Abstract: The present invention provides various novel covalently modified sapphyrin derivatives and conjugates; polymers including sapphyrin or derivatives thereof; and chromatographic supports including sapphyrins and other expanded porphyrins and derivatives thereof. Disclosed are water soluble sapphyrins, including polyhydroxysapphyrins and sapphyrin-sugar derivatives; sapphyrin-metal chelating conjugates; sapphyrin nucleobase conjugates; oligosapphyrins and polysapphyrins, including sapphyrin dimers, trimers, oligomers and higher polymers; and polymer supported expanded porphyrin compositions, including advantageous rubyrin- and sapphyrin-based chromatography columns and electrophoretic supports. Sapphyrin oligomers and polymers and polymer supported expanded porphyrins, such as, e.g.

Abstract: Oxygen transfer to blood plasma in a blood oxygenator using a microporous membrane exposed to blood on one side and to oxygen on the other is facilitated by bonding an oxygen-carrying chemical such as hematin or a perfluorocarbon to at least the blood-contacting surface of the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method for delivering a high partial pressure of a gas into a liquid. The apparatus has a gas transfer device 12 with a housing 14 that includes upstream 16 and downstream 18 regions, between which there is located a gas-liquid contacting region 20 with contacting members 22, such as hollow microporous fibers. A reservoir 36 of gas supplies the gas at a high pressure (P) to a flask 38 of gas-depleted liquid and to the gas transfer device 12. The reservoir 36 of gas provides hydrostatic pressure for urging the liquid through the contacting members 22 and propelling the gas around the contacting members 22 so that the gas does not diffuse across the contacting members 22. The gas-enriched liquid is then ducted to a high resistance delivery channel 44 for administration to a site of interest without effervescence, bubble formation, or significant disruption of laminar flow.

Abstract: A low prime, high heat exchange efficiency oxygenator is provided which includes an oxygenation portion and a heat exchanger portion. Disposed within the heat exchanger portion is a hollow tube heat exchanger wound bundle which includes a plurality of hollow tubes knitted into a mat, the mat wound under tension into a bundle which includes from 16 to 24 layers of the mat. The oxygenator provided permits prime volumes of 180 to 240 mLs.

Abstract: A low prime, high heat exchange efficiency oxygenator is provided which includes an oxygenation portion and a heat exchanger portion. Disposed within the heat exchanger portion is a hollow tube heat exchanger wound bundle which includes a plurality of hollow tubes knitted into a mat, the mat wound under tension into a bundle which includes from 16 to 24 layers of the mat. The oxygenator provided permits prime volumes of 180 to 240 mLs.

Abstract: A gas permeable membrane including a plurality of conduit members which are formed of a gas permeable material, The conduit members are unitarily formed with one another and oriented to intersect one another and define a multidimensional array. Defined within each conduit member is an interior passageway and these passageways intersect and are in communication with each other. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the membrane and devices incorporating the membrane.

Abstract: A gas exchange device (100) with an extracorporeal blood circuit (102) in which a blood pump (110) is connected, with a CO.sub.2 exchange unit (112), and an oxygenator (128), whereby the gas exchange unit (112, 128) is in each case divided by a hydrophilic, water-wet membrane (114, 130) into a blood chamber (116, 132) and a gassing chamber (118, 134) which is under positive transmembrane pressure.

Abstract: An exchanger includes an outer casing having an inlet port and an outlet port for a first fluid, and an inlet port and an outlet port for a second fluid, and a bundle of hollow fibers located within the outer casing and being in flow communication with the inlet and outlet port for the second fluid. A central core is located in the outer casing and the bundle of fibers is arranged around the central core. The central core includes an inlet manifold connected to the first fluid inlet port, and an outlet manifold connected to the first fluid outlet port.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and methods for the detection of target microorganisms, such as by a visual immunoprecipitation assay, where the detection requires the migration of the target microorganisms (typically a target microorganism-antibody-detection reagent complex) along a lateral flow membrane of a diagnostic device. The present invention permits such detection by inhibiting the agglutination, or other aggregation, of target microorganisms (and particularly target microorganisms bound to an antibody-detection reagent) while the microorganisms are migrating along the lateral flow membrane.

Abstract: Provided is an improved disk oxygenator having a hollow median longitudinal shaft with a plurality of orifices to allow oxygen to be diffused radially through a cylindrical reservoir. Also provided is a disk oxygenator with a hollow longitudinal shaft comprised of a series of disks. The disks are provided with a central annular cylindrical passageway.

