Abstract: An apheresis apparatus for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood by centrifugation incorporates a centrifuge for separating whole blood into lower, intermediate, and higher density components. The centrifuge has inlet and outlet ports in selective fluid communication with a container for receiving lower density blood component from the outlet port. A pump is coupled to the container and the inlet port for recirculating lower density blood component from the first container through the inlet port into the centrifuge at a first, substantially constant, rate so as to widen the region of the centrifuge occupied by the intermediate density component without causing the intermediate density component to exit the centrifuge, and subsequently at a second rate, so as to displace intermediate density component from the centrifuge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for heating, filtering and eliminating gas from biological fluids. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger for heating biological fluids coaxially positioned within a filter unit. The filter unit receives heated fluid from the heat exchanger within an inner chamber and vents gas to the atmosphere contained within the heated fluid through a vent on the inner chamber. The fluid is radially filtered between the inner chamber and an outer chamber by a filter element coaxially separating the inner and outer chambers.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating whole blood into less dense and more dense components and for collecting both less dense and more dense components without stopping bowl rotation. The fluid pathway from an inlet port to a separation chamber comprises an inlet tube and an introduction passageway. The fluid pathway from the separation chamber to an outlet port comprises a collection passageway. The introduction and collection passageways are nonrotatable. The more dense blood components can be extracted from the bowl during rotation by applying suction at the inlet port or pressure at the outlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a centrifuge bowl includes a single pivoting retaining arm having a stationary jaw. The retaining arm is capable of pivoting into and out of position such that the centrifuge bowl can be loaded and unloaded. A moveable jaw pivots about the retaining arm to lock the stem of the centrifuge bowl against the stationary jaw when actuated by a latching mechanism. At the same time, a catch on the latching mechanism locks the retaining arm to a latching shaft.

Abstract: An apheresis apparatus and method is disclosed for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood in a centrifuge. The whole blood in the centrifuge is diluted by recirculating fluid, such as plasma or saline, at a first flow rate, to mix with further withdrawn whole blood prior to entering the centrifuge. As plasma is collected, it is recirculated through the centrifuge at a second flow rate to further improve the separation between the intermediate density components, i.e., platelets and white blood cells in the "buffy coat." The plasma is then recirculated through the centrifuge at a third flow rate and platelets are displaced out of the centrifuge while the plasma is recirculating through the centrifuge at the third flow rate.

Abstract: A method of washing salvaged blood includes separating higher density blood components from lower density blood components within a rotating centrifuge bowl. The separated blood components are washed with wash solution to remove free hemoglobin (Hgb), anticoagulant, cellular debris and other undesirable elements from the blood components. The previously separated blood components are re-suspended by braking the rotation of the centrifuge bowl to release the free Hgb, and other undesirable elements trapped in the red blood cell layer. The higher density blood components are then re-separated from the lower density blood components within the centrifuge bowl. The re-separated blood components are again washed with wash solution to further remove free Hgb and other undesirable elements from the blood components.

