Abstract: The invention generally provides two-component molecular biosensors. In particular, the invention provides molecular biosensors having peptide epitope binding agents that bind a target antibody. The molecular biosensors are useful in several methods including in the identification and quantification of target molecules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing for the automatic instrument-based rapid reprocessing of an intact extracorporeal circuit for use in hemodialysis. The system includes a manifold with connectors for engaging a dialyzer as well as venous and arterial blood lines. The manifold is adapted to be moved from a dialysis machine to a reuse instrument without removing the dialyzer and associated blood lines. The system allows for reprocessing of the extracorporeal circuit wherein prior to the next treatment, there is no residual chemical disinfectant requiring testing, the extracorporeal circuit is pre-primed, the levels in the bubble traps are set, and all of the required quality assurance tests are performed and recorded.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the removal of serum gal-3 from circulation by plasmapheresis, comprising at least in part donor apheresis, using gal-3 binding agents in either a fixed bed, or in a form easily removed, such as by being complexed with magnetic particles. This method, on its own, brings a sharp reduction and relief from the inflammation and fibroses that can be induced by circulating gal-3. The process may be combined with the administration of gal-3 binding agents, such as modified citrus pectin, to further lower unbound gal-3 levels, to the point where gal-3 in the tissues may be addressed. This method may also be combined with removal of TNF receptors to provide an effective treatment for cancer.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module is disclosed. In particular, technology for achieving a reduction in pressure deviation of channels generated when an external fluid passes through a case, thereby achieving a uniform flow rate of the fluid through each channel.

Abstract: A user interface for a machine for extracorporeal blood treatment comprises a touch screen and a controller programmed to display on a screen (16) a display in which two distinct areas are arranged, one of which (161) exhibits a series of touch keys (17). Activation of any one touch key (17) causes visualization of an image in a second area (162) of the screen. The images are displayed alternatively and are at least partly different one from another. Each touch key (17) is associated to an instruction, or to a group of instructions, all concerned with readying the machine for use. Each image is a pictograph of a configuration of the machine, correlated with an instruction associated to the touch key (17) selected. The operator is aided in making the machine ready for treatment.

Abstract: A renal failure therapy method includes causing therapy fluid to flow to a renal failure therapy filter, directing at least twenty-five percent of the therapy fluid to the renal failure therapy filter to perform conductive clearance, and using the renal therapy failure filter to cause at least a substantial amount of the remaining therapy fluid to perform diffusive clearance.

Abstract: A renal therapy blood cleansing system is provided. The renal therapy blood cleansing system includes a blood filtering device in fluid communication with a blood circuit, a balance chamber configured to exchange like volumes of fresh and used therapy fluid with the blood filtering device, a first pump configured to pump fresh fluid to the balance chamber, a second pump positioned and arranged to receive used fluid from the blood filtering device, and a control scheme. The control scheme is programmed to isolate the blood filtering device from the second pump and deliver a volume of fresh fluid to the blood filtering device via the balance chamber while the second pump is isolated from the blood filtering device, so as to increase fluid volume within the blood circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line. The apparatus includes an introducer and a catheter configured to advance the catheter through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the catheter and place in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced the catheter is configured to transport a bodily fluid (i.e. blood) to a volume outside of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting at least one blood component contained in a primary bag of a system of bags, said system of bags comprising at least one bag of solution containing an additive solution for said blood component and at least one collecting satellite bag configured to collect said blood component to which said additive solution has been added, said bags being connected to one another by tubes, said apparatus comprising an extraction device configured to extract the blood component by compressing the primary bag, and a control device configured to transfer said extracted component or of said extracted component and of the additive solution, to the collecting satellite bag by the intermediary of tubes, further comprising: an agitation device, and a drive system, said system being designed to enable the uniform mixing of the extracted blood component and of the additive solution in said collecting satellite bag.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for targeted removal of a substance or biomolecule such as a protein from a biological fluid, such as blood. In some cases, the blood may be withdrawn from a subject, treated, and returned to the subject. Previous techniques for removal of biological materials from blood, such as hemodialysis and plasmapheresis, were generally non-specific (i.e., they removed a multitude of proteins/toxins from the blood). By contrast, novel methods and devices described herein are capable of removing specific or single substances such as proteins from biological fluids such as blood in a specific manner. Such highly specific protein removal has a broad array of clinical applications, including treatment of inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: An automatic locking system for a medical treatment device helps to ensure that an assistant is present during treatment of a patient. Among the features disclosed biometric authentication to verify that a trained assistant is present, a presence detector to ensure the assistant is continuously present during treatment, and warning and recovery processes that allow intermittent lapses in the continuous presence of the assistant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are centrifuge-free self-contained systems for aseptically separating components of whole blood comprising at least one cassette for receiving whole blood; at least one red blood cell exclusion filter; at least one leukocyte reduction filters; at least one platelet exclusion filter; a plurality of product cassettes; and optionally a plurality of pumps and valves; and wherein the filters, pumps, valves, and cassettes are fluidly connected by tubing and the system does not include a centrifuge. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining blood components using the system.

