| abstract |
An exsanguinous metabolic support system for maintaining an organ or tissue at a near normal metabolic rate is disclosed that employs a warm perfusion solution capable of altering the production of nitric oxide (NO) in an organ or tissue and supporting the metabolism of the organ or tissue at normothermic temperatures. Perfusion with the solution of the invention, therefore, can be used to regulate nitric oxide production in situations where it is desirable to do so, for example, to prevent reperfusion injury. The system also monitors parameters of the circulating perfusion solution, such as pH, temperature, osmolarity, flow rate, vascular pressure and partial pressure of respiratory gases, and nitric oxide (NO) concentration and regulates them to insure that the organ is maintained under near-physiologic conditions. Use of the system for long-term maintenance of organs for transplantation, for resuscitation and repair of organs having sustained warm ischemic damage, to treat cardiovascular disorders, to prevent reperfusion injury, as a pharmaceutical delivery system and prognosticator of posttransplantation organ function is also disclosed. |