Abstract: A volume sensor is described for automating an extracorporeal system used for the recovery and concentration of salvaged blood. The system includes a disposable plastic reservoir in which blood is collected from the surgical site and stored for processing. Volume is sensed in one embodiment by a strain gage device which is sensitive to vertical forces. In another embodiment volume is sensed by measuring the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse-echo signal generated by piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for pumping biological fluids such as blood includes a housing which defines a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber encloses an impeller comprised of a spindle for rotation about a spindle axis and a plurality of blades positioned such that each inner blade end is positioned adjacent to the spindle. The plurality of inner blade ends forms a spin inducer which aids in decreasing hemolysis.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge rotor formed of a bowl body and core for blood processing applications, such as cell washing or pheresis, is described. A tubular core adapted to rotate with the rotor defines a processing region between the core and the interior of the bowl body. A plurality of projections extend into the processing region to minimize formation of fluid Coriolis waves which would otherwise cause undesirable turbulence.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump assembly for easy loading includes a pump housing having a curved surface. A stationary tubing manifold from which a loop of tubing extends is positioned in line with the curved surface. A pump rotor rotatable about an axis is positioned adjacent to the curved surface. The rotor has a groove located above the curved surface encircling the rotor for retaining and stretching the loop of tubing in loading position between the rotor and the manifold. During loading, a notch located on the rotor progressively captures and urges the tubing downward between the curved surface and the pump rotor when the rotor is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apheresis apparatus and method for separating blood. A phlebotomy needle draws anticoagulated whole blood from a donor into a separation chamber. The separation chamber separates plasma from higher density blood components. The plasma is displaced to a plasma collection bag. The separation process is terminated and the higher density blood components remaining in the separation chamber are diluted with saline solution and are returned to the donor via the phlebotomy needle. Anticoagulated whole blood is drawn again from the donor into the separation chamber. The separation chamber again separates plasma from higher density blood components in the separation chamber. The separation process is then terminated and the donor is disconnected. The higher density blood components remaining in the separation chamber are displaced to a bag for collecting higher density blood components and is rejuvenated with additive solution.

Abstract: A fluid flow apparatus includes a peristaltic pump rotor mounted to a deck module assembly. A disposable software set is provided which includes a cassette which has a primary flexible tube and a pump platen adjacent to which the primary flexible tube resides. Tubing with blood processing bags are coupled to the manifold along with the input port of the rotor of a disposable blood processing centrifuge bowl. The software set also includes a three-to-one manifold which connects the primary tube to a plurality of secondary flexible tubes. Fluid flow through the secondary flexible tubes is controlled by a plurality of pinch valves which pinch the secondary tubes closed against closing surfaces on the cassette. A deck module assembly allows a user to properly secure the cassette relative to the pump rotor and the pinch valves. A flat surface is provided on the manifold to couple sonic radiation into the manifold and sense the presence of fluids therein.

Abstract: A fluid flow apparatus includes a peristaltic pump rotor mounted to a deck module assembly. A disposable software set is provided which includes a cassette which has a primary flexible tube and a pump platen adjacent to which the primary flexible tube resides. Tubing with blood processing bags are coupled to the manifold along with the input port of the rotor of a disposable blood processing centrifuge bowl. The cassette is removably secured to the hardware apparatus such that the flexible tube contacts both the platen of the cassette and the rollers of the pump rotor. The pump rotor is rotated to induce a fluid flow through the primary flexible tube. The software set also includes a three-to-one manifold which connects the primary tube to a plurality of secondary flexible tubes. Fluid flow through the secondary flexible tubes is controlled by a plurality of pinch valves which pinch the secondary tubes closed against closing surfaces on the cassette.

Abstract: An improved core member for a centrifuge bowl is described in which a plurality of small size circular openings are formed in the core member between a toroidal blood cell separation chamber and a collection chamber to provide fluid communication therebetween for collection of blood component in one flow direction and removal of stains in an opposite flow direction.

Abstract: A seal for a blood processing centrifuge bowl which is formed of a dynamic rotary seal and a static seal. The dynamic rotary seal is formed of an upper graphite or carbon non-rotating ring member and a lower two-piece rotatable ring member formed of a ceramic bearing surface bonded by adhesive to a plastic adapter ring. The static seal is comprised of an elastomeric diaphragm formed over the upper ring member and secured thereto by a plastic retaining ring.

Abstract: An improved disposable plasmapheresis centrifuge bowl is described comprising a rotary seal enclosing an aperture in a one-piece seamless bowl body through which various core members may be inserted.

Abstract: A disposable manifold and valve for fluid processing are claimed in which a manifold provides a plurality of sterile paths for directing the flow of fluids. A rotatable valve employs a cam to control the flow of fluids through the manifold. The valve and manifold system are suited for the processing of blood and particularly for the washing of shed blood retrieved during surgery.

Abstract: An improved disposable blood processing centrifuge bowl is described comprising a rotary seal enclosing an aperture in a bowl body through which a two-piece core assembly is inserted.