Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump and a fluid container for expelling a fluid from the fluid container to a patient. The pump comprises a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kit for the collection of umbilical cord blood and placental blood, and collection of the placenta from which such blood is obtained. The kit improves upon existing kits in that it provides for improved user convenience, provides for the collection of the placenta itself, and better maintains the internal temperature of the container in which the collected blood and placenta are shipped to a blood bank or registry. The invention further provides a method of collecting umbilical cord and placental blood, and the placenta from which such blood is obtained, comprising using the kit described herein.

Abstract: An access port for a medical fluid container is provided and in one embodiment includes a shell and a perforator located within the shell, the perforator including an end configured to pierce a medical fluid container. The access port also includes a safety cap, the safety cap initially preventing the perforator from rotating relative to the plane of the container or piercing the container film. The safety cap is manually removable to enable the perforator to pierce the medical fluid container. The shell includes a pair of hinged moving arms and members hinged to the arms. The members push the perforator towards the medical fluid container when the arms are pushed downwardly.

Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.

Abstract: An infusion container includes a main body portion with side walls, and top and bottom portions. The bottom portion has an included angle, the included angle being between 30-120 degrees. The included angle serves to channel cells to be infused into a patient out of the container, to reduce waste and damage to the cells. A method of infusion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes puncturing, with a piercing element of a hollow connector, an opening of a membrane that encloses the hollow connector in a gas that is essentially sterile. The puncturing of the opening of the membrane generates a laminar flow of the gas along sides of the opening. The method also includes transferring the fluids, through the opening with the piercing element of the hollow connector.

Abstract: A flexible container incorporating flexible front and rear sheets and one or more container ports disposed in between the sheets are discussed. The one or more container ports each has a pliable attachment flange and an integrally molded nozzle. The pliable attachment flange has a first configuration whereby the attachment flange collapses to enable heat sealing the attachment flange to the sheets and thereafter substantially recovers its shape to provide a fluid pathway with the port. Various terminal ports, terminal caps, and rubber septums may be useable with the one or more container ports.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection system including a collecting device, a collecting container, a first channel connecting the two, a sampling bag, a second channel connecting the sampling bag and the first tube and at least one substantially irreversible closure device in an open position on at least the first or second channel. The biological fluid may be blood. A method of collecting biological fluid such as blood using the system so that fluid in the sampling bag is substantially irreversibly prevented from entering the collecting container.

Abstract: A recipient has a body designed to contain a fluid and an orifice by which the fluid may be introduced into the body. The recipient is equipped with a system for the sterile transfer of the fluid from inside the body. The transfer system comprises a deformable and impervious wall, wherein the wall is positioned with respect to the recipient so that it forms a closed and sterile space inside which the orifice is located, a fluid communication device between the closed space and the outside of the recipient, wherein the device may be handled without compromising the sterility, and a seal structure associated with the orifice, wherein the seal structure is at least partially located inside the closed space so that it may be moved between an open position and a closed position of the orifice.

