Abstract: A variable diameter tube for use with a roller pump which is formed with a central large diameter section that is positioned in the roller pump raceway. This tube is formed with two end portions of substantially similar internal diameter with the diameter of the tube gradually increasing towards the central section. The gradual increase in diameter is no greater than about thirty degrees per inch and the wall thickness of the tubing wall is substantially equivalent along its entire length.

Abstract: There is disclosed a blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.

Abstract: A disposable double-clamp device for severing an umbilical cord while maintaining the severed ends thereof in a clamp. The clamps are held together in a side-by-side relation by a shear pin. A cutting blade is hingeably located between the abutting clamps, its forward cutting motion being impeded by said shear pin. After the device is brought into a clamped position, further pressure is exerted upon the blade, which breaks the shear pin and severs the umbilical cord.

Abstract: A disposable double-clamp device for severing an umbilical cord while maintaining the severed ends thereof in a clamp. Two clamps are held together in a side-by-side relation by a shear pin. A cutting blade is located between the abutting clamps, its forward cutting motion being impeded by said shear pin. After the device is brought into a clamped position, further pressure is exerted upon the blade, which breaks the shear pin. A wedge on the blade provides outward lateral pressure to the two clamps, thereby stretching the umbilical conduit at the end of the cut as well as provide for clamp separation. The blade's cutting edge then easily cuts and severs the umbilical cord. Further downward pressure causes the wedge to separate both clamps, with the ends of each portion of the severed cord being clamped by one of the pair of clamps.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchanger chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.

Abstract: An implant device having a passageway and an anchor means for establishing a biological anchor both formed from either pyrolitic carbon disposed or a graphite subtrate or virneous carbon. The passageway having an inlet inclined with respect to the passageway outlet from between 45 and 75 degrees.

Abstract: An implant device having a passageway and an anchor means for establishing a biological anchor both formed from either pyrolitic carbon disposed or a graphite substrate or virneous carbon. The passageway having an inlet inclined with respect to the passageway outlet from between 45 and 75 degrees.

Abstract: An implant device having a passageway, an anchor for establishing a biological anchor and a grafting mesh annularly disposed about, and spaced apart from, the exterior of the implant device. The implant device passageway, anchor means, and grafting mesh are all formed from either pyrolytic carbon disposed on a graphite substrate or vitreous carbon.

Abstract: A body implantable connector to replace a portion of a patient's body fluid or solid carrying conduit and to connect this body conduit to a vascular implant device in order to provide access to the body conduit external from the body. The connector includes a tubular member expanded along its length in order to form a bulbous portion; a side port is provided for connection to the vascular implant device at the approximate midpoint of the tubular member bulbous portion.

Abstract: A valving mechanism for use within a blood passageway of a blood access device. The valving mechanism includes a plugging means and a valve chamber for receiving the plugging means when it is removed from its seat in the blood passageway. The valving mechanism also includes a retaining element adapted to slidably engage the valve chamber and an external rim of the blood access device for securing the valve chamber and blood access device. When the valve chamber is not in use, a retaining cap and retaining cap ring are used to secure the plugging means within the blood access device passageway.

Abstract: A rigid blood oxygenator in which blood and oxygen-rich gas are admitted at the top of the device and caused to flow substantially concurrently downwardly through a tortuous path. During the course of this downward flow, oxygen-rich gas bubbles are formed in the blood and a gas transfer is accomplished according to which the oxygen content of the blood is enriched and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood, which gas transfer is enhanced by the secondary flow induced by the tortuous path. During the course of downward flow, the blood-gas-bubble mixture is also passed around a heat exchange device, which preferably is convoluted so as to form a tortuous path, to bring the blood to a desired temperature. The device is equipped with a defoaming means such that the blood bubbles are converted back into liquid blood, which is then returned to the patient. Vent means are provided for removal of carbon dioxide and other vent gases.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.

Abstract: A valving mechanism for use within a blood passageway of a blood access device. The valving mechanism includes a plugging means and a valve chamber for receiving the plugging means when it is removed from its seat in the blood passageway. The valving mechanism also includes a retaining element adapted to slidably engage the valve chamber and an external rim of the blood access device for securing the valve chamber and blood access device. When the valve chamber is not in use, a retaining cap and retaining cap ring are used to secure the plugging means within the blood access device passageway.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device comprising an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber, the oxygenating chamber comprising a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into the mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow and rotation of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.In a preferred version, blood and oxygen-rich gas are admitted at the top of the device and caused to flow substantially downwardly through a tortuous path which causes at least a portion of the blood bubbles to rotate.

Abstract: An improved fluid regulating device is used in a parenteral administration system having tubing. The device provides torsional flexure of the tubing by relative rotation between first and second body members to regulate fluid flow.

Abstract: A rigid blood oxygenator in which blood and oxygen-rich gas are admitted at the top of the device and caused to flow substantially concurrently downwardly through a tortuous path. During the course of this downward flow, oxygen-rich gas bubbles are formed in the blood and a gas transfer is accomplished according to which the oxygen content of the blood is enriched and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood, which gas transfer is enhanced by the secondary flow induced by the tortuous path. During the course of downward flow, the blood-gas-bubble mixture is also passed around a heat exchange device, which preferably is convoluted so as to form a tortuous path, to bring the blood to a desired temperature. The device is equipped with a defoaming means such that the blood bubbles are converted back into liquid blood, which is then returned to the patient. Vent means are provided for removal of carbon dioxide and other vent gases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.

Abstract: A method of receiving retrieved blood from the surgical field of a patient and treating the blood so that it is in condition for direct or indirect return to the patient. The method treats a relatively large volume of blood, which when received in a housing adapted to receive such blood volumes, removes air bubbles and other foreign matter. The received blood flows smoothly both to and from a fibrous membrane interposed in the path of blood flow thereby avoiding bubbling and damage of the blood. Significantly, means within the housing are provided to inhibit clotting of the blood within the housing.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device of the type having an oxygenating chamber, a settling chamber, and a heat exchange chamber. A bubbler assembly within the oxygenating chamber including a housing with blood and oxygen inlet means, an outlet opening for blood bubbles which extends 360 degrees around the bubbler assembly housing, and a continuous closed passageway therebetween for effecting optimum oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. Blood bubbles pass from the outlet means through a defoamer unit for debubbling. A defoamer support member on the outside of the bubbler assembly housing supports the defoamer unit and affords an open passageway for blood bubbles to flow from the outlet means downwardly adjacent the outside of the bubbler assembly housing into the defoamer unit. The blood, after passing through the defoamer unit, flows first into the settling chamber and then along a divided annular path through the heat exchange chamber for the transfer of heat thereto.

Abstract: An atraumatic valving mechanism and its method of operation for use within the blood passageway of a blood access device, the blood passageway connecting a blood vessel within the body to the body exterior. The valving device includes a plugging means for effecting a seal within the blood passageway and for substantially expelling the blood from the device upon closing, and a reciprocal stem which is connected to the plugging means and may be pushed or pulled in order to close or open the blood access device valve as desired. The valving mechanism includes a disposable connectable valve chamber which is adapted to be secured about that portion of the blood access device blood passageway located at the body exterior.