Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for avoiding fracturing, e.g., thermo-mechanical fracturing, in vitrified biological systems via rapid cooling and/or warming persufflation techniques, by reducing the domain size of fracturing and by reducing thermal gradients. Also disclosed is a system adapted to rapidly cool and warm vitrifiable vascular biological tissue by persufflation, significantly reducing cryoprotectant toxicity from that of surface cooled tissue, in which the system is constructed and configured to use one or more of helium gas, hydrogen gas, neon gas, argon gas, krypton gas, xenon gas, oxygen gas, or various gaseous compounds. The system can be operated under pressure to increase the density and heat capacity of the gas relative to its density and heat capacity at atmospheric pressure and to cool the gas by one or more of mechanical action and by the phase change of a material such as a cryogenic gas or solid.

Abstract: A preservation solution for organs waiting to be transplanted is disclosed; the method of using the solution in a transplantation procedure is also disclosed. The preservation solutions comprise a balanced isotonic aqueous solution comprising sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate ions in a physiologically acceptable amount, together with an effective amount of a mutein of the C5a anaphylatoxin which is a C5a receptor antagonist wherein the amino acid residue naturally occurring at sequence position 69 is mutated.

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. Viability of the organ may be automatically monitored, preferably by monitoring characteristics of the medical fluid perfusate. The perfusion process can be automatically controlled using a control program.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a tissue-engineered construct, such as a heart valve, comprising the steps of providing a-cell-seeded scaffold in a bioreactor chamber which bioreactor chamber is divided by the cell-seeded scaffold into a first compartment and a second compartment, subjecting the cell-seeded scaffold to a flow of nutrient medium within the bioreactor chamber for developing the cell-seeded scaffold to a tissue structure and next to the tissue construct, applying a dynamic pressure difference to the developing tissue structure by the flow of nutrient medium to induce dynamic strain on the tissue structure.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a micro-organ device comprises providing a microscale support having one or more microfluidic channels and one or more micro-chambers for housing a micro-organ and printing a micro-organ on the microscale support using a cell suspension in a syringe controlled by a computer-aided tissue engineering system, wherein the cell suspension comprises cells suspended in a solution containing a material that functions as a three-dimensional scaffold. The printing is performed with the computer-aided tissue engineering system according to a particular pattern. The micro-organ device comprises at least one micro-chamber each housing a micro-organ; and at least one microfluidic channel connected to the micro-chamber, wherein the micro-organ comprises cells arranged in a configuration that includes microscale spacing between portions of the cells to facilitate diffusion exchange between the cells and a medium supplied from the at least one microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a perfusion chamber, the perfusion chamber having a base, a bath opening in the base, a supply inlet and an exhaust outlet. The device further includes a gas permeable membrane attached beneath the perfusion chamber, the gas permeable membrane having a first opening in registration with the supply inlet and a second opening in registration with the exhaust outlet. A substrate is attached to the gas permeable membrane, the substrate having at least one microchannel arranged for flow communication with the supply inlet and the exhaust outlet. In addition, a slide is attached to the substrate. As such, gas introduced through the supply inlet is communicated to the microchannel via the first opening, and the gas permeable membrane is positioned to be exposed to the gas to communicate the gas to the bath opening.

Abstract: A phantom for simulation of perfusion, for use in dynamic flow imaging. The phantom includes a first compartment having a first inlet and a first outlet, and a second compartment having a second outlet. The first and the second compartments have fluid communication with each other, to simulate perfusion between the first and the second compartments. The first and the second outlets are separately controllable to adjust outflow of fluid from each compartment and to adjust fluid pressure in each compartment, thereby controlling rates of communication of fluids between the first and the second compartments.

Abstract: A method of managing resources of a histological tissue processor, the tissue processor comprising at least one retort (12, 14) selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent resources (26) by a valve mechanism (40), the method comprising the step of: nominating resources according to one of: group, where a group nomination corresponds to a resource's function; type, where a type nomination corresponds to one or more attributes of a resource within a group; station, where a station nomination corresponds to a point of supply of a resource.

