Abstract: A process for the collection of blood from a body cavity requires a controllable flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the conduit is placed in a body cavity from which blood is to be withdrawn. The outlet of the conduit is connected to the inlet of a blood collection apparatus. The apparatus includes an apparatus body having a first opening therein for connection to a source of suction and a gas-transmitting water seal. The apparatus also includes an autotransfusion collector for collecting and storing blood for optional blood reuse. The collector includes an outer receptacle and an inner receptacle. The inner receptacle includes at least one interior cavity and at least one substantially flexible wall at least partially enclosing the at least one interior cavity. The apparatus also includes a conduit for placing the source of suction in fluid communication with the interior cavity through the water seal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for treating blood, by having the blood enter a container, in which essentially insoluble fats (or lipids) are discriminately withdrawn out of the blood as the blood flows through or rises in the container, preferably by means of a wick that is in the container, as the level of blood in the container rises around the wick, such that essentially insoluble lipids on the upper surface of the rising blood are removed from the blood, leaving behind essentially aqueous components of the blood. Clots, bone chips and the like are also removed from the blood by means of a filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating blood, by having the blood enter a container, in which essentially insoluble fats (or lipids) are discriminately withdrawn out of the blood as the blood flows through or rises in the container, preferably by means of a wick that is in the container, as the level of blood in the container rises around the wick, such that essentially insoluble lipids on the upper surface of the rising blood are removed from the blood, leaving behind essentially aqueous components of the blood. Clots, bone chips and the like are also removed from the blood by means of a filter.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for collecting a patient's blood for re-use of autotransfusion, in which blood is collected from a patient and delivered for treatment in a container, outside the patient, for later re-use or retransfusion to the patient. The treatment given to the blood before autotransfusion may reside in treating the blood to resist coagulation, treating the blood for removal of fats from the blood, or in removing other substances from the blood. The treatment, insofar as it is used to cause the blood to resist coagulation, includes withdrawing calcium ions from the blood and replacing them with other ions in sufficiently small quantities that the amount of other substance that is added to the blood is not harmful, preferably by passing the blood through a bed of ion exchange polymeric resin material. Insofar as fats are moved from the blood, the treatment includes collecting blood from the patient and wicking fats from the blood by means of a hydrophobic lipophilic wick.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for delivering and/or withdrawing fluids. For example, blood may be salvaged from a body cavity of a patient, in which a wand is provided having separate conduits for fluids. Means, for example a valve, is provided for opening or closing the desired conduits, depending upon whether the fluid is to be salvaged or lost to waste, sampled or returned directly to circulation. The apparatus is adapted for surgical use, and most particularly when a partial vacuum is drawn through the conduits, such that operation of the valve can exert a partial vacuum on one or more of the conduits. The entry ends of the conduits are disposed adjacent each other, with the conduits being joined as a wand. The valve is adapted for being actuated upon being held in the hand of the operator.

Abstract: A pneumotach is provided that is effective for obtaining accurate flow measurements through a wide range of velocities by measuring substantially linear flow, and which includes a readily disposable element. The pneumotach also includes a holder adapted for readily holding the disposable element in a manner so as to be substantially free of patient contamination, and with transducer capability for detecting pressure and measuring the same at low flow rates. A combined pulmonary functioning measuring kit includes computer and read-out capabilities for selectively receiving input from either spirometer or the pneumotach. The kit is readily assembled and is self-contained.

Abstract: A pneumotach is provided that is effective for obtaining accurate flow measurements through a wide range of velocities by measuring substantially linear flow, and which includes a readily disposable element. The pneumotach also includes a holder adapted for readily holding the disposable element in a manner so as to be substantially free of patient contamination, and with transducer capability for detecting pressure and measuring the same at low flow rates. A combined pulmonary functioning measuring kit includes computer and read-out capabilities for selectively receiving input from either spirometer or the pneumotach. The kit is readily assembled and is self-contained.

Abstract: A process for the collection of blood from a body cavity requires a controllable flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the conduit is placed in a body cavity from which blood is to be withdrawn. The outlet of the conduit is connected to the inlet of a blood collection apparatus. The apparatus includes an apparatus body having a first opening therein for connection to a source of suction and a gas-transmitting water seal. The apparatus also includes an autotransfusion collector for collecting and storing blood for optional blood reuse. The collector includes an outer receptacle and an inner receptacle. The inner receptacle includes at least one interior cavity and at least one substantially flexible wall at least partially enclosing the at least one interior cavity. The apparatus also includes a conduit for placing the source of suction in fluid communication with the interior cavity through the water seal.

Abstract: A suction drainage device is provided, particularly for collecting liquids and any solids that may be carried therewith from a cavity of a body. Suction draws air or other gases from a collection chamber, and liquid and entrained particles from the cavity are drawn into a collection chamber. The device also has a water manometer. A liquid seal is also provided through which is drawn air and other gases from the collection chamber. A fluid control valve-like device is provided between various portions, chambers, and conduits of the device, and preferably between the device itself and atmosphere, such control device preferably being a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane, but optionally comprising a baffle. A facility is provided for breaking up bubbles of air at the inlet to the water in the manometer.