Abstract: A photobioreactor system for efficient oxygen production for a closed ecological life support system (CELSS) is disclosed. Special features of this system include, e.g., the optical transmission system, uniform light distribution, continuous cycling of cells, gravity independent gas-exchange, and an ultrafiltration unit. The fiber optic based optical transmission system illuminates the reactor internally and includes a light source which is external to the reactor, preventing heat generation problems. Uniform light distribution is achieved throughout the reactor without interfering with the turbulent regime inside. The ultrafiltration unit exchanges spent with fresh media and its use results in very high cell densities, up to 10.sup.9 cells/ml for Chlorella vulgaris. The prototype photobioreactor system may be operated in a batch and continuous mode for prolonged periods of time. The photobioreactor may be used to convert CO.sub.2 to oxygen in an artificial lung.

Abstract: An artificial lung is created by taking an animal lung, filling either its circulatory system or its respiratory system with a hardenable liquid, hardening the liquid, then dissolving the natural lung tissue, coating the hardened liquid with a material forming a gas permeable membrane, removing the hardenable fluid, and enclosing the resulting artificial lung structure in a fluid-tight pouch.

Abstract: A cell culture reactor can have one or more gasification modules in which tubular membrane hoses surround rigid inner tubes which extend above the membranes to communicate with gas inlets or outlets. The tube is anchored in a closure member at the lower end of the membrane.

Abstract: A low priming volume integrated centrifugal pump and membrane oxygenator comprising a housing (10) containing a mass transfer bed (40) comprising gas permeable hollow membrane fibers (38) placed circumferentially in a ring around an impeller (30). The mass transfer bed (40) is formed by a multiple wrap of a fiber ribbon (42) comprising at least two layers of fibers (38) bonded in precise orientation with fibers in alternate layers positioned in line with the opening between fibers in the layers above and below. Adhesion means ensure precise orientation of the fibers (38). Priming volume is further reduced by a small impeller flow channel volume.

Abstract: The blood flow channel sections of an oxygenator and a blood resevoir are hydrophilized by treatment with an acid, an albumin solution, polyhydroxy methacrylate, corona discharge, plasma or ozone, so that it has highly improved weltability by the priming liquid and the blood to prevent blood foaming. The blood flow channel sections of a medical instrument may be additionally hydrophilized by treatment with a polymer containing hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate or in addition thereto a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block polymer.

Abstract: A novel integral cardiotomy/venous blood reservoir, blood oxygenator and heat exchanging device, method of making a blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device and an extracorporeal circulatory support circuit. The reservoir includes a novel blood defoaming and filtering chamber closely receiving filtering and defoaming media. The blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device includes thermal formed housing portions, and a heat exchanging barrier, blood oxygenating medium and/or filtering medium, which are sealed by potting compound at one time. The oxygenating medium comprises a hollow fiber type medium, with its ends left open to be sealingly mounted in a gas path by a novel mounting bracket.

Abstract: A combination heat exchanger and oxygenator device is provided. The device includes a generally cylindrical housing having first and second compartments with hollow heat exchange tubes and hollow gas exchange tubes disposed therein, a blood inlet, a blood outlet, a heat exchanges medium inlet, a heat exchange medium outlet, an oxygenating fluid inlet and an oxygenating fluid outlet. The housing has a central axis with the second compartment being concentric thereto. The blood flow passage is defined by blood entering the device generally axially through a path extending along the central axis of the housing and flows generally radially through the second, oxygenating compartment.

Abstract: A novel integral cardiotomy/venous blood reservoir, blood oxygenator and heat exchanging device, method of making a blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device and an extracorporeal circulatory support circuit. The reservoir includes a novel blood defoaming and filtering chamber closely receiving filtering and defoaming media. The blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device includes thermal formed housing portions, and a heat exchanging barrier, blood oxygenating medium and/or filtering medium, which are sealed by potting compound at one time. The oxygenating medium comprises a hollow fiber type medium, with its ends left open to be sealingly mounted in a gas path by a novel mounting bracket.

Abstract: An exchanger includes an outer casing having an inlet port and an outlet-port for a first fluid, and an inlet port and an outlet port for a second fluid, and a bundle of hollow fibers located within the outer casing and being in flow communication with the inlet and outlet port for the second fluid. A central core is located in the outer casing and the bundle of fibers is arranged around the central core. The central core includes an inlet manifold connected to the first fluid inlet port, and an outlet manifold connected to the first fluid outlet port.

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.

