Abstract: A fluid treatment arrangement may include a fluid treatment unit having a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure may include at least one feed layer, at least one permeate layer, and at least one layer of a permeable fluid treatment medium between the feed layer and the permeate layer. The fluid treatment unit may further include a thermoset which holds the layers together and forms at least a portion of a first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The fluid treatment arrangement may also include a thermoplastic sheet which overlies the first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The thermoset directly bonds to the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A fluid treatment arrangement may include a fluid treatment unit having a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure may include at least one feed layer, at least one permeate layer, and at least one layer of a permeable fluid treatment medium between the feed layer and the permeate layer. The fluid treatment unit may further include a thermoset which holds the layers together and forms at least a portion of a first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The fluid treatment arrangement may also include a thermoplastic sheet which overlies the first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The thermoset directly bonds to the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A fluid treatment arrangement may include a fluid treatment unit having a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure may include at least one feed layer, at least one permeate layer, and at least one layer of a permeable fluid treatment medium between the feed layer and the permeate layer. The fluid treatment unit may further include a thermoset which holds the layers together and forms at least a portion of a first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The fluid treatment arrangement may also include a thermoplastic sheet which overlies the first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The thermoset directly bonds to the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A fluid treatment arrangement may include a fluid treatment unit having a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure may include at least one feed layer, at least one permeate layer, and at least one layer of a permeable fluid treatment medium between the feed layer and the permeate layer. The fluid treatment unit may further include a thermoset which holds the layers together and forms at least a portion of a first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The fluid treatment arrangement may also include a thermoplastic sheet which overlies the first end surface of the fluid treatment unit. The thermoset directly bonds to the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A filtration housing is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filtration cassette, components thereof and methods of making them. A filtration cassette comprises a plurality of subassemblies of which at least one comprises a filter screen encompassed by two filter membranes or one filter membrane and an impermeable film which are joined together around their peripheries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm having first and second shaft segments on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a connector which is spaced apart from the sled member and stabilization device to releasably control the movement and rotation of the stabilization device with respect to the stabilization arm and the rotation of the stabilization arm with respect to the retractor actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: An anastomosis device is provided for making connections between various conduits in the body of a patient. The device includes a first assembly that is threaded through the target conduit of the patient to a desired location. The device then pierces the wall of the target conduit and is then attached to an external assembly that is withdrawn through the wall of the target conduit to draw the desired connector and a graft conduit into the desired position along the wall of the target conduit. Thereafter, the first assembly is separated from the connector and graft conduit. In this invention, the connector may be a stent like device, staples or similar components to secure the graft conduit to the desired location along the wall of the target conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile stabilizer that immobilizes tissue at a surgical site wherein the device includes a stabilizer having a base portion with elongate extending members that surround the sides of an aperture area and a removable end portion which is removable from the base portion and which surrounds the remaining side of the aperture area and wherein the stabilizer is preferably used in combination with a pair of flexible connectors that are threaded through the tissue adjacent to the aperture area to draw the tissue into contact with the aperture area of stabilizer and into contact with a pair of tab members extending from the bottom surface of the stabilizer such that the flow of blood through a blood vessel is occluded by tab members when the flexible connectors are releasably attached to the stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer that immobilizes tissue at a surgical site wherein the device includes a stabilizer having a base portion with elongate extending members that surround the sides of an aperture area and an end portion which is removable from the base portion and which surrounds the remaining side of the aperture area and wherein the stabilizer is preferably used in combination with a pair of flexible connectors that are threaded through the tissue adjacent to the aperture area to draw the tissue into contact with the aperture area of stabilizer and into contact with a pair of tab members extending from the bottom surface of the stabilizer such that the flow of blood through a blood vessel is occluded by tab members when the flexible connectors are releasably attached to the stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm having first and second shaft segments on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a connector which is spaced apart from the sled member and stabilization device to releasably control the movement and rotation of the stabilization device with respect to the stabilization arm and the rotation of the stabilization arm with respect to the retractor actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile stabilizer that immobilizes tissue at a surgical site wherein the device includes a stabilizer having a base portion with elongate extending members that surround the sides of an aperture area and a removable end portion which is removable from the base portion and which surrounds the remaining side of the aperture area and wherein the stabilizer is preferably used in combination with a pair of flexible connectors that are threaded through the tissue adjacent to the aperture area to draw the tissue into contact with the aperture area of stabilizer and into contact with a pair of tab members extending from the bottom surface of the stabilizer such that the flow of blood through a blood vessel is occluded by tab members when the flexible connectors are releasably attached to the stabilizer.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a polyolefin extruded tube, a polyolefin flange overmolded onto the tube, and a cap engaged to the flange. In the overmolding process, a polyolefin material is overmolded unto a polyolefin substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing entrained gases from a liquid by directing a liquid flow adjacent a substantially hydrophobic microporous membrane material and providing a negative pressure to one side of the membrane material to draw undissolved gas bubbles out of the liquid and through the membrane walls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic, unibody transfer device. This transfer device includes a membrane, and a housing surrounding the membrane. The housing includes a thermoplastic end cap and a thermoplastic shell. The end cap and shell are butt welded together. Additionally, there is a method of manufacturing with the aforementioned device. The method includes forming a bundle of a membrane, inserting the bundle into a shell, butt welding an end cap to the bundle and the shell so that the cap, bundle, and shell are fused together.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contactor having a microporous membrane and a shell surrounding the membrane. A shell has a fluoropolymer inner surface and a composite structural body. The fluoropolymer inner surface is integrated into the composite structural body.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided which may be used in an integrated blood oxygenator and heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a plurality of wave shaped sinusoidal channels on one or both sides. The heat exchanger has a cap attached at the upper end. The heat exchanger is disposed within a housing. The bottom end of the heat exchanger is bonded to the bottom end of the housing, and the upper end of the heat exchanger with the cap attached is spaced apart from the upper end of the housing. A liquid inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the inner surface of the heat exchanger. A blood inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the outer surface of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be used with a blood oxygenating chamber. The blood oxygenating chamber contains a plurality of permeable hollow fibers which oxygenate blood flowing through the blood oxygenating chamber. The blood oxygenating chamber is in fluid communication with the outer surface of the heat exchanger and the blood outlet.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a polyolefin extruded tube, a polyolefin flange overmolded onto the tube, and a cap engaged to the flange. In the overmolding process, a polyolefin material is overmolded unto a polyolefin substrate.

Abstract: An arterial filter includes a filter housing provided with a uniquely shaped housing cover. The housing cover is in the shape of a toroid which forms a coil-like tunnel which is enlarged midway about the circumference of the housing cover. The highest point of the toroidal channel is at the periphery of the housing cover, approximately 180.degree. from the inlet valve. A gas vent is located at this highest point on the top of the toroid-shaped housing cover. At the center of the housing cover is an indentation which is provided to both retain a cylindrical filter element inside the filter housing, as well as allow visibility directly through the central axis of the arterial filter to verify proper operation of the filtration process. As inlet blood circulates through the toroidal tube forming the filter housing cover, gaseous matter is allowed to buoyantly escape out of the gas vent located at the top of the raised section of the toroidal channel.

Abstract: A holder for a heat exchanger in a cardioplegia delivery system including dual couplers releasably engageable with the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchanger. A one-way shut-off valve is associated with each coupler and opened to provide communication upon mounting of the heat exchanger. The valves automatically close upon release of the heat exchanger. A release member engages both couplers and is manually retractable to simultaneously open both couplers for release of both heat exchanger fittings for instantaneous release of the heat exchanger and a closing of the associated valves.