Abstract: A system for the processing and separation of biological fluids into components comprises an apparatus that cooperates with a disposable set, comprising a cabinet (100) for housing a hollow centrifugal processing chamber (20) of the disposable set. The cabinet comprises a plurality of side-by-side locations (110) for receiving a corresponding plurality of centrifugal processing chambers (20) in side-by-side spaced-apart relation. Each location comprises an individual drive means (52) for driving its centrifugal processing chamber. Remotely-actuable valves (124) associated with the disposable sets are located on the apparatus' cabinet in the proximity of said locations. Valve actuation provides a display of the state of actuation of the valves (124).

Abstract: A system for the processing and separation of biological fluids into components comprises an apparatus that cooperates with a disposable set, comprising a cabinet (100) for housing a hollow centrifugal processing chamber (20) of the disposable set. The cabinet comprises a plurality of side-by-side locations (110) for receiving a corresponding plurality of centrifugal processing chambers (20) in side-by-side spaced-apart relation. Each location comprises an individual drive means (52) for driving its centrifugal processing chamber. Remotely-actuable valves (124) associated with the disposable sets are located on the apparatus' cabinet in the proximity of said locations. Valve actuation provides a display of the state of actuation of the valves (124).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bag (20) for the cryopreservation of thermolabile liquids. The manufacturing method is characterized by being versatile, simple and inexpensive and allows to manufacture single and multi-compartment bags without modifying the main sealing molds (31, 32). The relative size and the number of the compartments (28) can be modified without change in the molds. Only a closure sealing tool (50) must be adjusted as a function of the number of chosen compartments (28). The process is compatible with standard high frequency sealing processes. This method provides bags (20) with uniformly thick walls and with a predetermined bag volume.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bag (20) for the cryopreservation of thermolabile liquids. The manufacturing method is characterized by being versatile, simple and inexpensive and allows to manufacture single and multi-compartment bags without modifying the main sealing molds (31, 32). The relative size and the number of the compartments (28) can be modified without change in the molds. Only a closure sealing tool (50) must be adjusted as a function of the number of chosen compartments (28). The process is compatible with standard high frequency sealing processes. This method provides bags (20) with uniformly thick walls and with a predetermined bag volume.

Abstract: A system for the extraction, collection, processing and transplantation of cell subsets, including adult stem cells and platelets, in particular for tissue repair in regenerative medicine, comprises a set of disposable fluid-transport elements that are pre-connected or that include aseptic connectors for making interconnections between them in an aseptic manner or are adapted to be aseptically connected. The set usually includes three kits of disposable sterile elements, a collection kit, a processing kit, and a transplantation kit packaged in a blister pack on a support such as a tray, having one compartment for receiving each inter-connectable kit of the set. The set includes an extracting device, for example including a needle for bone puncture or vein puncture, for extracting bone marrow or other sources of cell subsets from a patient.

Abstract: A system for separating biological fluids into components, comprises a set of containers for the biological fluid to be separated and the separated components, optionally an additional container for additive solution, and a hollow centrifugal processing chamber having an axial inlet/outlet for the biological fluid. The processing chamber contains a piston movable to intake a selected quantity of biological fluid and express processed biological fluid components via the outlet. Optical means monitor the position of piston to control the amount of intaken fluid and the expression of components. A distribution valve arrangement selectively communicates the processing chamber and the containers or places them out of communication. The system is arranged to operate in a seperation mode and in a non-separation transfer mode, especially for adding preservative solution to separated blood stem cells.

Abstract: This invention proposes an improved portable and disposable centrifugal apparatus having a centrifugal processing chamber (13) of variable dimensions that can process a variable quantity of biological fluid, even down to very small quantities, by displacement of an axially movable member such as a piston (5). The invention also concerns the overall centrifugal apparatus and instrumentation cooperating with the processing chamber (13), a disposable set comprising the processing chamber (13) and a set of collection bags, as well as methods of processing biological fluids in this apparatus, in particular the collection and separation of whole blood.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apheresis apparatus and method for separating blood. A phlebotomy needle draws anticoagulated whole blood from a donor into a separation chamber. The separation chamber separates plasma from higher density blood components. The plasma is displaced to a plasma collection bag. The separation process is terminated and the higher density blood components remaining in the separation chamber are diluted with saline solution and are returned to the donor via the phlebotomy needle. Anticoagulated whole blood is drawn again from the donor into the separation chamber. The separation chamber again separates plasma from higher density blood components in the separation chamber. The separation process is then terminated and the donor is disconnected. The higher density blood components remaining in the separation chamber are displaced to a bag for collecting higher density blood components and is rejuvenated with additive solution.

Abstract: A portable centrifuge apparatus for use with a centrifuge bowl having a seamless, unitary blow molded bowl body for the separation of blood into less dense and more dense components. A light weight, hand-held cabinet houses the centrifuge, and auxiliary equipment such as blood pumps, control instrumentation, and a sensor for measuring fluid pressure in a disposable chamber used for filtering blood.