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 apparatus and method for blood dialysis. The device includes a plurality of semipermeable tubules for transporting blood therethrough. Distribution means are positioned adjacent the exterior of the tubules for admitting a dialysis solution which is passed along the outside of the tubules. The tubules are preferably arranged in a configuration such that the packing density of the tubules is between about 20% and about 50%, and preferably between about 25% and about 35%. This packing density insures adequate distribution of the dialysate solution as it is passed along the length of the tubules. The tubules may be wrapped and similarly curved; in a preferred embodiment they are spirally orientated. The configuration of the tubules allows for the movement of the tubule in a predetermined manner such that tubule masking is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid transfer across a membrane wherein transfer fluid is passed through the interior of a wrapped, permeable, flattened, tubular membrane and fluid to be processed is passed through passageways formed between the wrappings of the tubular membrane. The exhaustion of transfer fluid begins at the completion of a process fluid pumping stroke and ends at the initiation of the pumping stroke. In a preferred embodiment the method and apparatus are utilized to oxygenate blood.

Abstract: A chronic transcutaneous implant device for enterostomies is disclosed. The implant device is comprised of a barrel portion and flange portion. The barrel portion is provided with means to enable vascularization of the externalized vessel and the flange portion is provided with means to enable the formation of a vascularized biological anchor. The implant device is capable of being permanently positioned under the skin. The implant device is provided with a detachable bag member which functions to receive excrements exiting the externalized vessel.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid transfer across a membrane wherein transfer fluid is passed through the interior of a wrapped, permeable, flattened, tubular membrane and fluid to be processed is passed through passageways formed between the wrappings of the tubular membrane. The transfer fluid flow rate and pressure are maintained at a substantially constant level. In preferred embodiments the method and apparatus are utilized to oxygenate blood and/or provide for kidney dialysis.

Abstract: An atraumatic method and apparatus for the removal of fluid from a surgical field having a fluid valve which is opened and closed responsive to the pressure about the fluid valve and a vacuum valve which is also opened and closed in response to the pressure about the fluid valve, and when opened, causes fluid to be passed through the fluid valve. In one embodiment, the fluid valve is made of collapsible tubing, flattened at its midsection so as to be normally closed, and connecting a fluid inlet and fluid outlet of a fluid removal housing. The fluid removal housing is further provided with a control port which may be opened or closed manually, and a connection to a vacuum source through the vacuum valve.

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.degree. 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: The present invention relates to a tubular membrane apparatus, which may be made as a disposable unit, and the method of operation of that apparatus to achieve a transfer or exchange function. More specifically, the present invention may be used to oxygenate blood, purify water, as a dialysis medium, and for other purposes. The apparatus comprises a series of tubular membranes which are deformed at spaced intervals along their lengths to induce turbulent flow and secondary flow patterns which displace the stationary boundary layer which would otherwise exist adjacent to the inner surface of the tubular membrane such that the resistance to diffusion or exchange is substantially reduced. Pulsatile flow of the fluid within the tubular membrane and/or the fluid surrounding the tubular membrane may be employed to enhance the effectiveness of the unit. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid is flowed through the tubular membranes and a gaseous medium is caused to flow around the outer surface of the tubular membrane.

Abstract: A device for removing microemboli including microparticles and aggregates of various types including degenerated blood elements from whole blood or other transfusible materials, such as packed red cells and other blood components. The device has a casing with an interior chamber and is provided with externally-connectable flow inlet and flow outlet ports relative to the interior of the chamber, with a plurality of effective layers of microemboli-removing material positioned in the chamber and sealed to the inner periphery of the casing to require blood flow therethrough in travel of the blood from the flow inlet to the flow outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood dialysis. The device includes a plurality of semipermeable tubules for transporting blood therethrough. Distribution means are positioned adjacent the exterior of the tubules for admitting a dialysis solution which is passed along the outside of the tubules. The tubules are preferably arranged in a configuration such that the packing density of the tubules is between about 20% and about 50%, and preferably between about 25% and about 35%. This packing density insures adequate distribution of the dialysate solution as it is passed along the length of the tubules. The tubules may be wrapped and similarly curved; in a preferred embodiment they are spirally oriented. The configuration of the tubules allows for the movement of the tubule in a predetermined manner such that tubule masking is substantially prevented.