Abstract: Methods and devices for the removal of psoralens and psoralen photoproducts from blood products are described. The methods include contacting a psoralen- and irradiation-treated blood product with a resin capable of adsorbing psoralens and psoralen photoproducts. The removal process is particularly suitable for use with platelet concentrates and plasma because the process does not have a significant adverse effect on clotting factor function. The methods and devices can be incorporated with apheresis systems and other devices and procedures currently used to process blood products for transfusion.

Abstract: A container assembly provides for the collection, transporting, and dispensing of a fluid specimen. The container assembly includes a cup-shaped container having an open end for collecting the fluid specimen. A lid is attachable to the container to close the open end thereof. The lid includes an access port for providing communication with the collected fluid specimen through the cover and for permitting extraction of a sample therefrom. A self-sealing closure member is supported by the lid in the access port and seals the access port preventing fluid leakage. The extraction device may be used to extract a sample of the fluid specimen. The extraction device is insertable through the self-sealing closure to permit such extraction. Upon removal of the extraction device, the self-sealing closure recloses the access port.

Abstract: A holder for receiving a sampling tube of a blood sampling system is disclosed. The holder has an interior pocket which can be conformed from a closed position to an open position for receiving the sampling tube.

Abstract: A blood sampling system for obtaining blood samples from a fluid flow path is disclosed. The sampling system includes a container that can be isolated from the remainder of a blood processing set and allows for collection of a sample either before or after the blood donation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for keeping infusion fluids warm in which not only an infusion bag but also a tube extending from this and a cannula attached to the end of the tube are surrounded by a continuous heat-insulating cover (1,3,4), which heat-insulating cover is arranged such that it also surrounds the part of a person (5) into whom the cannula is inserted. The invention also concerns a device for realisation of the method.

Abstract: A single, integrated device in which a body fluid (e.g., blood) of a human or animal can be both collected and analyzed easily and without risk of contamination is disclosed. The collection portion and analysis portion of the device are permanently joined to permit movement of small quantities of body fluid under controlled conditions, to minimize any waste of the body fluid, to ensure that no contamination reaches the main body fluid volume, and to create a permanent physical record of the results of the analysis in association with the fluid sample itself: A wide variety of different body fluid components which may be indicative of various diseases, dysfunctions and abnormalities of the human or animal or the body fluid itself can be tested for.

Abstract: A blood sampling system for obtaining blood samples from a fluid flow path is disclosed. The sampling system includes a container that can be isolated from the remainder of a blood processing set and allows for collection of a sample either before or after the blood donation.

Abstract: A controlled-dose dispenser is useful to provide drops of liquid substances such as drugs, vaccines, ophthalmic solutions or other fluid solutions. The dispenser includes a body preferably made from two sheets of plastic material that are thermoformed in face-to-face relationship. A portion of the body is generally flat with a reservoir, which preferably is generally rounded, in a central portion. The reservoir is adapted to contain a chosen liquid substance. An outlet port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. An outlet nozzle is secured to the outlet port. A cap portion seals off the end of the outlet nozzle until a breakable or frangible connection is broken to remove the cap portion. Once the cap portion is removed, the liquid substance within the reservoir can be dispensed through the nozzle and the cap portion preferably cannot be replaced so that the dispenser is especially suited to be a single-use device.

Abstract: Use of a solution comprising glucose for peritoneal dialysis, in which the glucose portion is sterilised separately from the remaining components at a high glucose concentration above about 20% and mixed after sterilisation, substantially according to WO 93/09820. The solution has a reduced formation of advanced glycosylation end products and the use is indicated for diabetic uremic patients.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining liquid samples from a fluid flow path is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having an access site communicating with the flow path and carrying a piercing member at a location spaced from the access site. The housing allows for translational movement of the piercing member toward the access site and into the flow path from where the sample is removed.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided to effect solution exchange particularly for a patient requiring peritoneal dialysis. The system includes a device (1) that is portable and particularly adaptable for patients requiring a night time exchange or an additional exchange. The device (1) includes an operator-touch control panel (10) operatively connected to a pouch (26) with an incorporated heater (12). The pouch (26) holds a solution bag (18) and may be selectively opened and closed by a cover (28). A drain tray (30) holds a drain bag (20) and has a scale (14) incorporated therein. The pouch (26) is connected to the control panel (10) by an upper arm (38), and the drain tray (30) is connected to the control panel (10) by a lower arm (42). The device (1) may be collapsed by releasing the upper arm (38) and the lower arm (42) such that the system (1) lays in a substantially flat arrangement when not in use.

