Abstract: An infusion pump system comprising means for measuring internal diameter of an associated pump supply tube formed from a flexible material, such as plastic or rubber. The means for measuring internal diameter may comprise an ultrasound system including at least one transmiter and one receiver, as well as an evaluation unit. Alternatively, a mechanical system may be employed in the form of a counterpressure unit arranged perpendicular to the axis of the supply tube and including a movable plunger and an abutment surface for compression of the supply tube to be measured. A measurement and evaluation unit associated with the counterpressure unit determines the distance traversed by the movable plunger. The internal diameter of the tube may be determined by generating a force-displacement diagram. In accordance with one embodiment, the movable plunger is a pumping rod of a linear peristaltic pump.

Abstract: Device for introducing a catheter which is suitable in particular for catheterizing the vena basilica, jugularis or subclavia and substantially comprises a puncture cannula (2), a bush (4) having a tubular continuation (31), securing plates or wings (5) and a connecting piece (11) and possibly a metal needle extension (13) which is equipped with grip plate (12) and securing means, a detachable extension piece (6) being fitted on the bush (4) and comprising substantially a grip plate (7), a hollow portion (9) having a slit (21, 29) and possibly a support member (8), the slit extending over the entire length of the extension hollow portion (9) either at the bottom side or laterally thereof.

Abstract: In a stiffening core for catheters, a plurality of spaced apart wires, which are circular in cross-section are inserted in the surface of a continuous strip of soft plastic material and are embedded by said strip to more than one-half of their cross-sections. Owing to this design, the stiffening core has a stiffness, flexibility and elasticity which can be reproduced within close limits.

Abstract: Air or gas is prevented from entering into the exchange zone of an artificial organ such as an artificial kidney, dialyzer, or hemofilter. For this purpose a separating path is arranged in parallel with the artificial organ or with the exchange zone or other operative portion of the artificial organ between the liquid inflow and outflow conduits. This parallel path is provided with a high flow resistance for the liquid and with a low flow resistance for the air. Such differential flow resistance may, for example, be accomplished by apertures, gas permeable materials, and eddy chambers. The gas separating path is incorporated as an integral part of the artificial organ or as an integral part of the liquid inflow and outflow conduits. According to several embodiments, an enlargement is provided in the separating path or conduit in which the liquid may "rise and dwell" to enhance air separation before the liquid flows into the operative portion of the artificial organ.

Abstract: A dialyzer is formed by first placing a film strip into a membrane hose and then simultaneously folding the hose and a netting intermediate layer so that the folds of the hose and the folds of the netting extend crosswise relative to each other in a mutually interlocking manner. The facing ends of the hose layers are then sealed with a curable sealing compound and severed. Then the film strips are withdrawn from the hoses in the so formed package. The resulting product is a dialyzer or hemofilter, depending on the type of membrane hose used, in which the facing ends of the membrane hoses are open for the passage of blood therethrough, after the withdrawal of the film, and in which the netting layers are located between adjacent hoses.

Abstract: The present blood exchange apparatus comprises a plurality of main layers acked to form a package. Each main layer includes a membrane envelope enclosing an intermediate netting layer. Spacers space the main layers so that blood may flow between adjacent main layers and an exchange liquid may flow within the intermediate netting layers. The facing ends of a package are embedded in a pourable sealing compound in such a manner that the spaces between adjacent membrane envelopes are open. After securing the spacers to each facing end of the main layers, the spacers and thus the layers are connected and then dipped into a curable sealing compound. The spacers have corner extensions which extend out of the sealing compound. Holes in the corner extensions expose the intermediate netting layers.