Abstract: An internal formation (3) for a conduit (1). The formation (3) has a longitudinally extending member adapted to extend along an inside surface of at least a portion of the length of the conduit (1). The longitudinally extending member has an asymmetric profile in a direction transverse of the longitudinal axis of the member.

Abstract: A helical formation (2) for a conduit (1). The helical formation (2) comprises an elongate member defining at least a portion of a helix, the elongate member comprising two inwardly extending portions (6, 7). The inwardly extending portions (6, 7) are spaced from each other and extend along the length of the elongate member in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heart valve prosthesis having a configuration such that blood flow through it has a helical flow pattern such as to substantially reduce or eliminate turbulence and dead flow regions in the blood flow.

Abstract: There is a disclosed a conduit supporting structure that imposes, maintains and/or reinforces a flow guiding formation of a conduit, whereby to effect a desired flow configuration in the conduit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heart valve prosthesis having a configuration such that blood flow through it has a helical flow pattern such as to substantially reduce or eliminate turbulence and dead flow regions in the blood flow.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert (2) for a conduit (4) adapted to effect helical flow in the conduit (4) comprising a longitudinally extending member having a helical formation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for introducing a helical formation (11) into a flexible tubular material (12). The material (12) is supported together with a surrounding helical former (13) so as to deform the material (12) to have a helical indentation (11) corresponding to the shape of the former (13). The material (12) is then set in that configuration and the former (13) is removed.

Abstract: There is a disclosed a conduit supporting structure that imposes, maintains and/or reinforces a flow guiding formation of a conduit, whereby to effect a desired flow configuration in the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for purifying nucleic acids from whole cells in a sample, such as whole blood. Also provided is the use of a filter device in same.

Abstract: A portable device for sampling fluid. The device has a puncture device attached to a housing which has an interior and exterior wall. The housing is in fluid communication with the syringe and contains a filtration device comprised of at least one U-shaped hollow fiber membrane. The device also includes a collection chamber. Also in the device is a sensing device including a further hollow fiber membrane the first and second ends each connected to a first and second plug. Each of the plugs contacts the interior wall of the housing. The further hollow fiber membrane contains a sensing agent. The device is arranged so that a sample is collected through the puncture device and is passed through the filtration device where is it passed through the one or more U-shaped hollow fiber membrane to the collection chamber. From the collection chamber it is passed through the hollow fiber membrane which contains the sensing agent device before being passed to a syringe.