Abstract: A filtration medium is sealed within a housing. The filtration medium is sized and configured to define multiple filtration regions within the housing, through which independent, though concurrent, blood filtration can occur. Each filtration region is served by its own inlet path, which conveys blood into the filtration region. The filtration medium in each filtration region passes the blood to remove at least one undesired component, such as, e.g., leukocytes. After filtration, the multiple filter regions convey the blood into a single, centrally located manifold. A single outlet path communicates with the manifold.

Abstract: A liquid-medicine injection port device includes: a liquid-medicine inlet which is formed at its upper end; a liquid-medicine outlet which is formed at its lower end which is connectable to a liquid-medicine container; a liquid passageway which connects the liquid-medicine inlet and the liquid-medicine outlet; a germ-removal filter which is provided in the liquid passageway; and a closure which closes the liquid passageway downstream from the germ-removal filter and opens it easily. Further, a liquid-medicine container is provided with this liquid-medicine injection port device. Or further, the liquid-medicine container has a two-chamber structure in which an injection chamber provided with the liquid-medicine injection port device which the germ-removal filter is attached to, and a storage chamber storing a liquid medicine are divided by a weak seal portion having such a strength that it is easily peeled.

Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.

Abstract: A filter for filtering intravenous fluid includes a base member having one or more vent holes and a fluid inlet chamber; a cap member having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid outlet chamber; hydrophilic filtration media captured between the base member and the cap member, separating the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber; the filter having a flow path such that fluid passing into the filter housing through the inlet passes through the hydrophilic filtration media before passing out the outlet; one piece of hydrophobic vent media positioned over the vent hole and secured to the base member; and the base member having a center section and side sections forming the inlet chamber, the side sections extending from the center section towards the perimeter of the base member and being formed with sloped walls so as to encourage any air in the inlet chamber to flow towards the vent.

Abstract: Venous reservoirs are interposed between the patient and the arterial pump and serve to remove air bubbles and provide compliance that accommodates variations in the volume of blood circulating in the extracorporeal circuit during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The invention is a reservoir that incorporates automated means to remove air bubbles from the venous line prior to the blood entering the arterial blood pump. In another form, the reservoir includes means that handles foam prior to the blood entering the blood pump. In yet another form, the invention is means that improve air removal in a soft shell venous reservoir. These features are applicable to CPB circuits using gravity drainage or vacuum assisted venous drainage.

Abstract: A disposable flexible vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel ampoule filtration system, and novel methods and devices for using the system to deliver multi-doses of a sterile solution of a therapeutic agent to a subject. The ampoule filtration system includes a sterile filter cartridge attached to the mouth of an ampoule, such that liquid dispensed from the ampoule is drawn through the cartridge, and a means for sealingly engaging the filtration system to a delivery device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for collecting and processing whole blood. Whole blood is collected at several remote donor sites and transported to a central blood-processing center, where information regarding demand for blood products is used to direct processing of whole blood into blood products. Whole blood is initially collected in collection bags unattached to satellite bags instead of commonly used multiple bag sets. When the determination is made at the blood processing center as to which blood products are to be made, the appropriate satellite bags and/or other system components are sterile docked to the blood-collection bag and the whole blood is processed. The use of blood-collection bags initially unattached to satellite bags eliminates waste and simplifies the transportation and processing of whole blood. Also disclosed are blood collection systems that remove leukocytes and collect whole blood into blood-collection bags unattached to satellite bags.

Abstract: Flat filter for venting gas in intravenous medical lines, comprising a case formed by a frontal plate and by a dorsal plate between which a hydrophilic filtering membrane is interposed. The dorsal plate has a single through hole for gas venting in communication with an elongated collecting channel formed on the inner surface of the dorsal plate and along which a hydrophobic membrane of complementary shape is applied.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to transfusion.

Abstract: A filter for processing a biological fluid is disclosed comprising at least two filter elements wherein the surface of one filter element is substantially non-hydroxylated and has a nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio in the range of from at least 0.01 to less than about 1.00, and the surface of the other filter element is hydroxylated relative to the bulk of the element.

