Abstract: A venous reservoir for use in cardiotomy bypasses comprising a flexible, variable capacity bag having a vertical seal positioned between the outlets and inlets along the lower seal line. The vertical seal line is positioned off-center such that the velocity of blood decreases as it passes the top of said seal line and towards the lower outlet to increase the removal of bubbles from the blood. All ports serving the reservoir are constructed without internal projections into the reservoir to decrease the possibility of thrombosis. The upper and lower edges of the reservoir are looped to receive horizontal rods slidably attached to a vertical support. Adjustment of the distance between the rods varies the volume possible within the reservoir.

Abstract: An implant device for introduction of insulin into the peritoneal cavity which permits a flexible catheter to be removed and replaced without invasive surgery. The catheter is passed through a substantially rigid percutaneous body and a distally extending catheter conduit which together form a continuous conduit from the body exterior through the peritoneal wall. A polytetrafluoroethylene polymer sleeve allows tissue ingrowth to secure the body to the epidermis. A polyethylene terephthalate portion of the sleeve provides tissue ingrowth to stabilize the implant and prevent extrusion from the dermis. The catheter is associated with the percutaneous tubular body so as to be removable and replaceable through the conduit thereformed after implantation. The catheter preferably terminates within the interior cavity of the percutaneous body and is sealed from the environment by means of a septum closure within the device cavity.

Abstract: Improvements and accessories for a septum closed T-shaped blood access device adapted for implantation into a patient. The implantable device has a stem portion extending above the skin of the patient and defining a septum closed opening into the device. The improvements include an improved septum having a groove in the side thereof encircling the septum and an elastomeric ring carried within the side groove, an improved needle assembly which provides access to the circulatory system through the septum, and a flexible cap for sealing the stem of the implantable device from the outside atmosphere which may be fitted in place or removed without the necessity of specialized tools.

Abstract: A hollow fiber type blood oxygenator having an integrated and improved heat exchanger having a generally conical housing and core member between which a helically wrapped conduit is situated. The conduit has a plurality of parallel flutes. A housing and core member are formed with helical recessed regions which conform to the conical helix defined by the tubing or conduit. The tubing is formed with flattened opposing surfaces which mate with the corresponding recesses in the housing and core member. The mating on the flats on the tube or conduit to the corresponding flats in the recessed regions of the housing and core member allows a substantially tighter and more uniform fit which minimizes the dynamic blood priming volume.

Abstract: A system for use in peritoneal dialysis consisting of a rigid tubular implantable device, a stabilizing tool and an access set. The implantable device includes a centrally positioned, outwardly projecting cannula spike whose side openings are normally closed by a resilient sleeve member. A stabilizing tool having a broad load distributing base is locked to an upper flange of the implanted device. An access set connected to a dialysis solution system includes a septum which is penetrable by the cannula spike. Penetration simultaneously depresses the resilient cannula sleeve exposing the side openings which allows fluid flow. The access set, stabilizing tool and implant device are locked together whenever fluid is able to flow between the peritoneal cavity and the dialysis solution system.

Abstract: A dialyzer reuse machine comprising means for passing a series of liquid and gaseous fluids through the dialysate and blood compartments of the dialyzer at different flow rates according to a predetermined sequence for cleaning and disinfecting the dialyzer and means for accurately measuring the volume of the blood compartment upon completion of the dialyzer cleaning steps. Capacitive probe and load cell embodiments of the volume measuring means are disclosed. A specially designed jet pump permits a pressure leak test and dilution of stock chemicals to be performed using only tap water pressure as a source of motive force.

Abstract: An implant device for peritoneal dialysis which permits a flexible catheter to be removed and replaced without invasive surgery. The catheter is passed through a substantially rigid tubular percutaneous device and a flexible sleeve member which together form a continuous conduit from the body exterior through the peritoneal wall. The catheter is associated with a percutaneous tubular device so as to be removable and replaceable through the sleeve member after implantation. The catheter preferably has a relatively weak memory which gives it a tendency to maintain a compact coiled configuration near the peritoneal wall. The catheter may extend through the percutaneous device or, more preferably, terminates within the interior cavity of the percutaneous device and is sealed from the environment by means of a septum closure within the device cavity.

Abstract: An implantable device for providing communication between interior structures of the body and the exterior of the body, the device comprising a rigid tubular member of biologically compatible material including a transcutaneous stem portion defining a stem cavity therein and a plurality of subcutaneous arm portions in fluid communication with the stem portion. A septum closure in the stem cavity provides an interruptable seal between the stem cavity and each of the arms, permitting the arms to be separately accessed by a cannulae or needle.

Abstract: Septum retaining means for an implantable tubular percutaneous device. The retaining means is a tubular stem insert having an integral pressure plate across an intermediate portion thereof. A modified septum fits into the insert below the pressure plate. Tabs extending outwardly from the upper edge of the insert cooperate with a grooved portion of a body exterior cavity in the T-stem to provide means for holding the insert in the T-stem cavity. Notches in the walls of the insert on either side of the tabs allow the wall portions containing the tabs to be flexed inwardly so as to permit the insert to be passed into and out of the T-stem. The insert is designed to permit a forceps or other crimping tool to obtain access to the tab containing insert wall portions for removal of the insert and septum.