Abstract: An organ hypothermic storage unit includes a first container with a removable cover and a plurality of organ receptacles mounted within the first container, each receptacle having a removable cover. A plurality of groups of spacers upon the container bottom wall receive and locate the receptacles spacing them from each other and from the container walls to define a chilling zone within the first container and around each receptacle. Each receptacle mounts upon its interior a thermometer. An outer container having a removable cover receives, supports and encloses the first container defining an insulating air space therebetween. The inner container is adapted to receive and store a quantity of ice within the chilling zone for continuously maintaining an organ in any receptacle at a temperature between 0.degree. and 7.degree. C., for maximal metabolic suppression and preservation thereof until transplant to a recipient. The containers, receptacles and covers thereof are of a clear transparent material.

Abstract: In the method of freezing and transplanting a kidney including the successive steps of excising, flushing, hypothermically infusing, freezing, thawing, infusing and implantation, the improvement including the steps of metering and infusing pressurized chilled helium into the renal artery while progressively and rapidly cooling the kidney located on a support of a container that is not immersed but surrounded by a body of liquid nitrogen, while continuously metering nitrogen into the body of liquid nitrogen and simultaneously and continuously recording temperatures and rate for cooling. The kidney is held above the liquid nitrogen by the support and is subjected to the pressurized nitrogen atmosphere within the cooling chamber or tank. A further step in which the thawing includes the application of infrared radiation to the kidney within a confined area while continuously rotating the kidney for uniform thawing.