Design, Construction, and Testing of a
Manually Portable Prototype Device for Prolonged Cryostorage of Hearts
J. E. Molina, A. L. Rivard, S. A. Prindle, J. C. Bischof, R. M.
Christen, L. L. Kinney
Background: Hearts used in transplantation are
perfused only once, which limits their preservation to about four
hours. No lightweight device exists to allow for intermittent
perfusion.
Methods: This is a report of a manually portable, lightweight
heart-preservation device (under 20 lbs.) capable of intermittently
perfusing hearts under cryostorage (4º and 6º C). The basic
container has a 16 quart/0.5 cubic feet capacity and an empty weight
of 8 lbs., 5 oz. It uses a 2 lb., 5 oz. OEM 720 Series high-precision
peristaltic pump – capable of speeds of 10 to 265 RPMs. Electronic
touch screen programming allows at different infusion schedules. The
device was tested using pig hearts.
Results: The device performed faultlessly for up to 12 hours,
keeping the organ cold (5º) and perfusing exact amounts during the
preservation period. Electronic programming can set a wide range of
perfusion schedules and maintain accurate injections until the
solution reservoirs are empty. Intermittently reperfused hearts
reached cardioplegic temperature within an hour, and remained so
throughout six hours of observation. The fully loaded device is easily
hand carried.
Conclusion: This new design will offer many advantages over
previous designs. Once the sterility issues are solved, it may have
clinical applications.
(CVE. 2005; 10 (1): 26-33)
Key words: portable, device, cryostorage,
hearts
J. Ernesto Molina, M.D., Ph.D.
Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
University of Minnesota
420 Delaware St. SE, MMC 182
Minneapolis, MN 55455
USA
E-mail: emolinam@comcast.net
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