METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF AN ORGAN FOR TRANSPLANT
Methods of determining the health of an organ, such as a transplant organ, by measuring the ex-situ oxygen consumption rate of the organ. Systems for preserving and transporting organs while monitoring viability by measuring oxygen consumption rates.
1 - 12 . (canceled)
13 . A method for perfusing an organ, the method comprising:
inserting an organ into a preservation solution;
perfusing the organ with an oxygenated solution at a hypothermic temperature;
measuring the oxygen consumption rate of the organ;
comparing the measured oxygen consumption rate to a functional oxygen consumption rate, wherein a measured oxygen consumption rate greater than or equal to the functional oxygen consumption rate is indicative of a suitable organ; and
using a processor to alter a perfusion property based on the comparison.
14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising varying a pressure of the oxygenated solution to create a differential perfusion pressure
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the differential perfusion pressure is greater than 0 mm Hg and less than or equal to 120 mm Hg.
16 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the differential perfusion pressure is greater than 0 mm Hg and less than or equal to 50 mm Hg.
17 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the functional oxygen consumption rate is greater than or equal to 50 nmolO 2 /min/g of organ mass.
18 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the organ is selected from the group consisting of heart, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas.
19 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the hypothermic temperature is less than 10° C.
20 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the organ is from an expanded criteria donor (ECD) or from a donation after cardiac death (DCD).
21 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising monitoring vascular resistance of the organ to perfusion.
22 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the pressure is varied at least once per minute.
23 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the pressure is varied at least once every 10 seconds.
24 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the preservation solution is oxygenated with a partial pressure of oxygen of at least 100 mmHg (100 Torr).
25 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the perfusion property is one selected from the list consisting of: perfusion temperature; flow rate; and pressure.