Abstract: A device is provided for securing a tissue sample from biological material. The tissue sample is housed in bottom and top platens that are configured to promote fluid communication between the tissue sample and the exterior environment to permit transport or cryogenic fluid to contact the sample. Additionally, diskette assemblies may be provided within the platens that permit sub-samples to be separated without directly handling the tissue sample. The diskette assemblies may also be configured to promote fluid communication with the sub-sample housed therein.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, methods and solutions using an organ ex vivo.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for three-dimensional (3D), prevascularized, engineered tissue constructs, 3D prevascularized engineered tissue models of cancer, and bioreactors and bioreactor arrays including the tissue constructs. The present disclosure also provides methods of making the tissue constructs, methods of using the tissue constructs, methods of drug discovery using the tissue constructs and/or cancer models, and the like.

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.

Abstract: Articles and methods for growing tissues and organs using bioreactors, including rotating bioreactors, are provided. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is configured to provide a first and second chamber, such as an inner and an outer chamber, respectively. The chambers may be co-axially arranged with respect to each other. A wall of the bioreactor defining the two chambers may be formed at least in part from a scaffold derived from a length of a hollow or tubular tissue or organ. Such a bioreactor can be used to form biocompatible structures for tissue engineering and organ replacement, such as cellular tissues, organ-like structures, and/or complete organs, within the bioreactor.

Abstract: A bag includes an organ transporter compartment to contain an organ transporter disposed in the transporter compartment. The bag may include openings to access portions of the organ transporter, such as a battery or power cable, when the organ transporter is disposed in the bag. The bag may also include a frame and handles. The handles may include structure adapted to mate with handles on the organ transporter. The bag may also include a single cover that provides access to multiple compartments with their own internal covers. Also, the bag may include windows to view documents stored in the bag and/or to view and/or display control panels on the organ transporter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the contractility of intestinal tissue upon treatment with GLP-2 or a GLP-2 ligand. Also disclosed is an assay which directly measures the activity of GLP-2 or GLP-2 ligands ex vivo and permits the screening of putative GLP-2 ligands in native tissue.

Abstract: Packaged cardiopulmonary bypass or organ perfusion system sensor subassemblies are provided. The packaged sensor subassemblies include a sensor subassembly and a package. The sensor subassembly includes a pre-calibrated pH sensor in a dry environment, a pre-calibrated PC02 sensor in a dry environment, and a pre-calibrated pC02 sensor in a wet environment, is sterile, and is disposed in the package. Also provided are methods of use of the packaged cardiopulmonary bypass or organ perfusion system sensor subassemblies.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for collection and processing of human biological material containing adipose, such as extracted during a lipoplasty procedure, is useful for multi-step processing to prepare a concentrated product (e.g., stromal vascular fraction) or a fat graft composition. The apparatus has a container with a containment volume with a tissue retention volume and a filtrate volume separated by a filter and with a tapered portion to a collection volume for collecting concentrate product. Inlet and suction ports provide access to the tissue retention volume and filtrate volume, respectively, and an extraction port provides versatile access for removal of target processed concentrate material or fat graft material, which access may be via a lumen through a rotatable mixer shaft. Access ports may be configured for access only from above the container. The apparatus is incorporatable into a variety of assemblies, systems, kits, methods and uses.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

Abstract: Provided is a microtome in which refrigerant piping and electrical wiring are not impeditive so that cleaning and other works can be surely conducted.

Abstract: A cooling 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.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device and a kit for the shipment and the preservation of corneal lenticules ready for use in a lamellar keratoplasty surgery. The present invention also refers to a method for preserving, shipping and prearranging the lenticules so as to facilitate posterior lamellar keratoplasty surgery (or endokeratoplasty).