Abstract: An empty medical bag which is heat sterilized and made of a matrix-phase polymer system. After heat sterilization at 121.degree. C., the inside surfaces do not adhere to each other.

Abstract: Containers for medical use comprising a storage portion formed of a soft polyvinyl chloride resin containing a vinyl chloride resin and diundecyl pthalate (DUP) as a plasticizer wherein the sheet exhibits an oxygen permeability of about 9.0.times.10.sup.-10 to 22.0.times.10.sup.-10 cc.cm/cm2.sec.cmHg/22.degree. C. and a carbon dioxide permeability of about 6.0.times.10.sup.-9 to 19.0.times.10.sup.-9 cc.cm/cm2.sec.cmHg/22.degree. C. The containers are suitable for the storage of blood, especially the cellular components of blood. The invention also provides processes for making such containers as well as methods for storing blood cells using such containers.

Abstract: A squeezable, resilient pouch is used for collecting a blood sample. The walls of the pouch are moved together in response to the application of an external squeezing force. The squeezing force collapses the pouch and expels fluid from it. Upon removal of the squeezing force, the resilience of the pouch walls moves them apart. The resilient expansion of the pouch creates suction that draws a fluid sample into the pouch. The pouch can be attached to a blood collection and/or storage container by flexible tubing in a way that prevents communication with the atmosphere. By squeezing the pouch, the user obtain a sample of the blood without using special tools and with no danger of activating or damaging the blood component being sampled.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for autologous sequestration of blood from a patient prior to, during and after surgery. Sequestered blood contained in an assembly of blood collection bags is kept in fluid contact with the patient throughout surgery, thereby assuring continuity with the patient's circulatory system. The plurality of blood collection bags is interconnected with a corresponding plurality of valves which is interconnected with a plurality of flexible tubes which is attached to a patient's right atrium or a peripheral artery. Following induction of anesthesia in the operating room, a patient's blood is sequestered into a collection bag assembly which forms a closed circuit blood reservoir system. Collected blood during surgery trickles back into the patient's blood system, thereby emulating venous blood flow.

Abstract: Systems, processes and devices are provided which are useful for testing blood or plasma donations to detect those specific donations which are contaminated by virus above a predetermined level. An apparatus and process is described which forms individual, separately sealed, and connected sample-containing pouches from a flexible hollow tubing segment connected to a fluid donation container. The tubing segment is sealed at spaced-apart intervals along its length, with tubing segment portions in the intervals between the seals defining pouches, each of which contains a portion of a plasma sample. The contents of the pouches are formed into pools which are subsequently tested for virus contamination by a high sensitivity test such as PCR. When a pool tests positive, indicating it is contaminated by a virus, a further pouch is removed from each of the tubing segments used to form the initial pool.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.

Abstract: A multicompartment system for accumulating a human fluid specimen for analysis having a plastic container for holding the specimen with the container having a port opening for receipt of the specimen, means for mechanically sealing the container including a sealable cap, a heat seal, or a plug, with the specimen therein wherein the seal is effected after receipt of the specimen and can include formation of more than one sealed compartment for subsequent separation and analysis and at least one of the sealed compartments having a rigid or semi rigid element therein protruding from a hole in the compartment to dispense the specimen contained therein therefrom, and said system container also having identification elements capable of inscription thereon.

Abstract: A blood collection device having a blood-collecting tube, a needle, a blood container connected to the needle by the blood-collecting tube. The blood container has a blood-storing space containing anticoagulant solution. Two blood-component containers and an erythrocyte-preserving solution container are connected to the blood container by a blood-component supplying tube and a tube. The containers are made of soft material. A branching member is coupled to the blood-collecting tube and located between the blood container and the needle. A tube branching from the blood-collecting tube is connected to a filter. The filter allows passage of gas but substantially prevents passage of blood, bacteria, microorganism and the like. A flow stopper connects the blood-collecting tube to the filter. The flow stopper comprises a breakable member closing the branch tube. When the breakable member is broken, the branch tube communicates with the filter.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for safely and rapidly rewarming large quantities of frozen or refrigerated blood combines microwave, or radio frequency radiation, heating with a forced air system. Forced air is flowed over units of blood or tissue from those units that will absorb the most microwave energy, generally those units closest to the source of microwave energy, to those units that will absorb the least microwave energy, generally those units furthest from the source of microwave energy. The forced air initially thaws the closest units so that they begin to absorb significant microwave energy. The forced air, preferably chilled, then prevents overheating of those closest units by transferring heat to more distant units, beginning their thawing and contributing to their rewarming. The microwave energy source is turned off when the output temperature of the forced air reaches a preselected temperature and the flow of forced air continues until the output temperature stabilizes.

