the invention relates to a dehydration device and related methods for drying biological tissue to produce enhanced tissue grafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: MiMedx Group, Inc.
    Inventor: MiMedx Group, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8642336
    Abstract: Methods and materials for making complex, living, vascularized tissues for organ and tissue replacement, especially complex and/or thick structures, such as liver tissue is provided. Tissue lamina is made in a system comprising an apparatus having (a) a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds have means defining microchannels positioned toward the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds are fastened together; and (b) animal cells. Methods for producing complex, three-dimensional tissues or organs from tissue lamina are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory
    Inventors: Joseph P. Vacanti, Young-Moon Michael Shin, Jennifer Ogilvie, Alexander Sevy, Tomoyuki Maemura, Osamu Ishii, Mohammad Reza Kaazempur-Mofrad, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Kevin R. King, Chiao-Chun Wang, Eli Weinberg
  • Patent number: 8636995
    Abstract: A device for altering the expression or activation of adhesion molecules on cells including endothelial cells, as well as methods for altering the expression or activation of adhesion molecules on cells including endothelial cells, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Stolen
  • Publication number: 20140024105
    Abstract: A flexible disposable bioreactor having three, stagger-baffled compartments wherein the middle compartment houses a sparging rod is described to provide the highest degree of sparging and mixing to produce biological products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Sarfaraz K. Niazi
  • Publication number: 20140017663
    Abstract: An apparatus for perfusing an organ or tissue includes a perfusion circuit configured to perfuse the organ or tissue; at least one shock and/or tilt detector such as an accelerometer; and a controller. The controller may be configured to control perfusion based upon a signal received from the accelerometer, which may include stopping and/or starting the perfusion based upon the signal. The controller may also or alternatively sense and/or record shocks experienced by the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P. STEINMAN, John STARK, Joel C. HAGAN, Aaron R. FERBER, Rodney H. MONSON, Evan D. SHAPIRO
  • Publication number: 20140017664
    Abstract: A temperature sensor for monitoring an organ or tissue is configured to measure a temperature inside of a container configured to contain the organ or tissue. The temperature sensor is disposed exterior to the organ container and the temperature sensor is a non-contact temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be part of an apparatus for perfusing, transporting, and/or storing an organ or tissue. A coolant container may have an aperture through which the temperature sensor measures a temperature of at least one of the organ or tissue or a perfusate fluid surrounding the organ or tissue. The temperature sensor is preferably an infrared temperature sensor. Multiple temperature sensors may be provided that measure the temperature organ or tissue or perfusate fluid surrounding the organ or tissue, for example in case one of the temperature sensors fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: David Kravitz, Christopher P. Steinman, David Pettinato, Richard K. Buck, John Stark, Robert J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20140017658
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating gas bubbles that may be entrained in perfusate flow prevents such bubbles from continuing downstream and entering an organ or tissue. The apparatus may include a chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls. The chamber may include an inlet configured to allow at least one of gas and liquid to enter the chamber, an air opening configured to allow at least gas to exit the chamber and a first liquid opening configured to allow at least liquid to exit the chamber. The apparatus may function as an accumulator that reduces or eliminates pulsatility of the liquid flow and pressure. The apparatus may include a minimum volume of gas, initially or through the accumulation of gas, such that flow and pressure fluctuations in the liquid are dampened or eliminated. The apparatus may include a sampling port in a wall of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P. STEINMAN, Jeffrey S. LOUIS, Rick W. WALKER, Evan D. SHAPIRO, Aaron R. FERBER, Rodney H. MONSON, John STARK, Ross LOCKWOOD
  • Publication number: 20140017659
    Abstract: A perfusion apparatus including a perfusion circuit that perfuses an organ or tissue has a compartment that supports an organ or tissue during perfusion, an internal cover, and an external cover that closes the apparatus. A wall portion may extend substantially perpendicularly between the internal cover and the external cover to define a document compartment between the internal cover, the external cover and the wall portion. A tamper evident seal will not permit the external cover to open without creating a record of whether the external cover has been opened after the tamper evident seal has been activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P. STEINMAN, Robert J. ALLEN, David PETTINATO, Matthew COPITHORNE, Brian L. OTTS, Peter DEMUYLDER
