Abstract: An in-line filter assembly is provided of a type having a housing divided into inlet and outlet chambers by a filter membrane having its periphery fluid-flow-sealed within the housing, the filter being readily disassemblable so that the filter membrane can be removed for identification or analysis of the material filtered from the fluid during use of the filter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cytology collection apparatus and a method for preparing a uniform monolayer of cells. The apparatus allows the rapid preparation from body fluids of a cytology monolayer with very few overlapping cells and with fewer contaminants than prior devices. The apparatus is in the form of an openable cell collection container which houses a filter for collection of cells when body fluid passes therethrough.

Abstract: Systems and methods of collecting blood cells use a first container connected to at least three transfer containers. A filtration system is provided with one transfer container, which ultimately serves as the storage container for red blood cells free of white blood cells. The two other transfer containers are connected to each other, one of which is empty and one of which contains and additive solution for storage of red blood cells. The empty transfer container is used for storage of platelet concentrate, while the container that originally contained the additive solution is ultimately used to store the platelet-poor plasma component. A portion of the additive solution may be separately passed through the filtration system after filtration of the red cells to flush additional red blood cells from the filtration device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: A connection system for facilitating connections with an apparatus for handling medical fluids, such as blood, to adapt the apparatus for one or more particular uses. The system includes one or more connector blocks having an access opening and at least one connection device, such as a fitting for mounting medical grade tubing, in fluid communication with the access opening, and a seal tray for slidably mounting a connector block and initialy sealing the access opening in the connector block. A track and a part are provided on the apparatus, with the track being adapted to slidably mount the connector block on the apparatus such that the access opening of the block can be moved into and out of alignment with the port. The seal tray and the track are so configured that the seal tray can be aligned with the track to allow the connector block to be moved at least partially off of the sealing tray onto the track, thereby to bring the connector block's access openings into alignment with the port.

Abstract: A filter device and method are provided for treating parenteral nutrient fluids, particularly TNA systems containing lipids, glucose, and amino acids. The filter device comprises a housing and a microporous medium in the form of a synthetic polymeric microporous structure having a pore rating of less than 1.2 micrometers. A preferred microporous medium comprises, in series, a matrix of microfibers which has been radiation grafted to render the matrix wettable by parenteral nutrient fluids followed by a microporous membrane, also wettable by parenteral nutrient fluids, and having a finer pore rating than the microfibrous matrix.

Abstract: A transfusion filtering device for preventing foreign matters from entering into a human body. This transfusion fiber comprises a cylindrical housing, hydrophilic porous hollow fibers disposed in the housing in parallel with the axis of the housing, and hydrophobic porous hollow fibers disposed in the housing along the inner wall of the housing, the upper ends of the hydrophobic porous hollow fibers being exposed to the outer atmosphere so as to discharge air accumulated in the housing.

Abstract: A system for collecting and processing donated blood comprises a first porous medium interposed between a blood collection bag and a satellite bag and a second porous medium interposed between the blood collection bag and another satellite bag. The porous media are leucocyte depletion media. The system may also include one or more of the following: a red cell barrier medium, a separation medium, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet. The system can be used to centrifuge whole blood into one or more components, and includes a means for protecting the system during centrifugation.

Abstract: The blood flow channel sections of an oxygenator and a blood reservoir 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: Systems and methods for collecting blood substantially free of undesired matter assure that accurate crossmatching and typing of cellular blood components can be done prior to transfusion, even though the cellular components are collected and stored in different containers. The blood containing the undesired matter is collected in a blood collection container. The blood collection container includes a tube that is sealed for retaining samples of the collected blood for later analysis. The collected blood is conveyed out of the blood collection container for removal of undesired matter. The blood substantially free of the undesired matter is collected in a separate transfer container for storage. The distal end of the sealed tube containing the blood samples is attached to the transfer container, while the other end of the sealed tube is disconnected from the original blood collection container.

