Abstract: An Emergency-Disengagement Device (EDD) comprises three holders (11), into which two blood tubes (21) are inserted. When immediate evaluation is required, patients undergoing hemodialysis can turn the trigger (20) to release sliding blocks (15) (16) in the three holders to choke off and sever the two blood tubes (21), at which time the EDD disassembles to three individual pieces. After the EDD disassembles, patients can rapidly and safely disengage from the hemodialysis machines to which they are connected, without any bleeding.

Abstract: A single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.

Abstract: An extracorporeal circuit, which makes it possible to efficiently collect priming solution by displacing the priming solution with blood after the priming solution is fed to the extracorporeal circuit to prime the extracorporeal circuit, includes a circuit body including first and second tubes, a feed bag that feeds the priming solution, a blood reservoir in which a liquid is temporarily stored, a third tube that branches out from the middle of the first tube, and a collection bag which communicates with the third tube and into which the priming solution is collected through the third tube. After the priming solution is fed from the feed bag to prime at least a housing, when the priming solution in the housing is displaced by blood, the priming solution in the housing is transferred and collected in the collection bag due to a height difference between the liquid level and the collection bag.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: A blood-collection system configured to permit selection of either collection and disposal of shed blood from a patient or collection and processing of shed blood for autologous transfusion back to the patient includes an automated blood-processing machine. The system may also include a blood-collection reservoir, a separation chamber, and a fluid conduit. The blood-collection reservoir may be engageable with the blood-processing machine so that the machine can identify and report the presence of blood in the reservoir. The separation chamber may also be engageable with the blood processing machine. The fluid conduit may be configured to selectively join the reservoir to the separation chamber by a quick-connect coupling.

Abstract: A continuous volume detection system for a flexible venous reservoir in a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit is described. The volume detection system is based on a pressure measurement that is manipulated via application of fluid mechanics. Next-generation cardiopulmonary bypass system controllers may use this data to control the volume contained in the flexible venous reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus particularly involving the separation of blood into blood components and the collection of such components are disclosed. In one aspect, an extra-corporeal method for the collection of plasma and red blood cells is provided, wherein the collection of plasma and red blood cells may occur simultaneously or subsequently utilizing the same dual stage blood processing vessel. The flow of blood to the blood processing vessel and return of uncollected blood components may be provided via a single needle, wherein blood is removed from and returned to a donor/patient during alternating blood removal and blood return submodes. Platelet separation and collection options are also described. In either case, prior to red blood cell collection, a set-up phase may be carried out to set a predetermined hematocrit and AC ratio. Replacement fluid delivery may optionally also be provided either substantially continuously during any collection phase(s) and/or in a bolus mode.

Abstract: A method for separating a volume of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component is performed in a centrifuge cooperating with a separation bag containing the volume of composite liquid. The separation bag is connected to at least a first component bag and a second component bag. The separation bag is spun so as to centrifuge the volume of composite liquid and cause the sedimentation of the at least first and second components. When the at least first and second components have sedimented, the first component is transferred at at least one first transfer flow rate into the first component bag. When the first component has been transferred into the first component bag, the second component is transferred into the intermediate component bag at at least one second transfer flow rate that is different from the at least one first transfer flow rate.

Abstract: A set of units for a device integrated in an extracorporeal blood circuit, comprising a cardiotomy reservoir which is provided with elements adapted to provide a monolithic coupling selectively with identical complementary elements of a venous reservoir and a venous bag.

Abstract: A venous reservoir in an extracorporeal blood circuit, comprising a rigid outer enclosure for a filtering mass in the form of a hollow cylinder, provided with an upper lid which comprises couplings for the inflow of blood with the portion of space delimited by the filtering mass and with a connector at the bottom, the reservoir further comprising a diaphragm which is arranged below the upper lid and is adapted to receive the blood that enters through the couplings provided in the peripheral region of the lid, at the axis of a central hole of the diaphragm there is a column with longitudinal vanes which protrude upwardly until they skim the rim of the hole and are adapted to follow the blood in its flow by gravity toward the collection region at the base of the enclosure.

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 circuit for extracorporeal blood circulation, which is used for a single-needle dialysis, comprises a blood withdrawal line (2) having an arterial pump portion (23), and a blood return line (4) having a venous pump portion (43). Pump portions are designed to be coupled with corresponding peristaltic pumps (6), (7). An arterial expansion chamber (25) is arranged on the withdrawal line downstream from said arterial pump portion. A venous expansion chamber (45) is arranged on the return line upstream from said venous pump portion. The two expansion chambers are firmly joined one to the other into an integrated structure (9), which is equipped inside with two ducts connecting the arterial expansion chamber with two fluid connections attached outside to the integrated structure. The circuit can be assembled and disassembled from a dialysis machine easily and rapidly.

