Method for hypothermic transport of biological samples
Inventors
Macari, Danny • Whitney, Matthew • Estrella, Samantha • Churchill, William Lucas
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12410408-B2
Publication Date
2025-09-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method for transporting a biological sample at hypothermic temperatures. The container can be cooled using phase change material and pump fluid through the sample. The fluid can pump through the system at a rate independent of the parameters of the biological sample. A valve can control the rate of flow of the fluid into the biological sample.
Core Innovation
The patent describes hypothermic transport of a biological sample using preservation fluid pumped through a fluid circuit from a transport container to a biological sample adapter. A flow regulator valve regulates flow into the sample and releases fluid based on a biological sample parameter, including vessel resistance, sample temperature, or flow rate through the sample. The pump operates independently of the parameter used by the valve, or at a rate independent of vessel resistance.
The described system employs a passive mechanical flow-regulator valve to release fluid from the circuit according to vessel resistance, limiting perfusion pressure without active pump adjustment. Optional structural features include a pressure dampener, phase-change cooling, bubble purging, a balloon accumulation chamber, and adjustable sample support and cannula-retention components. The problem being solved is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims cover methods and systems for hypothermic transport of a biological sample, featuring two inventive features.
Transporting a biological sample with parameter-based flow regulation
Claim 1 recites sealing a biological sample adapter to a vessel, placing the sample in a transport container, filling the container at least partially with preservation fluid, and activating a pump to move fluid through a circuit to a flow regulator valve and the adapter. The valve regulates flow into the sample and releases fluid from the circuit based on at least one biological sample parameter, while the pump operates independently of that parameter.
Pumping preservation fluid independently of vessel resistance
Claim 10 recites pumping preservation fluid from a transport container through a fluid circuit to a flow regulator valve and then to a biological sample adapter. The pump operates at a rate independent of vessel resistance, while the valve regulates flow into the biological sample and releases fluid from the circuit based on at least one biological sample parameter.
The claims cover hypothermic transport using a pump and a flow regulator valve, where fluid delivery is regulated according to a biological sample parameter while pump operation remains independent of that parameter or vessel resistance.
Stated Advantages
Preserving the biological sample for greater than 5 hours without adjusting pump parameters.
Reducing pulsation in the fluid circuit using a pressure dampener.
Documented Applications
Hypothermic transport of a biological sample using preservation fluid, including kidneys and other organs.
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