Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved process of organ perfusion with vitrifiable concentrations of cryoprotective agents. In one implementation, the method may include perfusing an organ with a first solution containing a vitrifiable concentration of cryoprotectant at a temperature at or above ?10° C. and perfusing the organ with a second solution containing a higher concentration of cryoprotectant than the first solution. The first solution may be adapted to vitrify at a cooling rate of less than 20° C./min, and the second solution may be adapted to vitrify at a cooling rate of less than 5° C./min. The perfusing with the second solution may begin at or above ?10° C. and cause the organ to decline in temperature to below ?10° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preservation of vascularized tissues and organs by freezing or by vitrification; to organ and tissue cryopreservation or banking; and to tissue and organ perfusion with cryoprotective agents (also known as cryoprotectants).

Abstract: Surgical tools which are used to separate from one another a femoral cup and an acetabular ball in an implanted hip replacement prosthesis. At its distal end, elements of the surgical tool engage the femoral cup and the acetabular cup. When proximal handles of the tool are squeezed toward one another, the engagement elements move away from one another. Thus, a surgeon is able to separate the femoral cup and the acetabular ball from one another without pulling the acetabular cup away from the acetabulum or the femoral cup and/or femoral implant away from the femur, thereby accomplishing the separation without disrupting any bone ingrowth.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the cryopreservation of human organs and tissues. In certain embodiments, Step 1 comprises perfusion with a vitrifiable cryoprotectant solution at a temperature above ?10° C. for a time insufficient for the approximate osmotic equilibration of the organ with the solution, followed by cooling the organ to below ?10° C. by perfusion with said solution at a reduced temperature. In certain embodiments, Step 2 comprises increasing the concentration of cryoprotectant further at a temperature from ?10 to ?40° C. In certain embodiments, Step 3 comprises cooling and vitrifying the organ, rewarming it, and perfusing the organ with a vitrifiable concentration of cryoprotectant whose temperature is either raised gradually or is held at ??15° C. Compositions are provided that allow safe organ perfusion with vitrifiable media at >?10° C. and almost complete avoidance of chilling injury at ?20 to ?25° C. and that allow slow warming after vitrification without freezing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aqueous carrier solutions for cryoprotectants that are useful for a variety of cryoprotectant solutions for use with cells, tissues, and whole organs, said aqueous carrier solutions permitting antinucleators to be fully effective in vitrification solutions, thereby allowing vitrification solutions to attain extreme effectiveness, and compatible vitrification solution compositions for use with these carrier solutions. The carrier solutions comprise lactose, mannitol or trehalose, and glucose in combination with other beneficial ingredients.

Abstract: Polyglycerol, lactose, and a combination of polyglycerol and lactose are effective at preserving cells, tissues, and organs from damage due to hypothermic, ischemic, or other metabolic impairment, and a mixture of polyglycerol plus lactose is particularly useful for the hypothermic storage of cells, tissues, and organs. The mixture of polyglycerol and lactose can be further improved by the addition of chondroitin sulfate, chlorpromazine, calcium, citrate, glutathione, adenine, glucose, magnesium, and a pH buffer.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for the cryogenic storage of biological material. Devices of the invention are useful for storing material at a cryogenic temperature. The devices include a temperature chamber defined by a thermally-conductive container and at least one layer of thermal insulation surrounding the thermally-conductive container. Some embodiments utilize one or more heat sources thermally connected to the thermally conductive container. Other embodiments are arranged so that no net flow of heat occurs from the temperature chamber when the temperature chamber is at a set target temperature. Also provided are methods of using the devices.

Abstract: Polyglycerol, lactose, and a combination of polyglycerol and lactose are effective at preserving cells, tissues, and organs from damage due to hypothermic, ischemic, or other metabolic impairment, and a mixture of polyglycerol plus lactose is particularly useful for the hypothermic storage of cells, tissues, and organs. The mixture of polyglycerol and lactose can be further improved by the addition of chondroitin sulfate, chlorpromazine, calcium, citrate, glutathione, adenine, glucose, magnesium, and a pH buffer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carrier solution for cryoprotectants that is useful for use with cells, tissues, and whole organs and for a variety of cryoprotectant solutions and that permits antinucleators to be fully effective in vitrification solutions, thereby allowing vitrification solutions to attain extreme effectiveness, and compatible vitrification solution compositions for use with this carrier solution. The carrier solution comprises lactose and mannitol as well as other beneficial ingredients.

Abstract: A method of cryopreserving biological material by administering a cryoprotective agent mixture is provided. The mixture must be produced in a concentration sufficient to permit vitrification. The cryoprotective agent is an alkoxylated organic compound. The method includes administering the cryoprotective agent mixture and cooling the biological material until it is vitrified. Preferred cryoprotective mixtures contain 3 methoxy-1,2 propanediol and 2-methoxy ethanol.