Abstract: A blood reservoir may be used in combination with other elements such as a heart lung machine (HLM), oxygenator, heat exchanger, arterial filter and the like to form an extracorporeal blood circuit that may be employed in a procedure such as a bypass procedure. The blood reservoir may be configured to receive, filter and store blood from a number of sources including vent blood (from within the heart), venous blood (from a major vein), purge blood (from a sampling line) and cardiotomy or suction blood (from the surgical field).

Abstract: A device for oxygenating blood during extracorporeal circulation includes a box-like body having a first end and a second end opposite thereto and defining therebetween a treatment chamber with an inner surface. The device further includes, in the treatment chamber, at least one exchange unit having at least one flat diaphragm that is impervious to blood and has a major axis and a minor axis. The diaphragm has a winding of hollow microporous fibers. The device further includes an inlet port and an outlet port axially aligned with one another in an alignment direction. A compartment is provided for accumulation and delivery of blood to be treated, another compartment for collecting treated blood, the compartments being located downstream of the inlet port and upstream of the outlet port, between the exchange unit and the inner surface of the treatment chamber. The diaphragm is disposed with the major axis parallel to the alignment direction.

Abstract: A method for increasing the shelf life of donor blood contemplates the following steps. In the first step blood is transferred to a sterile container and mixed with an anticoagulant as indicated in step 20. The anticoagulant and donor blood are centrifuged in step 22 at about 4,000 rpm for about 15 minutes. After centrifuging the red blood cells are separated and placed in a sterile tube. In the next step the red blood cells are irradiated by a laser that emanates a wavelength of about 633 nm for a time period of about 24 hours. During rotation the RBCs are rotated to provide uniform exposure. Such laser biostimulation produces an enhancement of shelf life of donor blood by 66%.

Abstract: The invention provides for novel lipase inhibitors, and compositions and devices comprising the same. The invention further provides for methods for treatment of disorders comprising administration of novel diacylglycerol lipase inhibitors, and compositions and devices comprising said inhibitors. In some embodiments, the disorders are pancreatitis, obesity, shock or pancreatic necrosis. The invention further provides for novel ether lipid reporter compounds and methods of assaying enzymatic activity comprising contacting a compound with a novel ether lipid reporter compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for using lectins that bind to pathogens having high mannose surface glycoproteins or fragments thereof which contain high mannose glycoproteins, to remove them from infected blood or plasma in an extracorporeal setting. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for reducing viral load in an individual comprising the steps of obtaining blood or plasma from the individual, passing the blood or plasma through a porous hollow fiber membrane wherein lectin molecules are immobilized within the porous exterior portion of the membrane, collecting pass-through blood or plasma and reinfusing the pass-through blood or plasma into the individual.

Abstract: A method of treating blood withdrawn from patient including: simultaneously withdrawing blood and infusing withdrawn blood from and to the patient by flowing the withdrawn blood through an extracorporeal dialysis circuit including a dialyzer having a semi-permeable dialysis membrane and a dialysate side adjacent the membrane; feeding a dialysate containing 1 to 5 mM total calcium and 2 to 8 mM citrate to the dialysate side of the dialyzer, and introducing an anticoagulation fluid including at least 8 mM citrate into the

