Abstract: Methods and devices using magnetic force to form an anastomosis between hollow bodies. End-to-side, side-to-side and end-to-end anastomoses can be created without using suture or any other type of mechanical fasteners, although such attachment means may be used in practicing some aspects of the invention. Magnetic anastomotic components may be attached to the exterior of a vessel, e.g., by adhesive, without extending into the vessel lumen. Various magnetic component configurations are provided and may have different characteristics, for example, the ability to match the vessel curvature or to frictionally engage the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring blood parameters during cardio-pulmonary bypass surgery or during other procedures which utilize an extracorporeal circuit. The apparatus is typically used to monitor the percentage of hemoglobin bound with oxygen (oxygen saturation), the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood, and the percent of blood which is comprised of red blood cells (hematocrit), although the apparatus can be adapted to measure other blood parameters. The apparatus (or monitor) provides real-time results to show immediate changes (trending) in the monitored parameters.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for medical applications is disclosed. The heat exchanger is characterized in that it is configured to provide a high heat transfer efficiency while minimizing the possibility of formation gaseous emboli and maximizing the ability to entrap and remove any such emboli which form or are introduced into the device. The heat exchanger is particularly well-suited for use in connection with cardioplegia apparatus.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for medical applications is disclosed. The heat exchanger is characterized in that it is configured to provide a high heat transfer efficiency while minimizing the possibility of formation gaseous emboli and maximizing the ability to entrap and remove any such emboli which form or are introduced into the device. The heat exchanger has a corrugated tubular core which is configured to minimize the chances of entrapping air during the potting process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid filter comprising: (a) providing a cone having a tip end and an open end and made of a filter material; (b) providing a support element having a plurality of concentric annular members mounted on a base and having outermost and innermost concentric annular members; (c) aligning the central axes of the cone and the support element with the tip end of the cone closest to the support element; and (d) inserting a portion of the cone into a circular area between two concentric annular members by placing a forming sleeve inside the cone and inserting the forming sleeve between the two concentric annular members, the concentric annular members being generally cylindrical and having an interior and an exterior.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus formed of a plurality of thin (e.g., 0.005" or less), spaced, gas-permeable, silicone membranes sealed at their edges to form a bag-like vessel comprising one or more interior chambers suitable for containing cell culture media. A suitable portion of the membrane surfaces are of suitable thickness and surface area to provide structural integrity to the apparatus and sufficient gas permeability for cell growth within the chamber.

Abstract: An arterial line blood filter for use in extracorporeal blood circuits during heart bypass surgery. The blood filter includes a housing having a cap portion, a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion. A filter element is disposed within the housing and divides the housing into an inlet chamber in flow communication with a blood inlet and an outlet chamber in flow communication with a blood outlet. The filter element may include a plurality of concentric annular pleats, the length of which may be substantially equal to the length of the wall portion, the pleats being supported by a support element. In another embodiment the inner surface of the cap defines an inwardly spiral blood flow path which slopes upward and provides an effective means of distributing blood over the filter element.

Abstract: An improved blood reservoir formed by opposed, flexible sheets has a screen sandwiched between the sheets defining an input chamber, an output chamber, and vent chamber. A vent is in fluid communication with the vent chamber. An outlet is in fluid communication with the output chamber. One or more inlets direct blood into the input chamber through apertures that direct blood upward and along the screen, allowing gas bubbles entrained in the blood to escape through the vent. Support springs around the inlets allow them to be flexed without kinking. The reservoir can be coupled to an improved mounting board for use.

Abstract: A mass transfer device including a hollow fiber bundle wound on a core for radially outward flow of a first fluid. The core has an axis extending from one end to the other. The hollow fiber bundle has packing fractions which increase radially outward of the core's axis for a major portion of the bundle. Methods for making such mass transfer device.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided for use in extracorporeal blood oxygenation systems. The heat exchanger includes a housing, a core disposed within the housing, and a baffle disposed within the core. A blood passage chamber is defined by the outer surface of the core and the inner surface of the housing. Blood flows from the blood inlet, through the blood passage chamber, to the blood outlet. Heat exchange fluids flow from a fluid inlet, into an inlet chamber, around the baffle, into an outlet chamber, and to a fluid outlet.

Abstract: A reservoir for use in an extracorporeal blood circuit including a rigid shell forming an enclosed reservoir. A filter unit divides the reservoir into an inlet chamber and outlet chamber. Cardiotomy blood filtering and defoaming means and venous blood filtering and defoaming means are located within the inlet chamber.

Abstract: A mass transfer device including a hollow fiber bundle wound on a core for radially outward flow of a first fluid. The core has an axis extending from one end to the other. The hollow fiber bundle has packing fractions which increase radially outward of the core's axis for a major portion of the bundle. Methods for making such mass transfer device.

Abstract: A radial flow hollow fiber blood oxygenator is provided. The oxygenator includes a hollow fiber bundle within an oxygenator chamber defined by a hollow core around which the hollow fibers are wound and an outer housing. A gas entry port is coupled to the interior of the fibers adjacent one end of the bundle and a gas outlet is coupled to the interior of the fibers at the opposite end of the bundle. A blood inlet to the core is provided adjacent one end of the bundle, and a blood outlet from the chamber is provided adjacent the same end of the bundle. The direction of blood flow through the chamber is generally radial and the oxygenator includes an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold.

Abstract: A mass transfer device including a hollow fiber bundle wound on a core for radially outward flow of a first fluid. The core has an axis extending from one end to the other. The hollow fiber bundle has packing fractions which increase radially outward of the core's axis for a major portion of the bundle. Methods for making such mass transfer device.