Patent Application
20120178076
There are more patients who are waiting for organ transplants than there are organs available. Therefore, every potential donor organ is precious. There are some tools available to pathologists, surgeons, and others involved in organ transplants. However, these tools have traditionally been invasive (e.g., biopsy), subjective (e.g., visual assessment, olfactory assessment), and/or may have required substantial equipment (e.g., conventional x-ray apparatus, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus). Sometimes the tools have produced either false negatives or positives. See, for example, Stowe et al., Intrarenal Haemodynamics During Hypothermic Perfusion of Cadaver Kidneys, Proc. Of European Renal Association, vol. 10—51.1973, that reports on pressure-flow measurements during perfusion yielding false positives and negatives. Additionally, these tools may not have been suitable for use in an operating room, transplant ward, or location at which an organ may be harvested. Consider histopathology, which requires cutting out a tissue sample, fixing the sample in a medium, staining the tissue, and then interpreting the result. These steps may consume more time (e.g., hours, days) than can be tolerated for a candidate transplant organ. Consider also microdialysis, which requires inserting a needle into the tissue. Once again, the invasiveness and time requirements may make microdialysis unsuitable for the transplant environment.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example systems, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the invention. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.
Example apparatuses provide tools for quantitatively, objectively, and non-invasively assessing the viability of organs to be transplanted. Tools for non-invasively maintaining and assessing the viability of organs to be transplanted would facilitate increasing the odds that a donor organ will ultimately become a transplanted organ (e.g., kidney, heart, tissue). More generally, example apparatuses provide tools for quantitatively, objectively, and non-invasively analyzing objects (e.g., organs, tissues) in an MR compatible perfusion apparatus using a combination of MR-based and non-MR-based approaches.
Light-based medical apparatus have a long and important place in medicine. For example, optical lenses provided insights into the microscopic world. Similarly, medical apparatuses based on other types of electromagnetic energy have also been important to medicine. For example, optical techniques including, but not limited to, optical coherence tomography (OCT), some spectroscopy, and photography, have provided additional insights. Spectroscopic techniques include, but are not limited to, reflectance, fluorescence, laser induced fluorescence (LIF), infrared absorption, and Raman.
Bagnato et al., New Perspectives For Optical Techniques In Diagnostic And Treatment Of Hepatic Diseases, Acta Cirurgica Brasileira—Vol. 25 (2) 2010, pg 214-216 reviews different optical techniques that may be useful in liver transplantation. Bagnato reports how “spectroscopic signals can indicate biochemical changes [that] . . . may precede morphological changes observed in histology.” Bagnato also reports that the existence of a good correlation between Steatosis Fluorescence Factor (SFF) is directly correlated with the quantity of fat in kidney tissue. The degree of steatosis can be determined once the amplitude of fluorescence is determined. Thus, useful optical techniques have been demonstrated in organs (e.g., liver). “Most important”, Bagnato notes “is the fact that the information provided by spectroscopy is quantitative.” This quantitative data representing, for example, mitochondrial function and cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, may be analyzed to indicate metabolic status, which may be relevant to organ viability.
Raman, et al., A Non-Contact Method and Instrumentation To Monitor Renal Ischemia And Reperfusion With Optical Spectroscopy, Optics Express 894, January 2009, Vol. 17, No. 2, also report on organ analysis using optical spectra. Raman describes how nicotinemide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) autofluorescence is useful as an in vivo optical signature for monitoring tissue metabolism. NADH is a flavin and an electron carrier in the transport chain. The concentration of NADH depends, at least in part, on metabolic state. Conventional spectroscopic techniques may have been contact based. However, contacting an organ to acquire information for analyzing the organ viability may impact the data that is acquired at the contact site. For example, pressure applied by a contact probe can alter local hemodynamics and influence local metabolic activity by interfering with perfusion and saturation. Additionally, contact techniques may have interrogated an area of an organ that is too small to be relevant for overall organ viability analysis. Therefore, a non-contact technique may facilitate acquiring superior organ viability data.
Raman reports on a non-contact method that monitors kidney response to ischemia and reperfusion using NADH autofluorescence. The Raman technique imaged the entire exposed organ surface under 355 nm excitation. Analyzing a large surface area facilitated acquiring both numerous local measurements and overall average measurements. These two types of measurements may be relevant to assessing overall organ viability.
