Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ascertaining whether there is at least a threshold concentration of carbon dioxide in gases being monitored. Reversible hydration of the carbon dioxide to generate excess hydrogen ions and trigger a color change in a pH sensitive indicator is employed in representative embodiments of the invention to provide an indication that the threshold concentration of carbon dioxide is present in the gases. The methods and apparatus may be used to distinguish between tracheal and esophageal intubation of human and other mammalian patients.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ascertaining whether there is at least a threshold concentration of carbon dioxide in gases being monitored. Reversible hydration of the carbon dioxide to generate excess hydrogen ions and trigger a color change in a pH sensitive indicator is employed in represenative embodiments of the invention to provide a indication that the threshold concentration of carbon dioxide is present in the gases. The methods and apparatus may be used to distinguish between tracheal and esophageal intubation of human and other nammalian patients.

Abstract: A isothermal rebreathing apparatus and method for collecting human breath samples for chemical analysis of the ethyl alcohol content wherein the breath samples are obtained from a subject repetitively exhaling into the inhaling from an enclosed, flexible, variable volume, bag-like collection receptacle which is heated to maintain the breath sample enclosed therein at a prescribed temperature, preferably at or near the subject's body temperature, before extracting the breath sample for subsequent chemical analysis. The collection receptacle may be enclosed by an airtight chamber including heaters therein to warm the air around the collection receptacle in order to regulate the temperature of the breath sample therein. A bellows section in fluid communication with the heating chamber allows for inflation and deflation of the flexible collection receptacle while located in an airtight environment.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition suitable for extracorporeal treatment of whole blood comprises a dialyzable chemotherapeutic agent and a dialyzable fluorescable tracer means. The removal rate of the fluorescable tracer compound from treated blood during hemodialysis is a function of the removal rate of unreacted chemotherapeutic agent present. The residual chemotherapeutic agent concentration after hemodialysis is ascertained by measuring the concentration of the fluorescable tracer compound in a dialysate using fluorometric techniques.

Abstract: A lymphapheresis or lymph filtration system is disclosed for removing lymph from a patient, separating the lymph into a liquid fraction and a cellular component fraction and returning the liquid fraction to the patient. The system includes an input pump to pump lymph from the patient into a filtration cell having a membrane which filters the lymph into fractions. The liquid fraction is removed from the cell by a reversible pump and is returned to the patient. As the membrane becomes plugged the reversible pump is reversed to backflush the membrane to return it to a high filtration rate. The cellular component fraction which includes lymphocytes is disposed of.

Abstract: A proportioning system for compounding a bicarbonate-containing dialysate suitable for hemodialysis of human blood is disclosed. An aqueous alkali metal carbonate solution and an aqueous hydrochloric acid-containing solution are combined at a predetermined volumetric rate, and the conductivity as well as the hydrogen ion activity of the resulting bicarbonate-containing dialysate is monitored.

Abstract: An extracorporeal method is provided for the treatment of a disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms in the bloodstream in which blood is withdrawn from a patient and at least a fraction thereof is treated with a microorganism inactivator. Then, the inactivator and any endotoxins that may be present are removed from the blood or blood fraction, and the treated blood is returned to the patient. The method may also be used to prevent the transmission of pathogenic organisms from a blood donor to a transfusion recipient.

Abstract: An aqueous acid concentrate in unit dosage form, suitable for use in compounding a hemodialysis dialysate, is disclosed. The concentrate contains water, chloride ion in a concentration of about 3.5 Molar to about 4.7 Molar, sodium ion in a concentration of about 1.9 Molar to about 2.7 Molar, and dextrose in a concentration of about 0 Molar to about 0.4 Molar. Additionally, the concentrate may contain acetate group in a concentration of up to about 0.525 Molar, calcium ion in a concentration of up to about 0.125 Molar, potassium ion in a concentration of up to about 0.14 Molar, and magnesium ion in a concentration of up to about 0.09 Molar.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition suitable for extracorporeal treatment of whole blood comprises a dialyzable chemotherapeutic agent and a dialyzable fluorescable tracer means. The removal rate of the fluorescable tracer compound from treated blood during hemodialysis is a function of the removal rate of unreacted chemotherapeutic agent present. The residual chemotherapeutic agent concentration after hemodialysis is ascertained by measuring the concentration of the fluorescable tracer compound in a dialysate using fluorometric techniques.

Abstract: A dialysate solution containing sodium bicarbonate is provided in which the sodium bicarbonate is generated just prior to dialysis by combining an aqueous sodium carbonate-containing stream with an aqueous stream containing hydrochloric acid, acetic acid or a mixture of these acids in at least two stages with an excess of acid in the first stage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided suitable for use in draining liquid from inside the human body. The apparatus incorporates two reciprocating pumps and a pair of inlet and outlet valves driven by a common linkage system. One pump draws fluid from a reservoir of additive fluid and mixes the additive with the fluid drawn from the body by the second pump. The mixture is discharged to a common collection means. A pressure sensor terminates the pumping if the fluid pressure in the flow path joining the apparatus with the body becomes abnormal. The apparatus may be mounted externally on the body of the patient and may be driven by a portable source of power. Major components may be changed quickly and easily if the flow capacity is to be changed or if a component must be replaced.

Abstract: A system is provided for the administration of a medicament, such as insulin, to a patient in small, controlled doses over an extended period in response to a continuously generated force. The force may be maintained continuously on a reservoir of the medicament in intermittent communication with a site in the body of the patient through a flexible and compressible tube. A constrictor about the tube keeps it normally closed except when a separate force is exerted to open the constrictor and permit the medicament to flow through the tube for a predetermined period. Alternatively, the continuously generated force may be applied intermittently to the medicament reservoir through the action of an escapement mechanism.