X-Message-Number: 12452
From: "john grigg" <>
Subject: Congratulations to 21st Century Medicine!!
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 1999 12:56:52 PDT

Hello everyone,

I looked over the patent for 21st Century Medicine's research developments 
and must say I am VERY IMPRESSED!!!  I congratulate those who made it 
possible!!

From the patent document:
   ______________________________________
            INITIAL COOLING RATE
                             FINAL COOLING RATE
    ORGAN   (AT 0.degree. C.)
                             (AT -90.degree. C.)
    ______________________________________
    Kidney  360.degree. C./min.
                             36.degree. C./min.
    Liver    95.degree. C./min.
                             10.degree. C./min.
    Brain    50.degree. C./min.
                              5.degree. C./min.
    Body     9.degree. C./min.
                              1.degree. C./min.
    ______________________________________



The cooling rates shown in Table III are more than ten times greater than 
can be achieved by previous external cooling methods.
Such rapid cooling will allow significant decreases in the concentration of 
cryoprotectants needed to vitrify, enhancing the prospects
for successful cryopreservation of organs with non-toxic CPA mixtures. These 
cooling rates also for the first time open the possibility
of vitrifying whole humans.

(Later at the conclusion)
CONCLUSION

The method of the present invention allows cooling and subsequent rewarming 
from temperatures lower than -100.degree. C. at
rates exceeding 100.degree. C. per minute for some organs. These rates are 
much higher than can be achieved by external heat
transfer methods, and will allow significant reduction of the concentration 
of cryoprotective agents needed to achieve reversible
vitrification of organs for long-term banking. Heat transfer by inert fluid 
perfusion is also beneficial for reducing ice crystal damage
and cryoprotectant toxicity during ordinary freezing and thawing.

The present invention also provides a class of new cryoprotective agent 
(glycol ethers) for reduction and prevention of ice formation
during cooling of vascular tissues and organs. Glycol ethers generally, and 
methoxylated compounds in particular, are highly
penetrating agents that equilibrate rapidly upon perfusion, and exhibit 
strong ice inhibition and glass forming properties. The low
viscosity and freezing point of these compounds also make them well-suited 
for sub-zero perfusion to minimize toxic effects.
Toxicities are compatible with the potential use of glycol ethers in 
perfusate solutions for reversible cryopreservation of organs and
large organisms by freezing or vitrification.

(End of patent document reproduction)

That cooling rates using these techniques are TEN times faster then in the 
past is incredible.  And that glycol ethers are far superior penetrating 
agents compared to what was used in the past is a major step forward.

"These cooling rates also for the first time open the possibility
of vitrifying whole humans" is a statement in the patent document that made 
me wonder when will these new methods in their entirety be used to TRULY 
vitrify a human??

And with such a combination of major advances what still needs to be done??  
How could things still be improved?  What are the possibilities down the 
road?  What is next for 21st Century Medicine? And how is the Prometheus 
Project doing?

I hope the major cryonics providers will all adopt these methods for their 
clients.  Is 21st Century Medicine working with the various organizations to 
bring them up to speed?  Just how expensive will it be to offer these 
techniques??

I remember reading in the Cryocare archives a paper by Mike Darwin where he 
admitted the major damage suspension did on the cellular level and how so 
much still had to be done.  Reading his paper took away much of my early 
hope in cryonics and a desire that breakthroughs would be made.

But having read through the patent I feel new hope!! Again my 
congratulations and thanks to all those who made it possible!!  I want to 
hug you all!!

I look forward to hearing from you all regarding this patent and my views 
and questions about it.

Sincerely,

John Grigg

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