Raman describes one issue with their handheld approach, that having a fixed repeatable position with respect to organ analysis location “cannot be expected using a portable non-contact probe.” Raman reports how “the distance between the fiber tip and kidney surface, as well as the angle between the illumination direction and the kidney surface can change and thus significantly affect the measured signal intensity.” Since organ viability may need to be assessed periodically and/or substantially constantly after harvest and before transplantation, acquiring consistent results may be important, rendering the Raman system sub-optimal. In one embodiment, example apparatuses and methods facilitate maintaining a more constant relationship between optical analysis tools like the Raman spectroscopy probe and the organ.
Raman describes that another issue with spectroscopy is that tissue hydration status can change. A change in the hydration of the tissue may affect the scattering properties of the tissue and the amount of excitation light that is reflected. This is especially a concern at the air-tissue interface. In one embodiment, example apparatuses and methods facilitate maintaining a more constant tissue hydration status by holding the organ in a liquid solution. Holding the organ in a liquid solution may also remove the air-tissue interface.
Gorbach et al., Assessment of Cadaveric Organ Viability During Pulsatile Perfusion Using Infrared Imaging, Transplantation, 2009 Apr. 27; 87(8): 1163-1166, describe experiments involving infrared (IR) measurements of kidneys being perfused. The experiments were designed to investigate “IR imaging during pulsatile perfusion as a means for precise organ assessment.” The Gorbach IR imaging was based on two-dimensional mapping of temperature differences by detecting natural emissions from tissue that are warmer or cooler than their surrounding structures and environment. Gorbach imaged the local temperature gradients in perfused kidneys by passively detecting the IR emissions from the kidneys.
Gorbach reports that IR measurements have a “strong direct correlation with measured resistance within the kidney”. Gorbach also reports that “there was an indirect correlation with flow.” Thus, Gorbach describes how IR imaging correlates with the generally accepted conventional perfusion measurements of flow and resistance. Additionally, Gorbach notes that the data are objective and quantitative. Objective, quantitative data may facilitate assessing organ viability.
Described herein are example apparatuses and methods associated with a dedicated apparatus configured to perform MR and/or non-MR electromagnetic analyses of an object (e.g., tissue, organ) housed in an HPP apparatus configured with at least one MR specific element (e.g., coil, magnet) and/or at least one non-MR spectrum (e.g., x-ray, fluoroscopy, OCT, optical spectroscopy, photographic, IR imaging) element. Organ viability may be determined based on analyzing both the MR and non-MR data. Similarly, tissue viability may be determined based on analyzing both the MR and non-MR data.
More generally, described herein are example apparatuses and methods associated with improving workflow and accuracy in analyzing an object. Example apparatuses integrate one or more MR elements (e.g., coil, magnet) into a holding container. Additionally, and/or alternatively, example apparatuses also integrate one or more non-MR elements (e.g., optical probe) into the holding container. Example dedicated apparatuses are configured to work with the integrated containers to perform one and/or multi-nucleus NMR (e.g., 1H, 13C, 23NA, and 31P) in a more relevant time frame. Example dedicated apparatuses are also configured to work with the integrated containers to perform, for example, digital radiography. In one example, an apparatus may include a communication apparatus configured to provide viability data, photographs, radiographs, or other imagery. The data may be acquired at one site (e.g., harvest location), and provided to another site (e.g., potential transplant site, transplant clearing house). This facilitates having remote personnel (e.g., surgeon, pathologist, radiologist) who may be more trained in organ viability analysis examine the organ before it is transported. The analysis may guide the remote personnel to recommend a recipient based on factors including the likelihood that the organ will survive transports of different lengths. In one example, the communication apparatus may be configured to produce images and data suitable for display on a receiving device like a computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, or other handheld communication device. The combination of elements facilitates acquiring objective quantitative data upon which an organ viability determination can be made. While the kidney is referred to most frequently in this application, the apparatuses and techniques are more generally applicable. Similarly, while organs and organ transplants are referred to most frequently, the apparatus and methods are generally applicable to other objects (e.g., skin grafts) and other procedures (e.g., skin grafting).
