Abstract: A method of operating a counterpulsation device (CPD) in a human or animal subject is disclosed, the method including: receiving a heart beat signal indicative of the heart beat of the subject; providing counterpulsation therapy by controlling the pressure supplied to a CPD drive line in pneumatic communication with the CPD to cause the CPD to alternately fill with blood and eject blood with a timing that is determined at least in part based on the heart beat signal; while providing counterpulsation therapy, receiving a CPD drive line pressure signal indicative of the pressure in the CPD drive line; and adjusting the pressure supplied to the drive line based at least in part on the drive line pressure signal.

Abstract: A catheter and associated method for taking a plurality of samples from within a length of a blood vessel. The catheter includes an elongate central body arranged to be inserted into and positioned along a central region of a blood vessel. A plurality of collection areas are defined along the elongate central body for collecting samples at the central region of the blood vessel. A plurality of mixers are provided radially outwardly of the elongate central body and arranged to create a flow of blood from a boundary layer at a wall of the blood vessel to the elongate central body. This enables the collection areas to collect samples from the boundary layer.

Abstract: A system suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal may include an assembly having a fluid impermeable casing having a fluid reservoir at a first end, a fluid outlet at a second end, and a longitudinally extending fluid impermeable layer coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet and defining a longitudinally elongated opening between the reservoir and the outlet. The assembly can further include a fluid permeable support disposed within the casing with a portion extending across the elongated opening, and a fluid permeable membrane disposed on the support and covering at least the portion of the support that extends across the elongated opening, so that the membrane is supported on the support and disposed across the elongated opening. The assembly can further include a tube having a first end disposed in the reservoir and a second, fluid discharge end.

Abstract: A thrombectomy catheter with a catheter or delivery sheath having a dual lumen extending therethrough, the catheter having a proximal segment and a distal segment and a linear section coupled therebetween, the distal segment configured as a loop, a port or aperture formed therein said dual lumen of said catheter, the port positioned proximate the distal segment, and a guidewire configured to longitudinally traverse therethrough one of the dual lumen of the catheter, an aspiration device connected thereto one of the dual lumen and configured to create a vacuum therein the catheter and the loop to extract a biomaterial.

Abstract: A container for collecting liquid for transport, comprising: a web of flexible porous material defining at least a portion of a chamber in which liquid can be collected for transport. The chamber is configured to receive a tube in a position within the chamber that enables the tube to transport liquid from the chamber while the liquid collects within the chamber upon being drawn through the web when a partial vacuum is applied within the chamber via the tube. The porous material comprises a web of spun plastic fibers, such as spun polyester fibers. In one embodiment, the web of spun plastic fibers is configured to define an elongated portion of the chamber. In another embodiment, a backing of non-permeable material covers a portion of the web and is so combined with the web as to further define the chamber.

Abstract: A regulator for in-line modulation of the flow rate of fluid during blood collection includes a fluid transfer device for transferring fluid from a patient to a collection device. The fluid transfer device comprises a fluid passageway defined by a tubular sidewall and a flexible member associated with a portion of the tubular sidewall. The flexible member is configured for movement with respect to the fluid passageway upon exposure of the fluid transfer device to a differential pressure during a blood collection procedure to prevent collapse of a patients blood vessel. The flexible member of the regulator can be a frame surrounding a flexible diaphragm. Alternatively, the flexible member can include a flexible material integrally formed within the tubular sidewall of the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A device for reducing agent penetration at an insertion site is provided that has a porous inner sleeve fluidly connected to a conduit. A vacuum or hydrodynamic source is fluidly connected to the conduit. The device is stabilized by fibroblast in-growth and inhibits bacterial colonization. A device is also provided that has a conduit having a bore and an outer conduit surface. The outer conduit surface is optionally nanotextured to promote fibroblast adhesion and limit bacterial residency. A sleeve is provided in fluid communication with the bore of the conduit, and is formed from materials characterized by a pore matrix through which vacuum or hydrodynamic draw is achieved in a process to promote stabilization and reducing bacterial colonization by draw fluid from an area around the surrounding the site of the device. The sleeve optionally has a distal nanotextured surface.

