Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blood aspiration system that is configured to enable various types of aspiration through a working lumen of a catheter. The blood aspiration system facilitates natural aspiration by providing a circuit between a patient's arterial and venous vasculature, and also comprises a manually actuated pump configured to selectively vary rates of aspiration in the working lumen. The blood aspiration system further comprises an external port that allows suction-assisted aspiration or infusion through the working lumen, and further comprises a detachable filter that removes emboli prior to reperfusing blood into a patient's venous vasculature.

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: The invention provides a vascular access system and methods for facilitating long-term, repeated access to any of a patient's vascular systems. This is provided by an access tube apparatus adapted for anastomosis to an anatomical vessel. The access tube is occluded with an fluid occluder that fits within the conduit of the access tube in between treatments or when vascular access is otherwise not needed. When such access is desired, the fluid occluder is withdrawn from the access tube and the body fluid is accessed through the access tube.

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: An implantable fluid valve for the adjustable limitation of the fluid pressure in the brain of a patient, has all valve component parts composed of non-magnetic material, thereby making the valve MR-compatible.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device includes a catheter with an elongate proximal portion, a flexible distal portion, and a fluid passageway flowing therethrough. The distal portion includes a coil-shaped portion that defines a spiral having at least one turn. The distal portion of the catheter includes at least one pore in fluid communication with the fluid passageway of the catheter, which is located on an internal portion of the spiral. The positioning of the pore(s) on the internal portion of the spiral protects the pore(s) from obstruction or occlusion caused by tissue growing into or around the catheter.

Abstract: A perfusion system for off-pump coronary artery bypass is provided in order to make the off-pump coronary artery bypass easier and safer and to restrict the amount of bleeding to a degree for not affecting operations by occluding the vessel in concurrency with the perfusion, including a blood removal portion, a pump, and a perfusion portion for returning blood pumped out by the pump in the form of an injection of the blood in pulses in response to a diastolic phase of the heart.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for preparing an autologous solid-fibrin web suitable for regenerating tissue in a living organism. The system includes a sealed primary container containing a separation medium and a low-density high-viscosity liquid. The separation medium separates red blood cells from plasma when the container contains blood and is centrifuged, and the primary container has a first pressure. The system further includes a sealed secondary container containing a calcium-coagulation activator. The secondary container has a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The system also comprises a transfer device including a cannula having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends puncture the sealed primary and secondary containers in order to provide fluid communication between the first and second containers. The low-density high-viscosity liquid of the primary container blocks flow through the cannula upon entering therein.

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 present invention provides a method of engrafting donor mammalian hematopoietic pluripotent cells in a mammalian recipient using a decreased amount of radiation, comprising: (a) administering to the recipient at least one dosage of a hematopoietic growth factor; (b) subjecting the recipient to a low dosage of radiation; and (c) transplanting the donor hematopoietic pluripotent cells in the recipient, thereby engrafting the donor mammalian hematopoietic pluripotent cells in the mammalian recipient using a decreased amount of radiation.

Abstract: Preparing a leucocyte-free blood by introducing a leucocyte containing liquid into a leucocyte removal filter; removing a first fraction from an effluent that is discharged from the leucocyte removal filter; obtaining an effluent portion that is discharged after the first fraction as a leucocyte-free blood preparation. A blood administration set including a leucocyte removal filter having an inlet port for introducing a leucocyte containing liquid, for separating leucocytes from the leucocyte containing liquid; and a passage for discharging a leucocyte-free blood preparation from the leucocyte removal filter. The passage has a device for removing a first fraction from an effluent discharged from the leucocyte removal filter. The method and blood administration set can avoid side effects that would otherwise occur when transfusion is performed using a leucocyte removal filter so that it is highly safe and that is simple and easy.