NMR spectroscopy provides an NMR spectrum. An NMR spectrum provides information on the number and type of chemical entities in a molecule. In one embodiment, NMR spectroscopy is performed on a kidney to obtain a 31P spectrum from which spectral peaks can be identified. Peaks associated with PME, Pi, αATP, βATP, and NAD/H are identified. Data from which an organ viability determination can be made is then computed from the peaks. The data includes, for example, a PME/Pi ratio, and an αATP/βATP ratio. In other examples, different nuclei are examined in different organs.
Optical spectroscopy provides data in a different spectrum. Optical spectroscopy may also provide information on the number and type of chemical entities in a molecule. In one embodiment, optical spectroscopy is performed to obtain additional and/or alternative spectral data (e.g., absorption, reflection, emission, and fluorescence) from which an organ viability analysis can be made.
Digital radiography also provides alternative forms of spectral data. Digital radiography uses the imaging technology of x-rays with digital x-ray sensors. In one embodiment digital radiography is performed to obtain additional data (e.g., high resolution digital images). Not only may digital radiography equipment be highly portable, it is more forgiving of technical errors (e.g., over-exposure and under-exposure). The resulting digital images facilitate specialized processing that can be used to highlight specific information (e.g., density).
Unlike the experimental and research systems that were designed to facilitate better understanding of the transplant environment and the effect of HPP modules, example systems and methods concern integrated, mobile units that interact with dedicated viability MR/non-MR equipment to achieve improved workflow. Unlike conventional systems that require numerous technicians and operator interventions (e.g., coil selection, coil placement, pulse sequence selection, chamber positioning, field clearing, optical probe placement, sample placement), example systems and methods provide simplified and optimized (e.g., “one touch”) processing.
One example system includes an organ transfer container with a sterile, disposable inner liner that positions the organ in a known orientation. The container is made from MR compatible materials (e.g., non-ferromagnetic). In one embodiment, a 1H/31P coil is integrated into the container. Other embodiments may employ other coils to perform MR spectroscopy for other nuclei in other organs. Integrating the coil into the container removes at least one step from the transport/transplant workflow. For example, a technician will not have to find the appropriate coil and then position the appropriate coil in the optimal location for MR applications. In one embodiment, an optical probe (e.g., optical fiber, optical fiber bundle) is integrated into the container. Other embodiments may employ other spectrum elements (e.g., lenses, cameras, microscopes, xray generators, digital sensors) to acquire spectral data and/or photographic data from the organ. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include communication equipment configured to provide data. The data provided may include, for example, raw viability data, processed viability data, imagery, radiographs, and so on. In one embodiment, the data will be suitable for display on a receiving device like a cellular telephone with a graphic display (e.g., iPhone®), a personal computer, a tablet computer (e.g., iPad®), and so on. Being able to communicate data in this manner facilities distributing that data to different doctors and other personnel at different locations, which in turn may facilitate making better decisions concerning viability and appropriate recipients.
Having the organ in a known orientation that agrees with the coil and/or optical probe position facilitates acquiring more consistent data. Since time may be of the essence in the workflow, removing the step of positioning the coil and/or optical probe may allow a shorter workflow time which may in turn lead to more organs remaining viable. Also, since the organ, the coil, and the probe will be positioned in a known correct orientation, the potentially fatal step of having to open the container and reposition the organ for analysis will be eliminated. Once again, this may lead to more organs remaining viable.
One example system also includes a dedicated MR/non-MR apparatus configured to perform organ viability testing, to test for infectious diseases, to test for cancer, and so on. More generally, one example system involves a dedicated MR/non-MR apparatus that is configured to analyze an object housed in an MR compatible perfusion apparatus. Conventional MRI apparatuses are configured to produce a wide variety of images using a wide variety of pulse sequences. Various different MR images may be acquired using a single conventional system that can be programmed to perform a large number of pulse sequences with a large number of different parameters. While this is suitable for general purpose analytic functions, this needlessly complicates and slows down the workflow. Similarly, conventional non-MR apparatuses (e.g., digital, radiography, OCT, spectroscopy, photographic) are configured to be general purpose. Once again, while suitable for general purpose analytic functions, this ignores the opportunity to optimize positioning, spectral choices, and other factors for organ viability analysis. When a camera needs to be able to take pictures of different things under different conditions, the camera may need to be reconfigured (e.g., focal length, exposure time) for each image. However, when an example camera only needs to be able to take pictures of kidneys that will be positioned in a known way at a known distance and under known lighting conditions, the camera may not need to be reconfigured. The same holds for other non-MR equipment (e.g., OCT, optical spectroscopy).
