Abstract: A device for receiving retrieved blood from the surgical field of a patient and treating the blood so that it is in condition for direct or indirect return to the patient. The device is comprised of a housing adapted to receive a relatively large volume of blood, which when received is removed of air bubbles and other foreign matter. The received blood flows smoothly both to and from a fibrous membrane interposed in the path of blood flow thereby avoiding bubbling and damage to the blood. Significantly, means within the housing are provided to inhibit clotting of the blood within the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid transfer across a membrane wherein transfer fluid is passed through the interior of a wrapped, permeable, flattened, tubular membrane and fluid to be processed is passed through passageways formed between the wrappings of the tubular membrane. The transfer fluid flow rate and pressure are maintained at a substantially constant level. In preferred embodiments the method and apparatus are utilized to oxygenate blood and/or provide for kidney dialysis.

Abstract: An implant device for retaining dentures comprised of a barrel portion capable of receiving a denture retaining means, preferably a magnet, and a base portion integrally formed with the barrel portion. The base portion is provided with a flange having a plurality of apertures formed therein. The device is capable of being permanently implanted into the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: An atraumatic method and apparatus for the removal of fluid from a surgical field having a fluid valve which is opened and closed responsive to the pressure about the fluid valve and a vacuum valve which is also opened and closed in response to the pressure about the fluid valve, and when opened, causes fluid to be passed through the fluid valve. In one embodiment, the fluid valve is made of collapsible tubing, flattened at its midsection so as to be normally closed, and connecting a fluid inlet and fluid outlet of a fluid removal housing. The fluid removal housing is further provided with a control port which may be opened or closed manually, and a connection to a vacuum source through the vacuum valve.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device of the type having an oxygenating chamber, a settling chamber, and a heat exchange chamber. A bubbler assembly within the oxygenating chamber including a housing with blood and oxygen inlet means, an outlet opening for blood bubbles which extends 360.degree. around the bubbler assembly housing, and a continuous closed passageway therebetween for effecting optimum oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. Blood bubbles pass from the outlet means through a defoamer unit for debubbling. A defoamer support member on the outside of the bubbler assembly housing supports the defoamer unit and affords an open passageway for blood bubbles to flow from the outlet means downwardly adjacent the outside of the bubbler assembly housing into the defoamer unit. The blood, after passing through the defoamer unit, flows first into the settling chamber and then along a divided annular path through the heat exchange chamber for the transfer of heat thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular membrane apparatus, which may be made as a disposable unit, and the method of operation of that apparatus to achieve a transfer or exchange function. More specifically, the present invention may be used to oxygenate blood, purify water, as a dialysis medium, and for other purposes. The apparatus comprises a series of tubular membranes which are deformed at spaced intervals along their lengths to induce turbulent flow and secondary flow patterns which displace the stationary boundary layer which would otherwise exist adjacent to the inner surface of the tubular membrane such that the resistance to diffusion or exchange is substantially reduced. Pulsatile flow of the fluid within the tubular membrane and/or the fluid surrounding the tubular membrane may be employed to enhance the effectiveness of the unit. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid is flowed through the tubular membranes and a gaseous medium is caused to flow around the outer surface of the tubular membrane.

Abstract: A device for removing microemboli including microparticles and aggregates of various types including degenerated blood elements from whole blood or other transfusible materials, such as packed red cells and other blood components. The device has a casing with an interior chamber and is provided with externally-connectable flow inlet and flow outlet ports relative to the interior of the chamber, with a plurality of effective layers of microemboli-removing material positioned in the chamber and sealed to the inner periphery of the casing to require blood flow therethrough in travel of the blood from the flow inlet to the flow outlet.