  • Publication number: 20140017662
    Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus may include at least two tubes connected to an organ or tissue. A method of perfusing an organ or tissue may include connecting a first end of each of the at least two tubes to an organ or tissue, applying a fluid motive force to a perfusion fluid in the two tubes to force the fluid through the two tubes into the organ or tissue, and perfusing the organ or tissue through the at least two tubes such that the fluid motive force, provided by, e.g., a pump, and backpressure generated by the organ or tissue, establishes a flow balance between the at least two tubes. The flow balance may be altered without altering the fluid motive force that is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: David KRAVITZ, Christopher P. STEINMAN, Jeffrey S. LOUIS, Matthew COPITHORNE, Brian L. OTTS, Peter DEMUYLDER
  • Publication number: 20140017770
    Abstract: A perfusion apparatus includes a coolant container having a basin-receiving recess that is at least partly surrounded by an inner chamber; a basin that is shaped to fit within the basin-receiving recess of the coolant container; and a cradle that is shaped to accept an organ and fit within the basin. The basin-receiving recess of the coolant container, the basin and the cradle each have positioning elements that are oriented such that the cradle is keyed to fit within the basin and the basin is keyed to fit within the coolant container, each in a single predetermined orientation. The plurality of positioning elements on the basin may include a plurality of protrusions on an outer surface of the basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P. STEINMAN, Rick W. WALKER, Kirk C. PALMERTON, Jeffrey S. LOUIS, David PETTINATO, Matthew COPITHORNE, Brian L OTTS, Peter DEMUYLDER, James GUARRERA, Ben O. ARRINGTON
  • Publication number: 20140017666
    Abstract: A filter for filtering perfusate is integrated with an exterior portion of an organ container. The filter may be used in an apparatus for perfusing an organ. The perfusion apparatus may include an organ container configured to contain an organ, the filter integrated with an exterior portion of the organ container, and another filter. At least the filter integrated with an exterior portion of the organ container may be provided in a sterilized disposable kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P STEINMAN, Jeffrey S LOUIS
  • Publication number: 20140017657
    Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of storage, treatment, assessment and transport of an organ or tissue includes a coolant container configured to cool the organ or tissue, a perfusion circuit configured to perfuse the organ or tissue, and a sample compartment for holding a biological sample. Preferred apparatus has a first internal compartment under a first cover (lid) of the apparatus that includes the coolant container and the sample compartment. The apparatus can include a second internal compartment under a second cover (lid) of the apparatus, the second internal compartment including at least part of the perfusion circuit and a sample compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: David KRAVITZ, Christopher P. STEINMAN, David PETTINATO, Matthew COPITHORNE, Brian L. OTTS, Robert J. ALLEN, Frank P. NANNA, Peter DEMUYLDER
  • Publication number: 20140017665
    Abstract: An apparatus for perfusing an organ or tissue includes a perfusion circuit for perfusing the organ or tissue; an oxygenator for oxygenating perfusate that circulates through the perfusion circuit; and an oxygen supply device such as an oxygen concentrator or an oxygen generator configured to supply oxygen to the oxygenator. A method of perfusing an organ or tissue includes producing oxygen from a device such as an oxygen concentrator and an oxygen generator; supplying the produced oxygen, preferably as the oxygen is produced, to a perfusate to oxygenate the perfusate; and perfusing the organ or tissue with the oxygenated perfusate. The produced oxygen preferably has a concentration greater than the oxygen concentration in air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: LIFELINE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher P. STEINMAN, David KRAVITZ, Aaron R. FERBER, Ross LOCKWOOD, Rodney H. MONSON, Evan D. SHAPIRO
  • Publication number: 20140017771
    Abstract: A thermal system for preserving tissue is disclosed. The cooling system comprises a base member, a temperature control sleeve constructed of a thermally conductive material, and a selectively removable lid member. The base member defines a reservoir and receives the temperature control sleeve. The temperature control sleeve at least partially defines a tissue collector chamber that is configured to receive a tissue collector. The temperature control sleeve is in communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to receive a cooling medium. A slit formed within the tissue collection chamber that is sized to receive a tubing connected to the tissue collector therethrough. The lid member is configured to be selectively attached to the base member, and permit access to a tube mount for the tissue collector when the lid is attached to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Nico Corporation
    Inventor: Nico Corporation