Bubble Or Foam Producing Patents (Class 422/47)
  • Patent number: 11826502
    Abstract: An oxygenator with a housing wall, which delimits a housing space with a blood inlet and a blood outlet, a gas inlet and a gas outlet, has a heating element which is arranged in the oxygenator between blood inlet and blood outlet in order to control the temperature of blood flowing through the housing space. For this purpose, the oxygenator has a radiation source and a receiver. The radiation source can be an infrared emitter and the receiver a matte-black surface, or the radiation source is an induction coil and the receiver has a material capable of induction. In a method for regulating the heat output on a heating element of an oxygenator, the through-flow of the blood through the oxygenator and the power of a pump acting on the through-flow are measured, and the heating power is adjusted in accordance therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Xenios AG
    Inventors: Knut Joechle, Sebastian Koehler
  • Patent number: 11813378
    Abstract: The disclosure herein concerns a method including receiving at a computer at least one target value of a scent parameter for an environment that is remote from the computer, receiving at the computer a sensed parameter of the environment, and controlling, via the computer, diffusion of a liquid from a source of the liquid in fluid communication with at least one scent diffusion device to achieve the target value of the scent parameter, wherein controlling includes setting or adjusting an operation parameter of the at least one scent diffusion device in response to the sensed parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SCENTBRIDGE HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd H. Becker
  • Patent number: 8980176
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Stefano Reggiani, Claudio Giovannini, Claudio Silvestri, Gabriele Tommasi
  • Patent number: 8518259
    Abstract: An apparatus for de-aering, oxygenating and controlling a temperature of blood in an extracorporeal blood circuit. The apparatus includes a housing, a manifold body, a heat exchanger, and an oxygenator. A blood inlet tangentially directs blood into a first chamber of the housing. The manifold body is disposed in a second chamber, and includes a core and a plurality of vanes that define channels. The heat exchanger is arranged around the manifold body, and the oxygenator around the heat exchanger. The channels are open to the heat exchanger. An established blood flow path includes rotational flow within the first chamber to separate air from the blood, generally longitudinal flow from the first chamber and along the channels, and generally radial flow through the heat exchanger and the oxygenator. With this construction, gross air removal occurs prior to the blood passing through the heat exchanger and oxygenator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Cloutier, Robert Olsen, Stephen Roller, Chris Plott, Al McLevish, Ming Li, Michael Laxen, John Knoll, Gregory Hake
  • Patent number: 8496874
    Abstract: An integrated centrifugal blood pump-oxygenator (1) which has a housing (2) with a top (3) having a blood inlet (4), a blood outlet (5) and a gas inlet (6), and a bottom (7) having a rotational body (8) being rotatably arranged in a rotor-housing (9) of the bottom (7). The integrated centrifugal blood pump-oxygenator (1) further has an oxygenator membrane (10) provided in an interior (11) of the housing (2), wherein in the operation state oxygen (12) is transferred from the gas inlet (6) through the oxygenator membrane (10) to a gas outlet (13) and blood (14) is brought in direct contact with the oxygenator membrane (10) by pumping the blood (14) with the rotational body (8) from the blood inlet (4) to the blood outlet (5). The rotational body (8) is magnetically journalled in a contact-free manner with respect to the rotor-housing (9). There is an extracorporeal life support system (1000), and a method of de-bubbling and priming a extracorporeal life support system (1000).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Thoratec LLC
    Inventors: Barry N. Gellman, Andrew Koert, Zhongjun Wu, Juntao Zhang, Bartley P. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8480606
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. Such bubbles are generated, along with particulate matter, in an extracorporeal circulatory bypass system by the pump, oxygenator and other components. Current filters are inefficient at removing small bubbles that can cause neurological defects and renal and other organ failures in the patient. An active filter apparatus and method is disclosed that forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter. The filter comprises an axially elongate cylindrical shell with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a gas outlet. A motor driven impeller spins the blood within the shell and forces the gas toward the center by centripetal force, utilizing the buoyancy effects of the bubbles in blood, whereby the bubbles can be bled off at the center of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Indian Wells Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Wieting, Jay A. Lenker
  • Patent number: 8475398