Abstract: An exchanger for oxygenating blood includes a casing having walls and a cavity, sheet material with first and second ends covering distal edges of the walls, and a cover extending over the cavity to sandwich the first and second ends of the sheet material between the cover and the edges of the walls. The cover is melted into the sheet material and the distal edges of the walls. In another embodiment, a blood oxygenator includes a first compartment having a closed casing divided by a folded sheet of membrane material forming a first blood chamber and a first gas chamber. The casing has first and second manifolds in fluid communication with the first blood chamber. A second compartment is interconnected with the first compartment and has a closed casing divided by a folded sheet of membrane material forming a second blood chamber and a second gas chamber. The casing has third and fourth spaced apart manifolds in fluid communication with the second blood chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an exchanger includes the steps of folding sheet material in a series of pleats, placing the folded sheet material in a casing having an opening defined by walls with distal edges, covering the distal edges with end portions of the sheet material, and affixing a cover to the casing by simultaneously melting a portion of the cover and the sheet covered distal edges of the walls, and contacting the cover with the sheet material covering the distal edges of the walls. The method may also include melting a portion of the cover and/or the casing and placing the melted cover on the casing so that the melted portion contacts pleats of the sheet material, and permitting the melted material to cool and solidify and form a bond with the sheet material.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition, device and method for the treatment or prevention of septic shock syndrome or other conditions evidenced by the presence of cytokines in a patient by contacting the patient's whole blood with a composition comprising silica and a surface treatment material, such as heparin, but preferably human serum albumin (HSA). The treatment lowers the cytokine concentration of the blood.

Abstract: A low prime, high heat exchange efficiency oxygenator is provided which includes an oxygenation portion and a heat exchanger portion. Disposed within the heat exchanger portion is a hollow tube heat exchanger wound bundle which includes a plurality of hollow tubes knitted into a mat, the mat wound under tension into a bundle which includes from 16 to 24 layers of the mat. The oxygenator provided permits prime volumes of 180 to 240 mLs.

Abstract: The blood flow channel sections of an oxygenator and a blood resevoir are hydrophilized by treatment with an acid, an albumin solution, polyhydroxy methacrylate, corona discharge, plasma or ozone, so that it has highly improved wettability by the priming liquid and the blood to prevent blood foaming. The blood flow channel sections of a medical instrument may be additionally hydrophilized by treatment with a polymer containing hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate or in addition thereto a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block polymer.

Abstract: A system of processing blood during a surgical procedure includes a centrifugal blood pump with an inlet and an outlet, a means for oxygenating the blood and a means for recirculating a portion of the oxygenated blood to the inlet of the blood pump. The volume of blood recirculated through the system can be controlled by a flow control means. Recirculation of a portion of the blood reduces the cost and size of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging substances, such as artificial lung, in which, for raising exchange efficiency by feeding liquid to the outer wall of hollow fiber membranes efficiently without channeling and for reducing the size of the apparatus, an exchanging part comprising a multitude of hollow fiber membrane (3) disposed cylindrically or annularly to permit liquid to flow through the hollow parts is provided, and a pump (P) is disposed on the inner periphery of said exchanging part so that liquid may continuously be fed to the hollow membrane vertically with respect to the axial direction of said hollow fiber membrane (3).

Abstract: A mass transfer device and method of construction thereof. The mass transfer device may be an oxygenator having a fiber bundle comprised of hollow gas permeable fibers. The method of making the fiber bundle used in the mass transfer device includes winding one or more hollow fibers around a supporting core which includes first and second core sections. First and second outer casing sections are mounted adjacent the exterior of the hollow fibers. The hollow fibers are then cut longitudinally in two circumferentially spaced locations to form first and second fiber bundles located between the first and second core and outer casing sections. The method results in the simultaneous construction of first and second fiber bundles which are useable in separate mass transfer devices.

Abstract: A biocompatable multi-layer article suitable for use in blood oxygenation is disclosed. The article is made up of a microporous polypropylene tube, a perm-selective, water vapor impermeable, carbon dioxide and oxygen permeable, homogeneous layer directly adhered to the polypropylene tube and active heparin linked through a covalent bond to the permselective layer. The polypropylene tube has an inside diameter from 240 to 400 .mu.m, a wall thickness from 10 to 50 .mu.m, and a porosity from 20 to 80 percent. The perm-selective layer is a polysulfone which has the structure ##STR1## where R is an alkyl group having 16 carbon atoms and n is 3,500 to 35,000. A method for producing a biocompatible multi-layer article suitable for use in blood oxygenation is also disclosed. The method involves the steps of immersing a microporous polypropylene tube which has an inside diameter from 240 to 400 .mu.m, a wall thickness from 10 to 50 .mu.

