Methods for cooling organs. The methods include using a layered organ support surface with a temperature sensor. The organ support surface can have a cushion layer, a core layer, and an insulating layer. The insulating layer can insulate the cooling media from the organ.

An organ perfusion system comprises: a perfusion fluid circuit (16) arranged to circulate perfusion fluid through the organ; a surrogate organ (126) arranged to be connected into the circuit in place of the organ so that the circuit can circulate fluid through the surrogate organ; and organ sensing means arranged to distinguish between the presence of the organ in the circuit and the presence of the surrogate organ in the circuit. The sensing means may comprise one or more pressure sensors (136, 137, 138), or a flow meter (125). Further aspects relate to adjusting the content of at least one component, such as oxygen or a nutrient, in the perfusion fluid. Bubble detection means (113), and means (74) to measure the amount of fluid secreted by or leaked from the organ, may also be provided.

A disposable set of components for an organ perfusion system comprising a fluid supply duct for supplying fluid to the organ, a fluid removal duct for removing fluid from the organ, and a surrogate organ removably connected between the fluid supply duct and the fluid removal duct so as to form a fluid circuit, so that fluid can be circulated in the circuit in preparation for connection of the organ.

An apparatus for separating gas bubbles that may be entrained in perfusate flow prevents such bubbles from continuing downstream and entering an organ or tissue. The apparatus may include a chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls. The chamber may include an inlet configured to allow at least one of gas and liquid to enter the chamber, an air opening configured to allow at least gas to exit the chamber and a first liquid opening configured to allow at least liquid to exit the chamber. The apparatus may function as an accumulator that reduces or eliminates pulsatility of the liquid flow and pressure. The apparatus may include a minimum volume of gas, initially or through the accumulation of gas, such that flow and pressure fluctuations in the liquid are dampened or eliminated. The apparatus may include a sampling port in a wall of the chamber.

A cannula for connecting a medical device to a biological system is taught. The cannula includes a tissue engagement portion, preferably in the form of an annulus, to which a vacuum is applied through the cannula to attract and hold tissue of the biological system in an initial connection while an affixment device is applied to complete the connection. In addition to a working fluid conduit, comprising a main port, a working fluid passage and a working fluid port, and a port to apply the vacuum, the cannula can include a sensor port to allow sensing pressure or other characteristics of the working fluid at a point closely adjacent to the connection between the cannula and the biological system.

A system for the hypothermic (2-8 C.) transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a first transport container to suspend the sample in preservation fluid and provides an ability to monitor the temperature of the sample. The first transport container, holding the sample, is placed in an insulated second transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature.

A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a self-purging preservation apparatus to suspend a sample in preservation fluid and perfuse a tissue with preservation fluid. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature.

A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a self-purging preservation apparatus to suspend a sample in preservation fluid and perfuse a tissue with preservation fluid. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature.

Presented is an airway organ bioreactor apparatus, and methods of use thereof, as well as bioartificial airway organs produced using the methods, and methods of treating subjects using the bioartificial airway organs. The bioreactor comprises: an organ chamber; an ingres line connecting the organ chamber and a reservoir system and comprising an arterial line, a venous line and a tracheal line; an egress line connecting the chamber and the reservoir system, pumps in ingress and egress lines; a controller to control fluid exchange; a chamber pressure sensor connected to the organ chamber.

A profusion system for a mammalian organ comprising a first and a second pump to propel perfusion fluid through one of a closed fluid circuit system and a selectively closeable fluid circuit system that includes an organ artery and an organ vein, a filter cartridge bank consisting of a plurality of filtration cartridges, and a first and a second fluid reservoir.