Abstract: An improved vial assembly is provided for storing a quantity of material for cryogenic freezing, such as a sample of semen for use in artificial insemination. The vial assembly includes a locking mechanism to prevent the vial from being opened and then reclosed prior to final use. The locking mechanism includes a pair of apertured locking members, one on the vial, and one on the cap of the vial. The locking members are positioned for mutual alignment only when the cap is securely tightened onto the vial. A locking pin is provided for one-way insertion through the apertures of the locking members to prevent the cap from being removed without severing or destroying the locking pin. With this locking mechanism, the integrity of the contents of the vial is substantially ensured until the vial is selected for use and the locking pin is severed in the presence of a patient recipient. A secondary vial is also provided which mounts to the main vial.

Abstract: A container for housing a beneficial agent that can be removably coupled to a structure defining a fluid flow path. The container comprises a body defining a first and second interior area separated by a wall that terminates at an opening providing fluid communication between the first and second interior area. A cannula is provided that extends from the body for being removably received by the structure defining the fluid path. The cannula includes an inlet opening and inlet fluid flow path and an outlet opening and outlet fluid flow path. The inlet fluid flow path being in fluid communication with the first interior area, and the outlet fluid flow path being in fluid communication with the second interior area. The second interior area houses the solid beneficial agent and allows fluid that flows through the inlet fluid flow path to pass by at least a portion of the beneficial agent.

Abstract: A blood collecting and filtering apparatus comprises a container (1) defining with a removably fixed cover (2) a tightly closed enclosure. The cover (2) is provided with an adjustable device (6) for connecting to a reduced pressure system and has a traversing opening (4). A disposable flexible filtration bag (10) is disposed in service position inside said enclosure. The bag has two internal rooms (13, 14) separated the one from the other by a filtering wall (12). The first room (13) is connected to the outside by an inlet pipe (15) for feeding blood to be treated, and the second room (14) is connected to the outside by an outlet pipe (16) for filtered blood. The second room has an opening which is closed by an element (17) made of a material which is permeable to air and impervious to liquids. Both inlet (15) and outlet (16) pipes pass in a tight manner through a plug (21) which in service position closes the traversing opening (4 ) of the cover (2).

Abstract: A method and device for thawing pouches of frozen transfusion material including a membrane which provides a barrier within an interior of the device with the membrane receiving the pouches of frozen material therewithin. The interior of the device includes a sump having thawing fluid stored therein and maintained at a constant target temperature which is to be achieved by the frozen transfusion material to be thawed. The pouch of material to be thawed, after placement within the membrane, is exposed (through the membrane) to hydrostatic forces associated with the fluid in the sump collapsing the membrane on the pouch while pulsating jets impinge indirectly upon the pouch through the membrane. In this way, as the contents within the pouch thaw, circulation of the fluid within the pouch occurs for more rapid realization of the target temperature for the fluid within the pouch.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of packaging hazardous liquids for shipment or containment, and to the structure and composition of the packaging which can be used to practice the method.The method comprises packaging a hazardous liquid for shipment or containment wherein the hazardous liquid, present in at least one sealed container or in a leaking container, respectively, is placed in a package which can be sealed so that the package completely surrounds and isolates the container, wherein the improvement comprises:constructing the packaging material so that it comprises at least two layers, including an interior layer and an exterior layer, wherein the interior layer of the packaging material adjacent to the sealed or leaking container can be penetrated by liquid which escapes from the container, and wherein the exterior layer of the packaging material, the external portion of which is in contact with the external environment, is impermeable by the liquid and by hazardous vapor therefrom.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting blood substantially free of undesired matter assure that accurate crossmatching and typing of cellular blood components can be done prior to transfusion, even though the cellular components are collected and stored in different containers. The blood containing the undesired matter is collected in a blood collection container. The blood collection container includes a tube that is sealed for retaining samples of the collected blood for later analysis. The collected blood is conveyed out of the blood collection container for removal of undesired matter. The blood substantially free of the undesired matter is collected in a separate transfer container for storage. The distal end of the sealed tube containing the blood samples is attached to the transfer container, while the other end of the sealed tube is disconnected from the original blood collection container.

