Abstract: Blood processing systems and related methods place first and second fluid pressure actuated pump stations in in-line communication between a source and a destination. The systems and methods apply fluid pressure pump strokes to the first and second pump stations to convey fluid from the source to the destination. The systems and methods switch between a first flow mode and a second flow mode. In the first flow mode, the pump strokes draw a fluid volume into the first pump station from the source and expel a fluid volume from the second pump station to the destination. In the second flow mode, the pump strokes draw a fluid volume into the second pump station from the source and expel a fluid volume from the first pump station to the destination. The systems and methods synchronize the pump strokes so that fluid flow from the source is essentially continuous while fluid flow to the destination is pulsatile.

Abstract: A blood processing system comprises a processing chamber to process blood and a fluid flow cassette that communicates with the processing chamber. The cassette comprises a body, a pump chamber formed in the body, and a flexible diaphragm on the pump chamber responsive to an applied fluid pressures for flexure toward and away from the pump chamber to pump fluid through the pump chamber. The cassette also includes a flow path formed, at least in part, in the body to couple the pump chamber in fluid flow communication with the processing chamber, to convey fluid pumped by the pump chamber into the processing chamber. The cassette also includes an in line cavity formed in the body and located in the flow path to trap air to prevent entry of air into the processing chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods separate blood cells from whole blood and pump the separated blood cells through an in-line leukofilter to a blood cell storage container. The leukofilter has a filtration medium enclosed within a flexile housing. The systems and methods employ a fixture to restrain expansion of the flexible filter housing during operation of the pump. The fixture has a bracket to enable its releasable attachment to the blood processing device employed to carry out the separation process.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for withdrawing a selected compound from blood are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit mounted on a re-usable hardware component or module. The system withdraws blood from a donor or patient, separates the blood into two or more components and further combines the separated component with a solvent so as to remove a compound from the blood component.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly for filtering fluids such as blood is described. The assembly includes first and second filter housing elements formed by an injection molding process. Each element is flexible and includes a peripheral flange formed thereabout and a fluid communicating port formed therein. Filter media, such as a filter membrane, is sealed between the mating flanges of two elements. The fluid filter assembly is capable of collapsing and expanding during the filtration process depending upon the composition of the fluid passed there through. A method for making the filter assembly and systems for using the filter assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly for filtering fluids such as blood is described. The assembly includes first and second filter housing elements formed by an injection molding process. Each element is flexible and includes a peripheral flange formed thereabout and a fluid communicating port formed therein. Filter media, such as a filter membrane, is sealed between the mating flanges of two elements. The fluid filter assembly is capable of collapsing and expanding during the filtration process depending upon the composition of the fluid passed there through. A method for making the filter assembly and systems for using the filter assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for withdrawing whole blood from a donor, separating the whole blood to obtain a target cell population and returning a selected one of either the target cell population or at least a portion of the whole blood remainder to the donor or patient. A disposable separation inset for use in association with a rotatable separation device of the apparatus may also be provided. The disposable inset may include a chamber for receiving a cell suspension that includes the target cell, a receptacle for containing particles having a binding site for selectively binding to the target cell and a means for introducing the particles into the chamber.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods rotate a processing chamber on a rotating element. The processing chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment. Blood is conveyed into the first compartment for centrifugal separation into components. A liquid free of blood occupies the second compartment to counter-balance the first compartment during rotation on the rotating element. In one embodiment, the second compartment is served by a single fluid flow access. Prior to use, the single access is coupled to tubing, through which a vacuum is drawn to remove air from the second compartment. While the vacuum exists, communication is opened between the tubing and a source of liquid. The vacuum draws the liquid into the second compartment through the single access, thereby priming the second compartment for use.

Abstract: Automated systems and method for processing blood and other fluids are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit mounted on a re-usable hardware component or module. The system withdraws blood from a donor or patient, separates the blood into two or more components and further processes or treats the separated component.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible plastic formulation capable of being extruded, blow-molded, ethylene oxide and radiation sterilized. The plastic formulation of the invention comprises: a) from about 60 to about 94 percent by weight of a copolymer consisting essentially of ethylene and vinyl acetate units; b) from about 5 to about 25 percent by weight of a block copolymer, the block copolymer consisting essentially of a central block copolymer molecule including generally equal proportions of ethylene and butylene units, and terminal blocks of polystyrene; and c) from about 1 to about 15 percent by weight of an ultra-low density polyethylene material. The plastic formulations of the invention are useful in the manufacture of blood bags, tubing and the like.

