System for hypothermic transport of samples
Inventors
Anderson, Lisa Maria • Judson, Jared Alden
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12543729-B2
Publication Date
2026-02-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a self-purging preservation apparatus to suspend a sample in preservation fluid and perfuse a tissue with preservation fluid. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a hypothermic tissue-transport system combining an insulated portable container, phase-change cooling media, and a fitted basket that supports a donor organ to limit lateral movement during storage and transport. Temperature displays and monitoring probes allow tracking conditions inside without opening the container. Optional features support purging trapped gas, oxygenating tissue, fluid perfusion, pressure sensing, and sterile canister connections within an ex-vivo preservation system.
The system provides transport and storage arrangements for organs removed before implantation between a donor site and a transplant site. In evaluated canine kidney studies, cold pulsatile storage preserves organ function more effectively than static storage. Evaluated renal vascular resistance and glomerular filtration measures remain comparable to fresh controls, whereas static storage yields significantly poorer functional results.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims comprise claim 1 and claim 11, which define two inventive features directed to donor-organ storage and organ transport.
Portable donor-organ storage container with a movement-limiting basket
Claim 1 covers storing a removed donor organ before implantation in a portable storage container with a basket configured to support the organ and limit lateral movement, comprising a support surface, laterally protruding substantially horizontal surfaces, and upwardly extending vertical surfaces, wherein cooling packs maintain the container within a specified hypothermic temperature range.
Temperature-monitored organ transport apparatus
Claim 11 covers transporting an organ from a donor site to a transplant site in a portable apparatus comprising a movement-limiting basket configured to support the organ, a temperature monitor with a probe, a cooling pack comprising phase-change material, and a removable lid held closed by latches to maintain a specified hypothermic temperature range.
Together, all elements of the claim in the independent claims cover portable donor-organ storage and transport using a fitted movement-limiting basket and a cooling arrangement to maintain hypothermic conditions, with transport further incorporating temperature monitoring, phase-change material, and a latched removable lid.
Stated Advantages
Temperature displays support monitoring without opening the container.
Fitted structures protect and stabilize the preservation apparatus.
In the canine-kidney study, cold pulsatile storage preserves function more effectively than static storage, yielding renal vascular resistance and glomerular filtration results closer to fresh controls.
The described embodiments support extended organ transport.
Documented Applications
Storing a removed donor organ in a portable container before implantation into an organ recipient.
Transporting an organ from a donor site to a transplant site in a portable apparatus.
Storage and transport of donor organ types including lungs, hearts, and canine kidneys.
Ex-vivo perfusion of tissue.
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