Automation of a cryopreservation apparatus

An organ preservation apparatus was interfaced to a process-control computer and automated. The flexibility of the equipment was demonstrated by running simultaneous dual sets of experiments under multiple and variable conditions. The computer-control program was written in a new high-level language, Real Time Extended Basic (RTEB), which allowed interactive calibration of the instruments, accurate control of variables, and modification of parameters during run time. A series of preliminary tests in the areas of normothermia, hypothermia, cooling of isolated rat hearts, and cryoprotectant toxicity were performed successfully. This work describes the apparatus and computer program in use.