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to provide a cross-flow or radially directed blood flow through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to heat-exchanger systems that can be used to heat or cool a fluid such as blood. Pod pumps that provide low shear and low turbulence may be used in such systems, particularly for systems that pump blood. A certain heat-exchanger system used to heat blood or other fluids may be used to provide whole-body hyperthermic treatments or regional hyperthermic chemotherapy treatments. A disposable unit may be used to separate the fluid path from the fluid control systems. The disposable unit typically includes a heat-exchanger component that is received by a corresponding heat exchanger in a base unit. Fluid pumped through the heat-exchanger component is heated by the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus has a dialyzer (1), an arterial blood circuit (2) with a blood pump 4, a venous blood circuit 3, a dialysate introduction line L1, a dialysate discharge line L2, a substitution line L3, and a substitution pump 9 that supplies the dialysate flowing in the substitution line L3 to the arterial blood circuit 2. A control device (11) estimates or measures the concentration of blood in a dilution channel section A. The control device (11) controls the volume of dialysate supplied by the substitution pump 9 on the basis of the estimated or measured blood concentration.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting body fluids with the bio-affinity material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container having top and bottom lock covers that clip onto the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for depletion of hepcidin from blood for treatment of iron deficiency, in particular in anemic patients suffering from chronic renal failure, with the goal of increasing the availability of iron in the body and thus improving the treatment of the anemia. The hepcidin adsorbent comprises a matrix and a hepcidin-binding ligand covalently bonded to the matrix with an affinity having a dissociation constant KD of less than 200 nM.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator includes an integral pneumatic pump disposed substantially within a housing thereof, an inlet blood flow redirector, and an outflow blood collector. An atrium provided at an inlet of the oxygenator promotes even delivery of blood to the oxygenator. In use, the oxygenator provides an even dispersion of blood therethrough, establishing even perfusion and reducing areas of stagnant blood flow.

Abstract: A method for the re-anticoagulation of platelet rich plasma in a blood apheresis system includes priming the blood apheresis system with anticoagulant, such that a volume of anticoagulant is transferred to a PRP container. The method may then transfer the anticoagulant within the PRP container to a red blood cell container, and collect a volume of platelet rich plasma within the PRP container. The platelet rich plasma may be collected in a plurality of cycles. Between collection cycles, the method may transfer a portion of the volume of anticoagulant from the red blood cell container to the PRP container.

Abstract: A method for separating, or removing, particulate material, e.g., blood cells, from a sample of fluid, e.g., whole blood of a patient, in which the particulate material is suspended. In the case of separating blood cells from blood plasma or blood serum, the resulting samples of blood plasma or blood serum can be used for in vitro diagnostic applications. In normal practice, a whole blood sample of a patient are provided and then introduced into an apparatus that contains a flow channel. An acoustic field, which contains acoustic standing waves from external ultrasonic transducers, is located within the flow channel. Laminar flow is maintained in the flow channel. Blood cells and platelets are separated from blood plasma or blood serum at the end of the flow channel and collected. The method described herein allows fluid components to differentially migrate to areas of preferred acoustic interaction.

Abstract: An example of a nitric oxide delivery device includes a medium, a working electrode in contact with the medium, and a reference/counter electrode in contact with the medium and electrically isolated from the working electrode. The medium includes a source of nitrite ions and a Cu(II)-ligand complex. A nitric oxide permeable material separates the medium from an external environment that is to contain blood.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved apparatus and methods for carrying out cardiopulmonary bypass. In particular, the invention relates to pericardial blood suction apparatus and methods, which can be carried out during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a sample of liquid having an NMR signal in response to a magnetic field for the presence of an analyte. Included is an NMR device having a testing section that is adapted to contain a liquid and apply a magnetic field to the liquid. A complex comprised of a conjugate having a field gradient bound to the analyte that is of sufficient magnitude to quench the NMR signal of the liquid, when in the test section whereby the presence of the complex is determined by the absence of the NMR signal. The system and method also include a container having a binding agent therein that has an affinity for the analyte or foreign agent that is used to remove the foreign agent from a patient's blood or plasma. Blood or plasma is shunted through the container to remove or reduce the foreign agent by extracorporeal circulation.

Abstract: The venous reservoir is omitted from an extracorporeal blood circuit system by substituting a blood reservoir in parallel with the arterial pump. The reservoir has an inlet connected to the outlet of the pump and an outlet connected to the inlet of the pump. At least three blood flow paths can be configured. A main path has the inlet and outlet of the reservoir blocked while pumped blood flows through the venous cannula, the oxygenator, and the arterial cannula. An accumulator path has the inlet to the oxygenator and the outlet of the reservoir blocked while blood flows through the venous cannula and the inlet to the reservoir. A discharge path has the inlet of the reservoir blocked while the outlet is open whereby blood from the reservoir flows into the oxygenator. In a fourth configuration, the ECC fluid can be recovered in the reservoir and hemoconcentrated for autologous transfusion.

