Abstract: A cell is subjected to apoptosis, a genetically programmed autolysis of the cell. Cells of a specific type, classified by function, maturity, source, etc. can be effectively removed from a mixture of cells in a tissue or cell suspension by their different sensitivities to the pressure-time treatment. Donor tissue immunogenicity is eliminated by induction of apoptosis in immunoactive cells, such as antigen presenting cells in the donor tissue. When tissues, for example, blood products containing leukocytes or solid tissues containing dendritic cells, are pressure treated to induce apoptosis in the leukocyte or dendritic cell population, the leukocytes or dendritic cells lose their immunoactivity. Viral particles within the target cells, such as cytomegalovirus particles within the apoptosing leukocytes, are destroyed. Apoptosis can be induced, for example, by subjecting a material containing the target cells to a high pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.

Abstract: A vessel or biological duct repair device and method includes a strap of material that is placed around the exterior surface of the vessel and drawn snugly about the vessel. The device can be used to seal an incision or rupture in a vessel, to correct an aneurysm, or to apply pressure to the exterior of the vessel. The device may also include a projection or other means to aid grasping and positioning the device. The device may include a closure mechanism that allows the device to assume various internal diameters or to exert varying amounts of pressure to a vessel. A layer of pro-coagulant material may be provided on a vessel contacting surface of the device to promote clotting of any blood that escapes the vessel. The device may be prevented from moving relative to a surrounded vessel by ridges provided on the vessel contacting surfaces, by suturing the device to surrounding tissue, or by applying an adhesive to fix the device to the vessel.

Abstract: Delivery of fuel and cofactors augments ATP production in cells, and mitigates damages in ischemic or metabolically impaired tissues. The processes may be particularly effective in acute or chronic ischemic conditions, for reversing anesthesia, for treating diabetes, for producing or preventing coma due to lack of fuel or ATP, for reversing processes of aging, as dietary supplements, as performance enhancers, for example, in sports, for tissue transplantation and other surgery, and for cold storage or cryopreservation of tissues such as organs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of cryopreservation of cell suspensions and compositions useful in same wherein only a non-penetrating extracellular cryopreservation polymer is required.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modified intrinsic state spectral analysis determines a proportion of a plurality of intrinsic structures of an optically active molecule. A spectropolarimeter generates a plurality of intrinsic spectra. Each of the plurality of intrinsic spectra is an intrinsic state vector corresponding to a plurality of intrinsic molecular structures. The spectropolarimeter also generates a spectrum for a sample of the optically active molecule. The sample spectrum is a sample state vector of the optically active molecule. A controller determines a plurality of estimate state vectors based on a plurality of perturbed intrinsic state vectors. Each of the plurality of perturbed intrinsic state vectors corresponds to a perturbed intrinsic structure. An optimum proportion of the plurality of perturbed intrinsic state vectors corresponds to each estimate state vector. The plurality estimate state vectors are matched against the sample state vector to determine a best match estimate state vector.

Abstract: A method for prolonging storage shelf-life of red blood cells under refrigerated conditions includes separating plasma from the red blood cells while retaining residual plasma and adding a biologically compatible solution having an effective osmolality of less than 70 mOsm to the red blood cells. The biologically compatible solution preferably includes at least one penetrating solute that penetrates red cells more slowly than water and substantially no non-penetrating anions and non-penetrating non-electrolytes.

Abstract: A manipulator tool for grasping an anastomosis cuff has two gripping fingers with indentations. When the gripping fingers are brought together, the indentations form an aperture between the gripping fingers which is used to surround and grasp the outer surface of an anastomosis cuff. The indentations can have various shapes to conform to different sizes and different shapes of cuffs. The gripping fingers may also be adjustable and replacable. The manipulator tool may also include a latching or locking device for keeping the tool closed in a particular position.

Abstract: An anastomosis cuff for performing a vascular anastomosis procedure includes a ridge of material that extends in the radial direction. The ridge can be easily grasped with forceps or a hemostat to immobilize the cuff during an anastomosis procedure. Alternately, the anastomosis cuff can be grasped between gripping fingers of a manipulator tool designed to surround the cuff such that the ridge is trapped between and grasped by the gripping fingers.

Abstract: An organ storage device permits both static storage and perfusion of an organ without removing the organ from an organ container. The organ storage device includes a contoured organ container. The organ container is stored and transported in an insulated temperature controlled static storage module. The container module is equipped with monitoring devices for monitoring the organ during storage and transportation. The container module is also equipped with an assembly for connecting the organ container to a perfusion module.

Abstract: A miniaturized proportioning system for continuously mixing and preparing dialysate in accurate proportions, as may be prescribed by a physician, for simultaneous clinical treatment of a plurality of patients, e.g., ten, or in another form for treating a single patient almost anywhere.