Abstract: A repositionable fluid suction device is disclosed. The device includes a central body and a suction channel located on an underside of the central body extending at least partially around a periphery of the central body. A rim extends downward from the central body, and may define a portion of the suction channel. A fluid collection trough extends at least partially around the periphery of the central body to collect fluids that fall on the upper surface of the central body. The outermost peripheral edge of the suction device may comprise at least one concave portion extending radially inward toward the central body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a negative-pressure oral apparatus capable of relieving discomfort of soft tissues in the oral cavity and improving fixation of the oral apparatus to prevent the oral apparatus from falling off due to mouth opening. The oral apparatus is compact and elastic so that it fits various shapes and sizes of the oral cavity and is easy to be put on and taken off to provide convenience and safety to the user. In another embodiment, a method for maintaining a negative oral pressure and collecting liquid by coupling the oral apparatus to a liquid collecting apparatus capable of effectively providing the oral cavity with a negative pressure to expel liquid in the oral apparatus and deliver the liquid to an absorbing element in the liquid collecting apparatus so as to prevent liquid leakage or contamination.

Abstract: A device for negative pressure wound therapy having a cover material for air-tight sealing of the wound space connected to a negative pressure source; and a wound dressing having an open-cell polyurethane foam. The open-cell polyurethane foam has special properties, in particular a tensile strength after three days of storage in bovine serum, measured in accordance with DIN 53571, between 80 kPa and 300 kPa. The open-cell polyurethane foam may be used as a wound dressing in negative pressure wound therapy.

Abstract: There is provided a suction catheter having a tubular body with a lumen formed therethrough. The catheter has a plurality of spaced elongated apertures positioned near its distal tip. The catheter may have a fourth round opening positioned proximally to the three openings. The catheter has reduced impact force compared to similar suction catheters without the plurality of apertures near the distal tip.

Abstract: An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbicidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.

Abstract: Medical devices are described that comprise surface capillary (SCF) fibers, which can impart desirable properties to the devices. For example, implantable prostheses are described comprising SCF fibers. In other embodiments, catheters are described having SCF fibers along the surface of the catheters. In addition, SCF fibers can be useful for the delivery of bioactive agents in association with the fibers. Due to the fluid flow capabilities of the fibers, medical devices are described that incorporate fiber matrices to facilitate blood delivery to cells within the structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a drug delivery mechanism for use with a protection device. The protection device has an expandable filter. The drug delivery mechanism automatically delivers a drug to the filter without requiring the intervention of the operator of the protection device. The drug delivered to the filter facilitates continued filter patency during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A catheter lock composition for preventing bacterial infection having an effective amount of glycerol and sodium chloride solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 35-60% and sodium chloride is in a concentration range between 0.5-0.9%. The composition further includes an anticoagulant and/or an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy catheter system includes an aspirator and an aspiration catheter for insertion in a blood vessel. The catheter has a shaft with a proximal end for connection with the aspirator and a tapering distal end with a tip for insertion in the vessel. A plurality of aspiration ports are arranged in sets along the tapering distal end, for aspirating thrombus from the vessel. At least one aspiration lumens within the shaft conducts thrombus from the vessel, through the aspiration ports, to the aspirator. Variably sized or shaped ports provide differing aspiration vectors for enhanced thrombus removal. The aspiration thrombectomy catheter additionally provides for uniform drug dispersion at a thrombotic area, alone or in combination with aspiration of the thrombus. In the event of an adverse reaction, drug dosage may be easily reduced by aspirating dispersed drugs back into the catheter.

