Abstract: A filter device for the depletion of the leukocyte content from blood products comprising: a porous element comprising at least one fibrous web having a pore size suitable for leukocyte removal (possibly the range for the pore size should be defined), said web comprising fibres of a hydrophobic polymer coated with a hydrophilic polymer suitable to enhance the CWST of said hydrophobic polymer, characterised in that said web further includes adsorbent particles having a mean diameter lower than 30 ?m, said particles being bonded to said fibres by means of said hydrophilic polymer coating said fibres.

Abstract: A filter, in particular for the separation of leucocytes from further blood components, has an outer sheath, at least one intermediate layer which is a component of a frame or which forms a frame, an inlet chamber which is in communication with an inlet for the medium to be filtered, an outlet chamber which is in communication with an outlet for the filtrate, and a filter material which separates the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. The filter is particularly low in dead space and can be centrifuged in a simple manner since the filter material is encompassed between the outer sheath and the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A filter device for the depletion of the leukocyte content from blood products comprising: a porous element comprising at least one fibrous web having a pore size suitable for leukocyte removal (possibly the range for the pore size should be defined), said web comprising fibres of a hydrophobic polymer coated with a hydrophilic polymer suitable to enhance the CWST of said hydrophobic polymer, characterised in that said web further includes adsorbent particles having a mean diameter lower than 30 ?m, said particles being bonded to said fibres by means of said hydrophilic polymer coating said fibres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter, in particular for the separation of leucocytes from further blood components, comprising an outer sheath, comprising at least one intermediate layer which is a component of a frame or forms a frame, comprising an inlet chamber, which is in communication with an inlet for the medium to be filtered, and an outlet chamber, which is in communication with an outlet for the filtrate, and comprising a filter material which separates the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. A filter particularly low in dead space and which can be centrifuged in a simple manner is provided in that the filter material is encompassed between the outer sheath and the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A tube system comprising a blood inlet line with an arterial patient connection and a blood return line with a venous patient connection, where a rinsing liquid inlet line branches off from the blood inlet line downstream from the arterial patient connection, and a rinsing liquid return line branches off from the blood return line upstream from the venous patient connection is filled while maintaining sterility in that rinsing liquid is pumped from a rinsing liquid container through the rinsing liquid inlet line, the blood inlet line, the blood return line and the rinsing liquid return line, establishing a liquid connection between the rinsing liquid inlet line and return line. The venous patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with a venous safety cap, and the arterial patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with an arterial safety cap. The safety caps are removed from the patient connections for connecting the tube system to the patient.

Abstract: A tube system comprising a blood inlet line with an arterial patient connection and a blood return line with a venous patient connection, where a rinsing liquid inlet line branches off from the blood inlet line downstream from the arterial patient connection, and a rinsing liquid return line branches off from the blood return line upstream from the venous patient connection is filled while maintaining sterility in that rinsing liquid is pumped from a rinsing liquid container through the rinsing liquid inlet line, the blood inlet line, the blood return line and the rinsing liquid return line, establishing a liquid connection between the rinsing liquid inlet line and return line. The venous patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with a venous safety cap, and the arterial patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with an arterial safety cap. The safety caps are removed from the patient connections for connecting the tube system to the patient.

Abstract: A tube system comprising a blood inlet line with an arterial patient connection and a blood return line with a venous patient connection, where a rinsing liquid inlet line branches off from the blood inlet line downstream from the arterial patient connection, and a rinsing liquid return line branches off from the blood return line upstream from the venous patient connection is filled while maintaining sterility in that rinsing liquid is pumped from a rinsing liquid container through the rinsing liquid inlet line, the blood inlet line, the blood return line and the rinsing liquid return line, establishing a liquid connection between the rinsing liquid inlet line and return line. The venous patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with a venous safety cap, and the arterial patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with an arterial safety cap. The safety caps are removed from the patient connections for connecting the tube system to the patient.

Abstract: A tube system comprising a blood inlet line with an arterial patient connection and a blood return line with a venous patient connection, where a rinsing liquid inlet line branches off from the blood inlet line downstream from the arterial patient connection, and a rinsing liquid return line branches off from the blood return line upstream from the venous patient connection is filled while maintaining sterility in that rinsing liquid is pumped from a rinsing liquid container through the rinsing liquid inlet line, the blood inlet line, the blood return line and the rinsing liquid return line, establishing a liquid connection between the rinsing liquid inlet line and return line. The venous patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with a venous safety cap, and the arterial patient connection is sealed liquid-tight with an arterial safety cap. The safety caps are removed from the patient connections for connecting the tube system to the patient.

Abstract: A method for testing filters arranged in the dialysis solution system of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus is described, in which the filter membrane being tested is fully wetted with an aqueous solution, in which the branch of the dialysis solution system housing one of the two chambers of the filter being tested is closed off from the remaining branches, in which gas is conducted into the closed-off branch until a predetermined excess pressure has formed in the one chamber of the filter being tested. Simultaneously, the aqueous solution previously conducted into the chamber to fully wet the filter membrane is expelled. The excess pressure in the one chamber of the filter is monitored, in which the pressure drop per unit time is compared with a given reference value which is characteristic of a fully intact filter membrane. If the reference value is exceeded, this provides and indication of a leak in the filter membrane.

