ORGAN PRESERVATION AND TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

Apparatus and method for preserving an organ via perfusion at hypothermic and/or normo-thermic temperature in which an organ-receiving container (18) is arranged in a housing (10) and contains a medium compatible for preserving the organ. A connector (20) detachably mates with the container (18) to alternately enable access to an interior of the container (18) through an opening and seal the opening. A gas source (30) is arranged in the housing (10) and gas therefrom is directed into the container (18) through conduits. Preserving medium is removed from the container (18) and recirculated into the organ such that the preserving medium flow to the organ and the gas flow into the container (18) are separate from one another. Gas is thus absorbed into the medium only in the container (18). The container (18) is a separate unit from the housing and is separable from the housing. The container (18) can be rendered a self-standing disposable unit which is easily replaced and inclusive of perfusion medium.