Abstract: A blood reservoir serves to suppress generation of air bubbles in blood in an extracorporeal blood circulation circuit. The blood reservoir includes a blood storage chamber for temporarily storing the blood, the blood storage chamber having blood inlet and outlet ports, and a fluid-permeable blood spouting inhibitor disposed over the blood inlet port. Since the blood flows into the blood storage chamber through the blood spouting inhibitor, the blood is prevented from being spouted into the blood reservoir, so that air bubbles are prevented from being generated in the blood.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for treating blood comprising (a) centrifuging blood and (b) passing a supernatant layer of the centrifuged blood through a porous medium until red blood cells block the porous medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a patient's blood during a medical procedure which is convertible for use after the procedure for at least one further use. The apparatus comprises a reservoir having a port comprising at least one opening. A primary device, alignable with the port for adapting the reservoir for use during the procedure. The apparatus further comprises one or more secondary devices each alignable with the port means for adapting the reservoir for one or more further uses after the procedure. The primary device and the secondary devices are slidably mounted on the apparatus between tracks, with the primary device initially aligned with the port to allow the reservoir to be used during the medical procedure. The tracks allow the primary device to be moved out of alignment with the port and allow at least one of the secondary devices to be moved into alignment with the port so that the reservoir can be used after the medical procedure.

Abstract: A vacuum filter assembly for filtering a feed liquid includes a filter membrane held in a cover attachable to the filtrate container. The cover is formed with a feed liquid nipple on one side of the filter membrane, a filtrate outlet tube on the other side of the filter body, and a vacuum port. A portion of the surface of the membrane is non-wettable by the feed liquid to facilitate restarting the filtration if the filtration is interrupted. Also, the vacuum port includes a vacuum tube covered at its end by another membrane having pores permeable by air but not by the feed liquid, for fixing the maximum level of the filtrate within the filtrate container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an apparatus and a method which can use immunoassay in sample treatment apparatus for diagnostic and testing purposes of dialysis fluid or urine by concentrating the urinary sediments on a first membrane and concentrating bacteria on a second membrane. Urine is transported through the tubular container under pressure to flow through the sample container which separately screens off the urinary sediments and the bacteria for collection and testing.

Abstract: Blood separation filter assemblies and methods are provided to quickly and completely separate plasma or serum from whole blood without the need of centrifugation. The filter assemblies and methods have filter materials of a predetermined thickness which are maintained under positive pressure during use. The filter materials have at least one layer of glass fibers having an average fiber diameter ranging from 0.2 .mu.m to 7.0 .mu.m and which are compressed at least 25% in thickness.

Abstract: Systems and methods of collecting blood cells use a first container connected to initially collect blood. A filtration system is provided that uses two flow paths, the first being a dual purpose path that is initially used to convey plasma and platelets to a pair of transfer/storage containers. A second flow path leads to a temporary transfer container through a filtration device. The dual purpose fluid path is next used to convey blood cells, now substantially free of undesired matter, from the temporary storage container to a storage container. The filtration system is then detached from the blood collection system.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: A closed blood filter system comprising a filter connected to at least one blood bag, the filter comprising a housing having peripheral support means adapted to hold the filter in place on top of a blood bag centrifuge bucket (cup) and above the blood bags during centrifugation of blood bag contents. In a preferred embodiment the filter is connected between two blood bags by blood bag tubing. A preferred filter housing is generally disk-like and includes an annular projection adapted to fit snugly on the shoulder of a cylindrical centrifuge bucket (cup) while allowing passage of a tubing connecting the top side of the filter with a blood bag held in the centrifuge cup and below the filter.

Abstract: Filtration of white blood cells (WBCs) directly from platelet rich plasma (PRP) rather than from subsequently made platelet concentrates (PC). Earlier filtration is effective at removing most WBCs with minimal platelet loss and permits storage of platelets for at least 5 days. The filtration is preferably done with a closed, ready-to-use system comprising a WBC filter disposed between a first blood bag and at least two empty secondary bags. A fourth bag may be included in the closed system to contain a platelet additive solution. System can remove at least 95% of the WBCs with less than 10% loss in platelets. In very preferred embodiments at least 99.5% of the original WBCs are removed by filtration prior to platelet storage.