Abstract: A liquid-medicine injection port device includes: a liquid-medicine inlet which is formed at its upper end; a liquid-medicine outlet which is formed at its lower end which is connectable to a liquid-medicine container; a liquid passageway which connects the liquid-medicine inlet and the liquid-medicine outlet; a germ-removal filter which is provided in the liquid passageway; and a closure which closes the liquid passageway downstream from the germ-removal filter and opens it easily. Further, a liquid-medicine container is provided with this liquid-medicine injection port device. Or further, the liquid-medicine container has a two-chamber structure in which an injection chamber provided with the liquid-medicine injection port device which the germ-removal filter is attached to, and a storage chamber storing a liquid medicine, are divided by a weak seal portion having such a strength that it is easily peeled.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for purifying fluid, such as potable water, to quality levels suitable for medical application, particularly to applications involving injection of the fluid into a human body. The apparatus comprises a portable purification pack constructed for a single use. The pack houses depth filtration, activated carbon, mixed bed ion exchange resins and terminal filtration stages in series. The terminal filter comprises a fine (microfiltration or ultrafiltration), permeable membrane, treated with an endotoxin-binding chemistry. In contrast with semi-permeable osmotic membranes, the permeable membrane produces high flow rates at relatively low pressures, while still safely purifying fluid to injection quality.

Abstract: Preparing a leucocyte-free blood by introducing a leucocyte containing liquid into a leucocyte removal filter; removing a first fraction from an effluent that is discharged from the leucocyte removal filter; obtaining an effluent portion that is discharged after the first fraction as a leucocyte-free blood preparation. A blood administration set including a leucocyte removal filter having an inlet port for introducing a leucocyte containing liquid, for separating leucocytes from the leucocyte containing liquid; and a passage for discharging a leucocyte-free blood preparation from the leucocyte removal filter. The passage has a device for removing a first fraction from an effluent discharged from the leucocyte removal filter. The method and blood administration set can avoid side effects that would otherwise occur when transfusion is performed using a leucocyte removal filter so that it is highly safe and that is simple and easy.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: An infusion container comprising a communication port capable of being connected with a syringe, a container main body, a communication channel for providing communication between the inside of the container main body and the inner lumen of the communication port, and a sterilization filter provided in the communication channel, wherein the communication port is closed with a rubber stopper provided with a slit allowing the top end tip of the syringe to pass therethrough and the communication channel is closed with a closing means capable of being easily opened.

Abstract: Venous reservoirs are interposed between the patient and the arterial pump and serve to remove air bubbles and provide compliance that accommodates variations in the volume of blood circulating in the extracorporeal circuit during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The invention is a reservoir that incorporates automated means to remove air bubbles from the venous line prior to the blood entering the arterial blood pump. In form, the reservoir includes means that handle foam prior to the blood entering the blood pump. In another form, the invention provides means that improve air removal in a soft shell venous reservoir. These features are applicable to CPB circuits using gravity drainage or vacuum assisted venous drainage.

Abstract: A cartridge for treating medical or biological fluid includes a first cap having an inlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality of compartments and a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein each compartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid is adapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality of particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for purifying fluid, such as potable water, to quality levels suitable for medical application, particularly to applications involving injection of the fluid into a human body. The apparatus comprises a portable purification pack constructed for a single use. The pack houses depth filtration, activated carbon, mixed bed ion exchange resins and terminal filtration stages in series. The terminal filter comprises a fine (microfiltration or ultrafiltration), permeable membrane, treated with an endotoxin-binding chemistry. In contrast with semi-permeable osmotic membranes, the permeable membrane produces high flow rates at relatively low pressures, while still safely purifying fluid to injection quality.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating a biological fluid are provided comprising placing the fluid in contact with a complement filter capable of depleting at least one complement fragment from the fluid while at least one component of the biological fluid is being stored.

Abstract: A confined air tube is intended to be placed into in-line communication with the transfer tubing of a blood processing system. The confined air tube provides an incremental volume of air, which keeps the transfer tubing from collapsing and sticking together during heat sterilization. After sterilization, the confined air tube accommodates conveyance of a blood component into an associated downstream transfer container. The confined air tube can also receive air vented from the transfer container, so that the blood component can undergo further processing or be stored in an air-depleted environment within the transfer container.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel ampoule filtration system, and novel methods and devices for using the system to deliver multi-doses of a sterile solution of a therapeutic agent to a subject. The ampoule filtration system includes a sterile filter cartridge attached to the mouth of an ampoule, such that liquid dispensed from the ampoule is drawn through the cartridge, and a means for sealingly engaging the filtration system to a delivery device.

Abstract: The invention includes a filtration unit for the selective deleukocytation of a fluid containing blood platelets such as blood or a blood component. The unit includes a medium for deleukocytation by adsorption and/or filtration of the leukocytes. The medium is formed by at least one layer of non-woven polyurethane fabric which has been treated by gas plasma.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat plasma by separating targeted blood cell species such as red blood cells and platelets from the plasma by filtration through hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes.

