INNOVATIVE PULSATILE HEART GRAFT PRESERVATION AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION
The new hypothermic pulsatile perfusion system works in closed circuit with a nonblood perfusate. It mimics cardiac physiology: the heart (non beating) is perfused in deep hypothermia during two intermittent phases similar to the passive systolic and passive diastolic phases. Pulsatility ensures heart massage and coronary circulation. Duration of organ’s preservation is extended beyond 12 hours allowing long distance transportation and evaluation of organ viability.

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
• Experimental prototype done.
• Industrial prototype under development.
• Preclinical studies performed in pig demonstrated a significant improvement of the viability of the heart preserved 20 hours at 4°C by using this new system of hypothermic perfusion

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Patent pending in EP, granted in US
Priority date: December 11, 2009 (FR09 58878)

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTY
• Optimisation of graft’s quality and viability before transplantation.
• Preservation duration of organs increased three to fourfold : 12 to 24 hours.
• Increase of the pool of available grafts: possibility to recover «borderline» hearts (having undergone even warm ischemia).

APPLICATIONS
Heart graft preservation and transportation before transplantation. Envisioned application: kidney or liver grafts transportation.

COLLABORATION TYPE
PULSALYS offers to grant patent license and looks for industrial partners.

CONTACT
Laetitia ROUX
Email : laetitia.roux@pulsalys.fr
Tel: +33(0)4 26.23.56.65