Abstract: A homeostatic organ preservation system includes structure for defining a chamber for holding a donor organ, and a pump for providing a perfusion solution to the organ. A first conduit is coupled to the pump and is adapted to be coupled to the organ. The first conduit provides perfusion solution from the pump to the organ. A second conduit is coupled to the pump and to the organ chamber. The second conduit returns perfusion solution from the organ chamber to the pump. A pressure sensor is coupled to the first conduit to sense the pressure of the perfusion solution in the first conduit. The pressure sensor provides an output signal which is indicative of the vascular resistance of the organ. A pump control circuit is also included. The pump control circuit is responsive to the output signal of the pressure sensor to raise and lower the pump pulse rate respectively in response to a decrease and increase in the organ vascular resistance.

Abstract: A device for maintaining, in situ, the viability of an organ of a non-heart beating cadaver includes a container for receiving a supply of solution, and a submersible pump contained in the container. An inflow catheter is partially inserted into the abdominal cavity of the cadaver. A first conduit is connected between the pump and the inflow catheter. A return catheter is inserted at least partially into the abdominal cavity. A second conduit is provided between the container and the return catheter. Solution is suctioned from the abdominal cavity by a third conduit connected to the pump and the second conduit and a venturi-type device connected in series with the third conduit and situated in proximity to the point at which the third conduit is connected to the second conduit. The third conduit provides solution to the venturi-device, which causes solution in the cavity to be drawn into the return catheter and the second conduit and to be returned to the container.

Abstract: In situ preservation of animal organs for transplantation is effected by establishing upper and lower blockages in a vascular conduit connected with such organs and then introducing a flushing solution into the conduit through a cannula at a flow rate sufficient to provide a renal flush of about 60 to 70 cc/100 g/min and until the core temperature of the organs being removed has been lowered to at least about 22.degree. C. A particular cannula assembly and flushing kit also is provided.