Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus for processing blood comprising a bottom spring-loaded support plate; a top support plate; an axial inlet/outlet for blood to be processed and processed components of the blood, the axial inlet/outlet being attached to the top support plate by a rotating seal assembly; a variable volume separation chamber mounted between the bottom support plate and the top support plate, the variable volume separation chamber being fluidly connected to the axial inlet/outlet; a pump fluidly connected to the axial inlet/outlet; and a rotary drive unit attached to the bottom support plate. The top support plate is fixed vertically and the bottom spring-loaded support plate is mounted on springs that maintain pressure on the variable volume separation chamber and allow the bottom support plate to move vertically.

Abstract: Accurate measurement of hematocrit during blood recovery or plasma sequestration processes by means of algorithms to account for the presence of air or other non-blood substances in salvaged or separated blood is described. A method of automatic start-up of the hematocrit measurement circuit and a method of determining the minimum volume of blood required to obtain an accurate measurement of the hematocrit also is described.

Abstract: An integrated package suited to the packaging of medical devices and surgical equipment including devices and equipment used in heart by-pass surgery has a container and a snap-fit lid. The container and the lid have topographies suitable to conform to the medical components in the container and hold them securely. The lid has first and second grooves which engage a projection on the container and permit the lid to be used in a shipping orientation and a disposal orientation.

Abstract: Accurate measurement of hematocrit during blood recovery or plasma sequestration processes by means of algorithms to account for the presence of air or other non-blood substances in salvaged or separated blood is described. A method of automatic start-up of the hematocrit measurement circuit and a method of determining the minimum volume of blood required to obtain an accurate measurement of the hematocrit also is described.

Abstract: An integrated package suited to the packaging of medical devices and surgical equipment including devices and equipment used in heart by-pass surgery has a container and a snap-fit lid. The container and the lid have topographies suitable to conform to the medical components in the container and hold them securely. The lid has first and second grooves which engage a projection on the container and permit the lid to be used in a shipping orientation and a disposal orientation.

Abstract: Accurate measurement of hematocrit during blood recovery or plasma sequestration processes by means of algorithms to account for the presence of air or other non-blood substances in salvaged or separated blood is described. A method of automatic start-up of the hematocrit measurement circuit and a method of determining the minimum volume of blood required to obtain an accurate measurement of the hematocrit also is described.

Abstract: A medical instrument and method is provided for defoaming or preventing formation of foam in blood during extracorporeal blood circulation. The method comprises durably coating hydrophobic blood-contact surfaces with a nontoxic, biocompatible surface-active defoaming agent.

Abstract: An integrated package suited to the packaging of medical devices and surgical equipment including devices and equipment used in heart by-pass surgery has a container and a snap-fit lid. The container and the lid have topographies suitable to conform to the medical components in the container and hold them securely. The lid has first and second grooves which engage a projection on the container and permit the lid to be used in a shipping orientation and a disposal orientation.

Abstract: An integrated package suited to the packaging of medical devices and surgical equipment including devices and equipment used in heart by-pass surgery has a container and a snap-fit lid. The container and the lid have topographies suitable to conform to the medical components in the container and hold them securely. The lid has first and second grooves which engage a projection on the container and permit the lid to be used in a shipping orientation and a disposal orientation.

Abstract: An improved perfusion control assembly comprising a console and an oxygenator flanked by at least two flanking units, wherein a first flanking unit is a pump assembly and additional flanking units are at least one of additional pump assemblies, a display monitor, a parameter monitoring assembly, or a controller, is described. The improved assembly can have the advantages of a reduced extracorporeal blood volumes in cardiopulmonary and cardioplegia circuits, and improved ergonomics for the perfusionist. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated console of the assembly is divided into a central and at least two peripheral segments connected by hinged joints. The perfusionist may rotate segments to create a cockpit shaped assembly.

Abstract: A novel biocompatible anion exchange membrane is prepared by reacting the hydroxyl groups of a chromatographic support material with a polyester-cellulose solution containing glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and bis glycidyl polyethylene oxide.