Abstract: A method for collecting blood from identifiable groups wherein, the steps include: identifying a potential donor pool having common characteristics, identifying a specific stimulus to induce individual donors in the pool to donate blood, presenting the stimulus to the donors, creating a database including the names and addresses of the donors responding to the stimulus, matching the responding donors with geographically favorable collection centers, identifying active donors who donate blood at the collection centers, reinforcing the stimulus to the active donors, and periodically reminding the responding donors including the active donors to donate blood.

Abstract: A method of replacing iron losses during dialysis of patients is accomplished by infusion of a noncolloidal ferric compound, soluble in hemodialysis solutions, during dialysis. A pharmaceutical composition is provided consisting essentially of dialysis solution including a soluble noncolloidial ferric compound, preferably ferric pyrophosphate.

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 multi-lumen aortic balloon catheter is disclosed. The catheter is designed to assist surgeons in more effectively performing cardiovascular surgery, particularly cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. In one aspect the catheter is inserted into a femoral artery and threaded through the artery to the aortic arch where it is positioned so that the balloon is positioned in the ascending aorta. When inflated, the balloon (preferably a cylindrical design) blocks the aortic arch between the great arteries and the coronary ostia. A cardioplegia solution is delivered to the heart through an internal lumen in the catheter to slow the heart. Blood from a cardiopulmonary machine is transported through a blood flow lumen of the catheter to be delivered antegrade flow throughout the arteries. The catheter has a distal portion having fewer lumens than are present in a proximal portion. An alternative multilumen aortic balloon catheter is disclosed that is inserted through a patient's aorta.

Abstract: A no-needle blood access device for hemodialysis including a cylindrical external body (20), the lower portion of the external body being provided with openings (28) at diametrically facing locations. Pipe members (30) are mounted in the respective openings. First and second artificial conduits (12, 14) are fitted into the respective pipe member, each of the artificial conduits being anastomosed to a targeted artery or vein; and a columnar internal body (40) fitted into the external body so as to be rotated in the external body.

Abstract: A prosthetic vessel graft assembly has a tube of synthetic graft material surrounding a stent at its distal end, together with a plurality of collapsible anchors projecting radially from the stent. The assembly mounts on an introducer that may be tunneled through skin or inserted in an opening and pushed down to a vessel for introducing the graft through the vessel side wall. The introducer is configured to follow a guide wire which is inserted via a needle through an opening in the side wall of the vessel. A peel-away sheath covers the stent, graft, and anchor members at the distal end keeping them collapsed against the tubular body.

Abstract: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit in a controlled manner, preferably at a controlled pressure below the arterial pressure, to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue distal to the occlusion. In another aspect, interventional devices, such as stents or balloon catheters, are passed through the perfusion catheter to remove obstructions. Optionally, the occlusion may be treated while perfusion is maintained, typically by introducing a thrombolytic or other agent into the occlusive material using the perfusion conduit or by employing mechanical means to remove the obstruction. Such methods are particularly suitable for treating acute stroke to prevent damage to the cerebral tissue.

Abstract: Pump and cannula systems inserted through the right side and/or left side of the heart provide protection against collapse of the heart chambers and veins and arteries and provide supplemental blood flow through same to enable beating heart bypass surgery on all vessels of the heart, including lateral and posterior vessels. The invention eliminates the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machines. The invention further provides stents adapted for protecting from vein, artery, atrium and/or ventricle collapse during beating heart bypass surgery.

Abstract: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit in a controlled manner, preferably at a controlled pressure below the arterial pressure, to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue distal to the occlusion. In another aspect, interventional devices, such as stents or balloon catheters, are passed through the perfusion catheter to remove obstructions. Optionally, the occlusion may be treated while perfusion is maintained, typically by introducing a thrombolytic or other agent into the occlusive material using the perfusion conduit or by employing mechanical means to remove the obstruction. Such methods are particularly suitable for treating acute stroke to prevent damage to the cerebral tissue.