Abstract: A blood collection system has a container for holding blood and a filter communicating with the container, mutually arranged for handling as a unit. The filter (20) contains a fibrous filter medium (28) housed within two flexible sheets (32, 34) of plastic. A first seal (36) joins the sheets (32, 34) directly to the filter medium (28) inboard of the peripheral edge (40) of the filter medium (28), and a second seal (38) joins the sheets (32, 34) outboard of the peripheral edge (40) of the filter medium (28). A region (42) of the filter medium (28) extends between the first and second seals (36, 38) to cushion contact with the filter housing during handling.

Abstract: A system for collecting and processing donated bone marrow comprises a closed and/or sealable collection container and a closed and/or sealable satellite container. The system may also include at least one porous medium interposed between the collection container and the satellite container. The porous medium is a size gradient depletion media. The system may also include at least one third container in fluid communication with the collection container. The system may also include at least one manifold interposed in the fluid flow path between the collection container and the third container.

Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for collecting and transporting liquids, for example blood, into one or more closed packages, for instance so called transfer bags (11, 12), or alternatively, directly transfering the blood into another liquid system, for instance a heart-lung machine, without any admixture of air or any other gas or gas mixture. The blood is collected without contact by human hand and without contamination of the blood and under sterile conditions. The apparatus comprises a suction nozzle (4) for sucking up the liquid or a liquid/air/gas mixture, a suction hose (5) for directing the liquid to a defoaming separator (7) for separating air from the liquid, and a recipient (8) in which the deacrated liquid is filtered and collected. When a certain volume has been collected, the liquid is directed without introducing air into said closed packages (11, 12) or communicated to another liquid system.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fluid into a patient's body has the steps of accommodating the fluid in a plastic container, connecting an introducer to the plastic container so that the fluid can flow from the plastic container through the introducer into a patient's body, and arranging an adsorbing material between the plastic container and the introducer so that the fluid flows from the plastic container first through the adsorbing material, at least some toxins from the fluid are adsorbed by and retained on the adsorbing material, while the fluid purified from at least some toxins is introduced by the introducer into a patient's body.

Abstract: A progressive filtration system for a chest drainage unit during continuous autrotransfusion comprising a gross filter for filtering incoming blood at the inlet portion of a collection chamber of a chest drainage unit and a conventional fine micron filter assembly located at the bottom portion of the collection chamber for refiltering collected blood prior to reinfusion of that blood back to the patient. The micron filter assembly includes a valve cap at the top portion of the assembly that functions as a plug to seal the top portion of the assembly and as a one way valve that permits reflux of later developing blood clots that might clog the tubing once the blood has already passed through the assembly. The valve cap is also adapted for sealing engagement with a drop tube that places the filter assembly in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the collection chamber located at the top portion of the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the removal of psoralens and psoralen photoproducts from blood products are described. The methods include contacting a psoralen- and irradiation-treated blood product with a resin capable of adsorbing psoralens and psoralen photoproducts. The removal process is particularly suitable for use with platelet concentrates and plasma because the process does not have a significant adverse effect on clotting factor function. The methods and devices can be incorporated with apheresis systems and other devices and procedures currently used to process blood products for transfusion.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. The filtering assembly is capable of allowing controlled backwards flow of blood through the filter assembly, or blocking the backwards flow entirely, during aspiration of embolic material trapped within the filter assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic product formed from a high concentration of white blood cells having a high degree of cell viability. The white blood cells are sequestered from their normal population presence in whole blood by placing the blood into a container and preventing coagulation of the blood, separating the blood into two components, one of which is extremely rich in white blood cells through the use of a reagent and centrifugation, sequestering the white cell concentration, and freezing the white cells.

Abstract: An infusion container comprising a communication port capable of being connected with a syringe, a container main body, a communication channel for providing communication between the inside of the container main body and the inner lumen of the communication port, and a sterilization filter provided in the communication channel, wherein the communication port is closed with a rubber stopper provided with a slit allowing the top end tip of the syringe to pass therethrough and the communication channel is closed with a closing means capable of being easily opened.

Abstract: A blood reservoir being capable of reducing damage to blood stored therein. The blood reservoir has a housing in the form of a box, and filtering and defoaming devices provided in the housing, i.e., a device for filtering and defoaming on blood suctioned from a surgical field (outside a heart), a device for filtering and defoaming on blood vented from the interior of the heart, and a device for filtering and defoaming on blood drawn off from a large vein. The vented blood flowing into the blood reservoir passes through a vented blood filtering member to be introduced into a blood storage space without contacting an antifoaming agent and foreign substances filtered off from the suctioned blood.

