Abstract: The assembly, through a plurality of shunts, allows blood circulation from the lower part of a patient's body and from the intestines to flow unimpeded to the heart, while isolating hepatic venous blood containing toxic agents from the general circulation and returning it to a heart-lung machine. As a result, the assembly can be used to perfuse the liver, of a patient which has become involved with cancer, with extremely high does of cancericidal chemotherapy agents, while at the same time avoiding the toxic effects of these agents on the patient's body as a whole.

Abstract: An artificial lung provided with a built-in heat exchanger comprising an outer cylindrical member, an inner cylindrical member and an intermediate cylindrical member disposed between said outer and inner cylindrical members.A plurality of tubes are disposed within said inner cylindrical member through which a heat exchange medium is adapted to pass. The supply of oxygen to the blood is carried out within the inner cylindrical member while heat exchange is performed between the blood and the heat exchange medium.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator wherein blood and oxygen are admixed by flowing blood, into which has been introduced bubbles of oxygen, through a three-dimensional, open cellular mixing material having a substantial void volume. The resulting arterialized blood and blood foam rise to the top of the admixing chamber and are contained in a channel located at the top of the chamber and directed through this channel to the input of a defoamer chamber. A defoamer filter of annular configuration is retained within the defoamer chamber such that the defoamer inlet is located at the top of the defoamer filter within the interior annular space thereof. The blood foam thus enters the interior of the defoamer filter and is distributed over a substantial portion of the defoamer surface and collapsed therein to remove substantially all entrapped gases. The oxygenated defoamed blood collects at the bottom of the defoamer chamber for return to the patient's body.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system especially suitable for use with extra-corporeal circulation systems such as dialyzers, blood cell separators, oxygenators and the like, in which the internal system pressure must be monitored at one or more locations in the blood circuit, and appropriate warnings provided of pressure increases or decreases within defined limits. An initial pressure measuring cycle is provided and must be completed successfully before the main operating cycle of the overall system can begin. A pressure transducer provides signals to a digital closed-loop system which provides a suitable compensation during the initial or primary cycle and then holds that compensation value during the machine running cycle. Excursions of pressure beyond upper and lower limits of the stored reference or compensation value, in either direction, will cause the running cycle to terminate automatically.

Abstract: Blood oxygenator of the membrane type in which a semi-permeable membrane (by which is meant a membrane that is permeable to gas but not to aqueous liquid) separates the blood from the oxygen but allows diffusion of oxygen into the blood and of carbon dioxide from the blood into the stream of gas; such blood oxygenator being characterized by a plurality of oxygen, water and blood units, each blood unit having a frame which together with semi-permeable membranes forms a blood cavity, the blood entering each such unit from one side, crossing the blood cavity and exiting on the other side, such blood units being isolated from the water units such that leakage of water into the blood units is precluded. Also applicable to oxygenators in which membranes of blood units are permeable to water and small molecules but not to large molecules or particles of the blood.

Abstract: A blood pumping device is described for internal use in humans or animals and which is particularly suitable for use as a left ventricular assist device. The device is comprised of a unitary pancake-shaped deformable sac of flexible resilient, blood compatible material. A pair of oppositely acting plates on each side of the pancake-shaped sac are moved toward and away from each other by the action of driving means to deform the sac and provide the pumping action. Inlets and outlets are arranged in the annular side wall of the sac.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus having within a sealed housing a chamber for mixing oxygen and blood, a column of packed beads through which the mixture of oxygen and blood passes to cause oxygenation of the blood, a blood defoamer through which the oxygenated blood must pass, a reservoir into which the defoamed blood passes and a heat-exchanger which occupies a substantial portion of the lower region of the reservoir. The heat-exchanger comprises a stacked array of spirally wound coils being connected at each of its ends to a manifold which is external of the sealed housing. The configuration of the various components and of the walls of the sealed housing are such that the coils provide high heat-exchange effectiveness by optimizing the size and uniformity of the spacing between coils through which the blood must pass.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator having two separable components one of which is disposable and the other of which is reusable and sterilizable. The disposable portion of the oxygenator is multichambered and provides an oxygenating chamber, a defoaming chamber and an arterial reservoir constructed so that blood will flow sequentially therethrough. The reusable member is constructed in the form of a cover for the oxygenator and has depending therefrom a heat exchanger for maintaining the temperature of the blood, the heat exchanger projecting telescopically into the oxygenating chamber. Defoaming is assisted by a cellular foam material rolled into a generally cylindrical configuration and having abutting faces which are bias cut so that the line formed by the abutting faces is not coaxial with the blood flow path.

