Abstract: A filter for use in the extracorporeal sampling of blood plasma is disclosed. The filter comprises a housing, an inlet, an outlet, and a sampling port and contains at least a hollow semi-permeable filter fiber through which blood plasma, but not whole blood, may pass. The filter may further comprise analyzing means in communication with the plasma which has passed through the filter fiber for analyzing the plasma. A method of using the filter and a method for making the component of the filter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for the collection, purification and reinfusion of blood from a wound site. The present invention provides a source of anticoagulated washing fluid in proportion to the bleeding rate which can be directed to the suction tip in such a way that the wound or surgical site is washed.The present invention minimizes blood damage and maximizes blood recovery by (i) automatically regulating the suction in proportion to the bleeding rate, (ii) minimizing the air suction or blood frothing, (iii) washing the wound site with the anticoagulated washing fluid, and (iv) reducing the number of blood pumps, preferably to one.

Abstract: A new therapy for cancer which involves removal from circulation of several nonessentials amino acids, some essential amino acids and folic acid simultaneously and continuously for long-term therapy is disclosed. The therapy uses extracorporeal blood circulation using a multi-enzyme bioreactor without any of the side effects associated with the direct intravenous infusion of these enzymes. The combined depletion of folates and essential and nonessential amino acids produces a synergistic effect in treating the cancerous tissue, and serves to minimize or reduce the adaptation process of cancer cells, especially over a longer range continuous therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for treating blood to remove foreign substances such as immune complexes and free antigen. This is advantageously accomplished by separating a portion of a patient's blood as plasma, and acidifying the plasma to a pH below about 3.1 in order to cause the immune complexes to dissociate into antigen and antibody. After removing the antigen, the plasma is returned to the patient. Preferably, the patient's blood is substantially diluted prior to plasma separation, thereby substantially increasing the clearance rate of the plasma separator device and also washing off antigens bound to cellular blood components. Also, it is preferred that the plasma fraction is further diluted during the acidification step. Subsequent removal of excess fluid will cause substantial removal of free antigen. In a presently preferred process, the excess fluid volume is reduced by use of an ultrafiltration device capable of passing antigen, but not larger protein constituents of plasma.