Abstract: The Rapid Infusion Device is a mechanical pumping system for the rapid delivery of filtered, bubble free, warmed volume to a patient suffering from acute hypovolemia. The principle of operation is one of overcoming resistance mechanically, The flow of fluids is totally regulated by the resistance encountered at the smallest tubing orifice along the infusion pathway. The RID components, assembled as a system, provide the capability for the rapid infusion of filtered, bubble free, and warm volume. The word volume is used to describe the fluid delivered by the device as any desired fluid may be delivered by the device. The RID is composed of two systems, i.e., durable permanent equipment and a disposable unit for one time use. Durable equipment consists of a roller pump, its controls, a permanently mounted heating element and its controls, and a mounting bracket to attach the heating element to the housing of the roller pump. The disposable unit is made of molded plastic cast in two halves.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling autologous blood from a patient for reinfusion back to the patient comprising suction means, admixing means for admixing aspirated blood with a washing fluid, filtering means for filtering the admixture through an emboli filter and a membrane filter, monitoring means for measuring the amount of cellular component volume in the filtered blood, filtration means for removing excess fluid and particulates from the blood, and reinfusion means is disclosed. Embodiments for use during surgery for on-line purification and reinfusion on a real time basis are disclosed along with embodiments for use post-surgically when the wound site is closed and drainage tubing has been implanted at the wound site to draw off blood post-surgically. Methods for performing the autotransfusion process are also disclosed.

Abstract: An organization particularly for use in medical environments, wherein an inlet port is operatively coupled with a vacuum canister, wherein the inlet port includes a coupling member mounting a replaceable and removable straining device mounted the coupling member to effect straining of various bodily fluids directed within the container.

Abstract: A blood reservoir is formed with a hard outer shell housing defining at least one blood compartment. A flexible bag is mounted in the outer shell and is connected to the reservoir inlet port to allow blood to directly enter the flexible bag. The bag includes two oppositely positioned ends, one of which includes a mircoporous screen and is situated to lie partially below a minimum level attained by blood in the reservoir. The second bag end is substantially open, and includes a porous element partially coated with an antifoaming agent. The coated portion of the element is positioned above a maximum level attained by the blood in the hard shell. The potential of excessive mixing between the blood and air is reduced by controlling the expansion of the bag during blood flow.

Abstract: A direct drive blood defibrination unit and a method of using the unit are presented. The blood defibrination unit includes a vacuum bottle having input, vacuum, dispensing and drive ports therein. Contained within the bottle is a rotatable stir bar which is connected to a drive shaft which passes through the drive port of the vacuum bottle and is connected to a motor. A bacteria and vacuum seal surrounds the drive shaft adjacent the drive port in order to maintain the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the vacuum bottle without bacterial contamination. In operation, the input port of the vacuum bottle is connected to a source of blood to be defibrinated, and the vacuum port is connected to a source of vacuum. The stir bar is rotated during a blood collection time period, and is allowed to continue to rotate for a defibrination time period during which the input and vacuum ports are disconnected. After defibrination, the defibrinated blood is dispensed from the dispensing port.

Abstract: An arrangement for collecting blood from a source of blood employs a filter chamber having a substantially predefined volume for accumulating the collected blood, and first and second access ports for receiving the collected blood and for venting the filter chamber, respectively. A protamine filter is arranged within the filter chamber, and preferably is formed of regenerated cellulose hollow fibers which have been activated with CNBr and have protamine immobilized thereon. The amount of protamine immobilized thereon is controlled in a variety of ways, prior to installation and sealing of the filter element within the filter chamber. In a practical embodiment, the first port of the filter chamber is coupled to a conventional cannula needle for communicating transdermally with a living being or through a membrane of a blood storage container. The second port is coupled to a conventional syringe which applies a suction for facilitating withdrawal of the blood.

Abstract: Systems and methods of collecting blood cells, substantially free of undesired matter, use a first container, that forms a part of a blood collection system, to initially collect a quantity of blood cells. A filtration system is then attached to the first container. The filtration system includes a second container, a first fluid path that leads to the second container through a filtration device, and a second fluid path that leads to the second container bypassing the filtration device. The blood cells are conveyed from the first container through the first fluid path and filtration device and into the second container to separate the undesired matter from the blood cells. The blood cells, now substantially free of the undesired matter, are then conveyed from the second container through the second fluid path, bypassing the filtration device, and back into the first container. The filtration system is then detached from the blood collection system.

Abstract: A connection component suitable for use with an enteral fluid delivery set wherein the connection component consists of a threaded cap having a projecting spike thereon to penetrate and deform a foil diaphragm on the fluid container and further including an air passageway having a flexible member therein to allow filtered air to flow into the fluid container while preventing the flow of fluid from the fluid container through the air passageway.