Abstract: A stacked membrane apparatus for dialyzing or oxygenating blood, in which the blood compartment is isolated from the fluid (e.g., dialysate or oxygen) compartment without compressive forces being imposed by the casing to the blood manifold regions of the unit. Spaced means are provided for closing membranes about membrane support plates in such a fashion as to provide blood flow paths in the space between the closing means.

Abstract: A purification device for utilizing a gas to purify a liquid, principally useable as an artificial lung, and employs a simple mixing tube so as to assure the mixing of a purification gas with the liquid, with the liquid and gas mixture exiting from the mixing tube into a housing carrying gas separation means in the form of a filter with the purified liquid flowing through the housing in reverse direction to liquid flow in the mixing tube and being collected at one end of the housing while the separated gas is vented from the opposite end of the housing. The housing carries a heat exchange device for maintaining the purified liquid at a predetermined temperature as it exits from the purification device. A pump is provided for pumping the purified liquid from the housing. In order that the housing will not be pumped dry, there is provided a float valve arrangement for controlling flow of the purified liquid out of the housing.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator includes a heat exchanger wherein heat transfer fluid flows through a tube which is ribbed along its length. The tube is positioned within a chamber connected in an extracorporeal blood circuit such that the blood is caused to flow over the exterior surface of the ribbed tube. In the preferred embodiment, the blood flows through a plurality of continuous, restricted area flow paths offering substantially uniform flow impedance to the blood, these restricted flow paths being provided by constructing the tube with an integral, substantially continuous, hollow, helical rib, and by forming the helically ribbed tube in a helical configuration mounted between an inner cylindrical column and an outer cylindrical shell such that the blood is caused to flow through the plural paths of restricted cross-sectional area provided by the helical flute.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator includes a heat exchanger wherein heat transfer fluid flows through an aluminum tube having an intergral, substantially continuous hollow helical rib along its length providing a substantially continuous helical flute. The tube is positioned within a chamber connected in an extracorporeal blood circuit such that the blood is caused to flow over the anodized exterior surface of the helically ribbed tube. In the preferred embodiment, the blood flows through a plurality of continuous, restricted area flow paths offering substantially uniform flow impedance to the blood, these restricted flow paths being provided by forming the helically ribbed tube in a helical configuration mounted between an inner cylindrical column and an outer cylindrical shell such that the blood is caused to flow through the plural paths of restricted cross-sectional area provided by the helical flute.

Abstract: The support arm is used in an apparatus for the centrifugal liquid processing of whole blood wherein whole blood is withdrawn from a donor and passed through a flexible tubing of a fluid system of the apparatus into a bowl thereof where the blood is centrifuged to separate the same into at least three components. One component which is to be collected is withdrawn through a flexible tubing at a fixed rate of volumetric displacement while the other two components are withdrawn through flexible tubings at variable rates of volumetric displacement. The other two components are recombined and returned to the donor. The withdrawal of the one component is optically monitored to determine whether or not either one of the other components is being mixed with the one component. The support arm is positioned above the bowl for guiding the tubings to the bowl in a first position and is pivotal horizontally to a second position where the bowl can be easily removed.

Abstract: Device suitable for use in heat and mass transfer applications comprising a manifold structure having outwardly extending protrusions from the surface thereof and which is spirally wound into a plurality of convolutions and is surrounded by a shell having a cylindrical body member and conical ends. The protrusions are interconnected with one another so that flow progresses from one to another. The device can be used for heat transfer and for mass transfer between various fluid streams, in particular, venous blood and a stream of oxygen. The manifold structure being spirally wound provides a manifold for oxygen flow in an axial, as well as circumferential, direction. Blood flows axially through the mass transfer device in a plurality of essentially concentric streams. When two manifold structures are provided in tandem in a body member, both heat and mass transfer can be provided with a stream of blood.

