Abstract: Reduced allergenicity natural rubber latex articles having otherwise normal physical, mechanical, and chemical properties are produced by directly sequestering the antigenic components on one surface of the article followed by inducing the remaining antigenic components of the natural rubber latex to bloom onto and adjacent to the opposed surface of the article prior to treatment with a subsequent screening reagent to sequester the remaining antigenic compounds.

Abstract: A guidewire extension system is disclosed for connecting an extension wire to a guidewire having a tubular outer body, a guidewire retention element, an extension wire retention element, a guidewire and an extension wire. The guidewire retention element and the extension wire retention element are fixed within the outer body and are preferably helically wound wires which form a right-handed groove and a left-handed groove. The guidewire and the extension wire each have tapered ends and a reduced diameter extension core each having a helically wound wire formed to adhere to the extension core. The guidewire is connected to the extension wire by inserting the extension core of the guidewire into the outer tube and inserting the helically wound wire into the right-handed groove and by inserting the extension core of the extension wire into the outer tube and inserting the helically wound wire into the left-handed groove.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator/heat exchanger system includes disposable and durable components, the latter being possible of permanent installation to further reduce costs, inconvenience and risks of use. The system may selectively include a blood pump of axial, centrifugal, or ventricular type, along with an integral venous reservoir. By combination, arrangement and cooperation of structural features blood pumping volume is decreased, advantageous blood flow paths are achieved, blood damage is reduced, and durable components are reusable for lowest costs. The oxygenator/heat exchanger nests upon a durable heat source base to be supported thereby, while redundant boundaries are provided between blood and heat transfer media.