Abstract: A method for separating blood into blood components aseptically in a closed system first filters whole blood through a filter for removing leukocytes or removing leukocytes and platelets, to produce filtered blood, which is passed to and collected in a primary bag fluid-tightly connected to the filter through a sealable, cuttable conduit, and the conduit is sealed and cut to disconnect the primary bag from the filter. The disconnected primary bag is subjected to centrifugation to separate the filtered blood into blood components. The method is useful for separately collecting leukocyte-removed blood components, particularly leukocyte-removed erythrocytes, leukocyte-removed plasma, leukocyte-removed platelets, etc., from the whole blood of a healthy human. A blood components separation unit which can advantageously be used in the practice of the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for treating the blood of a patient, which is obtained by, for example, bleeding during an operation and thus to be autotransfused to the patient, as well as a device therefor is disclosed. The process comprises sucking the blood under a sucking pressure of 80 to 150 mmHg, filtering the sucked blood through a filter membrane of a pore size of 100 to 150 .mu.m and storing the filtered blood in a storage tank while shaking.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting blood components including a supply line that is connected to a blood line and has a filter on it to permit passage of supply solution (e.g., anticoagulant or saline prime) and blocks passage of bacteria.

Abstract: A filter for obstetrical fluids and particulate matter having an enclosure containing a first chamber and a second chamber is disclosed. The first chamber has a solid partition forming first and second cavities in the first chamber. The first cavity has an inlet and the second cavity has an outlet. The second chamber contains a filter and the edge of the partition is pressed against the surface of the filter.

Abstract: A device for separating and isolating heavier components from lighter components of blood mixtures after centrifugal separation, comprising a barrel for holding the blood mixture having slidably positioned therein an inner container for containing the lighter components, a one-way valve responsive to movement of the container within the barrel (a) for controlling the flow of the lighter components into the container, (b) for preventing the lighter components from re-entering the barrel from the container, and (c) for creating a vacuum to assist in drawing the blood mixture to be separated into the barrel, and a filter for filtering the lighter components during their entry into the inner container. The inner container includes an opening for access to the separated and isolated lighter components.

Abstract: Microaggregate blood filter adapted to pre-filter aggregates larger than 150 microns without interfering with the on-going and continuous filtration of aggregates between 40 and 150 microns. Filter comprises a flexible housing having inlet and outlet ports and an interior nest of two generally cylindrical concentric outer and inner filter screens with a space between the screens. Blood to be filtered enters the housing from the top and is pre-filtered for aggregates larger than 150 microns by the inner screen. The inner screen defines a relatively large interior volume which allows filtered aggregates to collect by sedimentation at its lower portions in a manner that permits on-going, continuous, and unobstructed filtration of the blood through its upper portion for subsequent and final filtration through the outer 40 micron filter. A preferred filter has a transparent housing and built in drip chamber and can be primed without inverting the filter.

Abstract: A cartridge for introducing a beneficial agent into a medical fluid conduit is disclosed. The cartridge includes a pierceable stopper having a hollow, open ended protrusion extending into the cartridge chamber and having the beneficial agent retained therein by a liquid pervious barrier. The hollow, open ended protrusion creates a directed flow path within the cartridge.

Abstract: A self-contained hand held medical aspirating device having a piston-grip type handle for holding in one hand with a standard connector for connecting to a catheter and a vacuum line for connecting to a vacuum source and a removable specimen container for receiving body fluids and a fluid barrier means to prevent body fluids from getting into the suction source.

Abstract: An air elimination device includes a plenum arranged to cause a reduction in flow velocity of a physiological fluid whereby air bubbles form and rise to the top of the plenum. A hydrophobic membrane covers the top of the plenum, and the pressure in the fluid is greater than that which is required to drive the released air through the membrane and into the atmosphere. The air which collects at the top of the plenum forms a protective surface on the bottom of the hydrophobic membrane to prevent its being clogged by cellular materials. A support stand engages the air eliminator to hold it in the desired orientation whereby the air bubbles form at the top of the plenum.

Abstract: An autotransfusion device usable with a chest drainage unit includes a collapsible fluid collection bag assembly having pliable fluid collection bag, a pair of stiffener members adjacent the opposed sides of the bag, and an enclosure sealingly connected to the bag securing the stiffeners in place. A fluid inlet, gas outlet, and a blood outlet are connected to the bag. A holder is dimensioned to compress the opposed edges of the bag assembly to cause the stiffeners to bow outwardly in opposite directions and expand the collection bag.

