Methods and devices for preserving tissues
Methods and apparatus for preserving detached tissues, especially digits and limbs, which are detached as a result of traumatic amputation. By using the methods and apparatus, detached tissues can be preserved for greater lengths of time and are ultimately in a better condition for replantation surgery.
1. A portable apparatus for preserving tissue, the apparatus comprising:
a tissue chamber configured to contain a tissue; and
a lid assembly configured to mate with the tissue chamber, the lid assembly comprising:
a pumping chamber configured to perfuse the tissue with an oxygenated preservation fluid;
a fill port defining a lumen having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening opens to the exterior of the lid assembly and the second opening opens to the tissue chamber, such that when the lid assembly is mated to the tissue chamber, the tissue chamber can be filled with a liquid via the fill port; and
a purge port connecting the exterior of the lid assembly to the pumping chamber for purging a fluid from the tissue chamber.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a semi-permeable membrane disposed within the pumping chamber at an inclined angle with respect to horizontal when the lid assembly and tissue chamber are mated and placed on a horizontal surface, the semi-permeable membrane being configured to push against the preservation fluid and cause the preservation fluid to perfuse the tissue in the tissue chamber with oxygenated preservation fluid.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the oxygenated preservation fluid is perfused at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the membrane is disposed within the lid assembly at an angle such that when the lid assembly and the tissue chamber are mated and placed on a horizontal surface the membrane can direct a rising fluid toward the purge port.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the purge port is configured to permit the rising fluid to flow to an external area.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the membrane is inclined at an angle of approximately 1°-10° with respect to a line perpendicular to gravity when the apparatus is used to transport tissue.
7. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the membrane flexes in response to a pressure increase in the first portion of the pumping chamber, thereby exerting a pressure against the preservation fluid.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lid assembly is removably coupleable to the tissue chamber.
9. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the lid assembly comprises a pneumatic system configured to generate a positive pressure in the first portion of the pumping chamber.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is preservation fluid.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is a gas.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is capable of self-purging a fluid while perfusing the tissue.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a basket or sling to receive the tissue.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is capable of regulating the pressure of the preservation fluid by self-purging the preservation fluid.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the purged fluid is directed to an external area.
16. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the rising fluid is a gas.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tissue is a severed tissue.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tissue is an organ.