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing method using a blood circuit comprising a pair of blood passages attached to opposite flow ends of a blood treatment device and said blood circuit is mounted on a blood pump console, the method includes: withdrawing blood from a vascular system of a human patient and drawing the blood into the blood circuit; pumping the withdrawn blood through one of the pair of blood passages using a first blood pump of the console and into the blood treatment device; pumping the treated blood from the treatment device through the other of the pair of blood passages using a second blood pump of the console; infusing the treated blood from the other blood passage and into the vascular system of the patient, and periodically reversing a flow direction of blood through the pair of blood passages and blood treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro uf Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John O'Mahony
  • Patent number: 8318092
    Abstract: An oxygenator combines, in a single structure, a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger and an arterial filter. Such an oxygenator permits fewer fluid connections and thus may simplify an extracorporeal blood circuit, including a heart-lung machine and a blood reservoir, in which it is used. In some cases, the oxygenator may be configured to include multiple purge ports for purging bubbles both before and after filtering the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Stefano Reggiani, Claudio Silvestri, Alberto Giri
  • Patent number: 8292839
    Abstract: A switch comprises a rotating switch member which provides fluid communication in three modes; infusion, recirculation and priming The switch is located between the oxygenator and drug bag and the cardioplegia pump raceway. The switch has three channels molded into the rotating manifold which either direct blood and cardioplegia into the coronary arteries of the patient or into a recirculation line. When the switch is rotated into the recirculation line, a hose is in fluid connection through the switch and connects the recirculation line with the pump blood and drug inlet lines thereby allowing cooling of the cardioplegic mixture during the time between infusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: William G. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8147753
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of tubes 2 through an inner cavity of which a heat-transfer medium liquid flows, a sealing member 6 that seals the plurality of tubes 2 while exposing both ends thereof, with a blood channel passing outside each of the tubes 2 being formed in a central portion in the axial direction of the tubes, and a housing 5 that accommodates the tubes 2 sealed with the sealing member 6. The heat exchanger further includes a hollow fiber membrane 3 that is formed of a plurality of hydrophobic and gas permeable hollow fibers 4 and that is disposed on at least one of an entrance side and an exit side of the blood channel in the housing 5 so that a liquid flowing through the blood channel passes through the hollow fiber membrane 3. The housing 5 includes openings 10 for exposing open ends of each of the hollow fibers 4 forming the hollow fiber membrane 3 to the outside, and gaps between an inner side of the openings and the hollow fibers 4 are sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Tanaka, Tomokazu Niitsuma, Shigeki Kawarabata, Takashi Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7762976
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal oxygenation of a patient's blood during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The apparatus comprises a bubble sensor, arranged at or connected to a venous line, for detecting bubbles in the venous blood received from the patient. When air bubbles are detected, a second pump is activated to draw air from an air chamber provided in an air filter connected to the venous line and arranged downstream of the bubble sensor. A first pump draws the blood from the air filter and supplies the blood to an oxygenator and to the patient via an arterial line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Sorin Group Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Schreyer, Erwin Knott, Andreas Hahn
  • Patent number: 7749435
    Abstract: An oxygenator which helps avoid bubbles in the blood from being discharged through the blood outlet port of the oxygenator includes a housing, a hollow fiber membrane bundle in the housing and formed by a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes serving for gas exchange, gas-inlet and gas-outlet ports communicating with gas passages of the hollow fiber membranes, and a blood-inlet and blood-outlet ports. A filter member is provided on a side closer to the blood outlet port of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and serves to catch bubbles in blood. The blood outlet port projects from the housing and a passage enlargement is provided in a vicinity of the end of the blood outlet port closer to the housing and having an increased passage cross-sectional area. The blood passed the filter member is allowed to reach the blood outlet port by being decelerated in the passage enlargement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Ogihara, Hidetaka Nakayama, Kazuhiro Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 7708942
