Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging gases in a liquid is provided. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a housing, a first inlet, a gas exchange medium, a separator, a first outlet, and a second inlet and outlet. The apparatus may further comprise a circumferential collection gap that collects liquid from the gas exchange medium and directs it toward the first outlet. Also, the apparatus may further comprise a compliant chamber positioned near the first inlet. The compliant chamber reduces the overall impedance of the apparatus. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for use as an implantable, artificial lung. In this embodiment, the liquid comprises blood and the apparatus exchanges supplied oxygen for waste carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging gases in a liquid is provided. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a housing, a first inlet, a gas exchange medium, a separator, a first outlet, and a second inlet and outlet. The apparatus may further comprise a circumferential collection gap that collects liquid from the gas exchange medium and directs it toward the first outlet. Also, the apparatus may further comprise a compliant chamber positioned near the first inlet. The compliant chamber reduces the overall impedance of the apparatus. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for use as an implantable, artificial lung. In this embodiment, the liquid comprises blood and the apparatus exchanges supplied oxygen for waste carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A gas permeable membrane including a plurality of conduit members which are formed of a gas permeable material, The conduit members are unitarily formed with one another and oriented to intersect one another and define a multidimensional array. Defined within each conduit member is an interior passageway and these passageways intersect and are in communication with each other. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the membrane and devices incorporating the membrane.

Abstract: A blood reservoir which includes a primary reservoir that smoothly transitions into an outlet reservoir located beneath the primary reservoir. An inlet port permits the inflow of blood into the reservoir and an outlet port permits blood to flow out of the outlet reservoir. The primary reservoir defines an upper cavity that has first average cross sectional flow area. The outlet reservoir defines a lower cavity that has a second average cross sectional flow area which is preferably not more than one-half of the first average cross sectional flow area. The outlet reservoir therefore exhibits an increased sensitivity to blood level changes in the reservoir. The reservoir further includes features which inhibit the flow of blood from the outlet reservoir if the volume of blood in the outlet reservoir is reduced to a predetermined safety level.

Abstract: An involuntary respiratory apparatus for perfusing and entraining a breathable liquid from the lungs of a patient. The system includes a number of components which are interconnected by a conduit so as to form a substantially closed loop, single path circuit. The various components include a reservoir, a pump, an oxygenator, a heat exchanger, an endotracheal tube, a Y-connector, a valve and a controller. To simulate inspiration, the controller closes the valve, which is located downstream of the Y-connector, thereby forcing the liquid into the lungs of the patient. After a tidal volume of liquid has been perfused into the patient's lungs, the controller opens the valve. The Y-connector is shaped such that the flow of liquid through its inspiratory limb will cause the liquid in the patient's lungs to be entrained into the flow out of the Y-connector. In this manner, the Y-connector operates as an ejector pump and allows the apparatus to continuously perfuse the liquid through the single path circuit.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump having a pump conduit with an occlusive inlet segment. The pump includes a frame with rollers carried by rotor and rotated by a motor. A flexible conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end is positioned around the rollers and includes an occlusive segment and non-occlusive segment. In its free condition, the occlusive segment is collapsed and the passageway through it substantially completely occluded when the pressure within the occlusive segment is equal to or less than pressure acting on the outside of the occlusive segment. The non-occlusive segment is mildly biased to exhibit an inflated condition with an open passage when in its free condition with the pressure within the non-occlusive segment equal to pressure acting on the outside of the non-occlusive segment.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump having controlled suction. In one embodiment, the pump includes a tubing which is collapsed when the internal pressure of the tubing is equal to or less than ambient. In this state, the pump is unable to generate negative pressures. An air-tight housing may be provided over the tubing and connected to a vacuum source. Upon a vacuum being applied, the tubing is capable of controllably producing negative pressures, allowing the pump to be operated as a suction pump. In another embodiment the tubing exhibits a variable cross-sectional width.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump having controlled suction. In one embodiment, the pump includes a tubing which is collapsed when the internal pressure of the tubing is equal to or less than ambient. In this state, the pump is unable to generate negative pressures. An air-tight housing may be provided over the tubing and connected to a vacuum source. Upon a vacuum being applied, the tubing is capable of controllably producing negative pressures, allowing the pump to be operated as a suction pump. In another embodiment the tubing exhibits a variable cross-sectional width.

Abstract: A self-regulating peristaltic pump having a pumping chamber of enhanced operating life. The operating life of the tubing is improved by a combination of features including providing the tubing with a naturally collapsed passageway. The tubing is collapsed when the internal pressure of the tubing is equal to or less than ambient. In this state, the pump is unable to generate negative pressures. Upon fluid being supplied to the tubing at a pressure greater than ambient, the tubing inflates and cooperates with rollers of the pump to transmit the fluid. The pump also includes a novel means for adjusting and regulating the tension of the tubing further enhancing the operating life of the tubing.