Abstract: A membrane oxygenator is disclosed. The oxygenator has a housing, gas and blood inlets and outlets, and a transfer membrane mechanism for transferring oxygen to blood. The oxygenator has a device for increasing its efficiency. The device maintains the total pressure of the oxygenating gas at each point within gas flow paths near yet below the total pressure of the blood opposite the transfer membrane mechanism generally throughout the oxygenator. The mechanism restricts the flow of oxygenating gas exiting through a oxygenating gas outlet with approximately the pressure of blood exiting through a blood outlet by providing a pressurization fluid with approximately the pressure of the blood exiting through the blood outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the oxygenating gas outlet is situated within the hollow portion of the housing.

Abstract: A mass transfer device including a hollow fiber bundle wound on a core for radially outward flow of a first fluid. The core has an axis extending from one end to the other. The hollow fiber bundle has packing fractions which increase radially outward of the core's axis for a major portion of the bundle. Methods for making such mass transfer device.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus for use in separation and filtration having a removable sterilizable and disposable element which is engagable with a fixed element in the apparatus. When the two elements are engaged, the flow of fluid around a fluid circuit is controlled to optimize separation. The elements contain various conduits and inlet and outlet ports that function to deliver fluid to and from separation and filtration systems such as life support systems.

Abstract: A hollow fiber blood oxygenator is provided having an plurality of enclosed, coaxial heat exchanger coils, having a common header to insure uniform temperature in the coils. An enclosed fiber bundle is concentrically positioned inside the heat exchanger coils to define a flow path around the coils and through the fiber bundle. The heat exchanger coils and the outside of the fiber bundle are tapered to provide a close fit. Gas manifolds direct gas flow to and from the hollow fibers.

Abstract: A porous polypropylene hollow fiber membrane constructed and arranged for artificial lung use and an artificial lung. The membrane includes a solid phase in an inner surface region thereof formed with particles of polypropylene closely fused and joined to give rise to a continuous phase while partially exposed through the surface thereof, a solid phase in an interior and an outer surface region thereof formed with particles of polypropylene interconnected in the direction of axis of the fiber to give rise to a multiplicity of lumps of polyproplylene and an interstice between the phases having continuous pores interconnected in the form of a three-dimensional network.

Abstract: A radial flow hollow fiber blood oxygenator is provided. The oxygenator includes a hollow fiber bundle within an oxygenator chamber defined by a hollow core around which the hollow fibers are wound and an outer housing. A gas entry port is coupled to the interior of the fibers adjacent one end of the bundle and a gas outlet is coupled to the interior of the fibers at the opposite end of the bundle. A blood inlet to the core is provided adjacent one end of the bundle, and a blood outlet from the chamber is provided adjacent the same end of the bundle. The direction of blood flow through the chamber is generally radial and the oxygenator includes an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold.

Abstract: Fibers coated with thin polymeric films are disclosed and claimed. In a preferred embodiment, microporous fibers are coated with a pre-cast polymeric film having a thickness of about 200 to about 2000 Angstroms.

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.

Abstract: A membrane oxygenator designed to provide blood flow evenly across a gas permeable membrane in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gas permeable membrane. In particular, the present invention is directed to a membrane oxygenator wherein the blood is distributed substantially evenly and at a substantially constant velocity, in a cross-wise direction across the gas permeable membrane. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the membrane is a bundle of gas permeable hollow fibers with the blood being distributed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the individual hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: A gas transfer apparatus readily adapted for oxygenating blood includes a housing with a hollow internal chamber having a fiber mat consisting of two sets of intermingled hollow fibers with one set of fibers having micropores formed in the walls thereof and the other set having solid liquid impermeable walls. The housing for the apparatus is designed such that the blood being processed passes substantially uniformly across the entire cross section of the fiber mat whereby a treating gas such as oxygen being directed through the microporous fibers can be diffused into the oxygen deficient blood while excess CO.sub.2 in the blood can cross diffuse into the interior of the fiber and be removed from the apparatus. Simultaneously with the cross diffusion of gas between the microporous fibers and the blood, a thermal conducting fluid such as water is passed through the solid walled fibers to maintain or regulate the temperature of the blood in the apparatus.