Abstract: A method for preparing a leucocyte-free blood preparation comprises the steps of: introducing a leucocyte containing liquid into a leucocyte removal filter; removing a first fraction from an effluent that is discharged from the leucocyte removal filter; obtaining an effluent portion that is discharged after the first fraction as a leucocyte-free blood preparation. A blood administration set comprising: a leucocyte removal filter having an inlet port for introducing a leucocyte containing liquid, for separating leucocytes from the leucocyte containing liquid; and a passage for discharging a leucocyte-free blood preparation from the leucocyte removal filter; wherein the passage comprises a device for removing a first fraction from an effluent discharged from the leucocyte removal filter. The method and blood administration set can avoid side effects that would otherwise occur when transfusion is performed using a leucocyte removal filter so that it is highly safe and that is simple and easy.

Abstract: A method of preparing a solid-fibrin web is disclosed. The method includes drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web is suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuous processing of intra- or postoperative blood loss for autotransfusion. According to the present invention, certain cells of the cell suspension to be processed, mainly the red blood cells, are concentrated by centrifuging in a separation unit and removed from the separation unit without being rinsed or washed in the separation unit. The concentrated cell fraction is diluted with a physiological solution, preferably a Ringer's solution, after being removed from the separation unit.

Abstract: A reperfusion device for reperfusion of a blood vessel. Blood is withdrawn from a patient and is metered into a first compressible bag. The first bag is connected with a second compressible bag. Compression of the first bag transfers blood from the first bag to the second bag. The second bag is connected with a supply container for metered supply of reperfusion liquid which is mixed with the blood that enters the second bag. The mixture of blood and reperfusion liquid is transferred in a metered amount from the second bag through a reperfusion catheter into a blood vessel by compressing the second bag. The bags are compressed either manually or by a respective pressure cuffs. Hose clamps are provided on the tubing between the bags and on the reperfusion catheter. Meters measure and indicate the flow into and out of each of the bags and through the reperfusion catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing the load on a patient's left ventricle while perfusing ischemic myocardium are provided using a first conduit having an inlet end configured for insertion into the left atrium, left ventricle or aorta coupled to a second conduit having an outlet end configured for insertion into the coronary venous vasculature via the coronary ostium. A motor-driven or hydraulically-actuated pump may be coupled between an outlet end of the first conduit and an inlet end of the second conduit to direct flow between the first and second conduits. Control circuitry is provided for use with the motor-driven pump to control the pump with a user selected duty cycle.

Abstract: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit in a controlled manner, preferably at a controlled pressure below the arterial pressure, to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue distal to the occlusion. In another aspect, interventional devices, such as stents or balloon catheters, are passed through the perfusion catheter to remove obstructions. Optionally, the occlusion may be treated while perfusion is maintained, typically by introducing a thrombolytic or other agent into the occlusive material using the perfusion conduit or by employing mechanical means to remove the obstruction. Such methods are particularly suitable for treating acute stroke to prevent damage to the cerebral tissue.

Abstract: A catheter system and method of performing posterior epicardial revascularization and intracardiac surgery on a beating heart. Several catheter systems are provided to achieve a left ventricular isolation and a right ventricular isolation as required to facilitate surgery according to the methods of the present invention. Myocardial infusion is provided in either antegrade or retrograde flow to insure the myocardium meets its oxygen demand.

Abstract: A no-needle blood access device for hemodialysis comprising, an artificial conduit (12) whose opposite ends are anastomosed to a targeted artery or vein; a metallic body (20), the body including a cylindrical horizontal portion (22) covering the entire circumference of the conduit or an arcuate-shaped horizontal portion (50) covering at least an upper half of the circumference of the conduit, and a cylindrical vertical portion (24) connected to approximately the center of the upper part of the horizontal portion so as to be disposed perpendicular to the horizontal portion and defining a well (26) therein, the horizontal portion being provided at the part located at the bottom of the well with a first pair of apertures (30, 32), the conduit being provided at the corresponding part with a second pair of apertures (30, 32), whereby the well is in communication with the conduit through the apertures; and a pair of shutters (34, 36) slidably housed within opposed pockets formed in the upper part of the horizontal