Abstract: A test system for testing the efficiency of blood oxygenators. The system includes a deoxygenator having a mixing section, a defoaming section and a collection section. Blood and deoxygenating gas are supplied to the mixing section. Mixed blood and gas exiting the mixing section enters the defoaming section where the mixture is defoamed. A portion of the deoxygenated and defoamed blood is directed to the oxygenator under test and the remainder is directed to an overflow reservoir. Blood exiting both the oxygenator and the reservoir is recirculated to the mixing section of the deoxygenator. Test sites are provided immediately upstream and downstream of the oxygenator under test so that the condition of the blood can be checked at both points and the efficiency of the oxygenator determined.The system provides for the precise control of the condition of the blood exiting the deoxygenator.

Abstract: A dual cannula having two adjoining tubes, a leader tube and a follower tube, in staggered arrangement so as to form two separate and distinct passageways for the withdrawal and return of blood to a body. The blood return passageway terminates with a needle aperture and the blood withdrawal passageway has a sheltered aperture. The outer dimensions of the needle portion of the leader tube are substantially the same as the total outer dimensions of the two adjoining tubes for the distance which the cannula is adapted to be inserted into a body, whereby the sheltered aperture is sheltered by the needle portion of the leader tube. Means are provided for shielding the sheltered aperture.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator with heat exchanger comprising an annular oxygenation chamber provided with a blood entry, an oxygen diffuser and a duct for the passage of the blood from the oxygenator chamber to a defoaming element. A heat exchanger is provided extending from an upper container housing the defoaming element to a second container located below the oxygenation chamber. In the oxygenation chamber the blood follows a labyrinth passage defined by radially disposed, longitudinally extending baffles uniformly distributed in the annular chamber.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator wherein blood and oxygen are admixed by flowing blood, into which has been introduced bubbles of oxygen, through a three dimensional, open cellular mixing material having a substantial void volume. In one embodiment, the admixing chamber is provided by an upright cylinder having an open interior. In a second embodiment, the chamber has an annular interior configuration. In both embodiments, the open cellular mixing material completely fills the cross-sectional interior of the chamber. The resulting arterialized blood and blood foam rise to the top of the admixing chamber and are contained in a channel located at the top of the chamber and directed through this channel to the input of a defoamer chamber. A defoamer filter of annular configuration is retained within the defoamer chamber such that the defoamer inlet is located at the top of the defoamer filter within the interior annular space thereof.

Abstract: A heat exchanger wherein heat transfer fluid flows through a tube having an integral, substantially continuous hollow helical rib along its length providing a substantially continuous helical flute. The tube is positioned within a chamber connected in an extracorporeal blood circuit such that the blood is caused to flow over the exterior surface of the helically ribbed tube. In the preferred embodiment, the blood flows through a plurality of continuous, restricted area flow paths offering substantially uniform flow impedance to the blood, these restricted flow paths being provided by forming the helically ribbed tube in a helical configuration mounted between an inner cylindrical column and an outer cylindrical shell such that the blood is caused to flow through the plural paths of restricted cross-sectional area provided by the helical flute.

Abstract: An atraumatic method and apparatus for the removal of fluid from a surgical field having a fluid valve which is opened and closed responsive to the pressure about the fluid valve and a vacuum valve which is also opened and closed in response to the pressure about the fluid valve, and when opened, causes fluid to be passed through the fluid valve. In one embodiment, the fluid valve is made of collapsible tubing, flattened at its midsection so as to be normally closed, and connecting a fluid inlet and fluid outlet of a fluid removal housing. The fluid removal housing is further provided with a control port which may be opened or closed manually, and a connection to a vacuum source through the vacuum valve.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for selectively separating amino acids and defined proteins from the blood by enzymatic degradation, to obtain a therapeutic effect. The apparatus includes a closed system in which is mounted a membrane like structure presenting a wide surface area on which has been fixed the enzyme or enzymes necessary to effect the separation process together with heparin to render the surface non-thrombogenous. The method of selectively separating the amino acids and proteins resides in causing blood to pass from an artery in the patient over the active surface containing the enzyme and heparin and returning the blood to the patient via another blood vessel.

