Abstract: An injection site designed for use with a needleless syringe includes a housing placed in an infusion line and an inlet for engaging the syringe and conveying a fluid to be mixed with the infusate to the interior of the housing. A liner within the housing controls flow of fluid through the inlet by sealing the inlet when the pressure in the housing is equal to or exceeds the pressure in the syringe. The housing is made of two parts, each of which includes a flange. When assembled, the spaced flanges are on opposite ends of the liner, which is not directly attached to the housing, to limit movement of the liner to maintain its position in the housing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger useful for supplying infusates over substantial distances uses an extrusion which provides a central tube for carrying an infusate and two outer channels for carrying a heat exchange fluid. A first of the channels carries the heat exchange fluid from an inlet end to an opposite end, and the other of the channels returns the heat exchange fluid to the inlet end. An end cap at the inlet end is easily connected to a source of heat exchange fluid and communicates with the channels. An end cap at the opposite end receives the heat exchange fluid from the first channle and redirects it to the second channel. Both of the end caps have connectors for facilitating connection with lines from a source of infusate and a patient.

Abstract: A heat exchanger useful for supplying infusates over substantial distances uses an extrusion which provides a central tube for carrying an infusate and two outer channels for carrying a heat exchange fluid. A first of the channels carries the heat exchange fluid from an inlet end to an opposite end, and the other of the channels returns the heat exchange fluid to the inlet end. An end cap at the inlet end is easily connected to a source of heat exchange fluid and communicates with the channels. An end cap at the opposite end receives the heat exchange fluid from the first channel and redirects it to the second channel. Both of the end caps have connectors for facilitating connection with lines from a source of infusate and a patient.

Abstract: An air elimination device includes a plenum arranged to cause a reduction in flow velocity of a physiological fluid whereby air bubbles form and rise to the top of the plenum. A hydrophobic membrane covers the top of the plenum, and the pressure in the fluid is greater than that which is required to drive the released air through the membrane and into the atmosphere. The air which collects at the top of the plenum forms a protective surface on the bottom of the hydrophobic membrane to prevent its being clogged by cellular materials. A support stand engages the air eliminator to hold it in the desired orientation whereby the air bubbles form at the top of the plenum.

Abstract: A heat exchanger preferably for use in heating physiological fluids includes an inner conduit, an outer conduit, and end caps which seal the outer conduit to the inner conduit to form a flow channel. The inner conduit is preferably of aluminum and the outer conduit and end caps are of an elastomeric material. The end caps are designed to tightly engage the inner conduit and to be solvent bonded to the outer conduit. When the inner conduit elongates because of thermal expansion, the outer conduit elastically deforms so that there is no relative movement between the end cap and the inner conduit. This preserves sterility during temperature variation.

Abstract: A self-contained portable unit for heating physiological fluids is disclosed. A heat exchanger is disposable to ensure sterility, and the heat exchanger is attached to a heating system by inserting it between opposed fluid connection elements. One of the fluid connection elements is movable to permit the heat exchanger to be installed and removed easily by inserting one end of the heat exchanger in one of the fluid connection units and moving the other fluid connection unit into contact with an opposite end of the heat exchanger. The heating fluid is heated by an electric heating element and is circulated by an electric pump.