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diverting blood from the adult retro hepatic Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) and the shunting of renal and infra renal IVC blood to the right atrium when desired during surgery on the liver, its vessels, or the retro hepatic IVC. The device has a distal component of critical length for the adult supra renal IVC. It is symmetrical on its mid horizontal axis permitting similar utility whether venous access was above or below the liver. It is a hollow plastic tube with two openings, one at each end of the tube, which has four intervening completely encircling balloons and is continuous with a proximal component which serves to manipulate the distal component within the venous system and to remotely inflate the balloons.

Abstract: A blood transfusion device has at least one blood accelerating pump, a variable volume reservoir, at least one single-use blood supply bag, a platen, a blood reheater, a single-use blood reheater bag, a filtration system and a perfusion line. The variable volume reservoir varies in volume using an accordion-like bellows or a flexible pocket acted upon by the blood accelerating pump. The single-use blood supply bag contains concentrated corpuscles, plasma, or a solution of albumin. The blood supply bag is disposed between two plates precisely spaced apart. The platen is acted upon by the accordion-like bellows or the flexible pocket to slide in parallel to the two plates, and is disposed between the variable volume reservoir and the blood supply bag. The blood reheater includes an assembly of two double plates, each double plate having a preheating plate heated to a constant temperature slightly less than 38.degree.

Abstract: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue distal to the occlusion. Optionally, the occlusion may be treated while perfusion is maintained, typically by introducing a thrombolytic or other agent into the occlusive material using the perfusion conduit. Such methods are particularly suitable for treating acute stroke to prevent irreversible damage to the cerebral tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing hypothermia of a selected organ without significant effect on surrounding organs or other tissues, by perfusion of the organ with blood cooled externally from the body of the patient. A flexible supply catheter is inserted percutaneously into an artery. Blood from the supply catheter is cooled in a finned tube heat exchanger or a fluid bath. A flexible delivery catheter is inserted percutaneously through the vascular system of the patient to place the distal end of the catheter in an artery feeding the selected organ. An occlusion device is expanded to occlude the feeder artery at a point proximal to the distal end of the delivery catheter. Cooled blood from the chiller is pumped through the delivery catheter to an outlet near the distal end of the catheter, to cool the selected organ, distal to the tip of the delivery catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of acute and chronic renal disease by continuous passive plasma ultrafiltration includes a plasmapheresis element comprising a catheter and a plasmapheresis filter element secured to the end of the catheter for being implanted in a patient's vena cava or jugular vein, a tube secured to the catheter for receiving and directing blood plasma, a one-way valve for preventing fluid flow from the tube to the catheter, and a container for receiving and collecting the blood plasma. The treatment of the patient is performed by implanting the catheter and plasmapheresis filter element in a patient's vena cava, passing of blood plasma containing the toxins to be removed from the patient's blood supply through the filter element and along the catheter, and collecting and discarding the collected blood plasma.

Abstract: A method and device is described for direct removal of heparin from whole blood during extracorporeal therapy. In clinical situations where the blood is heparinized to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit containing e.g., a hemodialysis cartridge or a heart-lung machine, it would be desirable to eliminate the systemic heparinization of the patients. The extracorporeal circuit contains a device having antithrombin III immobilized and inserted between the outlet port of the primary extracorporeal device, such as the hemodialysis cartridge or heart-lung machine and the patient. When the heparinized blood comes in contact with the immobilized antithrombin III, heparin is removed and the reperfused blood is substantially free of heparin. The advantage of the system lies in the fact that heparin is removed from the blood rather than neutralized. This helps overcome the adverse reactions and side effects associated with the use of heparin anticoagulation.

