Abstract: An artificial lung system for a patient having a membrane lung system having an gas inlet, a blood inlet, a blood outlet, and an exhaust; a gas system operably coupled to the gas inlet of the membrane lung system; a gas phase CO2 sensor disposed downstream of the exhaust of the membrane lung system and monitoring an exhaust gas CO2 (EGCO2) level and/or an blood oxygen saturation sensor disposed upstream of the blood inlet of the membrane lung system and monitoring a blood oxygen saturation level; and a feedback controller receiving the CO2 signal and/or blood oxygen saturation signal and outputting a control signal to control gas flow and/or blood flow.

Abstract: An artificial lung including a housing having a circular outer wall being enclosed by a first surface and a second surface to define an interior volume, a blood inlet port to permit inlet flow of blood to the housing, a blood outlet port to permit outlet flow of the blood from the housing, a gas inlet port to permit inlet flow of a gas to the housing, a gas outlet port to permit outlet flow of the gas from the housing, and a plurality of baffles concentrically disposed within the housing. The baffles are positioned to define a flow path between the blood inlet port and the blood outlet port. Each of the baffles includes a gate opening to permit flow of the blood along the flow path. A fiber bundle is disposed between the baffles within the flow create mixing and improve gas exchange efficiency.

Abstract: An artificial lung including a housing having a circular outer wall being enclosed by a first surface and a second surface to define an interior volume, a blood inlet port to permit inlet flow of blood to the housing, a blood outlet port to permit outlet flow of the blood from the housing, a gas inlet port to permit inlet flow of a gas to the housing, a gas outlet port to permit outlet flow of the gas from the housing, and a plurality of baffles concentrically disposed within the housing. The baffles are positioned to define a flow path between the blood inlet port and the blood outlet port. Each of the baffles includes a gate opening to permit flow of the blood along the flow path. A fiber bundle is disposed between the baffles within the flow create mixing and improve gas exchange efficiency.

Abstract: A gas delivery device includes a nitric oxide generating system. The system has a medium including a source of nitrite ions. A working electrode is in contact with the medium. A Cu(II)-ligand complex is in contact with the working electrode. A reference/counter electrode is, or a reference electrode and a counter electrode are in contact with the medium and separated from the working electrode. An inlet conduit is to deliver nitrogen gas to the medium, and an outlet conduit is to transport a stream of nitrogen gas and nitric oxide from the medium. An inspiratory gas conduit is operatively connected to the outlet conduit to introduce an oxygen-containing gas and form an output gas stream of the gas delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of treating systemic, regional, or local inflammation from a patient suffering or at risk of inflammation comprising administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a sorbent that sorbs an inflammatory mediator in said patient. In some preferred embodiments, the sorbent is a biocompatible organic polymer.

Abstract: A polymeric composition includes a polymer matrix having a lipophilic discrete nitric oxide adduct and/or a polymeric nitric oxide adduct associated therewith, by covalent attachment to the polymer matrix and/or by dispersion within the polymer matrix, with the discrete nitric oxide adduct and/or the polymeric nitric oxide adduct being capable of releasing nitric oxide (NO). The polymeric composition further includes an ester capped poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) additive to at least one of increase, prolong, and control NO release rates from the lipophilic discrete nitric oxide adduct and/or the polymeric nitric oxide adduct.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of treating systemic, regional, or local inflammation from a patient suffering or at risk of inflammation comprising administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a sorbent that sorbs an inflammatory mediator in said patient. In some preferred embodiments, the sorbent is a biocompatible organic polymer.

Abstract: A polymeric composition includes a polymer matrix having a lipophilic discrete nitric oxide adduct and/or a polymeric nitric oxide adduct associated therewith, by covalent attachment to the polymer matrix and/or by dispersion within the polymer matrix, with the discrete nitric oxide adduct and/or the polymeric nitric oxide adduct being capable of releasing nitric oxide (NO). The polymeric composition further includes an ester capped poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) additive to at least one of increase, prolong, and control NO release rates from the lipophilic discrete nitric oxide adduct and/or the polymeric nitric oxide adduct.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods of treating systemic, regional, or local inflammation from a patient suffering or at risk of inflammation comprising administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a sorbent that sorbs an inflammatory mediator in said patient. In some preferred embodiments, the sorbent is a biocompatible organic polymer.

Abstract: An introducer for a blood vessel cannula has a main elongate portion adapted for insertion into a blood vessel cannula. A first end of a transition portion is adjacent to and extends from the main elongate portion. The first end of the transition portion has an outside diameter larger than an outside diameter of a second end of the transition portion. A first end of an extended portion is adjacent to and extends from the second end of the transition portion and the first end of the extended portion has an outside diameter that is larger than an outside diameter of a second end of the extended portion. A distal end portion is adjacent the second end of the extended portion and has an aperture. A lumen extends through the aperture, main elongate portion, the transition portion, the extended portion, and the distal end portion.

Abstract: A photobioreactor system for efficient oxygen production for a closed ecological life support system (CELSS) is disclosed. Special features of this system include, e.g., the optical transmission system, uniform light distribution, continuous cycling of cells, gravity independent gas-exchange, and an ultrafiltration unit. The fiber optic based optical transmission system illuminates the reactor internally and includes a light source which is external to the reactor, preventing heat generation problems. Uniform light distribution is achieved throughout the reactor without interfering with the turbulent regime inside. The ultrafiltration unit exchanges spent with fresh media and its use results in very high cell densities, up to 10.sup.9 cells/ml for Chlorella vulgaris. The prototype photobioreactor system may be operated in a batch and continuous mode for prolonged periods of time. The photobioreactor may be used to convert CO.sub.2 to oxygen in an artificial lung.

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.

Abstract: A system for autotransfusion has an aspirating wand or tube coupled to a vacuum source through a reservoir for receiving aspirated blood. From that reservoir blood flows to a receiving bag in a relatively low position below the elevation of the patient. When there is sufficient blood supply in the bag, the bag is elevated from its lower position to a point higher than the patient. Blood then flows from the elevated bag by gravity through a conducting tube and a needle into the patient. When the bag is then substantially empty, it is again lowered to an elevation lower than the patient for repetition of the operation. If desired, an anticoagulant can be introduced into the aspirated blood.