Abstract: A method of monitoring platelet function comprising: passing blood removed from a mammal through a passageway comprising (i) a shear generating restriction to generate a platelet mass in the passageway and (ii) a platelet aggregate trap; and monitoring the flow or composition of the blood in the passageway to detect formation of the platelet mass, wherein the blood passes through the passageway in one direction and only one time. A method of monitoring platelet function comprising: passing blood removed from a mammal through a passageway comprising (i) a shear generating restriction to generate a platelet mass in the passageway and (ii) a platelet aggregate trap; and monitoring the flow or composition of the blood in the passageway to detect formation of the platelet mass, wherein the blood is recirculated through the passageway and the blood flows only one direction through the passageway.

Abstract: A method and system for use in the course of extracorporeal blood flow, e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass, dialysis, and angioplasty procedures, in order to reduce or minimize inflammation, excessive bleeding, and other undesirable side effects. The system can include one or more automated blood parameter sensor modules and one or more blood parameter regulating modules. The system is particularly well suited to monitor and/or regulate blood parameters that include blood analytes (e.g., biomolecules, drugs or metabolites) as well as blood functions (e.g., clotting time, fibrinolytic activity, immune response). The system is particularly well suited for use in the management of clotting (e.g., heparin/protamine) and bleeding (e.g., aprotinin).

Abstract: A cardiac valve prosthesis having a frame and two or more leaflets (preferably three) attached to the frame. The leaflets are attached to the frame between posts, with a free edge which can seal the leaflets together when the valve is closed under back pressure. The leaflets are created in a mathematically defined shape allowing good wash-out of the whole leaflet orifice, including the area close to the frame posts, thereby relieving the problem of thrombus deposition under clinical implant conditions.

Abstract: A method of monitoring platelet function comprising: passing blood removed from a mammal through a passageway comprising a spring to contact the spring to generate a platelet mass in the passageway; and monitoring the flow or composition of the blood in the passageway to detect formation of the platelet mass. Devices and articles for performing the methods are also described.

Abstract: A connection device reduces the amount of labor required to make the final connections of the winding schematic by using a part that only needs to be placed on top of the stator and soldered, welded, crimped or hotstaked/coldstaked in place. The connection device comprises an insulative plate having a plurality of slots positioned therein. Each of the plurality of slots are arranged and disposed on the plate to align with and to receive a conductor leg end from the winding head of a stator. A plurality of pins are positioned on the plate, each of the plurality of pins adjacent to one of the plurality of slots and extending from the plate. A plurality of jumpers are embedded in the plate, each of the plurality of jumpers extending between the pins and providing a conductive path between the slots in the plate.