Abstract: An oxygenator for blood which comprises means for removably holding a membrane oxygenator unit, means for conveying blood to a patient through the oxygenator unit in a first flow path and back to the patient, and means for supplying oxygen gas through the oxygenator unit in a second flow path separated from the first flow path in the unit by a semi-permeable membrane. The oxygenator unit holding means carries a plate which has an oxygen inlet manifold port positioned to communicate with a mounted oxygenated unit, to provide a sealed oxygen flow path through the plate into the oxygenator unit and to provide for dispersal of effluent oxygen in a plurality of directions, thereby preventing the accidental obstruction of the oxygen outlet of the unit.

Abstract: A pulsatile flow pumping unit adapted to serve as a total cardiac replacement device, a cardiac assist pump for orthotopic placement, for extracorporeal application in conjunction with a membrane oxygenator for cardiopulmonary support during surgery or critical illnesses, for pulsatile flow coronary artery perfusion, and for filling and emptying of an aortic diastolic augmentation balloon for cardiac assist is provided. The pumping unit features simplicity of construction, comparative economy and reliability by utilizing a minimum number of working parts including a large diameter slitted rotary driver and cam operated follower means which avoids close machining tolerances and attendant high cost of manufacturing. The device automatically adjusts its rate of pumping in accordance with both preload (filling pressure) and afterload (pulmonic and systemic pressure) and in addition modifies its stroke volume in a downward direction when confronted with high afterload.

Abstract: A novel process for removing endotoxin from biological fluids such as parenteral fluids and for removing or reducing the level of endotoxin from the blood of animals is disclosed. The novel process includes the utilization of certain non-ionogenic hydrophobic synthetic plastic polymers that have been found to be capable of adsorbing endotoxin from the biological fluids when placed in intimate contact therewith.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device of the type having an oxygenating chamber, a settling chamber, and a heat exchange chamber. A bubbler assembly within the oxygenating chamber including a housing with blood and oxygen inlet means, an outlet opening for blood bubbles which extends 360.degree. around the bubbler assembly housing, and a continuous closed passageway therebetween for effecting optimum oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. Blood bubbles pass from the outlet means through a defoamer unit for debubbling. A defoamer support member on the outside of the bubbler assembly housing supports the defoamer unit and affords an open passageway for blood bubbles to flow from the outlet means downwardly adjacent the outside of the bubbler assembly housing into the defoamer unit. The blood, after passing through the defoamer unit, flows first into the settling chamber and then along a divided annular path through the heat exchange chamber for the transfer of heat thereto.

Abstract: An oxygenator (artificial lung) comprising a blood storage tube of an elongated cylindrical configuration; an oxygenating tube of an elongated cylindrical shape longitudinally inserted through said blood storage tube and having a central portion of its lower end provided with an oxygen injection means with a built-in perforated plate and having said lower end provided with blood inlet ports; a blood capacity control means provided at an upper portion of said oxygenation tube and including a rotatable cylinder and side openings; a debubbling chamber formed in an upper portion of said blood storage tube; and a blood storage chamber (reservoir) defined by a lower portion of said blood storage tube and incorporating a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A variable capacity reservoir assembly for use in a blood oxygenation system which includes a collapsible reservoir and an elongated unitary clamp. The reservoir is of fluid-impermeable flexible material and includes an expandable portion capable of holding a predetermined maximum volume of blood. The reservoir also includes one main blood inlet and one main blood outlet. The clamp is bifurcated and slidably engages the reservoir, preferably between the inlet and the outlet and grasps the expandable portion so as to control the expansion thereof and thereby control its blood holding capacity.

Abstract: A pneumatically driven balloon activated blood pump for connection either in parallel with or to one side of the heart for temporary mechanical support of an inadequately functioning heart. A tubular conduit with a sealable opening for insertion or removal of the balloon having an inlet and an outlet for connection to the circulatory system. A gas line extends from outside of the conduit through the opening and into the conduit and is connected to an inflatable balloon which is expanded and contracted by gas to form the blood propelling member. An inlet and an outlet valve are positioned on opposite sides of the balloon to provide unidirectional flow of blood through the pump. The inlet valve may be a separate occluder balloon connected to and actuated from the gas line or may be a portion of the balloon occluding the inlet side of the conduit during inflation. An outlet valve may be attached to the pump balloon.

