A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes an antimicrobial treatment mechanism to inactivate microbes flushed from the biological sample by preservation fluid flowed therethrough. 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 while simultaneously treating microbial infections to prevent transmission between a donor and a recipient.

Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for irradiating a perfusate. The apparatus includes a tank which defines a first chamber. A separator is located inside the first chamber. The separator defines a second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are concentric and have substantially annular cross sections, each having at least one diameter and a substantially common longitudinal axis. A perfusate is introduced into the first chamber by an inlet. A UV radiation-emitting device is disposed inside the second chamber for providing irradiation to the perfusate. Irradiated perfusate is removed from the tank by an outlet. Other apparatuses and systems are described and methods for inactivating micro organisms by performing EVP and irradiating the perfusate.

Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for irradiating a perfusate. The apparatus includes a tank which defines a first chamber. A separator is located inside the first chamber. The separator defines a second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are concentric and have substantially annular cross sections, each having at least one diameter and a substantially common longitudinal axis. A perfusate is introduced into the first chamber by an inlet. A UV radiation-emitting device is disposed inside the second chamber for providing irradiation to the perfusate. Irradiated perfusate is removed from the tank by an outlet. Other apparatuses and systems are described and methods for inactivating micro organisms by performing EVP and irradiating the perfusate.

Systems and methods are provided herein for monitoring electrical activity in ex vivo, resting donor organs. Systems and methods provided herein also include providing electrical stimulation to the donor tissue to maintain or increase viability during storage or transport. Donor organs can include ex vivo, resting hearts. Electrical activity can be used to determine donor organ viability, especially in instances where visual evaluation of a beating heart is not possible. The same electrodes or other sensing devices used to measure electrical activity can be used to apply a voltage/current to the tissue as well in order to maintain viability of the organ. In some embodiments, stimulation or depression may be provided in response to the measured electrical activity.

Systems and methods are provided herein for monitoring electrical activity in ex vivo, resting donor organs. Systems and methods provided herein also include providing electrical stimulation to the donor tissue to maintain or increase viability during storage or transport. Donor organs can include ex vivo, resting hearts. Electrical activity can be used to determine donor organ viability, especially in instances where visual evaluation of a beating heart is not possible. The same electrodes or other sensing devices used to measure electrical activity can be used to apply a voltage/current to the tissue as well in order to maintain viability of the organ. In some embodiments, stimulation or depression may be provided in response to the measured electrical activity.

The disclosure provides for electrode systems and perfusion systems that may be configured to measure the electrical activity of an explanted heart and to provide defibrillation energy as necessary. The perfusion systems may maintain the heart in a beating state at, or near, normal physiological conditions; circulate oxygenated, nutrient enriched perfusion fluid to the heart at or near physiological temperature, pressure, and/or flow rate. These systems may include a pair of electrodes that may be placed epicardially on the right atrium and/or left ventricle of the explanted heart, and/or an electrode placed in the aortic blood path.

The disclosure provides for electrode systems and perfusion systems that may be configured to measure the electrical activity of an explanted heart and to provide defibrillation energy as necessary. The perfusion systems may maintain the heart in a beating state at, or near, normal physiological conditions; circulate oxygenated, nutrient enriched perfusion fluid to the heart at or near physiological temperature, pressure, and/or flow rate. These systems may include a pair of electrodes that may be placed epicardially on the right atrium and/or left ventricle of the explanted heart, and/or an electrode placed in the aortic blood path.

A device for containment of an organ ex vivo and confluent distribution of an ultrasound field to the organ during ex vivo machine perfusion may include a container, a plurality of ultrasound transducers mounted to the container, and a power generator in operable communication with each of the ultrasound transducers. The container may define a reservoir and a plurality of apertures extending through a wall of the container and in communication with the reservoir, with the reservoir being configured for receiving the organ therein. Each of the ultrasound transducers may extend through a respective aperture of the plurality of apertures and may be configured for delivering ultrasound energy into the reservoir and to a respective portion of the organ therein. The power generator may be configured for selectively powering the ultrasound transducers to deliver ultrasound energy.

A device for containment of an organ ex vivo and confluent distribution of an ultrasound field to the organ during ex vivo machine perfusion may include a container, a plurality of ultrasound transducers mounted to the container, and a power generator in operable communication with each of the ultrasound transducers. The container may define a reservoir and a plurality of apertures extending through a wall of the container and in communication with the reservoir, with the reservoir being configured for receiving the organ therein. Each of the ultrasound transducers may extend through a respective aperture of the plurality of apertures and may be configured for delivering ultrasound energy into the reservoir and to a respective portion of the organ therein. The power generator may be configured for selectively powering the ultrasound transducers to deliver ultrasound energy.

One aspect of the invention provides a method for preparing a vein graft. The method includes: applying a tissue passivation agent to a resected anatomical vessel; placing the resected anatomical vessel in a chamber; and allowing the tissue passivation agent to cross-link while the resected anatomical vessel is in the chamber.