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: An apparatus for conditioning mammalian blood for subsequent use in a medical procedure includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system transports a blood charge from a source to the cabinet and a flask is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the flask. An output system is coupled to the flask and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus includes an automated control system operable upon closing the door to lock the door and to then condition the charge, and to then cause the charge to move from the flask to the receiver.

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: An object is to provide a blood component collection system capable of collecting a desired blood component of high quality. A blood component collection system 1 comprises a centrifugal separator 20 centrifuging blood into a plurality of components, first line 21 for feeding the blood to the centrifugal separator 20, a second line 22 for releasing the blood component from the centrifugal separator 20, a temporary reservoir bag 26? for temporarily reserving the platelet concentrate, a leukoreduction filter 261 for separating and reducing leukocyte from the platelet concentrate, and a platelet collection bag 26 for reserving the platelet concentrate having passed through the leukoreduction filter 261.

Abstract: Method for separating whole blood into a leukocyte-depleted erythrocyte concentrate and thrombocyte-containing plasma, in which method whole blood is separated in a first step into an erythrocyte concentrate and plasma in a plasma filter and is then separated into a second erythrocyte concentrate and more thrombocyte-containing plasma during the return flow through the same plasma filter, the erythrocyte concentrate obtained being mixed with an additive solution, and the entire separation system being closed on itself and sterile.

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: This disclosure describes a device for obtaining a blood sample from an intruder at a crime scene to be later analyzed for DNA. A projectile containing a blood-extracting needle for penetrating the skin of said intruder is mounted through a protective chamber and connected to a blood reservoir in the chamber interior. A vacuum is held in both the reservoir and the chamber. The chamber vacuum is released by forward movement of the chamber as it slides within a casing following further penetration of the needle. The vacuum release acts to reduce the ambient pressure within the forward portion of the casing, thus assisting in propelling the needle into the intruder. As the needle reaches maximum extension, a loaded spring within the casing is released, propelling the needle and reservoir away from the intruder.

Abstract: A combined device having a reservoir for venous blood and a reservoir for cardiotomy blood is disclosed. The device is characterized in that the venous reservoir is separated from the cardiotomy reservoir by a partition which includes a plurality of apertures. The apertures are in fluid communication with a plurality of ducts and passageways which are configured to provide various modes of operation depending upon whether, for the particular surgical conditions, it is desired to mix venous and cardiotomy blood, or to isolate those blood pools from each other.

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: A device for treating a fluid-like sample, in particular whole blood, with treatment fluid. The device comprises a tubular container with a first piston and a second piston, with a piston gap between them in which the treatment fluid is located in the initial position. The device further comprises an inlet port to which a capillary can be connected and an outlet port to which a filter can be connected.

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: Venous reservoirs are interposed between the patient and the arterial pump and serve to remove air bubbles and provide compliance that accommodates variations in the volume of blood circulating in the extracorporeal circuit during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The invention is a reservoir that incorporates automated means to remove air bubbles from the venous line prior to the blood entering the arterial blood pump. In another form, the reservoir includes means that handles foam prior to the blood entering the blood pump. In yet another form, the invention is means that improve air removal in a soft shell venous reservoir. These features are applicable to CPB circuits using gravity drainage or vacuum assisted venous drainage.

Abstract: A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A blood circuit (1) for a dialysis machine is made form plastic material and is provided with a metallic plate (30), which is applied to an external face of the blood circuit (1) and is connectable to a voltage generator (34) in such a way as to form a capacitor, in which the plate (30) and the blood act as the capacitor plates and the plastic material acts as the dielectric.

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 present invention provides a blood transfusion system having valve circuit, for transfusion of blood to a patient, said system comprising a Y-Shaped connector comprising of three arm [7, 16(a) and 16(b)] and a junction (9), wherein arm 7 is connected to the patient at its one end and to the junction (9) at its other end, arm 16(a) is connected to the junction (9) at its one end and to a waste-blood suction syringe (10) at its other end through a valve (11), an outlet is being provided in the arm 16(a) between the valve 11 and the waste-blood suction syringe for dispensing the waste blood, arm 16(b) is connected to the junction (9) at its one end and to a fresh-blood supplying syringe (13) at its other end through a valve (14), a fresh-blood supplying means is being connected in the arm 16(b) between the valve 14 and the fresh-blood supplying syringe through a valve (15), and syringes (10 and 13) are being operated synchronously.