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing coronary perfusion and cardiac reoxygenation that enables accurate control of oxygen levels in blood used for the coronary circulation. Deoxygenated blood and oxygenated blood are collected and oxygen levels are measured by sensors. The deoxygenated and oxygenated blood is then mixed and the mixed blood is measured by another sensor. The sensors provide data used to provide real-time oxygen level measurement and adjustment for blood supplied for coronary circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Rheoxtech, LLC
    Inventor: Neil J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7615028
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment system including: a blood circuit having a first blood passage coupled at a first end to a first end of a blood treatment device and a second blood passage coupled at a first end to a second end of the treatment device, wherein the first and second blood passages each have a second end adapted to be coupled to a vascular system of a human patient; a first blood pump connectable to the first blood passage and a second blood pump connectable to the second blood passage, wherein said first and second blood pumps are adapted to move blood through the first and second blood passages in a first direction and in a reverse direction, and a pump controller operatively connected to the first and second blood pumps, said controller operates the blood pumps to cyclically move blood through the first and second blood passages in the first direction and the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: CHF Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: John J. O'Mahony
  • Publication number: 20090230058
    Abstract: The invention relates to control of bubble formation in a fluid during extracorporeal circulation. A fluid supply means (111a) is configured to supply fluid to the extracorporeal circuit (111a, 111b, 113, 114, 115, 116), a flow control means (113) is connectable to the extracorporeal circuit and configured to control the flow of the fluid in the circuit; a gas exchange means (114) is connectable to the circuit and configured to gas exchange of the circulated fluid; an antibubble control unit (125) is connectable to an outlet (123) of the gas exchange means and configured to control the total gas pressure over a gas-exchange membrane (118) of the gas exchange means, whereby the amount of gas in the fluid leaving the gas exchange means can be controlled; and fluid return means (115, 116) is connected to the gas exchange means and configured to reintroduce the fluid into the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Fredrik Boris-Moeller
  • Patent number: 7498275
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photolytic cell, and to a photolytic artificial lung incorporating such a cell. The photolytic artificial lung converts water to oxygen for blood absorption, regulates pH, the removes carbon dioxide, and co-produces electrical power. The photolytic artificial lung includes a photolytic cell where all of the chemical reactions occur. Additionally, the present invention relates to photolytically sensitive materials for oxygen generation. These materials are useful for gas-free artificial lung and/or pulmonary capillary fabrication. The photolytic cell disclosed herein can also be used to direct chemical reactions in organs other than the lung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Bruce F. Monzyk, Eric C. Burckle
  • Patent number: 7488448
    Abstract: A system for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. An active filter apparatus forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Indian Wells Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Wieting, Jay A. Lenker
  • Patent number: 7458952
    Abstract: A completely integrated cardiopulmonary bypass system includes a common casing provided with a reservoir, a venous air trap, oxygenator, heat-exchanger and a pump. This totally integrated system provides for volume sequestration and for bypassing the reservoir without use of a shunt. The system also provides for open or closed circuit operation, thereby permitting the volume sequestration. The closed circuit operation has a venous air trap for air removal, thus retaining the safety features of both open reservoir and closed-venous air trap systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Venkataramana Vijay
  • Patent number: 7455812
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing coronary perfusion and cardiac reoxygenation that enables accurate control of oxygen levels in blood used for the coronary circulation. Deoxygenated blood and oxygenated blood are collected and oxygen levels are measured by sensors. The deoxygenated and oxygenated blood is then mixed and the mixed blood is measured by another sensor. The sensors provide data used to provide real-time oxygen level measurement and adjustment for blood supplied for coronary circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Rheoxtech, LLC
    Inventor: Neil J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7399717
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for photolytic oxygenation of whole blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Bruce F. Monzyk, Eric C. Burckle
  • Patent number: 7303156
    Abstract: A micro-nozzle for generating micro-bubbles. The micro-nozzle includes a liquid inlet forming a liquid path, a gas inlet, and a constricting wall positioned in the liquid path and shaped to abruptly constrict said liquid path to a width of less than approximately 20 um and then gradually diverge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Louisiana Tech University Research Foundation as a Division of the Louisiana Tech University Foundation