Abstract: A method of causing an object to act as a cavitation nucleus comprising the steps of providing a sound energy source capable of generating a sound energy over a plurality of frequency ranges, providing a target object contained in a liquid, coupling the sound energy source to the liquid, determining a specific frequency range, within the frequency ranges, that resonates the target object, and exposing the target object to sound energy at the specific frequency range to cause the target object to act as a cavitation nucleus.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for monitoring administration of nitric oxide (NO) to ex vivo fluids. Examples of such fluids include blood in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits or perfusion fluids used for preserving ex vivo organs prior to transplanting in a recipient. The systems and methods described herein provide for administering nitric oxide to the fluid, monitoring nitric oxide or a nitric oxide marker in the fluid, and adjusting the nitric oxide administration.

Abstract: A method for the re-anticoagulation of platelet rich plasma in a blood apheresis system includes priming the blood apheresis system with anticoagulant, such that a volume of anticoagulant is transferred to a PRP container. The method may then transfer the anticoagulant within the PRP container to a red blood cell container, and collect a volume of platelet rich plasma within the PRP container. The platelet rich plasma may be collected in a plurality of cycles. Between collection cycles, the method may transfer a portion of the volume of anticoagulant from the red blood cell container to the PRP container.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag for storing platelets or contaminated blood previously withdrawn from a subject. The bag can comprise a flexible, closed container and at least one removable heat transfer member adhered to an outer surface portion of the container. The container can include an inlet therein that forms part of the container. The inlet can be adapted for fluid-tight connection to a tube member through which the platelets or contaminated blood are caused to flow.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag for storing blood previously withdrawn from a subject. The bag can comprise a flexible, closed container and at least one removable heat transfer member adhered to an outer surface portion of the container. The container can include an inlet therein that forms part of the container. The inlet can be adapted for fluid-tight connection to a tube member through which the blood is caused to flow.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus adapted to preserve a blood treatment unit between blood treatment sessions. The blood treatment apparatus is configured to i) perform a blood treatment session and thereby use the blood treatment unit, ii) fill the blood treatment unit with a preservation fluid comprising at least one treatment fluid concentrate of a type that is used to prepare the treatment fluid, iii) maintain the preservation fluid in the blood treatment unit until a next blood treatment session is prepared, iv) dispatch the preservation fluid from the blood treatment unit in preparation of a next blood treatment session, and v) perform a next blood treatment session and thereby extend the use of the blood treatment unit. A related method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood line (108) comprising an infusion site (145) intended to inject into the line a solution, comprising: a first main channel (200) having a first passage section, a second main channel (220) having a second passage section, means for the formation (210) of a turbulence area located downstream from the first main channel, located upstream from the second main channel, these formation means comprising a first fluid passage means (224) defining a reduction (225) in the passage section and whose smallest passage section is smaller than the first passage section and smaller than the second fluid passage section, a secondary channel (230) comprising an inlet (231) for letting in the solution and an outlet (232) in fluid communication with the first main channel or the means for the formation of a turbulence area or the second main channel.

Abstract: A filter and a method to treat blood borne carcinomas by inducing apoptosis in carcinoma cells. The filter includes a stent having an interior wall defining a channel containing a packing material and at least one antineoplastic agent. The method includes placing a patient's blood in apposition of the antineoplastic agent by pumping the blood through the stent. The blood remains in apposition to the antineoplastic agent for a sufficient time period to induce an apoptotic cascade.

Abstract: A process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from a biological source, which composition is preserved and, especially pathogen free and is storage stable, preferably at room temperature. Further, the invention relates to the composition containing biologically active follistatin, which composition is available by the production process. The invention provides a process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from avian eggs, or from raw animal blood serum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating blood, to a separation container and to a system, wherein different blood fractions—erythrocytes (64), buffy coat (65) and blood plasma (66)—are obtained, wherein blood is introduced into a separation container (1) and is then centrifuged into different superimposed, fluidically connected sections of the separation container, specifically a top section (4) for receiving the blood plasma (66), a middle section (3) for receiving the buffy coat, and a bottom section (2) for receiving the erythrocytes (64). The aim of the invention is to optimize the extraction of buffy coat. Said aim is achieved by means of the method and the separation container, wherein the optimization is geared to obtaining a defined phase boundary, and by means of the system, wherein the optimization is geared to achieving freedom from contamination from the time the blood enters the separation container and obtaining an easy-to-handle freezer container for cryopreservation.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may be configured to provide a circumferential blood flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irradiation apparatus for inactivating pathogens and/or leukocytes in a biological fluid such as a platelet suspension and/or plasma comprising: a casing (2), a support member (3) for carrying at least one irradiation bag (19) containing the biological fluid, a light source (4) comprising two banks of light (5, 6) disposed above and below the support member (3), and an agitating system (25) for moving the support member (3), the light source generating UVC light of suitable intensity to inactivate pathogens and/or leukocytes and the agitation system moving the support member in an orbital path with predetermined amplitude and rotational frequency suitable to expose the whole biological fluid to UVC.