Abstract: An apheresis system is disclosed which may include a separation chamber; a suspension flow path which communicates at one end with the separation chamber and includes a connector at the other end for connecting to a source of cellular suspension; an anticoagulant flow path which communicates at one end with the suspension flow path and includes a connector at the other end for connecting to an anticoagulant source; and a return flow path which communicates at one end with the separation chamber and communicates at the other end with a connector for connection directly to the suspension source or to the suspension flow path for returning one or more suspension components to the source. The anticoagulant flow path includes a flow restriction, such as an internal flow restriction, which limits the free flow of anticoagulants into the suspension flow path while preferably not completely stopping the flow of anticoagulant.

Abstract: A blood processing system comprises a blood separation chamber constructed and arranged for rotation about an axis separate blood into a plasma layer and an adjoining region comprising different first and second cellular blood species arranged in layers according to density. A collection line including a pump removes the plasma layer from the blood separation chamber. The pump operates to control flow through the collection line in response to pump control signals. A sensor assembly in the collection line detects concentration of first and second cellular blood species in the collection line. A controller coupled to the sensor assembly operates to generate the pump control signals according to a selected blood collection protocol. The controller operates, when a first blood collection protocol is selected, to generate a pump control signal when the sensor assembly detects changes in concentration of the first cellular blood species in the collection line.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the collection of red blood cells whereby whole blood is combined with an anticoagulant, red cells are separated from the whole blood and the separated red cells are combined with a storage solution. The red cells may be stored for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A blood separation chamber for rotation about an axis includes an interior channel, which includes a recess that extends outside the bounds of the walls establishing separation zone. The recessed interior channel permits the yields of individual blood components separated in the chamber to be. maximized without cross-contamination or contamination by other components present in the chamber.

Abstract: A chamber for use in a rotating field to separate blood components is described. An inlet port near one end of the chamber introduces blood into the chamber for flow circumferentially about the rotational axis toward the opposite end of the chamber for separation into at least one blood component. At least one outlet port is juxtaposed next to the inlet port near the one end of the chamber for conveying one separated blood component from the channel. The chamber directs the one separated blood component to a collection region near the opposite end of the chamber. An enclosed interior collection passage within the channel leads from the collection region and directs the one collected component to the outlet port for transport from the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentrating and recovering pathogens from a fluid other than blood are disclosed. The method includes concentrating the pathogens contained in the fluid by continuously feeding the fluid through one or more flexible chamber(s) and subjecting the chamber(s) to centrifugal forces. The concentrated pathogens may be re-suspended by shaking the chamber(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering suspensions of medical and biological fluids, one aspect of which is separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force and/or faster rate than the second type of particle. A filter member is provided having substantially precisely dimensioned pore sizes, with the pores being dimensioned to allow passage of the first type of suspended particle without distortion or only minimal distortion and passage of the second type of particle only with substantial distortion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force or faster rate than the second type of particle. A housing is provided having a generally cylindrical inner surface in which is mounted a rotor having a generally cylindrical outer surface. The outer surface of the rotor is spaced from the inner surface of the housing to define a suspension processing gap. A filter membrane is provided on the surface of the rotor or the housing that has pores with substantially precisely dimensioned shapes and sizes to correspond substantially to the shape of the first type of particle, thus allowing passage of the first type of particle and blocking passage of the second type of particle. A suspension is directed into the processing gap for either a selected residence time in contact with the filter membrane and/or at a selected force.

Abstract: A cassette for directing fluid flow, comprising a body and a valve chamber formed in the body, provides a centralized, programmable, and integrated platform to carry out diverse and coordinated pumping and valving functions, e.g., such as required for blood processing.

Abstract: A pneumatic pump manifold disposable system, configured as a cassette, is used for the purpose of red cell and plasma apheresis. The cassette integrates a separation device, manifold system, macro-aggregate filter, and five pumping chambers for the purpose of separating plasma and red cells from the whole blood. The cassette system, with the separation device directly attached without tubing, simplifies the loading of the disposable set into the hardware, and reduces the manufacturing complexity of the set. The system allows for plasma, plasma and red cells, or just red cells to be stored in long term storage containers after a procedure.