An Organ Cryopreservation Apparatus

Hardware necessary for cryopreservation of the isolated rat heart is described, consisting of a perfusion system and a temperature controller. The controller automatically impresses a linear temperature-time profile on the organ system with a temperature range of +40°C to -40°C. It is of the analog feedback type and features both rate and proportional feedback. Maximum temperature rate of change is ±8°C/min with this system and long term stability is ±0.5°C over 24 h. Biological applications of this device are discussed.