Abstract: A device useful for localized delivery of a therapeutic material is provided. The device includes a structure including a porous material; and a water-insoluble salt of a therapeutic material dispersed in the porous material. The water-insoluble salt is formed by contacting an aqueous solution of a therapeutic salt with a heavy metal water-soluble salt dispersed throughout a substantial portion of the porous material. The heavy metal water-soluble salt can be dispersed in the porous material so that the device can be sterilized and the therapeutic material can be loaded in the device in situ, for example, just prior to use. The therapeutic material is preferably a heparin or heparin derivative or analog which renders the material antithrombotic as an implantable or invasive device.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for keeping the lumens and the distal orifices of catheters and like articles free of undesirable granulation tissues, granulomas, and the like. The catheter of the invention overcomes the problem of catheter occlusion by providing an immediately available source of an anti-neoplastic agent that minimizes or prevents formation of granulation tissue or granulomas at the tip and/or in the lumen of the catheter, thereby maintaining catheter patency. The catheter comprises a body with an exterior surface and a distal end, wherein at least the distal end comprises an anti-neoplastic agent to prevent or minimize catheter occlusion when the distal end of the catheter is in contact with a bodily tissue and/or fluid. In one embodiment, the anti-neoplastic agent is applied to the catheter as a coating. In another embodiment, the anti-neoplastic agent is an integral part of the catheter material.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing vascular access in a patient for hemodialysis involves attaching the distal end of an access catheter to the abdominal aorta of the patient and the proximal end of the access catheter to a portion of the patient to allow selective access to an interior portion of the access catheter. A blood-withdrawal catheter and a blood-return catheter are placed into the access catheter until their distal ends are in the patients abdominal aorta and blood may be removed and return to the aorta. When finished, the blood catheters are removed. Selective access to the proximal end of the access catheter is provided, preferably, by a cutaneous port assembly that includes a screwable cap and anti-infection cuff.

Abstract: Thromboresistant materials are described which incorporate pyrazinone compounds of the Formula I: wherein X is O, NR11 or CH═N, R3-R11, Ra, Rb, Rc, W, m, and n are set forth in the specification, as well as hydrates, solvates or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of the invention are potent inhibitors of proteases, especially trypsin-like serine proteases, such as chymotrypsin, trypsin, thrombin, plasmin and factor Xa. Certain of the compounds exhibit antithrombotic activity via direct, selective inhibition of thrombin. Compositions for inhibiting loss of blood platelets, inhibiting formation of blood platelet aggregates, inhibiting formation of fibrin, inhibiting thrombus formation, and inhibiting embolus formation are described.

Abstract: An improved catheter includes a double spiral configuration of infusion holes around the circumference and along the length of the catheter which provides an improved lateral dispersion of a thrombolytic fluid to more completely and quickly lyse a clot through which the catheter is passing. The double spiral configuration consists of groups or sets of infusion holes, typically groups of four. The holes in each set are longitudinally spaced from each other at substantially regular intervals along the length of the catheter. Each successive hole in a given group is circumferentially spaced by an angular distance of about 90.degree. around the circumference of the catheter relative to the immediately preceding hole. Each group of holes is circumferentially spaced or offset by an angular distance of between 1.degree. and 89.degree. relative to the immediately preceding group of holes. Typically, the angular spacing between successive groups of holes is 18.degree..

Abstract: A catheter for use in angioplasty includes a shaft formed from an elongated metallic tube and has an inflatable balloon at its distal end. A plastic tube connects a distal end of the metallic tube to a proximal end of the balloon. The metallic and plastic tubes thus define a lumen for providing inflation pressure to the balloon. A metallic core member is attached to the metallic tube and extends distally therefrom through the plastic tube and balloon. The distal end of the balloon is sealably secured to the core member. A tip body is connected to the core member distally of the balloon, with a short guide wire lumen being defined on the tip body. The guide wire lumen is adapted to slidably receive a guide wire which then extends along the catheter exteriorly of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier. Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives thereof, and paclitaxel. Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions.

Abstract: A method of treating primary and recurrent atheromatous plaque development is provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of SERP-1, admixed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the intimal or lumenal layer of arterial walls. Biologically active SERP-1 analogs are also provided.

Abstract: Polymeric surfaces of medical devices or components of medical devices are provided that have enhanced biocompatibility properties. The polymeric surface presents an anti-thrombogenic, fibrinolytic or thrombolytic interface with body fluids such as blood during implantation or medical procedures. The biocompatibility enhancing agent is secured to the polymeric substrate by a spacer molecule which is covalently bound to the polymeric substrate which had been subjected to radiofrequency plasma treatment with a water vapor medium.

