Abstract: An apparatus for occluding the inflow conduit of a ventricular assist device comprising a plug body, a plug surface, and a plug cap. The plug cap is configured to extend around an external surface of the cylindrical body of the plug body. The plug cap may be removeably connected to the plug body.

Abstract: A cannula system for providing a fluid connection to a heart includes a cannula having an end configured for connection to a myocardium of a heart. The cannula defines an inlet and includes a first cuff extending around the cannula so as to cover a substantial portion of an exterior surface of the cannula proximate the inlet. Additionally, a second cuff may be included that extends around the first end of the cannula adjacent a distal end of the first cuff.

Abstract: A method for disposing of suture needles. The method includes attaching the needle storage receptacle to a mounting surface by positioning a first adhesive surface against the mounting surface, peeling back a strip of protective material from a second adhesive surface of a needle storage unit and placing a suture needle between the protective material and the second adhesive surface, removing the protective material from the second adhesive surface and a third adhesive surface adjacent the second adhesive surface, and folding the second adhesive surface into contact with the third adhesive surface to permanently trap the needle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention disclose processes and systems for the off-line in-vitro purification of plasma harvested from a patient. In an embodiment of a process, in a first step cellular components are capable of being eliminated by membrane plasma separation at temperatures sufficiently high to avoid formation of a cryoaggregates, and in a second step the resulting plasma solution is cooled to a temperature that allows the formation of cryoaggragated molecules, but no formation of a cryogel.

Abstract: A method for disposing of suture needles. The method includes attaching the needle storage receptacle to a mounting surface by positioning a first adhesive surface against the mounting surface, peeling back a strip of protective material from a second adhesive surface of a needle storage unit and placing a suture needle between the protective material and the second adhesive surface, removing the protective material from the second adhesive surface and a third adhesive surface adjacent the second adhesive surface, and folding the second adhesive surface into contact with the third adhesive surface to permanently trap the needle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflow cannula tip that is shaped to prevent suction with the ventricular wall and adapted to prevent platelet adhesion. In particular, the inlet portion of the cannula tip comprises two projections extending from the cylindrical body of the cannula tip with gaps between the projections. The projections may have beveled edges. The inlet portion of the cannula tip can accept blood flow from either the gaps in the side or from the bottom of the tip. Even if the edge of the cannula tip is close to or even touching ventricle wall, a suction condition will not result, as blood is allowed to flow through the gaps between the projections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflow cannula tip that is shaped to prevent suction with the ventricular wall and adapted to prevent platelet adhesion. In particular, the inlet portion of the cannula tip comprises two projections extending from the cylindrical body of the cannula tip with gaps between the projections. The projections may have beveled edges. The inlet portion of the cannula tip can accept blood flow from either the gaps in the side or from the bottom of the tip. Even if the edge of the cannula tip is close to or even touching ventricle wall, a suction condition will not result, as blood is allowed to flow through the gaps between the projections.