Abstract: Flow cytometric methodology is provided for simultaneous determination of (1) ABO and Rh(D) typing of human red cells, (2) natural isoantibodies in plasma, and (3) screening for alloantibodies in plasma. The method includes (a) the use of a unique combination of fluorescent labelled antibodies to A, B and Rh(D) antigens to carry out (1); (b) different sized beads coated with blood group substances A & B to carry out (2); and (c) the differential fluorescent labelling of screening reagent red blood cells for flow cytometric analyses to carry out (3). The routine ABO and Rh(D) typing and antibody screening of human blood for both isoantibodies and alloantibodies can be determined in three individual reactions compared to 7 to 10 tests currently performed in blood banks.

Abstract: A composition and methods for use thereof relating to polypeptides having the ability to act as an inhibitor of complement C5b-9 complex activity. The compositions contain an 18 kDa protein found on the surface of human erythrocytes, a 37 kDa protein found on the surface of human platelets, a 37 kDa protein found on the surface of human endothelial cells, active derivatives or fragments thereof which act to inhibit the activity of C5b-9, anti-idiotypic antibodies mimicking the action of the inhibitor proteins or antibodies against C7 or C9 which block the formation of the C5b-9 complex. The compositions can be used in vitro to inhibit C5b-9 related stimulatory responses of platelets and vascular endothelium of perfused organs and tissues, thereby preventing the C5b-9 initiated cell necrosis or stimulated secretion of proteolytic enzymes and the exposure of the procoagulant membrane receptors during collection and in vitro storage.

Abstract: An autotransfusion apparatus for collecting salvaged blood includes an upper chamber for collecting blood and a lower chamber for receiving blood from the upper chamber. The upper chamber is subjected to a vacuum to withdraw blood from a patient. Particles and lipids are removed from the collected blood by a particle filter and a lipid separator. A selector valve located between the vacuum port and the lower chamber, and between the lower chamber and a vent, selectively couples lower chamber either to the vacuum source or the vent. The lower chamber receives blood from the upper chamber through a pressure-operated drain valve only when the lower chamber is coupled to the vacuum source. Coupling the lower chamber to the vent while the upper chamber is subjected to the vacuum source causes a pressure differential between the chambers, closing the pressure-operated drain valve.

Abstract: A novel integral cardiotomy/venous blood reservoir, blood oxygenator and heat exchanging device, method of making a blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device and an extracorporeal circulatory support circuit. The reservoir includes a novel blood defoaming and filtering chamber closely receiving filtering and defoaming media. The blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device includes thermal formed housing portions, and a heat exchanging barrier, blood oxygenating medium and/or filtering medium, which are sealed by potting compound at one time. The oxygenating medium comprises a hollow fiber type medium, with its ends left open to be sealingly mounted in a gas path by a novel mounting bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of compositions of matter, disclosing compositions of matter which as aqueous solutions, may be used to perfuse a living or non-living subject in need of perfusion. The solutions according to the invention are typified by an aqueous solution comprising a polysaccharide oncotic agent, a physiologically compatible buffer, a simple hexose sugar, dissolved chloride salts of calcium, sodium and magnesium, and a dissolved organic salt of sodium. The solutions according to the invention are effective substitutes for blood. In addition the solution according to the invention may be used to preserve the biological integrity of the organs of a mammalian donor organism as shown by superior anatomical integrity of cryopreserved organs and tissues of subjects perfused with the solution of the invention.

Abstract: A preassembled PBY circuit includes a blood pump, an oxygenator, a blood line, a filter/trap, a cannulae line subassembly, and a return line. The blood pump, oxygenator, blood line, filter/trap, cannulae line subassembly, and return line are serially arranged in a closed loop configuration, and a prime line is attached in fluid communication with the circuit. The cannulae line subassembly includes a first cannula line attached to the return line, a second cannula line attached to the filter/trap, and a removable connector for connecting the first and second cannulae lines in fluid communication. Each of the cannulae lines is prearranged in a helical configuration. The circuit is arranged for suspension, such that, when suspended, the filter/trap is located at a high point of the circuit, and the prime line is attached at a low point of the circuit.