Abstract: The method is provided of collecting blood with a donor needle inserted into the vein, which comprises an improvement of: after drawing a desired amount of blood into the blood storage container connected to one end of flexible tubing, occluding flow through said flexible tubing at a point adjacent a flexible, transversely enlarged tubing portion positioned at a location on the tubing spaced from the ends. The flow occluding point is located between the enlarged tubing portion and the container, and the tubing portion is initially of lay-flat type, prior to passing blood through it. One then draws more blood through the needle to enter and fill the enlarged tubing portion. One then occludes flexible tubing between the enlarged tubing portion and the needle prior to withdrawing the needle from the vein of the blood donor.

Abstract: A blood plasma collection system comprises a sealed collection bottle with a flexible plastic transfer tube sealed into its top for collecting plasma. A flexible sample tube is also sealed into the top of the bottle and connects to a sample vial for receiving a plasma sample decanted from the bottle. The sample vial is sealed to the sample tube by a resilient plug. A vent tube and filter are also be connected to the plug. This permits a representative plasma sample to be decanted from the bottle into the sample vial after plasma is collected.

Abstract: A medical drip-feed bag for dispensing fluids made of polyolefin polymer having flexible walls defining therein a collapsible space for storing said fluids, said bag comprising a sealable inlet for introducing fluids into the bag and an outlet for dispensing said fluid, said outlet comprising hermetically sealed connector means sandwiched between said walls, the connector means comprising a substantially lenticularly shaped body with integral nipple, said connector means further comprising a bore going through the body and nipple and forming a channel for fluid to flow out of the bag.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for enabling liquid in a container (10) to contact the contents of a vial (48) employs a cup (22) having a mouth through which a vial (48) is insertable head down. A conduit (70, 26, 12) extends from the cup (22) interior to the container (10) interior, possibly via a non-release coupling (16, 18, 34, 36). A retainer (50) is non-releasably engageable (64, 44) with the cup (22) to trap a vial (48) therein and urge it against the conduit (70). The retainer (50) and cup (22) may engage threadedly (62, 38), with a ratchet (64, 44) preventing disengagement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus and method for collecting, freezing and removing a liquid such as blood or blood components, and particularly blood plasma. In accordance with the present invention, a container (16) for blood plasma is defined by a pair of substantially flat, flexible opposing sidewalls (40, 42) which are substantially adjacent when the container is empty. The sidewalls are peripherally sealed together to define an interior compartment, and the side seals (44, 46) converge toward one end (48) of the container. After a selected quantity of plasma is collected in the container, the filled container is formed and frozen in a wedge-shaped configuration, with the opposed sidewalls (40,42) converging toward the end of the container. An air space (82) may be provided in the top of the container so that a knife (86) may be easily inserted into the frozen container without contacting the frozen liquid (88) therein.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: An electromagnetic illuminator for the rapid thawing of cryopreserved plasma comprises a source for electromagnetic energy and a hollow waveguide having an aperture at one end for propagating and dispersing the electromagnetic waves over a predetermined area. The hollow waveguide is loaded with a liquid dielectric material having dielectric properties substantially the same as frozen plasma. A focusing medium refracts the electromagnetic waves propagating within the waveguide to provide a substantially uniform electromagnetic field across the waveguide aperture. A flexible membrane covers the aperture of the waveguide to contain the liquid dielectric material. The container of plasma to be thawed is placed against the membrane covering the aperture, and a hollow cap assembly filled with the liquid dielectric material is translated against the side of the plasma container distal to the microwave source. The container of plasma is thawed by the uniform electromagnetic field at the aperture of the waveguide.