Abstract: A method for removing aluminum from blood includes the step of adding to the blood an anticoagulant and a complexing agent for aluminum or one compound effective in both preventing coagulation of blood and capable of complexing aluminum. The complexing agent or compound capable of complexing aluminum is allowed to intermingle with the blood and complex with aluminum present in the blood. The complex of complexing agent and aluminum formed during the intermingle step is then separated using a semi-permeable membrane, and the blood is recovered. The method is particularly useful in treating patient's having aluminum intoxication.

Abstract: A flexible medical packaging unit designed as a bag (14) including a single connector (18) containing a powdered salt concentrate (16), i.e. bicarbonate, with a volume sufficient for one dialysis treatment. The bag (14) has such a capacity that the powdered salt concentrate (16) will only partially be dissolved even when completely filled with water.

Abstract: A method for the continuous conditioning of a cell suspension, more particularly whole blood, in order to obtain an erythrocyte concentrate which is returned to the patient by autotransfusion. In accordance with the invention there are three treatment stages, that is to say sedimentation of the cell suspension, the addition of washing solution to the cell concentrate and renewed sedimentation and separation of the washing solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous conditioning of a cell suspension, more particularly whole blood, in order to obtain an erythrocyte concentrate which is returned to the patient by autotransfusion. In accordance with the invention there are three treatment stages, that is to say sedimentation of the cell suspension, the addition of washing solution to the cell concentrate and renewed sedimentation and separation of the washing solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sterilizing a medical unit having at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the medical unit.Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of:(a) inserting the medical unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the at least two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions;(b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the medical unit for a given period of time;(c) closing the at least two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and(d) removing said medical unit from said system as a sterile medical unit with closed connections.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out a method for sterilizing a medical unit comprising at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the unit.Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of:(a) inserting the unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions;(b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the unit for a give period;(c) closing the two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and(d) removing said unit from said system as a sterile unit with closed connections.All steps, including the removal of the unit, are therefore carried out in a system where the sterility obtained is constantly maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for clearing toxic substances from biological fluids by using at least one microporous diaphragm whose pores are filled with a liquid, which is immiscible with the biological fluid, a washing fluid flows past one face of the diaphragm while the biological fluid flows past the opposite face of the diaphragm. The microporous diaphragm is made of a hydrophobic polymer and the immiscible liquid is a highly refined mineral oil, a highly hydrogenated plant oil, a highly hydrogenated animal oil or, a dimethylated silicone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure cap (1) for dialyzers which is suitable for a so-called in-line sterilization. For this purpose the closure cap (1) comprises two cap parts (2, 3) of which the first cap part (2) is adapted to be mounted on a dialyzer flange (4) while the second cap part (3) is arranged movably in a receiving compartment (5) of the first cap part (2) between an open position and a closure position. In an open position passage of a sterilization medium is possible so that all the parts, sealing and guide surfaces can be reliably sterilized. In the closure position the second cap part (3) is pushed into a sealing position within the first cap part (2) so that contamination of the dialyzer after removal from the sterilization apparatus can be prevented with certainty.

Abstract: A two-bag system (2) for peritoneal dialysis comprises a female connector piece (4) which is connected via a tube (28) to a peritoneal catheter. The female connector piece (4) can be connected to a male connector piece (6) to permit introduction of fresh dialysis solution from a full bag (12) into the peritoneal cavity. For receiving used dialysis solution or for receiving flushing solution accumulating prior to the dialysis operation, an empty bag (38) is provided which is connected via a further tube (36) to the male connector piece (6). The female connector piece (4) comprises a shutoff member (32) which in a predetermined connection state of the connector is opened by a central tube section (16) of the male connector piece (6). By arranging a second connection (34) on the male connector piece (6) in cooperation with the closure member (32) and a radial opening (23) in the central tube section (16) a fluid connection is possible to the two bags ( 12, 38) and the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A filter comprising a filter housing with an interior within which between two closure members filter membranes in the form of hollow fibers are disposed. Between the hollow fibers a free flow space remains to which are connected two connecting pieces disposed inclined on the housing. Through said connecting pieces blood is supplied to the interior so that a filtration from the outside to the inside into the hollow fibers is possible. This and the arrangement of the connecting pieces gives an extremely favourable flow approach to the hollow fibers so that the blood flow is hardly influenced in its velocity and flow behaviour because in addition to the cross-section of the free flow space is adapted to the cross section of the blood supply line. For making such a filter at least two filters are arranged parallel and spaced apart in a plane, the support surface for the filters being rotatably mounted and the axis of rotation not intersecting any of the two longitudinal axes of the filters.

Abstract: Capillary filter arrangement for the sterilization of liquid media comprising two semipermeable capillary fibre bundles (4, 5) which are in flow connection and which are arranged adjacent each other in a single housing (1). The opposite openings of the housing (1) are each sealed by an end cap (2; 2a) which comprises at least one connecting opening (3; 3a) for introduction or removal of the medium respectively. The housing (1) comprises at its ends a cast layer (6; 7) in which the ends of the capillary fibre bundles (4; 5) are received, a distributing space (8; 9) being formed between the end cap (2; 2a) and cast layer (6; 7) and a primary filtrate chamber (10) being formed between the cast layer (6; 7).