Abstract: A blood oxygenator containing a means for combining oxygen-containing gas with liquid blood, the oxygenator having an outer shell portion rotatably joined to a cap portion. Preferably the cap portion includes at least one blood inlet together with an oxygen-containing gas inlet while the outer shell portion contains at least one oxygenated blood outlet and the rotatable joint between said outer shell portion and said cap portion is in venting communication with the exterior of the blood oxygenator.

Abstract: Device useful as a heat exchanger for blood or as an apparatus in which blood may be treated or reacted with selected reactants. Device comprises hollow tubing which has plastic monofilament placed in a generally spiral configuration around its outer surface, said monofilament being in the form of continuous or discontinuous projections or ridges. Strands of wire may be substituted for the plastic monofilament. Hollow tubing having such plastic monofilament or strands of wire is also included.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator for one time use and discard in medical procedures. The blood oxygenator has a unitary transparent sealed vessel with first and second blood treating stages arranged for series flow. The first stage receives an inflow of blood and oxygen and it has integrated oxygenating and heat exchanging elements that include a plurality of vertical ribs and flutes internested to provide upright thin-film blood and oxygen flow channels. These ribs and flutes surround, by a common wall, a heat exchanger with upright channels for counter-directional coolant flow relative to the blood and oxygen flow. The second stage has integrated blood degassing and defoaming elements including a vertical perforated wall surrounded by a porous foam member with a surrounding reservoir of outflowing degassed and defoamed blood and a vent for free oxygen gas.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator is equipped with a sparger having a passageway formed by two vertically aligned fluid impervious cones, one upright and one inverted, between the bases of which a porous disc is positioned. An oxygen inlet communicates with the porous disc to radially inject oxygen into the passageway from the periphery of the porous disc. The blood is transformed from a liquid to a foam as it rises in the passageway. At the outlet of the sparger an oxygenation chamber includes a serpentine cascade which prolongs contact between the blood and bubbles of gas containing oxygen. The outlet of the cascade empties into a reservoir which has a concave foam filter therein defining a defoaming chamber and a screen having uniform interstices surrounding the foam filter to form a bubble point barrier. The screen prevents undissolved gaseous emboli in the blood from passing from the defoaming chamber toward the arterial outlet of the reservoir.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of one or more substances between a gas and a liquid, the gas being introduced into the liquid in the form of bubbles from which the said substances are transferred to the liquid whereupon the excess gas is removed together with any substances transferred from the liquid to the gas. Characteristic for the device is a narrow annular gap (10), arranged vertically, for the liquid, a gas inlet (20), arranged in close connection to this gap (10), this gas inlet being adapted so that it introduces the gas uniformly distributed along the whole periphery of the gap (10), and means (34,36) for the removal of the excess gas.The device is intended in particular to be used as a so-called oxygenator when the said liquid is blood and the said gas is oxygen or an oxygen mixture. Carbon dioxide from the blood will then be removed together with the excess gas.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The oxygenator is used for arterializing blood during open heart surgery. The oxygenator is factory-assembled and sterilized and is of economic and efficient design so that it can serve as a throwaway unit. Blood from the patient is oxygenated as it passes through the center of a tubular sparger with porous walls which supplies oxygen bubbles of the optimum size. The foaming blood is delivered to the top of the main oxygenator body where it is distributed by gravity flow downward across the heat exchanger tubing. The heat exchanger is wound as a flat coil with all connections outside of the oxygenator body. A silicone-coated sponge is located below the heat exchanger so that downwardly flowing foaming blood is defoamed as it passes through the sponge. Carbon dioxide and other gases are vented, and liquid blood gravitates into a tapered arterial reservoir.

Abstract: This invention is a method for separating blood from other fluids added to the blood in connection with operative procedures. It is particularly exemplified by bypassing a portion of the blood during surgery through an artificial kidney apparatus or the like in conjunction with the oxygenation, simultaneously, of all blood, including that bypassed through the artificial kidney, wherein the excess fluids other than blood are removed for all practical purposes by completion of the operative procedure.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device comprising an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber, the oxygenating chamber comprising 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 the mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow and rotation 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.In a preferred version, blood and oxygen-rich gas are admitted at the top of the device and caused to flow substantially downwardly through a tortuous path which causes at least a portion of the blood bubbles to rotate.