Abstract: A membrane type oxygenator for effecting exchange of gases with a porous gas-exchange membrane possessing minute through pores forming a path for gas, which membrane type oxygenator is characterized by the fact that minute particles are retained in the minute pores of the porous gas-exchange membrane to permit a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the path for gas and as blood anticoagulant is retained in the minute particles or between the minute particles, and it is manufactured assembling a membrane type oxygenator containing a porous gas-exchange membrane possessing minute through pores forming a path for gas, then causing a dispersion of minute particles to flow through the interior of the membrane type oxygenator thereby allowing the minute pores to retain the minute particles and permitting a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the path for gas, removing the dispersion remaining within the membrane type oxygenator, and further causing a liquid containing a blood anticoagulant to flow through th

Abstract: A novel adsorber module for whole blood treatment is disclosed, which comprises a casing provided with a blood inlet and a blood outlet and a bundle of a plurality of porous hollow fibers disposed in the casing and disposed between and fluid-tightly connected at end portions thereof to the blood inlet and the blood outlet, wherein each porous hollow fiber comprises a membranous porous resin matrix having pores which open at least at the inner wall of the hollow fiber and a plurality of ligands linked to the overall surface, including the walls of open pores, of the porous resin matrix. The adsorber module can easily be constructed into an adsorber apparatus which can be practically employed for treatment of whole blood. With this apparatus, whole blood can be effectively, efficiently treated without the danger of blood coagulation and hollow clogging, whereby the malignant components of the whole blood can be effectively removed by adsorption on the ligands.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood oxygenation system comprising an integral blood processing unit having a blood reservoir/oxygenator/heat exchanger/pump and pump motor and a remote control console connectable to the integral blood processing unit by way of non-blood containing connections such as electrical cable or the like.

Abstract: A compact, cylindrical integrated blood heater/oxygenator in which the blood flows transversely to the axial direction of hollow heat exchange and oxygenation fibers. Blood enters a longitudinally extending central chamber of the blood heater/oxygenator, and moves radially through annular hollow heat exchange and oxygenation fiber bundles in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the device and generally transverse to the axial direction of the fibers. The blood proceeds toward the outer wall of the oxygenator where the temperature is adjusted and oxygenated blood is collected and passed out of the oxygenator through an exit port.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator/heat exchanger system includes disposable and durable components, the latter being possible of permanent installation to further reduce costs, inconvenience and risks of use. The system may selectively include a blood pump of axial, centrifugal, or ventricular type, along with an integral venous reservoir. By combination, arrangement and cooperation of structural features blood pumping volume is decreased, advantageous blood flow paths are achieved, blood damage is reduced, and durable components are reusable for lowest costs. The oxygenator/heat exchanger nests upon a durable heat source base to be supported thereby, while redundant boundaries are provided between blood and heat transfer media.

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.

Abstract: A hollow fiber blood oxygenator is provided having a plurality of enclosed, coaxial heat exchanger coils, having a common header to insure uniform temperature in the coils. An enclosed fiber bundle is concentrically positioned inside the heat exchanger coils to define a flow path around the coils and through the fiber bundle. The heat exchanger coils and the outside of the fiber bundle are tapered to provide a close fit. Gas manifolds direct gas flow to and from the hollow fibers.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid treatment apparatus for the transfer of mass or energy through the membrane is disclosed. It is designed particularly, but not only, for use in membrane oxygenators. Hollow fiber membranes extend substantially longitudinally, first inert fibers are spaced between them and also extend substantially longitudinally. Second inert fibers extend generally transverse to the hollow fibers and generally contiguous therewith, so that a first fluid (preferably an oxygen-containing gas) can pass through the hollow fibers and a second fluid (preferably blood) can be passed over their exterior for mass or energy transfer through the membrane.

Abstract: A hollow fiber blood oxygenator is provided having a plurality of enclosed, coaxial heat exchanger coils, having a common header to insure uniform temperature in the coils. An enclosed fiber bundle is concentrically positioned inside the heat exchanger coils to define a flow path around the coils and through the fiber bundle. The heat exchanger coils and the outside of the fiber bundle are tapered to provide a close fit. Gas manifolds direct gas flow to and from the hollow fibers.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood oxygenation device having a sealed casing containing a bundle comprised of a plurality of gas permeable tubes for efficient gas transfer. The bundle is woven from tubes having at least two different sizes, at least the smaller diameter tubes being gas permeable. The tubes are relatively non-thrombogenic and are open at each end to an enclosed annular chamber having attached input and output fittings. Oxygen-rich gas flows into one annular chamber through an input fitting before flowing through the gas permeable tubes. Venous blood to be oxygenated is introduced into the sealed casing directly into the center of the bundle for dispersement radially outward through the bundle and across the gas permeable tubes wherein the blood comes in contact with the membrane surface of the gas permeable tubes and exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen across that surface before being collected from around the perimeter of the bundle for return to the patient.

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.