Conventional MRS apparatuses may also be configured to analyze a wide variety of nuclei in objects of widely varying sizes. In contrast, the dedicated MR/non-MR apparatus is configured to receive the container and its integrated MR components (e.g., coil) and to apply a pre-determined pulse sequence to acquire organ viability data that is based on a finite set of nuclei that may be present in organs whose shapes and sizes vary within well known ranges. Rather than being a widely configurable general purpose device, the dedicated MR/non-MR apparatus may have a small number of pre-determined pulse sequences available for different analyses of a small number of samples. The same holds for non-MR equipment including, for example, optical spectroscopy equipment.
In one embodiment, the dedicated MR/non-MR apparatus does not need to be able to produce an image. Instead, the dedicated MR/non-MR apparatus only needs to be able to produce the relevant organ viability data including, for example, PME/Pi ratio, ATP/ADP ratio, and so on.
HPP 100 includes a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) element(s) 130 configured to facilitate performing a first magnetic resonance (MR) based analysis of the organ 120. The MR based analysis will use frequencies that fall within a spectral bound associated with NMR. In one embodiment the frequencies will be chosen to excite specific nuclei (e.g., 31P). The first analysis may be, for example, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and so on.
HPP 100 also includes one or more spectrum elements 140 that are configured to facilitate performing a second, different analysis of the organ 120. The second analysis will use a set of frequencies that fall outside of the spectral bound associated with NMR. The second analysis may be, for example, optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical spectroscopy, reflectance, absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, diffusive optical imaging, fluoroscopy, digital radiography, x-ray, microscopy, IR imagery, and photography. Thus, the second set of frequencies may be associated with OCT, optical spectroscopy, laser induced fluoroscopy, and so on.
In different examples, the second analysis may be an active operation or a passive operation. When the second analysis is an active operation, the second analysis may include applying electromagnetic energy to the organ 120 and receiving spectrum data in response to applying the second set of frequencies to the organ 120. The second set of frequencies may be, for example, in the far infrared range, the infrared range, the near infrared range, the visible range, the ultraviolet range, and x-ray range. When the second analysis is a passive operation, the second analysis may include taking photographs, taking photographs through a microscope, acquiring IR images, and so on. Note that HPP 100 is configured to facilitate both the MR based analysis and the non-MR (e.g., optical) based analysis. Since HPP 100 will be analyzed using the first set of frequencies (e.g., MR spectra), the HPP 100 will be constructed from MR compatible, non-ferromagnetic materials.
Recall that conventional experimental systems had issues associated with repeatable measurements. Therefore, in one example, HPP 100 may include a sterile, disposable inner liner that is configured to house the organ 120 in the chamber 110. To facilitate taking repeatable measurements, the inner liner may be configured to hold the organ 120 in a substantially constant position and orientation with respect to the NMR elements 130 and/or the spectrum elements 140. Recall also that conventional experimental systems may have had an issue with an instrument/air interface. Therefore, in one embodiment, the inner liner may be configured to house the organ 120 in a liquid solution.
Recall that one issue with contact based systems was the impact on the local environment (e.g., perfusion, metabolic activity) that the contact created. Therefore, in one example, the optical probe 144 is positioned to remain at least a predetermined distance away from the organ 120.
An organ, tissue, or other object may have different characteristics at different depths. For example, the surface of a kidney may have a first characteristic that is associated with maintaining the kidney shape. However, the inside of a kidney may have a different characteristic that is associated with blood filtering. Therefore, in one example, the optical probe 144 is positioned to be placed within the organ 120 for interstitial analysis.
In one example, the optical elements 440 include a first fiber to deliver laser light and a second fiber to collect light from the organ 420. While a first fiber and a second fiber are described, one skilled in the art will appreciate that in one example the first fiber and the second fiber may be the same fiber. The optical elements 440 may also include an excitation source to provide the energy that is delivered through the fiber.