Abstract: A flexible container incorporating flexible front and rear sheets and one or more container ports disposed in between the sheets are discussed. The one or more container ports each has a pliable attachment flange and an integrally molded nozzle. The pliable attachment flange has a first configuration whereby the attachment flange collapses to enable heat sealing the attachment flange to the sheets and thereafter substantially recovers its shape to provide a fluid pathway with the port. Various terminal ports. terminal caps. and rubber septums may be useable with the one or more container ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cord blood correcting device characterized by including: a branch indwelling needle having an outer cylinder needle provided on a distal end side, an inner needle drawing tube portion provided on a proximal end side, an inner needle provided inside the inner needle drawing tube portion, and a liquid outflow tube portion which branches off from the inner needle drawing tube portion; a cord tissue holder having a base portion and a holding portion for holding the cord tissue; and connecting means for interconnecting the branch indwelling needle and the cord tissue holder, and in that the connecting means has a structure for changing an angle between a puncture direction from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the branch indwelling needle and a holding direction from the base portion to the holding portion of the cord tissue holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile system and a method for filtering biological or medical liquids, especially blood or blood constituents. According to the filtering system and method, the sterile air already in the system is collected before the beginning of the filtration process, and after the filtration process, in order to completely empty the system used. Said filtering system comprises a collapsible container having a first and second air inlet/outlet line. The first air inlet/outlet line communicates with the first chamber of the filter by means of a flow connection, and the second air inlet/outlet line with the second chamber of the filter. Only the air inlet/outlet line communicating with the first filter chamber is sealed by a hydrophobic membrane or a return valve in the filtering system, such that the system has an especially simple structure.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved packaged container containing an ocular perfusion/washing solution, the solution being securely prevented from generating gas bubbles that impede operation when used as an ocular perfusion/washing solution in cataract surgery, etc., and a process for producing the same. In the packaged solution container, the ocular perfusion/washing solution (1) is contained in a gas-permeable plastic container (2) which is packaged in a gas-impermeable packaging member (3). Between the container (2) and the packaging member (3), there is a space (4) which has a volume at least 4 times that of the total of the volume of the headspace of the container and the volume of dissolved gas. This space (4) holds a mixed gas atmosphere comprising carbon dioxide and helium and/or neon.

Abstract: An irrigation/infusion bag comprises a central bag containing irrigation/infusion fluid connected to the tubing delivery system. A peripheral bag surrounds the central bag and includes an insufflation system. When inflated with a hand pump, the peripheral bag compresses the central bag to help deliver the fluid from the irrigation system under pressure and at a desired temperature maintained by the peripheral insulation around the central bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution for peritoneal dialysis, consisting of at least two single solutions which are combined after a heat sterilization and are administered to a patient, the first single solution containing an osmotic and the second single solution containing a buffer, and one of these single solutions or another single solution containing electrolyte salts. The avoidance of a glucose-like degradation as well as hydrolysis during sterilization and storage while maintaining a neutral mixture pH is achieved according to the invention by the osmotic comprising a glucose polymer and/or glucose polymer derivative, and the pH of the first single solution being between 3.5 and 5.0. The present invention further relates to a twin-chambered pouch consisting of a plastic pouch with at least one first chamber and a second chamber, the first single solution being included in the first chamber and the second single solution being included in the second chamber.

Abstract: A protective package for a medicament dispenser has an inner protective layer and an outer chemical barrier layer. The protective package also includes at least one reinforcing layer secured to the outer chemical barrier layer. At least one light inhibiting layer is further provided to limit the transmission of light through the package.

Abstract: An automatic locking valve for safely administering a dose of medication is disclosed. The automatic locking valve comprises a valve housing defined with a space and formed with input and output ports for intaking and discharging the medication, a spool-shaped on/off member having a diameter smallest at the center thereof and being tapered to linearly increase toward upper and lower portions of the on/off member so that the on/off member moves up and down depending on a closed state of the door, and a membrane attached to the space of the valve housing such that the membrane expands toward a lower portion of the space due to an elasticity of the membrane when the tube is blocked. The medication can be safely and accurately administered under a condition of installation with the door closed above the tube.

Abstract: A medicant reconstitution system is provided which has a generally flexible fluid bag with associated administration and reconstitution ports. The reconstitution port is adapted for receiving a medicant container and the administration port is for administering a medical fluid to a patient. According to one aspect of the present invention, the administration and reconstitution ports are integrated in a relatively rigid port structure. According to another aspect of the present invention, the reconstitution port receives a piercing member which is rotatable to a selected position to establish fluid flow. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, one of the reconstitution port and the piercing member includes a cutting edge, while the other includes a frangible member. Contact between the cutting edge and the frangible member opens the frangible member to establish fluid flow.

Abstract: A venous bag in an extracorporeal blood circuit, comprising two flat sheets which are connected one another so as to determine a closed containment volume which contains a filter, the sheets being connected at two opposite sides through concertina portions provided, at the intermediate edge, with a filament made of elastically deformable material.