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. In perfusion, organ perfusion pressure is preferably controlled in response to a sensor disposed in an end of tubing placed in the organ, by a pneumatically pressurized medical fluid reservoir, providing perfusion pressure fine tuning, overpressurization prevention and emergency flow cut-off. In the hypothermic mode, the organ is perfused with a medical fluid, preferably a simple crystalloid solution containing antioxidants, intermittently or in slow continuous flow. The medical fluid may be fed into the organ from an intermediary tank having a low pressure head to avoid organ overpressurization. Viability of the organ may be automatically monitored, preferably by monitoring characteristics of the medical fluid perfusate.

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. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: An organ support apparatus includes: (a) a fluid circuit defining upstream and downstream legs adapted to be connected to an organ to be supported; (b) a circulation pump connected to the fluid circuit for circulating a process fluid through the fluid circuit and the organ; and (c) a first waveform generator connected to the fluid circuit for impressing a preselected pressure waveform on the process fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems of maintaining, evaluating, and providing therapy to a lung ex vivo. The methods and systems involve positioning the lung in an ex vivo perfusion circuit; circulating a perfusion fluid through the lung, the fluid entering the lung through a pulmonary artery interface and leaving the lung through a left atrial interface; and ventilating the lung by flowing a ventilation gas through a tracheal interface. Maintaining the lung for extended periods involves causing the lung to rebreath a captive volume of air, and reaching an equilibrium state between the perfusion fluid and the ventilation gas. Evaluating the gas exchange capability of the lung involves deoxygenating the perfusion fluid and measuring a time taken to reoxygenate the perfusion fluid by ventilating the lung with an oxygenation gas.

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. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, systems/devices and media are provided for maintaining a harvested organ in a functioning and viable state prior to implantation. The organ perfusion apparatus includes a preservation chamber for storing the organ during the preservation period. A perfusion circuit is provided having a first line for providing an oxygenated fluid to the organ, and a second line for carrying depleted fluid away from the organ. The perfusion apparatus also includes a device operably associated with the perfusion circuit for maintaining the organ at a substantially normothermic temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the diameter of a mammalian hybrid coronary bypass graft. The system includes a controller having at least one input for receiving information and feedback information and an output for outputting control signals, including at least one steady flow system control signal; and a pressure/flow loop subsystem coupled to the controller. The pressure/flow loop subsystem includes a specimen holder, an external flow loop system coupled to the specimen holder, a steady flow system, and an output for outputting the feedback information. The pressure/flow loop subsystem receives the control signals and is capable of adjusting a diameter of a specimen in accordance with the control signals, when the specimen holder contains the specimen.

Abstract: Novel surgical sponge-pad devices that are highly absorbent, durable, and reusable are presented. The technical features of the surgical sponge-pad devices make possible unique surgical sponge-pad systems and methods that take advantage of the use, conditioning, and reuse of a single surgical sponge device again and again during a surgical procedure. The invention provides surgical-sponge-pad devices, systems, and methods that make possible a significant reduction in the number of surgical sponges needed for a given surgical procedure. In addition this multifunctional surgical sponge-pad will have significant and brand new applications in surgery for the protection and hydration of tissues, transmission of antibiotics and antimicrobials and other solutions, barriers in surgery and even use in transfer of transplanted organs as well as many other future medical and surgical uses as yet undefined and undiscovered.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions. The present application describes a method for using lactate measurement in the arterial and the venous blood lines of the Organ Care System Heart perfusion device to evaluate the: 1) The overall perfusion status of an isolated heart and 2) The metabolic status of an isolated heart and 3) the overall vascular patency of an isolated donor heart. This aspect of the present invention uses the property of myocardial cell's unique ability to produce/generate lactate when they are starved for oxygen and metabolize/utilize lactate for energy production when they are well perfused with oxygen.

Abstract: Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.

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 apparatus and methods include the organ cassette with one or more openings configured to allow tubing to pass through the openings and be connected to the organ or tissue within the cassette, and including a pressure control device to allow pressure inside the portable housing to be varied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional system, and compositions obtained therefrom, wherein individual layers of the system comprise channels divided longitudinally into two compartments by a centrally positioned membrane, and wherein each compartment can comprise a different cell type.

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.