    Inventors: Sung Sam Kim, Roy Schubert
  • Patent number: 6417011
    Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. The use of plastic coated matrices especially small spheres or balls which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS. The selection of small spheres in combination with the coating provides for uniform matrices of high stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Miltenyi Biotec GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Miltenyi
  • Patent number: 6387324
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation is provided, advantageously comprising an extracorporeal circuit for the preparation and delivery of hyperoxic or hyperbaric blood. In one embodiment, an apparatus for gas-supersaturating fluids, e.g., physiologic saline, includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive the fluid; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level, advantageously about 600 p.s.i.; and an outlet advantageously coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet advantageously creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which collects within the chamber below the atomizer nozzle for removal via the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Vincent Divino, Jr., Jeffrey L. Creech, Mark S. Buhr
  • Publication number: 20020044889
    Abstract: An improved cardiopulmonary bypass system which consolidates and miniaturizes the entire CPB circuit on an integrated panel or box-type structure capable of being positioned within (or closely adjacent to) the sterile surgical field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Walid Najib Aboul-Hosn, Scott Youmans
  • Publication number: 20010001111
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing gas concentration in blood which has use as a generalized extracorporeal system and method to treat hypoxemic blood from a patient by mixing the blood with an oxygen supersaturated solution to generate hyperoxemic blood to be infused back to the patient. The extracorporeal system comprises an extracorporeal tubing through which blood from the patient is circulated, a blood pump for withdrawing blood from and delivering blood to the patient, at least one channel for delivering oxygen-supersaturated fluid and a mixing region for introducing supersaturated fluid without bubble formation. By infusing the oxygen-supersaturated fluid into the hypoxemic or normoxemic blood from the patient, hyperoxemic blood is thereby produced. The hyperoxemic blood is then returned to a central vein, right heart or artery of the patient with the blood pump at approximately the same volume delivery rate as blood volume withdrawal rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: J. Richard Spears, Seth A. Foerster, James M. Gessert, Paul J. Zalesky
  • Patent number: 5863501
    Abstract: A method for improving priming of an integrated oxygenator and heat exchanger which includes pretreating the integrated hollow fiber oxygenator and heat exchanger device with a surfactant. Pretreating the device coats the interior surfaces of the integrated hollow fiber oxygenator and heat exchanger with the surfactant, which facilitates the removal of entrapped air. An integrated hollow fiber oxygenator and heat exchanger having a surfactant coating on the interior surfaces is provided which subsequently allows for more efficient priming with an aqueous priming media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventor: Louis C. Cosentino
  • Patent number: 5770073
    Abstract: A combined venous and cardiotomy blood reservoir is provided that includes a rigid shell having a top, a bottom, and a continuous side wall. The top and bottom walls are connected to the continuous side walls so as to define a reservoir for venous and cardiotomy blood. A double column structure is provided within the blood reservoir, the first column for receiving and degassing venous blood, the second for receiving, filtering and defoaming cardiotomy blood. The venous blood filtering and defoaming components can include a top venous screen plate, a bottom venous screen plate or stand and a perforated venous cage captured therebetween. The venous column is of generally D-shape and has a double screen structure including an inner microscreen and an outer microscreen received respectively on the inside and outside of the perforated venous cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Ulf-Eiel F. Bach, James Strom
  • Patent number: 5612226
    Abstract: A gas/liquid contact method and apparatus, for example, for oxygenating blood using O.sub.2 and O.sub.3. A low pressure stream of oxygen is introduced into a chamber through a spray orifice while inducing blood into the oxygen stream in a first blood/oxygen contact zone. The blood is caused to issue from the spray orifice as a dispersed low-pressure spray of blood droplets and is directed against a dome-shaped film forming surface located within the chamber in the path of spray. The droplets impinge on the surface at relatively low velocity and form a film for providing a further oxygen/blood contact zone. The apparatus may be designed to operate on a one-pass or a recirculation basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: LifeTech Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5474740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for transferring constituents into and out of a fluid such as blood. The apparatus includes a biphasic foam body which functions as a blood oxygenator, blood dialyzer, or other blood mass transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventors: Leonard A. Trudell, Anthony D. Whittemore
