Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring platelet quality are disclosed. A bag of platelet concentrate is oriented in a desired manner on a transparent surface that is illuminated from one side with a light source. A clamp applies pressure to a desired portion of the bag to temporarily manipulate a predetermined portion of the bag and therefore the fluid in the bag in a known and repeatable manner. A flow inducing member applies pressure to the bag to thereby cause a turbulent flow of the fluid from the bag through a flow path. A detector records optical characteristics of light diffracted by the flowing particles, which is analyzed by software to derive a score correlating to the quality of the platelets. Platelet swirl is scored as a measure of platelet quality where more resting, discoid platelets result in a higher score.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring platelet quality are disclosed. A bag of platelet concentrate is oriented in a desired manner on a transparent surface that is illuminated from one side with a light source. A clamp applies pressure to a desired portion of the bag to temporarily manipulate a predetermined portion of the bag and therefore the fluid in the bag in a known and repeatable manner. A flow inducing member applies pressure to the bag to thereby cause a turbulent flow of the fluid from the bag through a flow path. A detector records optical characteristics of light diffracted by the flowing particles, which is analyzed by software to derive a score correlating to the quality of the platelets. Platelet swirl is scored as a measure of platelet quality where more resting, discoid platelets result in a higher score.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.

Abstract: An expandable dilation catheter advantageously useful to deliver and orient an endovascular prosthesis with respect to a target body passageway. The catheter comprises a first tubular member disposed in a proximal portion of the portion of the catheter and a second tubular member disposed in a distal portion of the catheter. The first tubular member and the second tubular member are in a spaced relationship with respect to one another. An expandable member (e.g., a balloon) is disposed distally of the second tubular member. A first lumen and a second lumen disposed in each of the first tubular member and in the second tubular member. The first lumen is in communication with an interior of the expandable member to function as an inflation lumen and the second lumen serves to receive a first guidewire. The first tubular member and second tubular member are interconnected by a coupling member.

Abstract: An expandable dilation catheter advantageously useful to deliver and orient an endovascular prosthesis with respect to a target body passageway. The catheter comprises a first tubular member disposed in a proximal portion of the portion of the catheter and a second tubular member disposed in a distal portion of the catheter. The first tubular member and the second tubular member are in a spaced relationship with respect to one another. An expandable member (e.g., a ballon) is disposed distally of the second tubular member. A first lumen and a second lumen disposed in each of the first tubular member and in the second tubular member. The first lumen is in communication with an interior of the expandable member to function as an inflation lumen and the second lumen serves to receive a first guidewire. The first tubular member and second tubular member are interconnected by a coupling member.