Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fluid separation system in response to fluid pressure changes in a fluid flow, said method comprising the steps of sensing a fluid pressure; comparing the fluid pressure to a threshold value, and if the fluid pressure is below the threshold value, then pausing fluid flow for a selected period. During the selected period, either the fluid pressure sensed automatically resolves or the method further comprises a step of setting a fall alarm condition. The method and apparatus may further include interpreting a particular quantity of below threshold fluid pressure occurrences where the fluid pressure is below the threshold value occurring within a particular time period, and then, signalling an alarm. Threshold values may be calculated by the method or apparatus according to a formula such as the following: Threshold Value=Config+75?0.3309*Qin/(1?Hin)?0.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of pathogens in fluids containing blood products. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of a photosensitizer such as riboflavin to the blood product and exposing the fluid to light having a peak wavelength.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: A water supply sub-system for connection to a main water supply system includes a storage tank having an inlet with a flow control valve for connection to the main water supply system. The sub-system may be disconnected from the main system and configured as a closed system for disinfecting the sub-system. An outlet line connects the storage tank to a pump that pumps water from the tank to a sub-system supply line. One or more branch connections may connect the sub-system supply line to high-demand water using devices, such as dialysis machines. The supply line may be a feedback loop. A shunt feedback loop parallel to the feedback loop of the supply line has a pressure control valve that regulates pressure in the supply line feedback loop. A filtration device may also be included to ensure the purity of the water circulating through the sub-system.

Abstract: Method of separating cells in a centrifuge, preferably for producing platelets. A cell suspension is provided in a processing bag and is centrifuged. The cell enriched fraction is transferred to a storage bag via an outlet tube. The outlet tube is arranged with a portion thereof in a position adjacent the periphery of the centrifuge. When the enriched fraction is transferred through the outlet tube placed at the periphery of the centrifuge and during centrifugation, the outlet tube operates as a cell trap and the enriched fraction is further separated. Preferably, the cell suspension is buffy coat and the enriched fraction comprises platelets. The corresponding bag assembly comprises a processing bag intended to enclose the cell suspension. The processing bag is placed in a centrifuge rotor for separating the cells into a fraction enriched on platelets by centrifugation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of pathogens in fluids containing blood products. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, nontoxic amount of a photosensitizer such as riboflavin to the blood product and exposing the fluid to light having a peak wavelength.

Abstract: A centrifuge is provided for the separation and/or treatment of cells in a substantially annular or partially annular separation bag connected by at least one tube to at least one secondary bag. The centrifuge comprises a rotor bowl connected at the upper end of a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes a hollow upper portion defining a central compartment for receiving the at least one secondary bag. The rotor bowl includes a separation compartment for receiving the separation bag and an expandable hydraulic chamber located within the separation compartment for selectively squeezing the separation bag within the separation compartment so as to transfer a separated component from the separation bag into a secondary bag in the central compartment. A hydraulic system is connected to the hydraulic chamber by a duct extending through the rotor shaft for pumping a hydraulic liquid to and from the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis sytem in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing channel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus particularly involving the separation of blood into blood components and the collection of such components are disclosed. In one aspect, an extra-corporeal method for the collection of plasma and red blood cells is provided, wherein the collection of plasma and red blood cells may occur simultaneously or subsequently utilizing the same dual stage blood processing vessel. The flow of blood to the blood processing vessel and return of uncollected blood components may be provided via a single needle, wherein blood is removed from and returned to a donor/patient during alternating blood removal and blood return submodes. Platelet separation and collection options are also described. In either case, prior to red blood cell collection, a set-up phase may be carried out to set a predetermined hematocrit and AC ratio. Replacement fluid delivery may optionally also be provided either substantially continuously during any collection phase(s) and/or in a bolus mode.

Abstract: Methods are provided for neutralization of microorganisms in fluids or on surfaces. Preferably the fluids contain blood or blood products and comprise biologically active proteins. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an activation-effective amount of a microorganism neutralizer with an isoalloxazine backbone to a fluid and exposing the fluid to a triggering event. Preferred triggering events include light of a suitable wavelength and intensity to activate the microorganism neutralizer or a pH sufficient to activate the microorganism neutralizer. Other fluids, including juices, water and the like, may also be decontaminated by these methods as may surfaces of foods, animal carcasses, wounds, food preparation surfaces and bathing and washing vessel surfaces. Compounds with an isoalloxazine backbone are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for red blood collection and filtration is provided wherein a red blood cell collection assembly provides for leukoreduction filtration concurrent with or soon after the red blood cell collection procedure. The procedure preferably involves filtering the separated red blood cells in a high hematocrit (high-crit) state prior to addition of storage solution thereto. Preferably, a storage solution is passed through the leukoreduction filter after the RBCs have been filtered therethrough. The red blood cell collection filtration and storage assembly is preferably preconnected to a blood component separation disposable assembly, including, for example, a centrifuge vessel and a blood removal/return assembly for removing blood from a donor, passing the blood to the centrifuge vessel for separation of the blood into components for collection and providing for filtration of the separated red blood cell component, as described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus particularly involving the separation of blood into blood components and the collection of such components are disclosed. In one aspect, an extra-corporeal method for the collection of plasma and red blood cells is provided, wherein the collection of plasma and red blood cells may occur simultaneously or subsequently utilizing the same dual stage blood processing vessel. The flow of blood to the blood processing vessel and return of uncollected blood components may be provided via a single needle, wherein blood is removed from and returned to a donor/patient during alternating blood removal and blood return submodes. Platelet separation and collection options are also described. In either case, prior to red blood cell collection, a set-up phase may be carried out to set a predetermined hematocrit and AC ratio. Replacement fluid delivery may optionally also be provided either substantially continuously during any collection phase(s) and/or in a bolus mode.