  • Patent number: 5411705
    Abstract: A reservoir for use in an extracorporeal blood circuit including a rigid shell forming an enclosed reservoir. A filter unit divides the reservoir into an inlet chamber and outlet chamber. Cardiotomy blood filtering and defoaming means and venous blood filtering and defoaming means are located within the inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Avecor Cardiovascular Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Thor, Kevin D. McIntosh, Bruce R. Jones, Jeremy D. Dando
  • Patent number: 5366696
    Abstract: An oxygenation apparatus for introducing a flow of oxygen gas molecules into a carrier liquid in a one-pass operation comprises a receiving chamber for receiving carrier liquid, a contacting chamber for allowing the oxygen gas molecules to thoroughly contact the carrier liquid, and a separating partition located between the receiving chamber and the contacting chamber so as to preclude the return of oxygenated carrier liquid from the contacting chamber to the receiving chamber. There is an inlet for introducing oxygen gas molecules at a pressure slightly above the ambient surrounding air pressure into the apparatus, which terminates in an end portion having a gas introduction orifice. The gas introduction orifice is located in fluid communication with the receiving chamber, and causes a jet of oxygen gas molecules to be emitted therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: 1077075 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5338512
    Abstract: A device including an integrally formed membrane oxygenator and heat exchange device positioned in a single housing. The device includes a thermally conductive body formed with a plurality of blood pathways on its surface, and a gas permeable membrane, or membranes positioned in the housing in substantial contact with the heat exchange body to cover or lie within a portion of each of the pathways. The membrane defines a gas pathway separate from the blood pathway through which a gas is directed. The blood is directed through the individual blood pathways. The device also includes various ports and passageways for delivering the blood to the individual channels, and for collecting and removing the blood from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Wilfred F. Mathewson, Richard L. Bringham, Philip L. Ritger, David L. Karshmer
  • Patent number: 5244930
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for transferring constituents into and out of a fluid such as blood. The apparatus includes a biphasic foam body which functions as a blood oxygenator, blood dialyzer, or other blood mass transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Inventors: Leonard A. Trudell, Anthony D. Whittemore
  • Patent number: 5167921
    Abstract: A defoaming device for separating foam and bubbles from a liquid, such as blood, is disclosed. The device can be used in conjunction with a medical device, such as a membrane oxygenator, for separating air from blood while minimizing blood contact with the antifoam agent used in the device. In a first embodiment, the device includes a reservoir and a filtering material that does not contain any antifoaming agent. This filtering material is positioned in a lower portion of the reservoir to separate foam and bubbles from the liquid. An element containing an antifoaming agent is positioned in the reservoir above the maximum surface fluid level therein and receives the foam and bubbles that rise from the filtering material. Contact of the liquid with the antifoaming agent is substantially avoided. In a second embodiment, an element containing an antifoaming agent is positioned in the reservoir within the fluid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Lucas S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5158533
    Abstract: A combined cardiotomy and venous reservoir with filtration for autotransfusion of cardiotomy blood and venous blood during surgery and for postoperative wound site pleural drainage of shed blood for continued autotransfusion using the same unit. Vacuum regulation in the form of a manometer combined with a water seal are integral with the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Gish Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Strauss, Jack Brown
  • Patent number: 5120302
    Abstract: A blood container comprises a generally cylindrically shaped outer housing (11) having an upper portion, a lower portion and a bottom portion which declines downwardly to an outlet 3. A generally cylindrically shaped filter 2 is enclosed concentrically within the upper portion of outer housing for receiving blood at the top thereof and discharging filtered blood at the wall and base of the filter. A generally cylindrically shaped inner housing (4) extending from the base of the filter to the bottom portion of the outer housing. The container particularly includes means (5, 9, 9a, 9b, 11) for directing and restricting the flow of blood from the base of the filter for a gradual and smooth descent to the outlet which avoids the creation of bubbles and avoids any blood cell damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Dideco, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pietro Vescovini, Nicola Ghelli