Abstract: Fluoroacylation of ethyl cellulose has been found to result in good gas permeability and blood compatibility for polymeric layers made from the resulting fluorinated esters. The fluoroacylated ethyl cellulose has good hydrolytic stability at blood pH and under sterilization conditions (e.g. 100.degree. C). For use in blood oxygenation devices, implantable biomedical devices, blood sampling or analysis or purification devices, etc., it is preferred that the fluoroacylated ethyl cellulose be substantially free of residual OH and have a fluorine content above 10% by weight (e.g. at least about 12% by weight).

Abstract: A membrane blood oxygenator-blood heat exchanger combination including a gas exchange section of multi-layer structure having alternate layers of rectangular polymer membranes and rectangular mesh spacers forming alternate gas channels and gas exchange blood channels between the membranes, said gas and blood channels being generally perpendicular to each other; a heat exchange section having a multi-layer structure having alternate layers of metal sheets and rectangular mesh spacers forming alternate heat exchange blood channels and water channels, said blood and water channels being perpendicular to each other, said heat exchange blood channels being an extension of the gas exchange blood channels and having equal blood flow sectional area to said gas exchange blood channels.

Abstract: A system for extracorporeal perfusion of human organs wherein a pulsatile flow of cold perfusate is circulated through an organ intended for transplantation. The system includes a perfusion chamber, a heat exchanger comprising an ice water bath containing a coil of tubing through which perfusate is circulated, and a pulsatile pump interposed in the line between the heat exchanger and the perfusion chamber, downstream of that exchanger, for drawing cold perfusate through the exchanger and directing it in a series of regular pulses to the organ. The system is particularly adapted for use in a compact portable perfusion unit.

Abstract: A bubble oxygenator having a generally cubic exterior housing with a gas dispersion system having a one-way valve that prevents the backflow of blood into the oxygen supply. At one end of the oxygenator housing is a generally vertically extending bubble chamber having a movable wall to vary the flow capacity of the oxygenator. Formed separately from the bubble or oxygenating chamber is a generally horizontally extending bubble collection chamber in the top of the cubic housing. The bubble collection chamber is formed by a rectangular envelope shaped, defoaming mesh and filter assembly. A planar temperature controlled ramp receives debubbled blood from the bubble collection chamber and directs it in planar fashion downwardly toward a reservoir.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood circuit including a haemodialyser and a pump for pumping blood to and from the haemodialyser, and a single needle for the passage of the blood to and from the body. The single needle is connected to the stem of a Y-shaped coupling, the first branch of which is connected to an inlet pipeline for the pump, an intermediate pipeline connecting the pump to the inlet of the haemodialyser, the outlet of which is connected to the second branch of the Y, a bubble trap being included in the outlet pipeline. A device is provided which seals the inlet and outlet pipelines intermittently and this is driven in a cyclic manner at a predetermined frequency. The haemodialyser and/or the pump and/or the intermediate or outlet pipeline has a variable internal volume which is sensitive to the variations in the differential pressure instantaneously existing between its interior and atmosphere.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus for machines such as artificial kidneys and heart-lung machines has a warning device activated to prevent air bubbles from entering the blood circulation system of the patient and controlled by the vertical position of a float in a float chamber where air is separated from the blood. The warning signal is triggered when the air/blood volume ratio in the chamber is increased so that the float sinks and closes off the outlet at the bottom portion of the chamber. Continued blood supply to the chamber compresses the air therein and the corresponding pressure increase is detected and used to generate a warning signal.

Abstract: The pliant, elongate inflatable band of a sphygomanometer is provided with a pair of elongate tensioning cords each extending from one end of the band to assist a patient in applying the band to an upper portion of his arm without the assistance of another person, thus allowing the patient to take his own blood pressure measurement.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there is provided an extracorporeal blood circulation system including a drip chamber having a blood inlet in its top and a blood outlet in its bottom, such chamber during operation containing blood in its bottom portion and air in its top portion, an air passage communicating with the top of the chamber, an air pump communicating with the atmosphere and with the passage for pumping air through the passage from the chamber into the atmosphere and from the atmosphere into the chamber, and means for selectively actuating the pump to either pump air into or out of the chamber.