Abstract: A method for preparing a leucocyte-free blood preparation comprises the steps of: introducing a leucocyte containing liquid into a leucocyte removal filter; removing a first fraction from an effluent that is discharged from the leucocyte removal filter; obtaining an effluent portion that is discharged after the first fraction as a leucocyte-free blood preparation. A blood administration set comprising: a leucocyte removal filter having an inlet port for introducing a leucocyte containing liquid, for separating leucocytes from the leucocyte containing liquid; and a passage for discharging a leucocyte-free blood preparation from the leucocyte removal filter; wherein the passage comprises a device for removing a first fraction from an effluent discharged from the leucocyte removal filter. The method and blood administration set can avoid side effects that would otherwise occur when transfusion is performed using a leucocyte removal filter so that it is highly safe and that is simple and easy.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering and degassing body fluid has two filter chambers, separated from one another by a filter medium. The first filter chamber is connected to an inflow connector, and the second filter chamber to an outflow connector. An aeration and venting device common to the two filter chambers which is connectable selectably and separately to the first or the second filter chamber.

Abstract: A bottle having a sterility seal and a method for producing same are disclosed. The bottle, which can be configured to retain a medicament in powder or tablet form, features a protective cap configured to engage a transfer assembly associated with the bottle. The cap includes one or more raised ridges on an interior surface engageable with a portion of the transfer assembly. A band or layer configuration of a sealing material such as silicone is applied to the transfer assembly prior to insertion of the cap thereover. As the cap comes into surface contact with the sealing material, the ridges cause the material to “roll up” into a toroidal O-ring configuration, thereby forming a seal between the cap and the bottle adapted to the dimensional variations of those components.

Abstract: A gross filter in a drainage device for filtering fluids drained from the pleural cavity of a patient comprising a filter body having a first side panel, second side panel, back panel and bottom panel that assemble to form a generally box-shape filter with open front and top portions. The gross filter is located in the first of two subchambers that comprise the collection chamber. The filter body further comprises a filter screen sized for filtering gross particulates, such as blood clots, that may become entrained in fluid drained from a patient. The gross body is configured so as to permit the further filtering of fluids when blood clots have formed and blocked the filter screen of the filter's bottom panel from fluid flow therethrough, thereby allowing uninterrupted filtering of blood into the collection chamber through the first and second side panels instead.

Abstract: A confined air tube is intended to be placed into in-line communication with the transfer tubing of a blood processing system. The confined air tube provides an incremental volume of air, which keeps the transfer tubing from collapsing and sticking together during heat sterilization. After sterilization, the confined air tube accommodates conveyance of a blood component into an associated downstream transfer container. The confined air tube can also receive air vented from the transfer container, so that the blood component can undergo further processing or be stored in an air-depleted environment within the transfer container.

Abstract: A reservoir-and filter system for receiving fluid and for removing impurities from fluid is provided in an embodiment of the invention. The system includes a housing with at least two cavities; a first cavity with at least one unfiltered-fluid inlet and a second cavity with at least one filtrate outlet. In this embodiment, a filter member is disposed so as to separate the cavities. In addition, a filtering trap is disposed so as to directly accept fluid as it enters the first cavity, filter it, and minimize clogging of the filter member. A coarse filter shroud providing a funnel shape at the opening of a cup-shaped trap is included in a preferred embodiment. In an embodiment, at least one gas outlet adaptable for connection to a vacuum source is associated with the second cavity. A method for removing impurities from blood within an extracorporeal circuit is also provided in a further embodiment.

Abstract: A white blood cell-removing device has a bag-shaped housing made of soft resin, a white blood cell-removing filter member partitioning the inside of the housing into an inlet side blood chamber and an outlet side blood chamber, a blood inlet port positioned at one side of the housing and communicating with the inlet side blood chamber; and a blood outlet port positioned at the other side of the housing and communicating with the outlet side blood chamber. An inner surface (the outlet side blood chamber) of the bag-shaped housing is a unevenness surface. The white blood cell-removing filter member has a filtering part and a non-filtering part formed on the entire periphery of the filtering part.

Abstract: A combined arterial-venous blood flow set comprises connected lengths of flexible tubing for receiving blood from a patient, for conveying the blood to a blood processing device such as a dialyzer or an LDL filter, and for returning the blood to the patient. An optional first bubble trap chamber is connected in series flow between two of the lengths of tubing at a flow position downstream from the patient and upstream from the blood processing device. A second bubble trap chamber is connected in series flow between two of the lengths of tubing at a flow position downstream from the blood processing device and upstream from the patient. A first portion of the tubing which is in a flow position upstream from the blood processing device extends by the second bubble trap chamber, and is physically, laterally connected to it without direct flow connection. This helps to stabilize the positioning of components of the flow set and to reduce confusion in set-up and priming.