  • Patent number: 5110549
    Abstract: A blood oxygenator having a defoaming device for separating foam and bubbles from a liquid, such as blood, is disclosed. The defoaming device of the oxygenator is designed for separating air from blood while minimizing blood contact with the antifoam agent used in the device. In a first embodiment, the device includes a reservoir and a filtering material that does not contain any antifoaming agent. This filtering material is positioned in a lower portion of the reservoir to separate foam and bubbles from the liquid. An element containing an antifoaming agent is positioned in the reservoir above the maximum surface fluid level therein and receives the foam and bubbles that rise from the filtering material. Contact of the liquid with the antifoaming agent is substantially avoided. In a second embodiment, an element containing an antifoaming agent is positioned in the reservoir within the fluid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Lucas S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5049146
    Abstract: A blood reservoir is formed with a hard outer shell housing defining at least one blood compartment. A flexible bag is mounted in the outer shell and is connected to the reservoir inlet port to allow blood to directly enter the flexible bag. The bag includes two oppositely positioned ends, one of which includes a mircoporous screen and is situated to lie partially below a minimum level attained by blood in the reservoir. The second bag end is substantially open, and includes a porous element partially coated with an antifoaming agent. The coated portion of the element is positioned above a maximum level attained by the blood in the hard shell. The potential of excessive mixing between the blood and air is reduced by controlling the expansion of the bag during blood flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Bringham, R. Scott Bell
  • Patent number: 5039482
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood circuit comprises a generally cylindrically shaped blood reservoir; a generally cylindrically shaped oxygenator arranged coaxially and adjacently below said reservoir; and a generally cylindrically shaped heat exchanger attached coaxially and adjacently below said oxygenator. The reservoir encloses an upper defoamer and multiple filter element adapted to receive cardiotomy blood within the interior of said upper element and to discharge treated blood to said reservoir; and a lower defoamer and filter element adapted to receive arterial blood within the interior of said lower element and to discharge treated blood to said reservoir; and has a lower blood outlet. The oxygenator has an inlet adapted to integrally receive blood directly from the outlet of said heat exchanger and an outlet adapted to return the oxygenated blood to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Shiley Inc.
    Inventors: Ivo Panzani, Nicola Ghelli, Pietro Vescovini
  • Patent number: 5039486
    Abstract: A defoaming device for separating foam and bubbles from a liquid, such as blood, is disclosed. The device can be used in conjunction with a medical device, such as a membrane oxygenator, for separating air from blood while minimizing blood contact with the antifoam agent used in the device. The device includes a reservoir and a filtering material that does not contain any antifoaming agent. This filtering material is positioned in a lower portion of the reservoir to separate foam and bubbles from the liquid. An element containing an antifoaming agent is positioned in the reservoir above the maximum surface fluid level therein and receives the foam and bubbles that rise from the filtering material. Contact of the liquid with the antifoaming agent is substantially avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter Inrternational, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucas S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4954317
    Abstract: There is disclosed a blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Raible
  • Patent number: 4874581
    Abstract: A blood oxygenator which independently controls the rate of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between an oxygen enriched gas and the blood. The oxygenator of the invention includes a gas inlet mechanism for diverting oxygen enriched gas between two different pathways. The first flow pathway feeds the oxygen bearing gas to a diffusion plate or sparger for the purpose of forming bubbles which diffuse into the blood to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the gas and blood. The second flow pathway feeds oxygen down into the interior of the oxygenator as a substantially continuous stream which creates a substantially single gas bubble, or is simple a substantially continuous flow of gas with the oxygenator. This continuous flow of gas affects a gas exchange across the blood-gas interface, with carbon dioxide diffusing into the gas at substantially the same diffusion rate as occurs with the microbubbles diffusing into the blood, but with a lower diffusion rate for the oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Karl M. Sutherland, Matthew Jenusaitia
  • Patent number: 4818490
    Abstract: A membrane type blood oxygenating system with the membrane device, blood heater and blood reservoir constructed as an integral unit with the membrane device located lower than the blood reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Carson, Roger J. Elgas, Timothy M. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4734269
