Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a syringe includes a handle portion and a cradle. A clip is provided for connecting the plungers of two or more syringes, and two or more syringes are operated by placing one in the cradle and attaching the clip to the plungers for simultaneous operation of the plungers. The handle portion also forms a cavity for storing the clips. The apparatus is preferably used in combination with an applicator tip that combines the outputs from the two or more syringes.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for transferring a fluid to a sterile field includes the use of a sterile enclosure (58, 68) housing a syringe (40). The enclosure (58, 68) is made in two parts, and allows the syringe (40) to be operated while it is in the enclosure. When it is desired to pass the fluids to the sterile field, the enclosure is separated into at least two parts to allow the syringe to be removed. This removal of the syringe is done such that the user in the non-sterile field does not touch the syringe. Thus, the syringe, and fluid therein are easily transferred to the sterile field.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a syringe (6, 10) includes a handle portion (2) and a cradle (4). A clip (14) is provided for connecting the plungers (8) of two or more syringes (6, 10), and two or more syringes (6, 10) are operated by placing one (6) in the cradle (4) and attaching the clip (14) to the plungers (8) for simultaneous operation of the plungers (8). The handle portion (2) also forms a cavity for storing the clips (14). The apparatus is preferably used in combination with an applicator tip (12) that combines the outputs from the two or more syringes (6, 10).

Abstract: A system for the collection of physiological fluids includes a vacuum source (14) that is controlled to provide low vacuum as a function of whether fluids are entering the system. The suction wand and associated tubing are made of thin flexible materials, and the pressures employed do little damage to the collected fluids.

Abstract: The invention comprises a disposable tubing set (4) for connection to a rigid canister (2) that is maintained at a controlled reduced (vacuum) pressure.

Abstract: A method for washing collected blood uses an inert anticoagulant during collection of the blood. The inert anticoagulant does not interfere with agglomeration of the red blood cells so that gravity sedimentation separation is facilitated. The preferred inert anticoagulant is CPD.

Abstract: A system for the collection of physiological fluids includes a vacuum source (14) that is controlled to provide low vacuum as a function of whether fluids are entering the system. The suction wand and associated tubing are made of thin flexible materials, and the pressures employed do little damage to the collected fluids.

Abstract: A filter bag (200) and connector cartridge are used for collection of physiological fluids. The bag (200) includes an internal filter (206) and two seals (218, 220) on the perimeter. An inner seal (218) bonds the outer sheets (202, 204) of the bag and the filter, while the outer seal (220) bonds only the two outer sheets (202, 204) and acts as a safety seal. The bag includes a verification element that cooperates with a verification connector to ensure that the bag is properly attached to the fluid supply line before a fluid pump is enabled.

Abstract: A system for the collection of physiological fluids includes a vacuum source (14) that is controlled to provide low vacuum as a function of whether fluids are entering the system. The suction wand and associated tubing are made of thin flexible materials, and the pressures employed do little damage to the collected fluids.

Abstract: A system for collection of blood during surgery includes an interlock that requires conduits supplying collected blood to a bag to be properly connected before the system is operated. The interlock includes a source of electromagnetic energy that illuminates connectors to determine whether they are connected. In a preferred embodiment, the connector is a Luer connector with a cylindrical portion that redirects the electromagnetic energy when the connector is in place.

Abstract: A container (400) for the collection of fluids in a vacuum system includes upper and lower chambers (402, 404). Fluids are admitted to the upper chamber (402) to form a vortex and separate fluid and debris from air. The fluids then pass to the lower chamber (404) through a filter (412). A discharge tube (428) is connected to the lower chamber (404) to allow the accumulated fluids to be pumped from the container (400). The bottom of the lower chamber (404) includes a recess (430) that forms a platen for a roller pump, and a discharge tube (428) is located adjacent the platen whereby rollers (426) engage the tube (428) and platen upon installation of the chamber (400) on a base. A second port (418) is provided to the upper chamber (402) for admission of a second fluid such as an anticoagulant.

Abstract: A flexible, integral polymer resistance heated conduit is provided that is particularly suitable for use with physiological fluids. The conduit is highly effective in uniformly heating a fluid and in maintaining the fluid at a uniform, predetermined temperature. The conduit is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, and is at least partially transparent or translucent, thereby allowing easy viewing of its contents.