Abstract: A holder assembly for a plastic bag of a frozen liquid, e.g. blood plasma, is designed to be manually removably mounted on an arbor that projects into a microwave oven cavity from a wall thereof. The holder is metallic and has a circular base from which a peripheral wall projects upwardly to a rim across which an apron extends. A semi-flexible bar of microwave transparent material is mounted to extend across the holder to retain the bag therein. A plurality of such arbors, e.g. four, are disposed around the oven cavity whereby a number of bags can be heated simultaneously. Each arbor is rotatable for agitating the bag holder assembly and hence the bag therein. Devices associated with each arbor detect the presence of a bag holder assembly on such arbor and also detect the temperature of thawing liquid in the bag supported in each bag holder assembly. A controller to which this information is supplied drives the oven through an appropriate program that ensures that none of the bag contents overheats.

Abstract: A container for storing blood for a long period of time to keep the quality of the blood in good condition, is formed of a laminated film type bag composed of at least one thermoplastic resin film layer and at least one addition polymerization type silicone rubber film layer, the surface of the laminated film which comes in direct contact with the blood is made of the addition polymerization type silicone rubber film layer; the thermoplastic resin film layer has a permeability to carbon dioxide gas of 6,000 to 70,000 ml/m.sup.2.24 hr. for a thickness of 0.025 mm at 25.degree. C.; and the whole laminated film type bag has a permeability to carbon dioxide of 5,000 ml/m.sup.2.24 hr.atm at 25.degree. C. for storing whole blood and packaged red blood cells, and a permeability to carbon dioxide of 2,000 to 9,000 ml/m.sup.2.24 hr. atm at 25.degree. C. for storing platelet preparations.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rewarming blood (including refrigerated whole blood, packed red blood cells, and fresh frozen plasma) in which the temperature of the blood is quickly raised to infusion temperature without hemolysis or other damage to its constituents. The blood, contained in a conventional blood administration bag, is subjected to microwave irradiation while being totally immersed in a body of water. Structure is provided for immobilizing the blood bag within the body of water, and a sensor detects when a desired temperature has been attained and causes automatic cessation of microwave generation. The immobilizing structure may also be provided with a microwave-opaque barrier for shielding certain portions of a blood bag against excessive radiation exposure. A pump may also be provided for circulation of the water within the apparatus.

Abstract: Junction for a medical instrument, which permits the opposed ends for union in two tubular members of a medical instrument made of vinyl chloride polymer to adhere fast to each other with a combination of vinyl chloride polymer paste resin and a plasticizer.

Abstract: A self-contained I.V. set for infusing drugs and secondary medications is disclosed. A mini-I.V. container having a filtered air vent and a valved filling port is filled by a disposable syringe. A drip chamber below the mini-I.V. container receives medication through a drip device at the bottom of the container. From the drip chamber, the medication enters a small bore tube equipped with a roller clamp and an infusion needle fitting. A convenient hanger for the device is provided.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed which is a shaped article of a resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a vinyl chloride type resin, 10 to 80 parts by weight of a di-n-alkyl ester of phthalic acid whose alkyl groups each possess 8 to 14 carbon atoms and whose numbers of carbon atoms in said alkyl groups average 9 to 14, and 1 to 18 parts by weight of a stabilizer. The medical instrument exudes only an extremely small amount of plasticizer and excels in permeability to gas.

Abstract: A container for freezing or preserving physiological saline solutions for medical use is disclosed which is resistant to extremely low temperatures and which comprises laminated sheets. Each laminated sheet comprises an inner layer of unstretched film of polyethylene having a viscometric average molecular weight of 1,000,000 or more and a light-scattering average molecular weight of 3,000,000 or more; and an outer layer of polyethylene terephthalate or the like.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for effecting mid-stream sampling of catheterized flow of liquid from a body cavity is effected through use of an improved coupling between sections of catheter tube means. The improved coupling includes a tubular cross-member that provides two pairs of oppositely extending tubular arms, a first pair of arms adapted to connect to the portions of the catheter tube means, and with a valve member constructed and arranged for selective reciprocal movement in the other pair of tubular arms and so as to permit usual drainage in one position or to provide, in said second position, means for effecting diversion of flow for effecting mid-stream sampling without separating portions of the catheter system that might permit contamination. In the second position, the constructions permit of effecting a backflow flushing of the body cavity, or application of medication, or an instrument, through the improved coupling into the body cavity.