Abstract: An air removal system removes air from blood flowing in a perfusion system. A first elongated, substantially cylindrical chamber is provided having a central longitudinal axis between an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the chamber provides a substantially unobstructed blood flow path therethrough along a wall of the chamber, and wherein the downstream end provides an air-reduced blood flow to the perfusion system. A vortex flow introducer is located substantially at the upstream end. A bubble stop is provided which blocks the central longitudinal axis prior to the downstream end. An air removal line is coupled to the central longitudinal axis between the upstream end and the bubble stop. An air extraction unit has an input coupled to the air removal line, an air output for coupling to a vacuum source via a valve, and a blood output. A blood return line is coupled to the blood output for returning blood passing through the air extraction unit to a return point that is downstream of the bubble stop.

Abstract: A speculum includes a main body with a pair of first dilator fingers that are connected at their respective proximal ends to the main body. A second dilator finger extends between the first dilator fingers and is attached to the main body. An actuator is pivotally coupled to the main body. The actuator is formed with a third dilator finger that is located between the first dilator fingers and opposite the second dilator finger. When the actuator is pivoted, the third dilator finger immediately commences to pivot away from the remaining fingers. After a predetermined degree of pivot, the actuator comes into contact with the inside of the first fingers to cause the distal ends of those fingers to move away from each other.