The National Medical Research Center (NMRC) named after E. N. Meshalkin plans to create a prototype device for transporting a donor heart. This was announced by cardiovascular surgeon, researcher at the center, Maxim Zhulkov.
The project is planned to be implemented within three years. The device will be in the form of a small detachable module, weighing 5 kg. It can be carried in the hands by one person, without additional assistance.
The cuvette itself has been developed to date and оформлен in the form of a patent. Now we are preparing a project that involves engineering development and the creation of a prototype and the entire complex of equipment for transportation by various modes of transport, including by plane
According to Maxim Zhulkov, the traditional method of preserving a donor heart involves stopping and cooling it. In this state, the organ can be transported for 4 hours.
The new device will increase the delivery time to 10 hours by preserving the heart using the method of long-term thermal autoperfusion. It consists of using the donor heart's own work and an oxygenator (artificial lungs).
In the method we have developed, oxygen enters the myocardium continuously throughout the entire transportation stage. In addition, our method, unlike foreign analogues, allows us not to stop the heart during the transportation stage. This also reduces the risk of complications.
The new technology was tested on more than 30 animals. Clinical trials are planned to begin within the next five years.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that a portable heart massage device has been developed in Russia.
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