HOPE Organ Transport Device

The HOPE (Hypothermic Oxygenated PErfusion) Organ Transport Device is a medical device that can extend the viability of organs during transportation by maintaining them in a state of hypothermia and providing them with oxygenated liquid and nutrients.

The traditional method of transporting organs involves placing them in coolers filled with ice and in a preservation solution (Static Cold Storage (SCS)). However, this method only allows for a limited time frame during which the organs remain viable, typically around four to six hours for a heart. This limited time frame can make it difficult to transport organs over long distances or find a suitable recipient. The goal of this project was to extend the viability of donor organs during transport.

The HOPE device works by connecting the organ to an organ capsule, which is placed into a machine that pumps oxygenated liquid and nutrients through the organ while it is kept cool. A sophisticated algorithm monitors and regulates the perfusion values, guaranteeing optimal organ preservation. This process can significantly extend the viability of organs, allowing more time to find a suitable recipient and increasing the chances of a successful transplant.

The working prototype is further improved and re-engineered into a portable prototype. This prototype is currently being used to perform pre-clinical testing. Porcine slaughterhouse hearts will be transported using the HOPE Organ Transport Device and this method of transportation will be compared to the golden standard (SCS).