Abstract: Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. The vascular access system contemplates a catheter section adapted for insertion into a vein and a graft section adapted for attachment to an artery. The catheter section may have metal or polymer wall reinforcements that allow the use of thin-walled, small outer diameter conduits for the vascular access system. One or more of the adhered, embedded or bonded conduit reinforcement structures may be removable without significant damage to the conduit sections to facilitate attachment of the sections, or to a connector between the sections. Various self-sealing materials are provided for use in the vascular access system, as well as temporary access sites and flow control/sensor systems.

Abstract: A connector system includes an engagement mechanism is provided that includes an engagement feature and a braided reinforcement coupled with a proximal portion of a catheter. The engagement feature can include one, two, or two or more barbs.

Abstract: Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. The vascular access system contemplates a catheter section adapted for insertion into a vein and a graft section adapted for attachment to an artery. The catheter section may have metal or polymer wall reinforcements that allow the use of thin-walled, small outer diameter conduits for the vascular access system. One or more of the adhered, embedded or bonded conduit reinforcement structures may be removable without significant damage to the conduit sections to facilitate attachment of the sections, or to a connector between the sections. Various self-sealing materials are provided for use in the vascular access system, as well as temporary access sites and flow control/sensor systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a particle comprising fibrinogen bound on the surface of an albumin matrix, wherein said particle is capable of coaggregation with platelet, and of aggregation in a solution containing soluble fibrinogen at a concentration of soluble fibrinogen not capable by it self of formation of a clot upon activation by thrombin.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising microspheres of fibrinogen-coated cross-linked albumin microspheres having a size range of primarily from about 100 to about 5000 nanometers diameter, wherein the composition is substantially free microspheres and microsphere aggregates having a diameter of more than 10 micrometers. At least a portion of the fibrinogen on the surface of the microspheres is covalently attached. The particles of the invention are useful for reducing bleeding time when administered to a human or other animal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for large scale production of a product of in vivo medicine carriers for medicine administration. The reagents are prepared in solution and contained in respective bags. A series pumps and mixing chambers are connected to the reagent bags. The pumps are set at pre-determined rates and activated in a pre-determined sequence within respective pre-determined delay periods, to achieve instantaneous component mixing and controlled sequential mixing characteristics.

Abstract: Albumin particles in the nanometer and micrometer size range in an aqueous suspension are rendered stable against resolubilization without the aid of a crosslinking agent and without denaturation, by the incorporation of hemoglobin in the particle composition. Particles which are primarily hemoglobin in the nanometer and micrometer size range in an aqueous suspension are rendered stable against aggregation by the incorporation of either albumin, surface active agents or gelatin.

Abstract: Albumin particles in the nanometer and micrometer size range in an aqueous suspension are rendered stable against resolubilization without the aid of a crosslinking agent and without denaturation, by the incorporation of a stabilizing agent in the particle composition. Particles which are primarily albumin in the nanometer and micrometer size range in an aqueous suspension are rendered stable against resolublization by the incorporation of a reducing agent, oxidizing agent, hydrogen-accepting molecule, high molecular weight polymer, sulfur-containing ring compound or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for large scale production of a product of in vivo medicine carriers which are medicine coated crosslinked protein microspheres for medicine administration. The reagents are prepared in solution and contained in respective bags. A series pumps and mixing chambers are connected to the reagent bags. The pumps are set at pre-determined rates and activated in a predetermined sequence within respective pre-determined delay periods, to achieve instantaneous component mixing and controlled sequential mixing characteristics.

Abstract: Albumin particles in the nanometer and micrometer size range in an aqueous suspension are rendered stable against resolubilization without the aid of a crosslinking agent and without denaturation, by the incorporation of hemoglobin in the particle composition. Particles which are primarily hemoglobin in the nanometer and micrometer size range in an aqueous suspension are rendered stable against aggregation by the incorporation of either albumin, surface active agents or gelatin.

Abstract: A hemodialysis and vascular access system comprises a subcutaneous composite PTFE silastic arteriovenous fistula having an indwelling silastic venous end which is inserted percutaneously into a vein and a PTFE arterial end which is anastomosed to an artery. Access to a blood stream within the system is gained by direct puncture of needle(s) into a needle receiving site having a tubular passage within a metal or plastic frame and a silicone upper surface through which needle(s) are inserted. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, percutaneous access to a blood stream may be gained by placing needles directly into the system (i.e. into the PTFE arterial end). The invention also proposes an additional embodiment having an arterialized indwelling venous catheter where blood flows from an artery through a tube and a port into an arterial reservoir and is returned to a vein via a port and a venous outlet tube distinct and distant from the area where the blood from the artery enters the arterial reservoir.

Abstract: A hemodialysis and vascular access system comprises a subcutaneous composite PTFE silastic arteriovenous fistula having an indwelling silastic venous end which is inserted percutaneously into a vein and a PTFE arterial end which is anastomosed to an artery. Access to a blood stream within the system is gained by direct puncture of needle(s) into a needle receiving site having a tubular passage within a metal or plastic frame and a silicone upper surface through which needle(s) are inserted. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, percutaneous access to a blood stream may be gained by placing needles directly into the system (i.e. into the PTFE arterial end). The invention also proposes an additional embodiment having an arterialized indwelling venous catheter where blood flows from an artery through a tube and a port into an arterial reservoir and is returned to a vein via a port and a venous outlet tube distinct and distant from the area where the blood from the artery enters the arterial reservoir.