Abstract: Solutions which contain L-carnitine and alkanoyl L-carnitine are useful for stabilizing blood for transfusions.

Abstract: In a closed system for collecting and retransfusing autologous blood having a collecting vessel (4) to receive the blood and an anticoagulant fluid, as well as a retransfusion line (14, 14') containing a microfilter, through which at least a portion of the blood collected in the collecting vessel (4) is retransfused, the inlet for the anticoagulant fluid is provided, preferably between the collecting vessel (4) in which a negative pressure can be maintained and a drain (2) or the open end of a drain tube. The collecting vessel (4) is connected with a collecting and separating container (13, 13') by means of a tube line (10, 10'), to which a tube pump (11) can be applied. The retransfusion line (14, 14') for the erythrocyte concentrate deposited in the collecting and separating container (13, 13') is connected to the outlet thereof.

Abstract: A transfusion device comprising a flexible vessel containing a solvent fluid, a plugged drug container containing a drug, and a communicating portion for communicating the vessel and the container with each other, the communicating portion comprising a communicating passage disposed at a top portion of the flexible vessel and having the drug container partially or wholly fitted therein, a plugged mouth portion of the container facing downward, a membrane disposed in the communicating passage for closing the passage, and a particular puncturing needle unit mounted in the communicating passage for enabling the vessel and container to communicate with each other. When the puncturing needle unit is pressed externally through the flexible vessel, the needle breaks the membrane and the plug member of the drug container to enable the vessel and container to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A portable artificial kidney in the form of a self-contained unit whose size and shape is such that it is light-weight and relatively small. It can be worn or attached to a patient in such a manner that it will not interfere with normal physical activities. The artificial kidney has a blood plasma separator unit that receives impure whole blood from the body of a patient and it separates a predetermined amount of plasma therefrom and returns the remainder of the blood back to the patients body. The separated plasma is then transmitted through a chemical treatment unit where the contaminated plasma is relieved of uric acid, creatinine, phosphate, and ammonium ions. The detoxified plasma is then transmitted to a water removal unit and then the detoxified plasma is returned to the patients circulatory system.

Abstract: A blood sampling system having an in-line sampling member is provided. The member includes a frangible joint located along the length thereof providing an easily openable port for directly sampling a donor's blood during blood collection into a collection bag. In further embodiments, an integral clamping system can be provided with the sampling member for temporarily cutting off flow of blood from a donor.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing just before administration unit doses of therapeutic solutions which contain redox active unstable and/or diffusable metabolites such as a ketoacid, a sulfhydryl-contining amino acid, or carbon dioxide. The method involves preparing and storing an aqueous solution of stable components which may or may not contain carbon dioxide. A dry powder comprised of unstable components is also prepared and stored separately. These separate component compositions are packaged in, for example, individual chambers of a common scaled container which is so constructed as to permit the opening, by externally applied manual means or the like, of a passageway between such chambers at the time when usage is contemplated. Thus, a fresh solution in desired full dosage form is preparable just befor administration. Improved container structures for practice of this method are also provided.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium salts such as the benzalkonium chlorides and cetylpyridinium chloride can prevent the transmission of AIDS-causing virus through blood transfusions and through the use of blood products prepared using the blood of an AIDS infected individual.

Abstract: A blood conservation system capable of receiving blood and lipids from a patient. A reservoir is releasably connectable to a patient for receiving body liquids, including blood. A transfusion unit is attached for receiving blood from the reservoir. The reservoir includes a valve unit actuable for transferring blood to the transfusion unit but preventing transfer of lipids. The valve unit also controls venting of the reservoir.

Abstract: Solutions which contain L-carnitine and alkanoyl L-carnitine are useful for stabilizing blood for transfusions.