Method for rapid cooling and warming of biological materials
OwnerBrian G. Wowk, Michael G. Federowicz +2inventors
InventorsBrian G. Wowk, Michael G. Federowicz, Sandra R. Russell, Steven B. Harris
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Abstract
A method of cooling and rewarming large organs and tissues at sub-zero temperatures is provided. The method includes perfusion of tissue with inert fluids that remain liquid at very low temperatures. The inert fluids can include fluorocarbons, silicones, or fluorosilicones. Glycol ethers are used as a novel class of cryoprotective agents for organ and tissue preservation. The glycol ethers have improved viscosity, penetration, and glass forming properties.
Claims21
A method for controlling temperature of a biological material having a vascular system at sub-zero degree Centigrade temperatures, comprising the following steps:
- perfusing the biological material with an inert fluid through the vascular system of the biological material;
- controlling temperature of the inert fluid before entering the vascular system;
- and
- circulating the temperature-controlled inert fluid through the vascular system, whereby the inert fluid functions as a heat exchange medium for cooling or warming the biological material internally, wherein the inert fluid comprises a polysiloxane or a fluorosilicone.
A method for controlling temperature of a biological material having a vascular system at sub-zero degree centigrade temperatures, comprising:
- perfusing the biological material with an inert fluid through the vascular system of the biological material;
- controlling temperature of the inert fluid before entering the vascular system;
- and
- circulating the temperature-controlled inert fluid through the vascular system, whereby the inert fluid functions as a heat exchange medium for cooling or warming the biological material internally, wherein an aqueous perfusate is in the vascular system of the biological material prior to the perfusion of the inert fluid, and wherein a gas that is soluble in both water and the inert fluid is perfused into the vasculature to displace said aqueous perfusate prior to inert fluid perfusion and/or to displace the inert fluid prior to reperfusion with aqueous perfusate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.