Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A solution suitable as a hypothermic blood substitute for replacing blood in euthermic subjects during surgery are provided. The blood substitute contains a purge solution and a maintenance solution, the latter of which is useful for organ preservation. The purge solution contains an aqueous solution of electrolytes at physiological concentrations, a macromolecular oncotic agent, a biological pH buffer effective under physiological and hypothermic conditions, a simple sugar, and a substrate for the regeneration of ATP. The maintenance solution contains a second aqueous solution of electrolytes containing potassium ions at a concentration range of from 35 to 45 mM, sodium ions at a concentration range of from 80 to 120 mM, magnesium ions at a concentration range of from 2 to 10 mM, chloride ions at a concentration range of from 15 to 20 mM, and calcium ions at a concentration range of from 0.01 to 0.1 mM, an impermeant anion, mannitol, a macromolecular oncotic agent, at least one simple sugar, a substrate for the regeneration of ATP, and a biological pH buffer effective under physiological hypothermic conditions pH. Glutathione is an optional but preferred additive. The blood substitute solutions are also useful for preserving organs for later transplantation in subjects. Skin may be preserved in the maintenance solutions for extended periods under refrigeration.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim