Abstract: The invention provides a preservative-free midazolam hydrochloride formulation that is less toxic, and more effective than present opioid therapies for alleviation of pain. Additionally, by an intrathecal infusion system for continuous administration of preservative-free midazolam hydrochloride the present invention circumvents breakthrough pain episodes often encountered with other means of opioid administration. The present invention further provides a novel method of treating pain that is of either non-neuropathic or neuropathic origin. Overall that present invention provides a method of treating cancer pain in patients by continuous intrathecal infusion of preservative-free midazolam hydrochloride.

Abstract: A direct drive blood defibrination unit and a method of using the unit are presented. The blood defibrination unit includes a vacuum bottle having input, vacuum, dispensing and drive ports therein. Contained within the bottle is a rotatable stir bar which is connected to a drive shaft which passes through the drive port of the vacuum bottle and is connected to a motor. A bacteria and vacuum seal surrounds the drive shaft adjacent the drive port in order to maintain the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the vacuum bottle without bacterial contamination. In operation, the input port of the vacuum bottle is connected to a source of blood to be defibrinated, and the vacuum port is connected to a source of vacuum. The stir bar is rotated during a blood collection time period, and is allowed to continue to rotate for a defibrination time period during which the input and vacuum ports are disconnected. After defibrination, the defibrinated blood is dispensed from the dispensing port.