    Abstract: A liquid-gas bubble separator comrising a container having an inlet for a fluid which includes liquid and gas bubbles, an outlet and upstream and downstream vents. A filter element is provided in the container between the inlet and the outlet. The filter element permits the passage of the liquid and inhibits the passage of the gas bubbles. The filter element is between the upstream and downstream vents so that gas bubbles which do not pass through the filter element can be vented through the upstream vent, and any gas bubbles downstream of the filter element can be vented through the downstream vent. A bypass passage is provided around the filter element. A portion of the filtered fluid is recirculated through the bypass passage to prevent forward flow through the bypass passage when the filter element is clean, and such recirculating flow is terminated when the filter is clogged to a predetermined degree to thereby open the bypass passage for forward flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: American Hospital Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Rolf W. Clarke, David P. Balding, Lucas S. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4684508
    Abstract: An improved structure for directing the flow of blood and blood foam onto a heat exchanger in a bubble blood oxygenator is disclosed. An extended skirt extends from the plate where venous blood and oxygen are mixed to the top of the heat exchanger of the blood oxygenator. Blood and blood foam flow downwardly uniformly over the mixing plate and evenly onto the heat exchanger. Full utilization of the heat exchanger may thereby be more easily achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: American Hospital Supply Corp.
    Inventor: Karl M. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 4653577
    Abstract: A compact unitary heat exchanger and debubbler for a liquid includes an elongated heat exchange element having an inverted V-shape and a vertically-extending debubbling chamber located between the legs of the inverted V. The heat exchange element is made up of an inner tube surrounded by an outer tube, so that a heat exchange fluid such as water flowing within the inner tube exchanges heat with a treated liquid flowing within a space defined between the inner and outer tubes. After passing through the heat exchange element the treated liquid passes through the debubbling chamber and then through the device outlet. A bypass passageway in the vicinity of the treated liquid inlet to the device connects the debubbling chamber with the space between the inner and outer tubes of the heat exchange element. A valve movable into open and closed positions is provided in this bypass passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Shiley, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne A. Noda
  • Patent number: 4623518
    Abstract: A blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchanger chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Baxter-Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Raible
  • Patent number: 4568367
    Abstract: A blood defoamer for use in surgical procedures is disclosed comprising a porous defoaming element, a non-porous end piece in contact with a surface of the defoaming element, and a layer of fabric affixed to the end piece adjacent to said surface. Bypass of blood flow around the layer of fabric, which is situated downstream of the defoaming element, and accumulation of bubbles in the defoamed blood reservoir are prevented by bonding a suitably configured retaining ring to the end piece with a portion of the layer of fabric held in a fluid-tight seal between the end piece and the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Shiley Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert F. Gremel, Kenneth M. Galt
  • Patent number: 4533516
    Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of one or more substances between a gas and a liquid, for example between an oxygen-containing gas and blood, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of concentric vessels which define a flow path for the liquid, and which includes along a portion of the path an annular heat exchange chamber having a first end at which the liquid is introduced into the chamber and a second end at which the liquid is conducted from the chamber. A heat exchanger is supported in the heat exchange chamber for conducting a heat exchange fluid in heat exchange relationship with the liquid as the liquid flows through the chamber. Gas in the form of bubbles is introduced into the liquid as the liquid is conducted along the flow path to thereby effect transfer of substances between the gas and the liquid, the gas being introduced upstream of the first end of the heat exchange chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Gambro Cardio AB
    Inventors: Bo A. Johnsson, Ingvar E. Losell, Sune H. Palmqvist
  • Patent number: 4440722
    Abstract: The device comprises plural oxygenation modules, each of which has at least one member for diffusing oxygen through the blood, and one shutter for shutting off such fluids. The modules communicate with a chamber wherethrough the pipes of a heat exchanger extend, and with a collecting chamber through a layer of an antifoaming material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Dideco S.p.A
    Inventor: Libero Luppi