Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are provided for regulating the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass. According to the invention, probes capable of measuring the partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood are provided in the venous and arterial lines, both probes measuring the blood gas levels at the ambient temperature of the blood in the extracorporeal blood circuit. These concentrations are monitored on a real-time basis by a processor unit which compares the values reported by the arterial probe with selected values chosen by the perfusionist. The processor unit then preferably controls the gas flow to the oxygenator portion of the perfusion system so that the treated blood maintains the chosen concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, the probes are adapted to measure other perfusion variables, including temperature, hematocrit, blood flow rate, and pH, thus allowing further automation by the processor unit.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis incorporating a dynamic stiffener element is disclosed. The prosthesis is adapted for securement to the annulus of an atrioventricular valve and has the characteristic of allowing normal movement of the annulus during the cardiac cycle while providing mechanical support to the valve annulus so as to maintain the valve leaflets in proper physiological alignment. The stiffener element has a plurality of reciprocating members allowing it to be modifiable in shape so as to be capable of assuming the optimum shape for a particular heart valve.

Abstract: A blood and perfusate filter apparatus having a pair of molded housing members that are substantially identical in their configuration. The upper housing member having a pyramidal-shaped reservoir formed in the upper surface thereof which acts as a secondary distribution reservoir, and the lower housing member having a pyramidal-shaped reservoir formed in the lower surface thereof which acts as a secondary collection reservoir. Interchangeable tubing couplings are press-fit bonded to inlet/outlet ports located in the secondary reservoirs. A filter element, mounted in a resinous band, is bonded between the housing members so as to filter blood or perfusate as it passes through the filter. The filter element also forms primary distribution and collection reservoirs with respect to the upper and lower housing members. Different types of filter configurations, such as flat or pleated, can be mounted in a resinous band and used as the filter media.

Abstract: A device and method for its use in medical transfusion or bypass circuits wherein biological fluids, such as blood, are introduced onto the interior surface of an essentially cylindrical cavity in a vortical flow such that unwanted gas bubbles are separated from the biological fluids. The degassed biological fluids are collected and returned to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved cover for enclosing the ends of medical tubing and which is capable of maintaining the sterile condition of the tubing prior to its use in surgical or medical procedures. The cover is designed with an inner diameter of constant cross section and with several tapered ribs along the surface of the inner wall of the cover.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator having two separable components one of which is disposable and the other of which is reusable and sterilizable. The disposable portion of the oxygenator is multichambered and provides an oxygenating chamber, a defoaming chamber and an arterial reservoir constructed so that blood will flow sequentially therethrough. The reusable member is constructed in the form of a cover for the oxygenator and has depending therefrom a heat exchanger for maintaining the temperature of the blood, the heat exchanger projecting telescopically into the oxygenating chamber. Defoaming is assisted by a cellular foam material rolled into a generally cylindrical configuration and having abutting faces which are bias cut so that the line formed by the abutting faces is not coaxial with the blood flow path.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator having two separable components one of which is disposable and the other of which is reusable and sterilizable. The disposable portion of the oxygenator is multichambered and provides an oxygenating chamber, a defoaming chamber and an arterial reservoir constructed so that blood will flow sequentially therethrough. The reusable member is constructed in the form of a cover for the oxygenator and has depending therefrom a heat exchanger for maintaining the temperature of the blood, the heat exchanger projecting telescopically into the oxygenating chamber. Defoaming is assisted by a cellular foam material rolled into a generally cylindrical configuration and having abutting faces which are bias cut so that the line formed by the abutting faces is not coaxial with the blood flow path.

Abstract: The disclosed surgical suction wand assembly and method includes a modular suction wand including a hollow suction tip the interior of which has a square or other suitable polygonal cross-sectional configuration which substantially improves the precision and facility with which apertures may be formed in the suction tip. The tip may be provided with an elongated interiorly disposed tube simultaneously providing for effective aspiration of small amounts of liquid as well as a large suction area for efficiently aspirating larger volumes with minimal opportunity for obstruction. The suction tip is provided with a coupling device adapted to receive any one of a plurality of adaptor configurations constructed so as to increase the versatility of the suction tip without requiring large numbers of separate forming molds.

Abstract: A suction wand having a weighted, resuable handle in cooperation with a disposable suction conduit, the suction conduit having a suction tip at one end and adapted to couple with a suction tubing at the other end. The weighted handle imparts a pre-selected weight and feel to the wand and is selectively reusable with a variety of disposable suction conduit systems.

Abstract: A surgical equipment tray inexpensively fabricated from a sheet of rigid plastic material. The tray has an absorbent, lint-free surface which (1) absorbs fluids, (2) provides a nonskid instrument surface, and (3) attenuates the noises associated with handling instruments on the tray. Longitudinal ridges and grooves may be included in the base of the tray to provide rigidity to the tray and elevate or expose the instruments for easy access.

Abstract: A device for aspirating air emboli from a blood vessel (e.g. the aorta during open-heart surgery), the aspirating device having a hollow cannula with radially spaced openings for aspirating air and bending angularly mid-length to permit aspiration of air emboli while maintaining the device generally flat against the exposed patient surface. A hub comprising part of the device is constructed to provide a dual coupling presenting both male and female attachment sites.

Abstract: A suction wand having a weighted, reusable handle in cooperation with a disposable suction conduit, the suction conduit having a suction tip at one end and adapted to couple with a suction tubing at the other end. The weighted handle imparts a pre-selected weight and feel to the wand and is selectively reusable with a variety of disposable suction conduit systems.

Abstract: A device and method for preparation and testing of a blood vessel such as the saphenous vein for use as a coronary bypass graft. The device includes a hollow body portion and a hollow stylet projecting therefrom. The stylet presents a peripheral flange facilitating temporary ligation of the vein upon the catheter. The body has a Luer fitting to accommodate coupling with a conventional syringe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembly for a bifurcated tubing connector which is assembled from a relatively small number of integrated parts. The connector includes a tapered, hollow body and cover with standardized fittings. Each fitting is formed of modular components and configurated to receive a coupling which accommodates attachment to a different tubing diameter so that the bifurcated connector of this invention may be used to join two tubes of different diameters into a common fluid stream.