Abstract: A bag system for the collection and sampling of a biological fluid such as blood is described. The system may include a fluid collection bag and a first tube connected on one end to a collection means and on the other end to the collecting bag. It may also include a flexible sampling bag defining an internal volume having a bottom side and an introduction side which is opposite to the bottom and has an inlet orifice. The system also has a second tube, a first end part of which is connected to the first tube and a second end part of which is inserted in the inlet orifice of the sampling bag, so as to extend inside the sampling bag over a distance of between 25% and 60% of the distance between the bottom and the introduction side of the internal volume of the sampling bag.

Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which a fluid may be drawn and packaged within a series of interconnected sterile units. Once filled with the fluid, the connectors joining the sterile units may be sealed and severed to produce a number of separate sterile units. The volume of the separate sterile units may correspond to a single dose of the fluid. The technique allows a fluid to be partitioned into sterile units without exposure to the air or other potential contaminants.

Abstract: A method of making a blood filter assembly provides first and second filter housing elements from a flexible thermoplastic material, each of the first and second housing elements including a molded port. The method places a filter media between the first and second filter housing elements and applies radio frequency heating and pressure to form a peripheral seal that joins the first and second filter housing elements to the filter media and encapsulates the filter media between the first and second housing elements.

Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.

Abstract: Systems and methods manually process blood and blood components in sterile, closed environments, which further condition the blood components for subsequent pathogen inactivation processes. The systems and methods mate the manual collection of random donor platelet units with the creation of larger therapeutic doses of platelets targeted to undergo pathogen inactivation prior to long term storage and/or transfusion.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of collecting and separating whole blood into components. The method includes the steps of adding an anticoagulant having an acidic pH to a bag for collecting and/or separating whole blood, collecting whole blood in the bag, loading the bag containing anticoagulated whole blood on a rotor, spinning the bag on the rotor to separate the whole blood into at least one component; and squeezing the bag on the rotor to push the component from the separation bag into at least one satellite bag.

Abstract: A bag for preserving and transporting a sterile product in powder form and a method for preparing solutions of the sterile product in the bag. The bag contains a sterile product in powder form and has a port closed by a membrane through which a solvent can be fed into the bag to form a sterile solution of the powder. Further, the bag contains an amount of the sterile product in powder form adapted to give with the solvent and within the bag a reconstituted ready to use solution that only partially fills a capacity of the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: A bag-shaped drug container comprises a bag-shaped container body made of a flexible film, and a mouth provided at one end of the container body. The mouth is provided on a side of an open end thereof with a Luer locking means to liquid-tightly connect it with a tip of a syringe, and closed by a closing means such as cap or a male Luer portion.

Abstract: The zone of weakening, which is designed as a slot (6a), is bordered by film material (7) on both sides according to length, i.e., across the direction of loading, which is indicated by the arrows F. Tearing (8) which progresses from the edge because of microscopic damage comes to a standstill at the slot (6a) at the latest, because stress peaks are dissipated here and the locally increased stresses are diverted into elements of the film material (7) which are under less stress. Other embodiments include a locally interrupted adhesive layer for separation of an upper film layer from a lower film layer, these two film layers being otherwise glued together. The adhesive-free recesses here constitute zones of weakening in the sense of the present invention. This therefore prevents tears from spreading from one film layer to the next. Furthermore, the propagation of tearing is counteracted due to the dissipation of stresses when a tear that forms in the film layer reaches the zone of weakening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into a device adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the device to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: A filling/discharge port 10 which includes a port cap 20, a plug 40 which is slidably fitted in the inside of the port cap 20, and a plug cap 50 which is removably fitted to the tip of the plug 40 is provided for use in a liquid medicament containing chamber 563 of a container body 560 which is partitioned into a plurality of chambers 562 and 563 via a partitioning portion 561 which allows communication when the internal pressure of the container body 560 is increased, and the plug 40 is slidable from a closed position to a discharge position owing to an increase in the internal pressure. The filling/discharge port 10 reliably prevent medicaments in a medical container which contains a plurality of medicaments from being administered to a patient without being mixed so that they can be mixed during use.