Abstract: A gas elimination device for cellular fluids has a cylindrical chamber that is divided radially into two parts by a cylindrical filter centrally located in the chamber. The fluid inlet is directed tangentially to the outer part of the chamber to create a vortex flow. The vortex flow is stopped by passage of the fluid through the filter, and gas bubbles that have formed rise to the top of the outer part of the chamber. A hydrophobic membrane covers the top of the chamber and allows the gas to exit the chamber to the atmosphere. A one way valve formed in a two part cap covering the chamber prevents flow of air into the chamber. A float valve stops flow when the chamber fills with air.

Abstract: An injection site designed for use with a needleless syringe includes a housing placed in an infusion line and an inlet for engaging the syringe and conveying a fluid to be mixed with the infusate to the interior of the housing. A liner within the housing controls flow of fluid through the inlet by sealing the inlet when the pressure in the housing is equal to or exceeds the pressure in the syringe. The housing is made of two parts, each of which includes a flange. When assembled, the spaced flanges are on opposite ends of the liner, which is not directly attached to the housing, to limit movement of the liner to maintain its position in the housing.

Abstract: A heater for physiological solutions that is effective at low and high flow rates includes first and second heat exchangers that have different fluid heating characteristics. The first heat exchanger is capable of heating solutions at high flow rates, while the second heat exchanger is designed to heat the solutions at low flow rates. A warming fluid is circulated through the heat exchangers, and a manifold is provided to control the flow of the warming fluid that is directed to the two heat exchangers. The solution to be warmed is directed to both heat exchangers such that a warmed solution is provided irrespective of the flow rates.

Abstract: A device for reducing the amount of a gas contained in a liquid includes a central core with an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and a transverse channel. A first chamber is formed on a first side of the core for receiving the liquid from the inlet channel, and a second chamber is formed on the opposite side of the core for receiving the liquid after it has passed through the first chamber. Each of the chambers includes a hydrophobic membrane for allowing gas that has separated from the liquid to pass to the atmosphere. The two chambers are arranged such that gas escaping from the liquid rises to the top of at least one of the chambers for any orientation of the device. The device, accordingly, is not dependent on orientation for effectiveness.

Abstract: A heat exchanger useful for supplying infusates over substantial distances uses an extrusion which provides a central tube for carrying an infusate and two outer channels for carrying a heat exchange fluid. A first of the channels carries the heat exchange fluid from an inlet end to an opposite end, and the other of the channels returns the heat exchange fluid to the inlet end. An end cap at the inlet end is easily connected to a source of heat exchange fluid and communicates with the channels. An end cap at the opposite end receives the heat exchange fluid from the first channle and redirects it to the second channel. Both of the end caps have connectors for facilitating connection with lines from a source of infusate and a patient.

Abstract: A heat exchanger useful for supplying infusates over substantial distances uses an extrusion which provides a central tube for carrying an infusate and two outer channels for carrying a heat exchange fluid. A first of the channels carries the heat exchange fluid from an inlet end to an opposite end, and the other of the channels returns the heat exchange fluid to the inlet end. An end cap at the inlet end is easily connected to a source of heat exchange fluid and communicates with the channels. An end cap at the opposite end receives the heat exchange fluid from the first channel and redirects it to the second channel. Both of the end caps have connectors for facilitating connection with lines from a source of infusate and a patient.

Abstract: An air elimination device includes a plenum arranged to cause a reduction in flow velocity of a physiological fluid whereby air bubbles form and rise to the top of the plenum. A hydrophobic membrane covers the top of the plenum, and the pressure in the fluid is greater than that which is required to drive the released air through the membrane and into the atmosphere. The air which collects at the top of the plenum forms a protective surface on the bottom of the hydrophobic membrane to prevent its being clogged by cellular materials. A support stand engages the air eliminator to hold it in the desired orientation whereby the air bubbles form at the top of the plenum.

Abstract: A self-contained portable unit for heating physiological fluids is disclosed. A heat exchanger is disposable to ensure sterility, and the hot exchanger is attached to a heating system by inserting it between opposed fluid connection elements. One of the fluid connection elements is movable to permit the heat exchanger to be installed and removed easily by inserting one end of the heat exchanger in one of the fluid connection units and moving the other fluid connection unit into contact with an opposite end of the heat exchanges. The heating fluid is heated by an electric heating element and is circulated by an electric pump.