Abstract: A bone marrow collection kit is provided comprising a collection container for receiving a bone marrow containing fluid having a body that defines an interior and an inlet opening and an outlet opening and including a prefilter that extends from the outlet opening into the interior of the collection container so that fluid must flow through the prefilter to exit the collection container through the outlet opening. A first inline filter member is coupled to the outlet opening of the collection container, the first inline filter member having a flexible plastic body that defines an interior, and an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the interior including a filter so constructed and arranged that fluid that enters the inlet opening must flow through the filter to exit the first inline filter member through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A filter set for recovering desired blood components from human blood and a method for recovering blood components using the filter set are provided. The filter set includes a bag body and an accommodation vessel for accommodating the bag body therein in a compressed condition. In the method the bag body is provided in the accommodation vessel and is compressed and blood is passed through the compressed bag body. Blood components are adhered to the compressed filter material in the bag body. Thereafter, the compression of the bag body is relieved and a washing solution is passed through the expanded bag body to remove the blood components contained therein.

Abstract: A progressive filtration system for a chest drainage unit during continuous autrotransfusion comprising a gross filter for filtering incoming blood at the inlet portion of a collection chamber of a chest drainage unit and a conventional fine micron filter assembly located at the bottom portion of the collection chamber for refiltering collected blood prior to reinfusion of that blood back to the patient. The micron filter assembly includes a valve cap at the top portion of the assembly that functions as a plug to seal the top portion of the assembly and as a one way valve that permits reflux of later developing blood clots that might clog the tubing once the blood has already passed through the assembly.The valve cap is also adapted for sealing engagement with a drop tube that places the filter assembly in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the collection chamber located at the top portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A connecting device (1) between a first receptacle (2) and a second receptacle (4) comprising a muff joint (4a), the device comprising an apparatus (5) for perforating a stopper, including a faucet (6) and a filtering chamber (7) isolated from outside by a filter (8), two independent channels (9, 10) being provided in the perforating apparatus (5) for communicating the inside of the first receptacle (2) with the faucet (6) and the filtering chamber (7) respectively, the device further comprising an element (11) for displacing with guidance the perforating apparatus (5), an element for fastening (13) the skirt (12) on the neck (2a), a plunger (15) mounted in the internal bore (12a) on which the perforating apparatus (5) are fixed, for sliding by simple pressure, and an element (16) for definitively stopping the plunger (15).

Abstract: A polyester composition for use in facilitating separation of blood serum or plasma from a cellular portion of blood, the composition containing: (a) a multifunctional acid component comprising: (i) a benzene polycarboxylic acid, and derivatives thereof; and (ii) an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid having from about 16 to about 40 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component, and wherein the multifunctional acid component and diol component are employed in an equivalent ratio ranging from about 0.8:1.1 to about 1.0:1.3.

Abstract: A container (400) for the collection of fluids in a vacuum system includes upper and lower chambers (402, 404). Fluids are admitted to the upper chamber (402) to form a vortex and separate fluid and debris from air. The fluids then pass to the lower chamber (404) through a filter (412). A discharge tube (428) is connected to the lower chamber (404) to allow the accumulated fluids to be pumped from the container (400). The bottom of the lower chamber (404) includes a recess (430) that forms a platen for a roller pump, and a discharge tube (428) is located adjacent the platen whereby rollers (426) engage the tube (428) and platen upon installation of the chamber (400) on a base. A second port (418) is provided to the upper chamber (402) for admission of a second fluid such as an anticoagulant.

Abstract: A combined arterial-venous blood flow set comprises connected lengths of flexible tubing for receiving blood from a patient, for conveying the blood to a blood processing device such as a dialyzer or an LDL filter, and for returning the blood to the patient. An optional first bubble trap chamber is connected in series flow between two of the lengths of tubing at a flow position downstream from the patient and upstream from the blood processing device. A second bubble trap chamber is connected in series flow between two of the lengths of tubing at a flow position downstream from the blood processing device and upstream from the patient. A first portion of the tubing which is in a flow position upstream from the blood processing device extends by the second bubble trap chamber, and is physically, laterally connected to it without direct flow connection. This helps to stabilize the positioning of components of the flow set and to reduce confusion in set-up and priming.