Simultaneous Microwave and HF Thawing of Cryogenically Preserved Canine Kidneys

Abstract

New engineering techniques currently are being applied to solve medical/biological problems associated with developing methodologies for the long-term cryopreservation and subsequent thawing of deeply-frozen human kidneys. This paper deals with the recent ad­ vances achieved in the use of electromagnetic (EM) energy to thaw cryogenically-preserved canine kidneys— which are similar in size to human kidneys. One of the keys to successful cryopreservation of cells, tissues, and organs is the ability to efficiently thaw the bio­ logical material without damage. Accurate control of the rate and uniformity of the thawing process in addition to knowledge of the effects of any cryoprotective agents employed during freezing are require­ ments for success. Investigations at Georgia Tech have shown that the illumination patterns and power level of the electromagnetic radiation must be carefully con­ trolled to obtain rapid, uniform thawing. An accurate knowledge of the electrical properties of the material as functions of both temperature and cryoprotectant level is required to exercise appropriate control on the radiation.