Abstract: A hemoglobin solution packaged in a flexible oxygen-impermeable container system. The container system includes a multi-layer film having at least a product contact layer, an oxygen and moisture barrier layer and an exterior layer. The flexible container system further includes an interface port for filling the flexible container with the hemoglobin solution and delivering the hemoglobin solution. The hemoglobin solution comprises a substantially stroma and tetramer free, cross linked, pyridoxylated hemoglobin solution including preservatives such as ascorbic acid, glycine and dextrose.

Abstract: An intravenous drug access system. In one embodiment of the invention, the drug access system includes an IV bag having an inlet port and outlet port, whereby the inlet port is a female luer integral therewith. The integral female luer fitting may be fitted with a sealed end cap comprising a male luer insert with a closed end. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a discrete pre-molded connector made with one spike at one end and a female luer fitting at the opposing end. The spike is used to penetrate a standard IV bag through a conventional inlet port.

Abstract: Containers and methods for storing medical solutions are provided. More specifically, containers and methods for storing components that are to be admixed, together to create a final solution, one of the components comprising a lipid. In an embodiment, a container including an interior defining at least two chambers. The first chamber includes a lipid containing liquid. The second chamber includes a liquid that does not include a lipid. The first and second chambers are separated by an openable seal.

Abstract: A packaging bag for a liquid biological substance such as animal semen, including two walls made of plastic material joined in such a manner as to delimit a pouch for receiving the substance and, communicating with the pouch, an evacuation conduit whose end part, in the absence of opening of the bag, is closed by the joined walls, wherein, force-fitted in the conduit, a cannula being able to communicate with the pouch is provided, while a second end of the cannula is situated in the proximity of the end part of the conduit having a conical or substantially conical constriction, and wherein conduit communicates, over a part of its length, with at least one zone situated not far from the end part, in which the two walls are not joined.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kit for the collection of umbilical cord blood and placental blood, and collection of the placenta from which such blood is obtained. The kit improves upon existing kits in that it provides for improved user convenience, provides for the collection of the placenta itself, and better maintains the internal temperature of the container in which the collected blood and placenta are shipped to a blood bank or registry. The invention further provides a method of collecting umbilical cord and placental blood, and the placenta from which such blood is obtained, comprising using the kit described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a placental blood collection line including a collection bag (1) in fluid communication with at least one collection needle (4, 5) via a first tube (2) associated with an inlet orifice (3) of the bag (1), said line further including a bag (6) containing a rinsing solution and which is connected to or is organized to be connected to said first tube (2) via a second tube (7). The invention also relates to a method of collecting placental 10 blood by using such a line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable element for a medical treatment device, especially a hemodialysis device. The inventive disposable element comprises a film bag filled with the dialysis liquid that consists of two superimposed flat films or a tubular film with connections for supplying and discharging the liquid. The film bag or the tubular film, in the condition ready for usage, is closed with a first weld on the top end and with a second weld on the lower end and is folded several times parallel to the longitudinal axis that is vertical in the condition ready for usage. The film bag is inserted in a receiving unit that is configured as a shaping dish that has a middle cylindrical section followed by an upper or lower convex section. The inventive disposable element, when combined with the receiving unit, unfolds more easily when being filled and has a lesser tendency to form creases.

Abstract: Gel and gel composites health care articles, including masks, pads, blood bags, tubings, male and female tubing connectors, and needle protector sheath.

