Low Temperature and Cryogenic Applications in Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

This study presents a state-of-the-art summary of the applications of low temperatures and cryogenics to clinical situations and underlying principles. The effects of low temperature on mammalian systems in the absence of ice are explained together with the effects of hypothermia. Low-temperature storage of tissues and organs for transplantation in the liquid state is addressed. The additional issues associated with the formation of ice and subsequent freezing of cells and tissues as well as organ cryopreservation are treated. Only engineering aspects are included.