Abstract: A rigid blood oxygenator in which blood and oxygen-rich gas are admitted at the top of the device and caused to flow substantially concurrently downwardly through a tortuous path. During the course of this downward flow, oxygen-rich gas bubbles are formed in the blood and a gas transfer is accomplished according to which the oxygen content of the blood is enriched and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood, which gas transfer is enhanced by the secondary flow induced by the tortuous path. During the course of downward flow, the blood-gas-bubble mixture is also passed around a heat exchange device, which preferably is convoluted so as to form a tortuous path, to bring the blood to a desired temperature. The device is equipped with a defoaming means such that the blood bubbles are converted back into liquid blood, which is then returned to the patient. Vent means are provided for removal of carbon dioxide and other vent gases.

Abstract: An improved blood oxygenator including a first chamber having a plurality of oxygenator tubes disposed therein with each tube having an elongated cross-section. A blood inlet for introducing blood and a oxygen inlet for introducing oxygen gas into the blood are located on the oxygenator such that a mixture of blood and oxygen flows through the tubes where the blood is oxygenated. A blood foam exits from the tubes and then flows through a ring of reticulated polyurethane causing the blood to be further oxygenated. A defoamer is disposed about the first chamber and defoams the blood. The blood is then filtered and collected in a reservoir and can be withdrawn from the oxygenator through a blood outlet port.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for the oxygenation of blood has a housing centered on an upright axis and an oxygenation chamber below the housing which has a tube formed thereon which extends upwardly and passes coaxially through the housing, the chamber communicating therewith through the tube. Provided in the housing is a microporous shell which surrounds the tube and defines with it a defoaming chamber into which the tube feeds, the shell also defining with the housing a reservoir for the oxygenated blood. A heat exchanger is provided in the oxygenation chamber surrounding a flow-directing body, while a vertically disposed oxygen inlet pipe having a diffusion nozzle is provided in the bottom of the chamber with a pair of blood inlet pipes flanking the oxygen pipe and forming an angle therewith.

Abstract: An oxygenator for blood employs a unique and inexpensive, tubular, finned heat exchanger, one type utilizing a spirally wound plate attached to the tube, and another type comprising longitudinal fins. The oxygenator provides a fairly uniform oxygen saturation which permits better control over the oxygen content in a patient's blood. Also, elevated inlet oxygen pressures can be reduced, and this lessens the possibility of embolii due to cavitation effects when CO.sub.2 is released by the blood following oxygenation.A preferred form of a sparger for inlet oxygen to the blood is made of a porous, hydrophobic plastic material such as high density polyethylene.

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 degrees 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 apparatus and method for the diffusion of substances between two fluids. The apparatus comprises at least one semipermeable membrane having first and second opposing surfaces, first conducting means for conducting a first fluid along the first surface of the membrane, and second conducting means for conducting a second fluid along a second surface of the membrane. The membrane is permeable to a portion of the first fluid so that at least a part of the portion of the first fluid is diffused through the membrane into the second fluid during conduction of the first and second fluids along the opposing surfaces of the membrane. Mixing means are provided for directly mixing the first fluid into the second fluid after conduction of the first fluid along the first surface of the membrane. In the preferred embodiment, this mixing means comprises apertures at the downstream end of the membrane for introducing the first fluid directly into the second fluid flowing on the opposite side of the membrane.

Abstract: Making temperature measurements of blood inside a disposable, sterilized medical device by providing receptacles in the walls of the device for receiving temperature-sensitive probes, the receptacles including a tubular heat-conductive member, extending through a wall of the device and being sealed to the wall, and a cylindrical body having protuberances extending radially for cooperating with slots in a temperature-sensitive probe.

Abstract: An artificial lung having first and second oxygen blowing stages formed therein. The device comprises an outermost blood reservoir tube having top and bottom walls formed thereon, a plurality of oxygenation tubes disposed coaxially with the blood reservoir tube defining passages for blood therebetween, a first oxygen blowing stage formed under the oxygenation tubes for blowing oxygen gas into the blood introduced through an inlet for blood and a second or auxiliary oxygen blowing stage formed around the first oxygen blowing stage.

Abstract: Diffusing gas into and out of a liquid at a uniform rate by distributing a foam consisting of bubbles with liquid walls surrounding the gas through elongated passages defined by a corrugated surface adjacent to a smooth surface, while simultaneously providing for indirect heat - exchange of the blood foam while the foam is within the elongated passages.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator with an oxygen filter in the oxygen inlet chamber, featuring in a particular aspect elevating the filter above the diffuser plug of the oxygenator.

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 the reservoir.

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 the reservoir.

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 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 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 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: 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: Blood shut-off valve is positioned at the outlet of a blood oxygenator arterial reservoir so that the valve closes when the reservoir is emptied to prevent flow. Valve has a member which floats in the blood and an outlet valve seat against which the member rests in the absence of blood, together with a constraint which positions the member near the seat, but protects it from hemodynamic closing forces.