Abstract: Embodiments are described that include systems and methods for separating components of a composite fluid, e.g., whole blood. Some embodiments provide for processing a composite fluid by subjecting a volume of the fluid to a first centripetal acceleration for an initial separation, followed by a second centripetal acceleration for a second separation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system box for holding a bag system and methods for separating composite liquids are described. In embodiments, a bag system may be a blood bag system used to collect blood, separate the blood into components, store the components, and utilize the components in patients. The system box may hold the blood bag system. Processes can then be performed to separate components from the blood.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system box for holding a bag system and methods for separating composite liquids are described. In embodiments, a bag system may be a blood bag system used to collect blood, separate the blood into components, store the components, and utilize the components in patients. The system box may hold the blood bag system. Processes can then be performed to separate components from the blood.

Abstract: Embodiments are described that include systems and methods for separating components of a composite fluid, e.g., whole blood. Some embodiments provide for processing a composite fluid by subjecting a volume of the fluid to a first centripetal acceleration for an initial separation, followed by a second centripetal acceleration for a second separation.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into components, comprising a valve design that facilitates loading and unloading of sets of blood bags. The valves comprise a jaw mounted on a shaft, the jaw being adapted to apply radio frequency energy to seal a tube, a stepper motor section, and at least two position sensors. The valve sections are mounted on an upper plate, and the stepper motor sections are mounted on a lower plate. A main radio frequency coil is selectively electrically coupled to each of the valves through a multiplexing switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising a valve design that facilitates loading and unloading of blood bags and associated tubing and bag sets. The valves comprise a rotating head, mounted on a shaft, which assumes a “load” position. The head pivots to an “open” position, which secures the tube in its designated location, but which maintains an open lumen through the tube. When the head is in a “closed” position, blood components cannot flow through the tube. The valve apparatus comprises means for maintaining a constant pressure on the tube and contact with the tube as the tube is melted and sealed.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising a valve design that facilitates loading and unloading of blood bags and associated tubing and bag sets. The valves comprise a rotating head, mounted on a shaft, which assumes a “load” position. The head pivots to an “open” position, which secures the tube in its designated location, but which maintains an open lumen through the tube. When the head is in a “closed” position, blood components cannot flow through the tube. The valve apparatus comprises means for maintaining a constant pressure on the tube and contact with the tube as the tube is melted and sealed.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in extracorporeal blood perfusions systems that have a control unit for controlling the flow of fluids. The cartridge has a housing defining a plurality of internal passageways that connect to a cardiopulmonary circuit, a cardioplegia circuit and a suction circuit. The cartridge may be fitted with one or more of a bubble trap, a filter, and a valve.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood perfusion system includes a disposable assembly and a control unit having a control interface region. The interface region includes pump assemblies for selective pumping of venous blood, arterial blood, cardioplegia solution, suctioned blood and blood removed from the left ventricle. Valve assemblies control the flow of fluids through the assembly and to/from the patient and sensors monitor various fluid parameters including temperature and pressure within the various fluid circuits. The user interface is a functional screen interface for effecting the operation of the control unit and valve assemblies. The screen interface may be a touch screen having objects that corresponds to the component interface region. The display may be selectively controlled to provide graphic depictions of disposable assembly components with corresponding narrative instructions.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in extracorporeal blood perfusions systems that have a control unit for controlling the flow of fluids. The cartridge has a housing defining a plurality of internal passageways that connect to a cardiopulmonary circuit, a cardioplegia circuit and a suction circuit. The cartridge may be fitted with one or more of a bubble trap, a filter, and a valve.

Abstract: A system and method provide for the interconnection of a medical fluid processing system with at least one patient temperature control pad positionable on a patient. Includable in the system is at least one connector interconnected and/or interconnectable to the medical fluid processing system and at least one connector interconnected and/or interconnectable to the at least one temperature control pad, wherein the connectors include an orientation device which provides for interconnection of the connectors at a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An improved patient temperature exchange system and method is disclosed for use with one or more interconnectable patient contact pads. In one embodiment, the system includes a circulating pump for drawing fluid through the interconnected pad(s) under negative pressure, and for pumping the fluid through one of more heat exchange devices into a circulating reservoir. Also included in the system is a system controller specially configured for controlling the one or more heat exchange devices. The controller is further configured to employ one or more algorithms for adding and removing heat in a predetermined manner. One algorithm may include first and second control terms which provide for a theoretical heat transfer rate as well as instructions for changing temperature in an expedient manner while reducing isolations and overshoots.

Abstract: A connector apparatus employable in a patient temperature control system includes a connection end which is employable for connecting to at least one other connector in the system. Includable in the connection end is an orientation device configured to align the connectors and provide for interconnection only at a predetermined orientation. The connector may be configured as either a male or female style connector and include one or more engagement devices or surfaces for engaging with another connector.

Abstract: An improved patient temperature exchange system and method is disclosed for use with one or more interconnectable patient contact pads. In one embodiment, the system includes a circulating pump for drawing fluid through the interconnected pad(s) under negative pressure, and for pumping the fluid through one of more heat exchange devices into a circulating reservoir. A make-up reservoir may be provided for gravity fluid flow into the circulating reservoir during the filling of the interconnectable pad(s) and for receiving fluid upon emptying of the interconnectable pad(s). During normal heating/cooling operations, the circulated fluid does not pass through the make-up reservoir, thereby yielding a highly responsive system. The make-up and circulatory reservoirs may be directly interconnected, with the make-up reservoir maintained at atmospheric pressure (e.g. via a non-spill vent).