Abstract: An ex-vivo lung solution for machine perfusion of donor lungs on OCS. The solution may be mixed with whole blood or packed red blood cells to form the OCS lung perfusion solution.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods reduce levels of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators in blood by selective adsorption. The devices, systems, and methods are useful in situations where abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators occur, or during events that do induce or have the potential for inducing abnormal production of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators. The devices, systems, and methods serve to prevent, control, reduce, or alleviate the severity of the inflammatory response and disease states that are associated with abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a micro-organ device comprises providing a microscale support having one or more microfluidic channels and one or more micro-chambers for housing a micro-organ and printing a micro-organ on the microscale support using a cell suspension in a syringe controlled by a computer-aided tissue engineering system, wherein the cell suspension comprises cells suspended in a solution containing a material that functions as a three-dimensional scaffold. The printing is performed with the computer-aided tissue engineering system according to a particular pattern. The micro-organ device comprises at least one micro-chamber each housing a micro-organ; and at least one microfluidic channel connected to the micro-chamber, wherein the micro-organ comprises cells arranged in a configuration that includes microscale spacing between portions of the cells to facilitate diffusion exchange between the cells and a medium supplied from the at least one microfluidic channel.

Abstract: An organ support apparatus includes: (a) a fluid circuit defining upstream and downstream legs adapted to be connected to an organ to be supported; (b) a circulation pump connected to the fluid circuit for circulating a process fluid through the fluid circuit and the organ; and (c) a first waveform generator connected to the fluid circuit for impressing a preselected pressure waveform on the process fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preserving detached tissues, especially digits and limbs, which are detached as a result of traumatic amputation. By using the methods and apparatus, detached tissues can be preserved for greater lengths of time and are ultimately in a better condition for replantation surgery.

Abstract: A method of injecting cells into a biological tissue comprising thrusting injection needle (200) under microvibration into tissue (5) secured by suction to tissue suction means (210) and effecting injection of a cell suspension into the tissue through the needle. There is also provided an apparatus for cell injection into the biological tissue.

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. Organ viability is restored by restoring high energy nucleotide (e.g., ATP) levels by perfusing the organ with a medical fluid, such as an oxygenated cross-linked hemoglobin-based bicarbonate medical fluid, at normothermic temperatures.

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.

Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.

Abstract: A tissue, such as an amniotic or chorionic membrane, harvesting device that integrates a system facilitating subsequent storage of tissue samples. The device cuts a sample of the target tissue and automatically deposits the sample in a storage vessel. A method of collecting and storing a sample from a target tissue using a tissue harvesting device. A kit for collecting and storing samples of the target tissue.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is portable organ transportation system including a mobile cart and an organ container. At least one of the mobile cart and the organ container include a latch for releasably attaching the organ container to the mobile cart. The organ container may be a portable organ preservation device or a portable organ perfusion apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a holding vessel that has bioreactor and perfusion bioreactor components, a temperature specific environment and holes for transporting substances from a living organism. When the holding vessel is in use it will contain a tissue selection that will be attached to the circulatory system of a living organism by connecting existing vasculature of the organism to engineered or grafted umbilical/vascular cables and then connecting the other end of the umbilical cables to the vasculature of the tissue selection. A tubular construct containing a protective solution will protect the vascular cables. The tissue selections used will be selected from existing or fabricated tissues, but preference is given to cryogenically prepared tissues electronically dispensed from a three-dimensional printing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cannula including a first clamping portion, a second clamping portion and a force applying portion configured to apply at least two different clamping forces across the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion when the cannula is in a closed state. The first clamping portion includes a first gear, the second clamping portion includes a second gear, and the first gear and the second gear are in meshing engagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the hypothermic perfusion of a cardiac organ. According to the invention, the infusion device comprises: a. a first sealed tank (2) that is capable of containing a physiological liquid (LP); b. a second sealed tank (3) that is in communication, in a sealed manner, with the inner space of the first tank by means of a nozzle (6); c. a means for refrigerating the first tank (2) and keeping it at a substantially constant temperature; and d. a means (4) for intermittently pressurizing the inner space of the first tank.