A SIMPLE, FULLY TRANSPORTABLE DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING AN EXCISED HEART IN OPTIMUM CONDITION FOR TRANSPLANTATION

摘要

An apparatus for transporting and maintaining an excised heart (18) in condition for transplantation includes a container (12) defining a chamber (14) for receiving the heart (18), and a body of physiological fluid (16) disposed in the chamber (14). A pump (80) is provided for pumping the fluid into the heart, and a source of oxygen (30) under pressure. Oxygen flow structure continuously directs flow of pressurized oxygen (30) into the fluid thereby to oxygenate the fluid and to maintain the pressure in the chamber (14) at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. An aorta supply line (90) directs fluid from the pump (80) to the aorta and thence into the coronary arteries to force perfusion of the vascular bed of the heart (18).