Abstract: This invention discloses a donor blood donation and sampling system including a donor needle adapted for drawing blood from a body, a blood collection bag coupled to a blood collection conduit which is coupled to the donor needle, a blood sampling conduit also coupled to the donor needle, and a sampling tube assembly arranged for selectable fluid engagement with the blood sampling conduit and for selectable clamping engagement with at least said blood collection conduit. A donor blood donation and sampling method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a flexible bag (1) intended to receive a biological fluid with a view to its centrifugation. The bag includes an external enclosure (2) formed by two sheets of flexible plastic (3, 3?) connected at their periphery (4) so as to define an internal volume (5) for the fluid. The external enclosure (2) is provided with at least one inlet (6) and/or outlet (7) orifice for the fluid. The bag (1) also includes means (8) for the temporary association of at least one component with the bag (1). The means (8) is disposed on the external enclosure (2), in which the temporary association means are assembled on the bag (1) on a part of the periphery (4) of the enclosure (2) and are arranged to allow the insertion of the component between the means (8) and the enclosure (2) so as to provide temporary association during the centrifugation of the bag (1).

Abstract: A storage container (1) for a suspension used for medical purposes, in particular for ultrasonically assisted treatment of periodontitis, dental cleaning or dental preparation, comprises a flexible pouch (2), the interior of which is accessible via a charging and discharging nozzle (5). Situated in the interior of the pouch (2) is a distance element (6), in which a groove system (8, 9, 10) is incorporated. The groove system communicates with the interior of the charging and discharging nozzle (5). When the pouch (2) of said storage container (1) is pressed flat during removal of the suspension it contains, the opposing sides (3, 4) of the pouch (3) are applied during the final phase of emptying against the distance element (6). The groove system (8, 9, 10) contained in the latter however remains clear and forms a path, via which even the last residues of the suspension may be reliably removed from the pouch (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving the stability of a hemoglobin blood substitute comprising maintaining the hemoglobin blood substitute in an atmosphere substantially free of oxygen. The method for preserving the deoxygenated hemoglobin blood substitute comprises maintaining the deoxygenated blood substitute in an oxygen barrier film overwrap package, wherein at least one face of the overwrap package comprises a transparent laminate material and wherein at least one other face of the overwrap package comprises a foil laminate material. The preserved deoxygenated hemoglobin blood substitute comprises a deoxygenated hemoglobin blood substitute and an oxygen barrier film overwrap package wherein at least one face of the overwrap package comprises a transparent laminate material and wherein at least one other face of the overwrap package comprises a foil laminate material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving the stability of a hemoglobin blood substitute comprising maintaining the hemoglobin blood substitute in an atmosphere substantially free of oxygen. The method for preserving a deoxygenated hemoglobin blood substitute comprises maintaining the deoxygenated hemoglobin blood substitute in an oxygen barrier film overwrap package. In one embodiment, the package comprises a transparent laminate material comprising an oxygen barrier layer and a polyolefin layer, wherein the laminant has a thickness of between about 0.001 and about 0.01 inches (or about 0.0254 to about 0.254 millimeters) and an oxygen permeability of less than about 0.01 cubic centimeters per 100 square inches (or about 0.01 cc per 645 square centimeters) over 24 hours at 1 atmosphere and at about 23° C. The oxygen barrier layer comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A disposable flexible vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: A container closure device for facilitating withdrawal of a liquid from a collapsible sealed packet is disclosed. The device includes a needle guide and a septum retainer wherein the needle guide is fixable to an outer face of the packet and the septum retainer is fixable to an inner face of the packet in alignment with the needle guide. The needle guide includes a tube for receiving a needle and insures proper alignment of the needle. The septum retainer includes a septum chamber having a septum disposed therein.

Abstract: A system dynamically adjusts the delivery rate of a cryopreservation solution to red blood cells to permit freezing. The delivery rate is preferably determined according to an equation that maintains a linear change of red blood cell osmolarity over time so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that is preconfigured to automatically deliver the cryopreservation solution to the red blood cells in accordance with the equation. The system may also support the recovery of thawed red blood cells by diluting the red blood cells and washing them of the cryopreservative. Again, the system preferably adjusts the delivery rate of a dilution solution so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells during the recovery phase. The recovered red blood cells may be suspended in a preservation solution to further increase their shelf-life following the recovery phase.