Abstract: A device for treating blood in an extracorporeal circuit comprising a venous blood reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, and a hemoconcentrator having a first inlet connector for the blood to be treated, a second outlet connector for the outflow of concentrated blood, and a third outlet connector for the outflow of the ultrafiltered liquid, wherein the hemoconcentrator is disposed within the venous blood reservoir and the hemoconcentrator and the venous blood reservoir are integrated into a single monolithic assembly, and wherein the hemoconcentrator comprises an enclosure containing structure suitable to concentrate blood.

Abstract: A light fixture assembly with a bracket for attaching a light fixture accessory to a stem of the light fixture assembly, the bracket being realeasably adjustable to substantially any position along a length of the stem, the light fixture assembly also having an interface for attaching various light fixture accessories to the bracket.

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 system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A system for collecting and processing donated bone marrow comprises a closed and/or sealable collection container and a closed and/or sealable satellite container. The system may also include at least one porous medium interposed between the collection container and the satellite container. The porous medium is a size gradient depletion media. The system may also include at least one third container in fluid communication with the collection container. The system may also include at least one manifold interposed in the fluid flow path between the collection container and the third container.

Abstract: A confined air tube is intended to be placed into in-line communication with the transfer tubing of a blood processing system. The confined air tube provides an incremental volume of air, which keeps the transfer tubing from collapsing and sticking together during heat sterilization. After sterilization, the confined air tube accommodates conveyance of a blood component into an associated downstream transfer container. The confined air tube can also receive air vented from the transfer container, so that the blood component can undergo further processing or be stored in an air-depleted environment within the transfer container.

Abstract: A port, a container and a method for accessing a port for injecting or withdrawing a liquid from the container are provided. The port may allow for the administration of, for example, a drug, to a patient and may be located on the container. The port has a septum having a target area. The port also has a support ring in contact with the septum. A cap is provided to protect the septum. The cap has a ring handle and allows for removal and exposure of the target area of the septum. A needle, for example, may be used to penetrate the septum allowing the addition or withdrawal of a liquid or other drug to or from the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a receptacle for a therapeutic fluid susceptible to deterioration on exposure to a gas such as oxygen or carbon dioxide. The receptacle has walls of sheet material each including at least one layer forming a barrier essentially impermeable to such gas, and a seal sealing the walls together in a region thereof. A transfer tube is sealed in the seal having a proximal end in the receptacle, a distal end accessible from outside the receptacle, a flow passage extending between said proximal and distal ends, and a closure blocking flow through the flow passage adapted to be pierced by a tubular needle for transfer of therapeutic through the needle. The transfer tube and closure are essentially impermeable to said gas.

Abstract: A device for autologous blood transfusion includes a centrifuge unit with an autotransfusion set rotatably mounted thereto. The autotransfusion set includes a separation unit for concentrating a cell fraction by centrifugation and a tubing system for providing a connection to a blood supply. The tubing system includes a blood supply line leading to the separation unit for supplying blood to be processed and a return line leading away from the separation unit. A filter is integrated into the autotransfusion set in order to eliminate leukocytes and/or tumor cells, thereby yielding greater safety in autotransfusion.

Abstract: An obturator prevents the tips or flaps of a duck-bill valve from self-adhering during storage or during sterilization procedures. The obturator holds the tips apart until the end-user is ready to use the valve. The duck-bill valve is used as an air outlet valve in blood reservoirs.

Abstract: The need for a venous reservoir in a heart-lung machine is obviated by using a vacuum-purged negative-pressure air filter in the venous return line ahead of the main blood pump. The purging vacuum for the venous air filter can also be used to purge air from the cardiotomy reservoir if a backflow-preventing valve is used on the venous air filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic handling of bag systems in an installation. The method includes the steps of loading at least one bag system having a primary bag containing a body fluid such as blood and a secondary bag into a handling device, wherein the bag system is placed in a position such that no filtering of the body fluid takes place; automatically actuating the handling device so that the bag system is moved to a position wherein filtering occurs; and unloading the bag system from in the handling device when all the filtrate is received in the secondary bag.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which reduces a bleeding amount upon an operation. A bloodless treating apparatus used upon a surgical treatment of an objet comprises: (A) a fluid replacement supply unit which quantitatively supplies a fluid replacement into a blood vessel leading to the object (24); and (B) a fluid replacement withdrawing unit which quantitatively withdraws the fluid replacement having passed through the object (24) from a blood vessel coming from the object.

