THE UNIVERSAL MEDICAL COOLER (LIMB-BIN) - A NEW DEVICE FOR CONTROLLEDHYPOTHERMIC PRESERVATION OF TISSUES PRIOR TO REPLANTATION

A prototype device called the Universal Medical Cooler, or ''Limb bin' ', has been developed to provide a controlled hypothermic environment for the preservation of amputated tissues prior to replantation. Under experimental conditions effective hypothermia of a simulated replant specimen was achieved with a satisfactory cooling rate. The Universal Medical Cooler is compact and easy to handle and allows safe and effec tive hypothermic preservation of amputated tissues in transit. It is e ffective for upwards of 7 h, therefore allowing transport from distant geographical locations.