University of Texas System

Bobby J O'Dell

Leonid Bunegin

A method and apparatus is provided for long-term extracorporeal preservation of living tissue. A living tissue preservation device including a gas permeable membrane and perfusate allows oxygenation of the living tissue. The gas permeable membrane allows gas from a cyclically pumped source to permeate and expand the membrane, simultaneously oxygenating the perfusate and pumping the oxygen-enriched perfusate through the living tissue. Simply constructed of a few basic components into a single integrated container, the living tissue preservation device is capable of operating in many physical orientations, and requires no electrical power for operation. Also provided is a portable cold storage unit that is capable of receiving a living tissue preservation device and maintaining the tissue in the device at a substantially constant temperature of 4.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. for at least 24 hours. Finally, a method of preserving extracorporeal living tissue incorporating the living tissue preservation device and cold storage unit is provided.

Method for hypothermic preservation of living tissue

Combined perfusion and oxygenation apparatus

A method and apparatus is provided for long-term extracorporeal preservation of living tissue. A tissue preservation device including a gas permeable membrane and perfusate allows oxygenation of the living tissue. The gas permeable membrane allows gas from a cyclically pumped source to permeate and expand the membrane, simultaneously oxygenating the perfusate and pumping the oxygen-enriched perfusate through the tissue. Simply constructed of a few basic components, the tissue preservation device is capable of operating in many physical orientations, and requires no electrical power for operation. Also provided is an apparatus for cooling and transporting the tissue preservation device.

Growing community of inventors

San Antonio, TX, United States of America

Bobby J O'Dell