The time between the explantation of an organ until it is implantated is very important to the outcome of the transplant. The current standard of care is to preserve organs on ice within a balanced ion solution. This lower temperature reduces the metabolic function of the preserved organ, thus allowing it to remain viable for a longer period. This time is still limited, in particular for hearts and lungs with a maximum storage time of 4–6 hrs [1]. Being able to extend preservation time will solve many of the logistical problems that can prevent utilization of available organs.
To help address this problem, two new methodologies are being investigated: cryopreservation and ex vivo perfusion. The goal of cryopreservation is to remove the allograft and freeze the organ much in the same way that cell lines are currently stored. This offers the potential benefit of a much longer preservation...