Abstract: A device for explanting an electrode device, particularly an intravascular or intracardiac electrode device having an electrode cable and an electrode head arranged on the cable's distal end, is capable of simply and safely detaching fibrotic matter from the entire surface of the electrode cable and electrode head. The explanting device has a stiff first sleeve, relatively short in relation to the length of the electrode cable, and whose diameter is slightly larger than the external diameter of the electrode cable. One end of the sleeve forms a cutting edge. The first sleeve is connected at its end opposite the cutting edge to a first control body in the form of a stylet with which the first sleeve can be moved along the implanted electrode device. A second sleeve, operable with another stylet, amy additionally be employed, having resilient cutting elements.

Abstract: A per-operational autotransfusion suction device has a suction cannular 1 with a tabular section nozzle 5, communicating with an inner passage 6, 9 in the cannula, the cannula passage being connected to a blood collecting recipient 41 in which a partial vacuum can be created by a vacuum source, the cannula passage communicating with an anticoagulant supply circuit having an anticoagulant feed control valve 15. The device has an independent vacuum circuit for sucking in only air and is connected to the vacuum source 40, to the blood collection recipient and to the valve. The valve has a vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum circuit 13, the vacuum chamber 49 having a deformable wall connected to a stopper which can close the anticoagulant feed circuit, the stopper being biased towards a closed position by a spring and capable of being biased towards an open position by deformation of the deformable wall when the pressure in the vacuum chamber is sufficiently low.

Abstract: A catheter for use in angioplasty includes a shaft formed from an elongated metallic tube and has an inflatable balloon at its distal end. A plastic tube connects a distal end of the metallic tube to a proximal end of the balloon. The metallic and plastic tubes thus define a lumen for providing inflation pressure to the balloon. A metallic core member is attached to the metallic tube and extends distally therefrom through the plastic tube and balloon. The distal end of the balloon is sealably secured to the core member. A tip body is connected to the core member distally of the balloon, with a short guide wire lumen being defined on the tip body. The guide wire lumen is adapted to slidably receive a guide wire which then extends along the catheter exteriorly of the balloon.

Abstract: Recovery of blood from a wound site (12) during a surgical procedure is accomplished with low blood trauma that enables collection of increased amounts of blood having relatively little structural damage for return to the surgical patient. Blood trauma is decreased by accelerating liquid blood from the wound site to flow at a relatively low velocity with a relatively high negative gauge pressure and accelerating a mixture of blood and foam from the wound site to flow at a relatively high velocity and a relatively low negative gauge pressure. A suction wand is provided in which liquid blood (32) is separated from a mixture of blood and foam (16) at the wound site through the transport of the two separated fluids at the different velocities and negative gauge pressures. The wand includes an outer blood foam tube within which are three resiliently compressed, side-by-side tubes for handling liquid blood, rinse solution and anticoagulant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for reducing the risk of infection and/or clotting associated with the establishment and/or maintenance of fluid communication between apparatus external to the body and the interior of the body. The device includes a first tube insertable into the body. A second tube is disposed within the first tube, the second tube having a distal end portion insertable into the body and extending through an opening defined at the distal end of the first tube. The first and second tubes define therebetween a longitudinally coaxially disposed channel which establishes a fluid communication path for a first fluid.

Abstract: A clip supports an elongated electrode within a nozzle of an electrosurgical handpiece used in gas electrocoagulation. The clip is preferably formed from a cylindrical tube which has been deformed into a configuration which has a central conduit-like section which engages and supports the electrode and two opposed conduit-like lobe portions which extend outward and slightly compress against the nozzle to hold the electrode and clip in place in the nozzle. The clip is formed by deforming a segment of a cylindrical tube into the clip around the tube. The clip and the attached electrode are inserted into the nozzle by resiliently compressing the clip by inserting a narrow end of the clip into a rear end of the nozzle and pushing the clip and the nozzle together, thereby resiliently compressing the clip as it slips into the nozzle.