In different examples, the object 720 may be an animal tissue, a human tissue, an animal organ, and a human organ. Thus, in different examples, the perfusion apparatus 705 may be a pulsatile perfusion apparatus or a hypothermic pulsatile perfusion apparatus.
The NMR apparatus 730 is configured to apply a first energy to an object 720 positioned in the perfusion apparatus 705. The first energy is produced in accordance with a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) pulse sequence that is designed to excite one or more different types of nuclei (e.g., 1H, 31P) in the object 720. The perfusion apparatus 705 may include an RF coil that is positioned and oriented to facilitate optimizing NMR spectroscopy of the object 720.
The apparatus 700 also includes an optical apparatus 740 configured to apply a second energy to the object 720. The second energy may be, for example, in the far infrared range, in the infrared range, in the near infrared range, in the visible range, in the ultraviolet range, and/or in the x-ray range.
While HPP 100 is the container that houses the organ, apparatus 700 can be seen as the apparatus that analyzes the object stored in HPP 100. Thus, HPP 100 may be configured to be placed in, attached to, or positioned in a known orientation and position with respect to apparatus 700.
Apparatus 700 includes a spectra receiving apparatus 750 that is configured to receive spectra data from the object 720. The spectra data is produced in response to applying the first energy and/or the second energy to the object 720. In one example, the spectra data may be acquired passively, without applying any additional energy to the object.
Apparatus 700 also includes a data logic 760 that is configured to provide objective, quantitative object viability data from the spectrum data. Data logic 760 may be, for example, a computer, a processor, a circuit, or other apparatus that computes or otherwise produces quantitative data from the spectra data received from the object 720. In different examples, the viability data may be produced in different ways. For example, the object viability data may be processed as an instantaneous measurement, as a time series, as a differential between multiple measurements, and so on. An instantaneous measurement may describe, for example, a ratio of different nuclei. A time series may be employed to describe how conditions are changing, if at all, over time. Similarly, a differential between multiple measurements may provide a range of values between which the measurements have varied. These different types of measurements may be useful to determine how the organ is changing, if at all, over time. If the organ is changing at a first slower rate, then the organ may be designated for transport to a more distant recipient while if the organ is changing at a second faster rate, then the organ may be designed for transport to a more local recipient.
Once again, to increase the confidence in the measurements, the apparatus 700 may be configured with an NMR test element and/or an optical test element that facilitate monitoring whether the NMR apparatus 730 and/or the optical apparatus 740 are functioning correctly.
In one example, the data logic 760 may even be configured to use the spectrum data to generate an image of at least a portion of the object 720.
Apparatus 900 also includes a spectra apparatus 950 that is configured to receive spectrum data from the organ 920. After receiving the spectrum data, the spectra apparatus 950 may perform a first analysis using the spectrum data. Results of the first analysis may be provided to a data logic 960 that is configured to provide objective, quantitative organ viability data from the spectrum data.
In one example, the apparatus 900 may also include a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus that is configured to facilitate performing a second analysis of the organ 920. In this embodiment, the NMR apparatus is configured to apply a second energy to the organ 920. The second analysis may be, for example, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or other MR based analyses.
This combination embodiment may include a spectrum apparatus that is configured to facilitate performing a third analysis of the organ. The third analysis may be based, for example, on optical coherence tomography (OCT), on optical spectroscopy, on diffusive optical imaging, on microscopy, on digital radiography, IR imagery, and/or on photography.
In this embodiment, the spectra apparatus 950 is configured to perform the first, second, and third analysis, and the apparatus 900 is constructed from MR compatible, non-ferromagnetic materials.
More generally, this application describes an apparatus that includes a spectra logic that is configured to receive spectrum data from an object (e.g., organ, tissue) positioned in a perfusion apparatus and that is also configured to analyze object viability as a function of the spectrum data. The apparatus may include a data logic configured to provide objective, quantitative viability data from the spectrum data. The spectrum data may be NMR spectrum data and/or non-NMR spectrum data. The spectra logic may be configured to receive spectrum data from an optical probe. The apparatus may produce data and/or images. The data and/or images may be produced once, may be produced repetitively over a period of time, may be analyzed over time to produce a single viability data, and so on.