Abstract: A water supply sub-system for connection to a main water supply system includes a storage tank having an inlet with a flow control valve for connection to the main water supply system. The sub-system may be disconnected from the main system and configured as a closed system for disinfecting the sub-system. An outlet line connects the storage tank to a pump that pumps water from the tank to a sub-system supply line. One or more branch connections may connect the sub-system supply line to high-demand water using devices, such as dialysis machines. The supply line may be a feedback loop. A shunt feedback loop parallel to the feedback loop of the supply line has a pressure control valve that regulates pressure in the supply line feedback loop. A filtration device may also be included to ensure the purity of the water circulating through the sub-system.

Abstract: A method and a device for analyzing a medical fluid in a closed bag set. The bag set has an analysis device connected to integrally connected to a bag containing the medical fluid via a connection tube. The analysis device has an expandable air pocket having a reagent on an interior surface. When the medical fluid is to be tested, the air pocket is expanded and the medical fluid flows through the connection tube and into the air pocket and contacts the reagent material. The connection tube may have a valve or frangible pin or membrane preventing the medical fluid from entering the connection tube until the test procedure is started. A reaction of the reagent to the medical fluid may be detected by an optical apparatus such as a CCD or CMOS optical sensor. The air pocket may be enclosed by a cassette for exerting an under-pressure at the outer surfaces of the air pocket in order to draw medical fluid into the analysis device.

Abstract: A method for separating a composite fluid into components in a centrifugal fluid separation system. The system includes a rotor that has a composite fluid containment area, an inlet channel, a peripheral separation channel, outlet channels and separated component collection areas, which together form a processing area. The separation channel may be semi-spiraled. The inlet channel may connect to the center of the separation channel and an outlet channel may connect to each end of the separation channel. The outlet channels have different heights. The ends of the separation channels may have different heights. The separation channels may have extensions. The rotor may have multiple processing areas. The collection areas may be pockets slanted radially outwardly and downwardly. A motor may produce a rotating magnetic field, which co-acts with a magnetically reactive material in the rotor. A disposable bag and tubing system may be used in a processing area of the rotor.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis sytem in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing channel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: The method separates a composite fluid, such as blood, into the components thereof in a centrifugal separation device. The fluid is delivered to a fluid receiving area in a rotor from which area the fluid travels through a radial inlet channel having an inlet channel height to a proximal end of a circumferential fluid separation channel. Near a distal end of the separation channel, fluid components travel into distinct first and second outlet channels. The height of the first channel is greater than the height of the more distal second channel. The inlet channel height is greater than the height of the first channel. The rotor may be balanced by axially symmetrical sets of inlet channels, separation channels and outlet channels or by a balance channel connected to the separation channel but displaced from the outlet channels.

Abstract: The claimed invention refers to a centrifuge intended for processing blood and blood components and with its function based on the effective utilisation of ring type blood processing bags with associated secondary bags and other accessories. The most outstanding feature of the centrifuge, in accordance with the claimed invention, is that its rotor, at the same intended height of the ring bag (22) inner periphery, shows at least three supports (9-11) arranged along this periphery and intended to locate the ring bag's inner strengthened periphery edge on guide holes at the same time as the centrifuge and its rotor is equipped with a joint rotating inner lid (6) which includes a clamp function (7) that clamps ring bag (22) securely along and between supports (9-11).

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid separation system separates a composite fluid into components. The system includes a rotor that has a composite fluid containment area, an inlet channel, a peripheral separation channel, outlet channels and separated component collection areas, which together form a processing area. The separation channel may be semi-spiraled. The inlet channel may connect to the center of the separation channel and an outlet channel may connect to each end of the separation channel. The outlet channels have different heights. The ends of the separation channels may have different heights. The separation channels may have extensions. The rotor may have multiple processing areas. The collection areas may be pockets slanted radially outwardly and downwardly. A motor may produce a rotating magnetic field, which co-acts with a magnetically reactive material in the rotor. A disposable bag and tubing system may be used in a processing area of the rotor.