Abstract: Blood is pumped by a pump, preferably a bi-concave diaphragm pump. When the blood pump is full of blood, this full condition is detected and a batch of blood is emptied completely from the pump for delivery to the patient. A second pump, also preferably a bi-concave diaphragm pump, pumps anti-coagulant into the blood as it is recovered. This second pump ejects its contents every time the blood pump ejects its contents. Particulates in the blood are removed by a filter and air is removed by a defoamer. Fluid and very small matter in the blood may be removed in a tangential flow separator. Blood flows through a narrow passage along one or more membranes, with fluid and small matter passing through the membrane(s). A washing fluid may be added to blood within this separator. A third pump, again preferably a bi-concave diaphragm pump, is used to add this washing fluid. The third pump is emptied whenever the blood pump empties, and thereafter refills with washing fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the patency of a vein access device in which a dilute solution of an anticoagulant drug is slowly infused into the vein access device. The patency device includes a self-energized container and means for adding a medicament without disconnecting the patency device from the vein access device. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a self-energized container delivers a heparin solution to the vein access device at a concentration from about 0.01 to about 0.99 international heparin units per milliliter of diluent at a flow rate from about 0.01 to about 1.0 milliliters per hour.

Abstract: A thrombus-mobilizing thoracostomy tube includes fenestrations to enable drainage when introduced into a thoracic cavity, the tube including a balloon which may be inflated to dislodge and move blood clots, the balloon being connected to a first tube to enable a suitable fluid to be introduced to inflate the balloon progressively from a distal end to a proximal end, and a second tube parallel to said first tube to enable the introduction of a flushing fluid into the thoracostomy tube, whereby blood clots may be dislodged and removed from the thoracostomy tube without removing any portion of the thoracostomy tube from the user's body, thereby substantially reducing the risk of contamination while maintaining sterile conditions. The flushing fluid may include a heparin solution, a saline solution, a heparinized saline fluid, or a urokinase fluid.

Abstract: A method and composition for delivering a drug to an affected intramural site for sustained release in conjunction with or following balloon catheter procedures, such as angioplasty. The drug, carried by microparticles of a physiologically-compatible, biodegradable polymer is injected under directed pressure into the wall of a body vessel in the region of the affected site.

Abstract: A suction metering and mixing device is disclosed for collecting body fluids such as blood and simultaneously mixing an anticoagulant therewith. The device includes a suction passage having an inlet end and an opposite end for connection to a vacuum supply. A chamber is provided for controlling the flow of anticoagulant and includes a movable passage for conveying anticoagulant into the chamber and a diaphragm dividing the chamber into first and second portions wherein the movable passage may be moved from a position spaced from the diaphragm to a use position in contact with the diaphragm to prevent flow of anticoagulant into the first chamber portion. A fluid connection is provided between the suction passage and the second chamber portion whereby a vacuum may be supplied to the second chamber portion from the suciton passage and the diaphragm is drawn away from the movable passage to allow anticoagulant to flow into the first chamber portion.

Abstract: A suction metering and mixing device is disclosed for collecting body fluids such as blood and simultaneously mixing an anticoagulant therewith. The device includes a suction passage having an inlet end and an opposite end for connection to a vacuum supply. A chamber is provided for controlling the flow of anticoagulant and includes an inlet port defining a passage for entry of anticoagulant into the chamber and a diaphragm dividing the chamber into first and second portions wherein the diaphragm is in contact with the inlet port to prevent flow of anticoagulant into the first chamber portion. A fluid connection is provided between the suction passage and the second chamber portion whereby a vacuum may be supplied to the second chamber portion from the suction passage and the diaphragm is drawn away from the inlet port to allow anticoagulant to flow into the first chamber portion.

Abstract: A non-thrombogenic surface is provided by forming a reservoir from which anticoagulant solution can permeate through a flexible wall (5, 6) of bio-compatible permeable material. Such reservoirs can be used in catheters one form of which includes a hollow-walled tube reservoir with outer wall (5) and inner wall (6). The reservoirs may also be used in cardiac assist devices comprising a bladder (56) with an outer permeable wall (54) and an inner impermeable wall (55), means to introduce anticoagulant solution into the reservoir defined between these walls, and means (60) for the controlled inflation and deflation of bladder (56).