Method 1100 includes, at 1110, controlling a dedicated NMR apparatus to apply NMR electromagnetic energy to the object housed in the perfusion apparatus. The object may be, for example, an animal tissue, a human tissue, an animal organ, and a human organ. The NMR electromagnetic energy may be associated with MRI and/or MRS.
Method 1100 also includes, at 1120, acquiring NMR spectrum data from the object. The NMR spectrum data will be produced in response to applying the NMR electromagnetic energy to the object.
Method 1100 also includes, at 1130, controlling a dedicated non-NMR apparatus to apply non-NMR electromagnetic energy to the object. The non-NMR electromagnetic energy may be associated with, for example, OCT, optical spectroscopy, digital radiography, and so on.
Method 1100 also includes, at 1140, acquiring non-NMR spectrum data from the object. The non-NMR spectrum data will have been produced in response to applying the non-NMR electromagnetic energy to the object.
Method 1100 also includes, at 1150, computing a viability data from the NMR spectrum data, and the non-NMR spectrum data, and providing the viability data. The viability data may be computed, for example, by determining a ratio(s) between data values (e.g., PME peak, PI peak), by determining normalized values of data values (e.g., color), by determining the presence or absence of certain values (e.g., metabolite peaks), and so on. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the viability data may be based on spectra data identifying one or more of, mitochondrial function, ATP content, and NADH concentration.
Thus, method 1200 includes, at 1210, controlling a dedicated NMR apparatus to apply NMR electromagnetic energy to an object housed in a perfusion apparatus.
Method 1200 also includes, at 1220, acquiring NMR spectrum data from the object. The NMR spectrum data will be produced in response to applying the NMR electromagnetic energy.
Method 1200 also includes, at 1230, controlling a photographic apparatus to acquire photographic data from the object.
Method 1200 also includes, at 1240, computing a viability data from the NMR spectrum data and the photographic data and providing the viability data. Computing the viability data may include, for example, correlating spectra data with photographic data, interpreting photographic data in light of spectra data, interpreting spectra data in light of photographic data, and so on. For example, photographic data may reveal areas having different colors. Spectra data may reveal areas or volumes having certain ratios (e.g., PME/Pi). Computing the viability data may include producing a value as a function of both the color data and the ratio data. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other ways to integrate MR spectra data, non-MR spectra data, and/or photographic data.
Method 1300 includes, at 1310, controlling a dedicated non-NMR apparatus to apply non-NMR electromagnetic energy to an object housed in the perfusion apparatus. The object may be, for example, a tissue or an organ of a human or other species. The perfusion apparatus may be, for example, a pulsatile perfusion apparatus, a hypothermic perfusion apparatus, or other perfusion apparatus suitable for the type of object to be housed and perfused. The dedicated non-NMR apparatus may be, for example, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus, an optical spectroscopy apparatus, a digital radiography apparatus, and so on.
Having applied the non-NMR energy at 1310, method 1300 proceeds, at 1320, to acquire non-NMR spectrum data from the object. The non-NMR spectrum data is produced passively and/or in response to applying the non-NMR electromagnetic energy to the object.
Having acquired, for example, optical spectroscopic data at 1320, method 1300 may also include, at 1330, controlling a photographic apparatus to acquire photographic data from the object. The photographic data may be acquired from a regular camera, from a camera associated with a microscope, and from other types of cameras.
With the non-NMR spectrum data and the photographic data available, method 1300 includes, at 1340, computing and providing a viability data from the non-NMR spectrum data and the photographic data. The viability data may describe a current condition in an object (e.g., organ), a comparative condition for the object, an average condition for the object, and so on. For example, while in the control of a harvesting surgeon and pathologist, a set of benchmark measurements and photographs of a kidney to be transplanted may be acquired. Then, while the kidney is being transported in the perfusion apparatus, additional measurements may be made. If the additional measurements vary by more than a threshold amount from the benchmark measurements then a signal may be provided.
Providing the viability data may include, for example, generating a numeric output, generating an electrical signal, generating a graphic output, generating an audio output, generating a visual output, generating a color-coded output, generating a data packet for transmission on a computer network or other communication network, and so on.
To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
While example systems, methods, and so on have been illustrated by describing examples, and while the examples have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the systems, methods, and so on described herein. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, this application is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.
