Abstract: A method of preserving, storing and transplanting mammalian donor organs. The method includes the cooling of refrigeration preservation, loading pre-freezer preservation, cryopreservation and washing solutions at least containing polyvinylpyrrolidone, a calcium channel blocker, a nucleoside, potassium chloride, polyethylene glycol, at least one amino acid, and a steroid to a temperature of 2° to 4° C. and/or of 0° to 2° C., harvesting a donor organ, perfusing it with one or more of the solution, immersing it in one or more of the solutions and storing it at a temperature above 0° C. or at a temperatures below 0° C. The cryopreservation solution also contains cryopreservative agents. Preserved organs may be transplanted directly from refrigeration storage or from freezer storage by cooling the washing refrigeration preservation solutions to 2° to 4° C., perfusing the organ with washing solution and then preservation solution, and transplanting it.

Abstract: Methods of cooling blood platelet suspensions which can be stored and preserved for extended periods of time. The normal morphology of platelets and their ability to function are substantially maintained. The steps include preparing a platelet suspension having blood platelets, a carbohydrate and at least one biocompatible polymer to assist in stabilizing platelet membranes. The platelet suspension may be cooled to a temperature of less than approximately 10 degrees C. at a rate of cooling greater than 1 degree C./min. The platelet suspension may be kept at a storage temperature ranging from approximately −1 to 6 degrees C. Additionally, methods are provided for maintaining the biological activity of blood platelets. Platelet suspensions may be initially prepared which include platelets, sucrose, verapamil, magnesium chloride and a biocompatible polymer. Cooling of the platelet suspension may be followed at a cooling rate ranging from approximately 1 to 12 degrees C.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perfusing livers comprising a portable container and a liver receptacle removably positioned in such container. Portions of the receptacle are spaced from the walls of the container when the receptacle is in position so that ice may be positioned around the receptacle. A perfusate holder is mounted on the container. A second container surrounds a portion of the holder and is adapted to receive ice. An intermittently operated flow regulator controls gravity flow of perfusate at predetermined rate from the holder to the receptacle and a timer controls operation of controller at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A portable perfusion system for organ preservation comprising a cart on which a refrigeration unit, a pump unit and a cassette are mounted with the pump and cassette being removable for separate transport. The cassette includes an organ receptacle, a heat exchanger, a membrane oxygenator, a bubble trap and an ice deposit area. The heat exchanger is connected to the refrigeration unit and the perfusate is pumped by a non-pulsatile pump through the heat exchanger to the bubble trap and, in turn, to the organ. An oxygen supply on the cart supplies oxygen to the membrane oxygenator which functions to oxygenate the perfusate.

Abstract: A method of treating blood plasma or fractionated plasma products with fumed colloidal silica to remove fibrinogen without polymerization to fibrin, to remove the plasminogen-plasmin proteolytic enzyme system, to remove cholesterol and lipoproteins and reduce triglycerides, while maintaining plasma coagulation factor II at pretreatment levels and leaving immunoglobulins and other protein constitutents unaffected, and the resulting product. Plasma products treated with fumed silica may be subjected to long-term storage for a year or more without loss of its biologically active support properties, thereby circumventing the problem of hepatitis. The treated plasma products, either fresh or after long-term storage, may be used as a perfusion support media for organ perfusion, for treatment of hemmorrhagic shock and similar purposes for which untreated plasma and fractionated plasma products are customarily used, with equal or superior effectiveness.