Abstract: A thromboresistant segmented polyetherurethane compound wherein the polyether segment consists of 99 to 1% by weight of (a) a polytetramethylene ether segment having a number average molecular weight of 200 to 5,000 and 1 to 99% by weight of (b) a polyalkylene ether segment having a number average molecular weight of 200 to 5,000 in which the alkylene group has 2 or 3 carbon atoms, said segments (a) and (b) being contained in the same main chain. The segmented polyetherurethane compound is produced by a process comprising reacting 99 to 1% by weight of a polytetramethylene ether diol having a number average molecular weight of 200 to 5,000 and 1 to 99% by weight of a polyalkylene ether diol having a number average molecular weight of 200 to 5,000 in which the alkylene group has 2 or 3 carbon atoms, with a polyisocyanate compound, and reacting the resulting prepolymer with a chain extender.

Abstract: A non thrombogenic quaternary ammonium-heparin complex coating for a medical article comprising an amount of at least 50% by weight of one or more cationic quaternary ammonium organic salts having the following formula: ##STR1## Wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from about 14 to about 22 carbons;R.sub.2 is an alkyl group having from about 1 to about five carbons;R.sub.3 is an alkyl group having from about 1 to about five carbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a blood-compatible polyethlene oxide coating to polyether-urethane moulded articles like catheters, for instance oxygen sensor catheters. The so obtained blood-compatible articles may advantageously be used in the case of long-term contact with blood or body tissue.

Abstract: This invention is a composition having anti-thrombogenic properties, comprising as essential constituent components a polyurethane or polyurethane urea containing polytetramethylene oxide in its main chain, a water soluble and/or water swellable macromolecules, and a silicon-containing compound capable of forming polysiloxane while crosslinking; and a blood contact medical device having such a composition on blood contact surfaces. According to this invention, it is possible to provide on blood contact surfaces a hydrophilic polymer which is excellent in dynamic properties and very rich in the antithrombogenic properties, and the invention can be greatly contributory in the field of blood contact medical devices.

Abstract: A non thrombogenic quarternary ammonium/heparin complex coating for a medical article is disclosed where the organic cationic salt is an alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium ion present in an amount of at least 50% by weight and having the following formula: ##STR1## where R is a uniform alkyl group containing between 16 to 18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Particularly a rectal catheter for the removal of fluent material from the rectal cavity. The rectal catheter (18) comprises an elongated tubular member (20) forwardly insertable within the rectal cavity. The tubular member includes a pair of opposing eyelets (28a and 28b) in the vicinity of a forward end (22) which lead to a centrally open drainage lumen (26), and also includes a ventilation lumen (32) substantially coextensive in length therewith. The ventilation lumen receives atmospheric air from a take-off tube (40) depending from the rearward portion of the tubular member and directs atmospheric air toward the forward end of the tubular member when suction is applied to the drainage lumen.

Abstract: A long indwelling double bore catheter for dilution and sampling of blood on a continuing basis capable of being used for long periods of time. The long indwelling double bore catheter has a small mixing chamber with an opening of a cross-sectional area equal to or less than the combined cross-sectional areas of the double bores, said opening communicating with the body fluid, e.g., blood, to be sampled, and wherein the distance of the mixing chamber from the distal end of the double bores to the end of the catheter is equal to or greater than 2 millimeters. Preferably, the volume of the mixing chamber is between about 3 and about 9.times.10.sup.-5 cubic inches. Preferably, the opening which communicates with the body fluid is a noncircular elongated opening which is equal to or less than twice the combined cross-sectional areas of the double bores.

Abstract: A movable blood aspiration wand, especially for use in autotransfusion, carries with it a tank for anticoagulant replenished from an anticoagulant source fixed at a high source and is connected to a blood reservoir at a low elevation. Differences in wand height relative to the source and to the blood reservoir are compensated for, so that differences in wand height and corresponding blood and anticoagulant head do not substantially vary the anticoagulant proportion added to the aspirated blood.

Abstract: Anticoagulant is added to blood being aspirated through a hand-held wand having a venturi throat. The anticoagulant flows into the wand from a generally closed anticoagulant reservoir higher than the wand as replacement air flows into the anticoagulant air reservoir. This air inflow is controlled by a regulator fixed on the wand and in accordance with the amount of aspirated blood flowing in through the venturi throat.