Abstract: Wound closure methods and apparatuses are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of the blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing coagulated blood to the wound site to complete clotting. Methods and apparatuses for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulants and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Bubble traps for removing bubbles from a stream of liquid and flexible containers comprising such bubble traps are disclosed. The bubble trap includes a containment chamber fluidly coupled to an outlet conduit. At least one grate is disposed between the containment chamber and the outlet conduit. The at least one grate includes a plurality of grate inlets formed in a grate wall and fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit with a plurality of grate conduits such that the containment chamber is fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit. The grate traps bubbles entrained in the stream of liquid flowing from the containment chamber to the outlet conduit in the containment chamber when the bubbles are greater than or equal to a diameter of the grate inlets.

Abstract: The invention described herein teaches methods of removing microvesicular particles, which include but are not limited to exosomes, from the systemic circulation of a subject in need thereof with the goal of reversing antigen-specific and antigen-nonspecific immune suppression. Said microvesicular particles could be generated by host cells that have been reprogrammed by neoplastic tissue, or the neoplastic tissue itself. Compositions of matter, medical devices, and novel utilities of existing medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a case, a bottom member and a plurality of heat transfer pipes (a pipe group) loaded in the heat exchanger case, in which blood flows from one end through the bottom member. The bottom member has an annular wall, a bottom surface, and a blood inlet port. The bottom surface is opposed to one end of the heat transfer pipe. The bottom surface includes a groove portion and a raised bottom portion provided on each of opposing end sides of the groove portion. The raised bottom portion is inclined such that a distance between the raised bottom portion on a side where the blood inlet port is provided and one end of the heat transfer pipe is smaller than a distance between the raised bottom portion opposite to the side where the blood inlet port is provided and one end of the heat transfer pipe.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of at least one compound with biological properties from blood, where said method is performed in sealed tubes at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing or preventing the bacterial contamination of the compound through handling. The method comprises the repetition, for as many times as is required, of the following steps: connecting a second container that is vacuum-sealed to an extraction device connected in turn to a first container that contains blood separated into fractions, waiting for a period of time until the required fraction(s) is/are transferred, and removing said second container, with it thus being possible to obtain several second containers with different compounds for different medical applications including biological therapies. The steps may be performed in a closed system, without removing the caps of the containers, or alternatively the first container may be opened prior to the introduction of the extraction device.

Abstract: A drain cassette for a dialysis unit has a fluid channel between venous and arterial connection ports, and a valve may controllably open and close fluid communication between a drain outlet port and the venous connection port or the arterial connection port. A blood circuit assembly and drain cassette may be removable from the dialysis unit, e.g., by hand and without the use of tools. A blood circuit assembly may include a single, unitary member that defines portions of a pair of blood pumps, control valves, channels to accurately position flexible tubing for an occluder, an air trap support, and/or other portions of the assembly. A blood circuit assembly engagement device may assist with retaining a blood circuit assembly on the dialysis unit, and/or with removal of the assembly. An actuator may operate a retainer element and an ejector element that interact with the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter for separating particles and/or catalyzer for particle reaction in a fluid. The device comprising array of passageways fabricated on a die wherein the passageway size is controlled by actuators. The passageway size is monitored and the actuators controlling the passageway size are activated conditionally upon the passageway size monitoring. Using movable actuators the passageway can achieve passageway size that is less then the fabrication minimal resolution. Proper locating, setting and/or activation of the actuators create passageways that can perform filtration of particles, trapping of particles and catalyzing particles reaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for conveying an amount of red blood cells and an amount of plasma to a blood source. Blood is conveyed from a blood source into a separation device and the separation device is operated to separate the blood into a layer containing red blood cells and a layer containing plasma. Red blood cells and plasma are removed from the separation device and volumes of the red blood cells and plasma are conveyed to the blood source. The volumes of red blood cells and plasma are alternately conveyed to the blood source for said amounts of red blood cells and plasma.