Abstract: A novel process for removing endotoxin from biological fluids such as parenteral fluids and for removing or reducing the level of endotoxin from the blood of animals is disclosed. The novel process includes the utilization of certain non-ionogenic hydrophobic synthetic plastic polymers that have been found to be capable of adsorbing endotoxin from the biological fluids when placed in intimate contact therewith.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blood pump for use in an artificial heart including an inlet pump system and an output pump system in series with each pump including branch tubes communicating with first main inlet tube, each branch tube being equipped with a flow-in side valve and a flow-out side valve with a flexible middle portion of the branch tubes which is expanded or contracted to provide a pulsatile pump with flow-out end of each branch tube connected to a second main tube with the second main tube of the inlet pump system being connected with the first main tube of the output pump and with the branch tubes of each system being ultimately expanded and contracted at different rates to provide a blood pump which achieves excellent hemodynamic effects without requiring synchronization with the rhythm of a natural heart.

Abstract: The removal of carbon dioxide from blood plasma by transport through a dialysis membrane in the form of bicarbonate ion, in which the electrolyte supplies hydroxyl ion for transport back through the membrane for maintaining normal blood pH.

Abstract: The system coordinates the speed of a blood pump, in an extracorporeal blood circuit for a patient, with the blood flow from the patient to pass the blood through a treatment device such as an oxygenator and then back to the patient. The blood from the patient flows through a bladder which actuates a transducer to control an integrator and current amplifier. The current amplifier charges a capacitor to the breakdown potential of a DIAC avalanche diode causing the diode to fire and dump the charge of the capacitor into a silicon controlled rectifier which energizes the pump motor. The speed of the motor depends on the charging time of the capacitor in response to a signal voltage from the transducer. The motor is stopped by a comparator and flip flop when the blood flow through the bladder drops to a predetermined low value. The speed of the motor may also be controlled manually by a potentiometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of blood can carry through automatically such functions as dialysis and oxygenation compensating, in the process, for changes in the condition of the patient. A fail-safe monitor receives signals from a number of sensors all of which must provide signals within acceptable ranges in order for the apparatus to continue to function. Deviation of a signal outside the corresponding acceptable range for longer than a preset period causes the fail-safe monitor to stop the flow of blood taken from the subject and to activate an alarm. The apparatus may be so constructed that the ducting through which blood and other fluids flow can be caused to act as valves and pumps by suitably applied pressure. Also, such portions of the apparatus can be made in a form which is sufficiently economical so that they can be regarded as disposable. The apparatus may be designed so that it can be programmed for specific patients and for treatment of specific conditions.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator comprising a first embodiment of a fluid tight housing having a chamber formed therein one end of which is fluid connected by a conduit to a source of blood to be oxygenated, the other end fluid connected for returning oxygenated blood to the source, a plurality of liquid impermeable, gas permeable tubes extended through the chamber for transferring therethrough oxygen at a pressure higher than the partial pressure of the oxygen in the blood, and one or more membranes forming a sealed cavity in the chamber, with openings formed in the housing for tranferring a fluid, such as oxygen into and out of each cavity, movement of a membrane mixing and pumping the blood flowing through the chamber; a second embodiment wherein baffles are disposed within the chamber no membranes being present, for directing the blood as it flows from the one end to the other end in a continually reversing path with the blood normally flowing normal to the tubes for nonmechanical agitation of the blood; and a third em

Abstract: The disclosure is of pumps which are capable of use as heart pumps, that is, for pumping blood in connection with the maintenance of the life function in a human or animal body to replace one or more pumping functions of the heart.

Abstract: The invention is an improved delivery system for injecting a cardioplegic solution made mostly of a patient's own blood into his heart in order to arrest it. The delivery system is used in combination with a cardiopulmonary bypass apparatus which includes an oxygenator, a roller pump, and typing connecting the patient's heart to the oxygenator so that patient's blood will flow into the oxygenator and the roller pump will pump it out of the oxygenator back into the patient's heart.