A Mathematical Model of Donor Kidney Cooling in Hypothermic Non-Perfusion Preservation

Abstract

Since the number of patients in need of transplantation is growing, there is much concern about retrieval, temporary preservation and subsequent implantation of various donor organs. Improper cooling of donor organs is likely to result in their injury and subsequent rejection at transplantation. To date, detailed investigation has been carried out only in relation to heat transfer process in cooling of thin renal tissue samples. The aim of the study was to develop a mathematical model of donor kidney cooling and to compare the results obtained by using it to the experimental findings. Materials and Methods. The mathematical model of donor kidney cooling has been developed. A mobile experimental installation was created to compare calculation results obtained using the model to the experimental data. Results. The developed model adequately describes the process of kidney cooling. The obtained values of porosity coefficient ξ=0.00248 and thermal conductivity coefficient λ=0.55 W/(m•K) can be used in the development of new cooling methods. The found discrepancy between the experimental and calculated results can be attributed to insufficient regard for kidney structure details in the model and influence of these details on the system of cooling liquid flow.