Abstract: A comprehensive system (10) for the growing, analyzing, storing, validating and distributing of cells or tissues for a variety of purposes, in which the comprehensive system (10) generally uses a macrocontainer (12) for each of the steps from beginning to end. The macrocontainer (12) may include a number of elements, an essential one of which is the primary container (14). In every case, the primary container (14) includes a biosensor and a data registry device (15) (usually a microchip) to record and to display the handling history of the primary container (14) throughout the implementation of the system (10). The macrocontainer (14) provides process control, sterility and a matrix within and around which associated inlets, outlets and data lines may be coordinated.

Abstract: The invention includes a bag system for collecting a biological fluid, in particular blood. The system includes a device for collecting the fluid which is in fluid communication with at least one fluid collection bag, and a device for sampling the fluid to be collected which includes at least one sampling receptacle. The sampling device includes a device for transferring the fluid from the bag system into the sampling receptacle or receptacles, in which the transfer device is provided with a device for associating the receptacle or receptacles. The transfer device may be arranged to allow the support of the receptacle or receptacles in a standby position, the guidance of the receptacle or receptacles to a transfer position and, after transfer, the dissociation of the receptacle or receptacles from the bag system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of collecting a biological fluid, in particular blood, with an anticoagulant and/or preservation solution added, in which the biological fluid is collected by natural flow and the anticoagulant and/or preservation solution is added by pumping, the method making provision for measuring the flow of fluid collected and slaving the pumping speed to the measured flow, so as to obtain continuously during collection a given ratio between the quantity of fluid collected and the quantity of anticoagulant and/or preservation solution added. The invention also concerns a collection machine and bag system for implementing the method.

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal blood circulation, which is used for a single-needle dialysis, comprises a blood withdrawal line (2) having an arterial pump portion (23), and a blood return line (4) having a venous pump portion (43). Pump portions are designed to be coupled with corresponding peristaltic pumps (6), (7). An arterial expansion chamber (25) is arranged on the withdrawal line downstream from said arterial pump portion. A venous expansion chamber (45) is arranged on the return line upstream from said venous pump portion. The two expansion chambers are firmly joined one to the other into an integrated structure (9), which is equipped inside with two ducts connecting the arterial expansion chamber with two fluid connections attached outside to the integrated structure. The circuit can be assembled and disassembled from a dialysis machine easily and rapidly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bag system for collecting a biological fluid the system intended for use in a collection machine including a peristaltic pump, the system including, in closed circuit, a fluid collection device, a solution bag containing an anticoagulant and/or preservation solution, and a collection bag intended to receive the fluid collected with the anticoagulant and/or preservation solution added. The collection bag is in fluid communication with the collection device by way of a first tube provided with a connector and with the solution bag by way of a second tube connected to the connector. A device for associating the first and second tubes is provided to allow, between the connector and the association device, the formation of a loop with the second tube, the conformation of the loop being arranged to enable it to be disposed around at least part of a head of a peristaltic pump.

Abstract: A flow cytometer containg a device for sampling cellular material within a body, comprising. The flow cytometer is adapted to mark cells within bodily fluid with a marker to produce marked cells, to analyze the marked cells, to sort the cells within the bodily fluid to produce sorted cells, and to maintain the sorted cells cells in a viable state.

Abstract: Venous reservoirs are interposed between the patient and the arterial pump and serve to remove air bubbles and provide compliance that accommodates variations in the volume of blood circulating in the extracorporeal circuit during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The invention is a reservoir that incorporates automated means to remove air bubbles from the venous line prior to the blood entering the arterial blood pump. In form, the reservoir includes means that handle foam prior to the blood entering the blood pump. In another form, the invention provides means that improve air removal in a soft shell venous reservoir. These features are applicable to CPB circuits using gravity drainage or vacuum assisted venous drainage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing gas from a blood handling system. A filter apparatus for monitoring and removing gas is provided comprising of a gas removal/blood filter, a sensor to sense the presence of gas, and a valve operably coupled to the sensor to evacuate gas from the apparatus when the sensor detects an accumulation of gas. When used with a previously known blood handling system, the present filter apparatus facilitates priming and the addition of additional blood handling elements during operation of the blood handling system.