Abstract: Blood collection system using a container having an inlet tube inside it and having a filter material coupled to the tube inside the container to collect debris contained within blood being fed into the container.

Abstract: A transfer bag apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to be used in the autologous transfusion of blood to a patient by collecting the blood from a primary blood reservoir (e.g., the collection chamber of a drainage device for the chest cavity of the patient or a cardiotomy reservoir). The transfer bag comprises a flexible bag, having means on one part of the bag to be placed in fluid-tight communication with an infusion set to transfuse the patient with blood, and spike means on another part of the bag adapted to be placed in fluid-tight communication with the interior of the primary blood reservoir to transfer blood to the interior of the blood bag.

Abstract: Closed filtering system for relatively fast and efficient removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture. System comprises at least two blood bags in closed communication with each other via an intermediate filter assembly comprising a housing containing continuous filtering fiber. A preferred housing is tapered and the fiber preferably has a generally Y-shaped cross sectional area and it is adapted to permit substantial removal of white blood cells from a red blood cell mixture with minimal red blood cell hemolysis when the mixture is diluted with preservative solution and passed from one bag to the other at a relatively high flow rate. Filtration is completed within 24 hours, preferably within 6 hours, of whole blood donation.

Abstract: A fluid collection system includes an input unit having a hollow needle coupled through a section of flexible conduit to an anticoagulant reservoir which is in turn coupled via a second section of hollow conduit to a first sterile connector. A collection container, which can be a dry, flexible, plastic bag, is coupled by a plastic conduit to second and third sterile connectors. The first and second connectors can be joined together and sealed to form a sterile system. A transfer container includes a flexible plastic container coupled via a hollow plastic conduit to a fourth sterile connector. The fourth sterile connector is joinable with the third sterile connector to form a sterile two container system. Fluids collected in the primary container can then be transferred to the secondary container.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: This device is adapted for taking venous blood samples without the aid of any auxiliary negative pressure. Venous blood pressure is the sole force which fills the device with the blood sample. The device includes a flexible plastic tube formed from polyethylene or the like and further includes a blood drawing needle mounted on one end of the tube. The tube is divided into a collection reservoir into which the sample is drawn, and a sampling reservoir into which the sample may be expressed from the collection area. A valve separates the two areas. Also included in an elastomeric needle closure which adapts the device for in situ centrifugation of the blood sample in a test tube.

Abstract: According to this invention, there has been provided an inline final filter unit for the filtration and administration of intravenous fluids or the like wherein a flexible, nonporous intravenous tubing member contains microporous hollow fibres arranged within the tubular member parallel to the longitudinal direction of such tubing. The fibres are closed at one end and open at the opposite end. A flow blocking material is arranged around the fibres for blocking fluid flow through the flexible tubular member, other than through the material of said hollow fibres. At least one gas permeable hydrophobic fibre is arranged to extend into the tubing member in proximity to the microporous hollow filter fibres. One end of the hydrophobic fibre(s) is in communication with the atmosphere.

Abstract: In a blood reservoir comprising a hollow housing and filtration/defoaming and blood collecting sections therein; the blood collecting section is located below and separated from the filtration/defoaming section receiving bubbled blood and has a sufficient capacity, typically 500 to 2,500 ml, to keep blood collected therein out of contact with the filtration/defoaming section; guide means in the form of a cone-shaped deflector is disposed between the filtration/defoaming section and the base of the housing to lead along its inner surface defoamed blood from the filtration/defoaming section to the collecting section without dripping.

Abstract: A vented cone filter for use with intravenous liquids which may contain undesired particles as well as gas such as air therewith. A vented chamber of elongated tubular construction and provided with a pointed input opening at one end thereof receives a complementary mating end cap having an output opening therewith. Mounted within the chamber of the main body and supported by the end cap is a cone filter of plastic framework supporting a hydrophilic filter element therewith. Around the ouside of the chamber body appropriate openings are provided and a hydrophobic membrane encompasses same for allowing blocked gas within the chamber to be vented to the outside. Preferably, a sleeve is molded over the hydrophobic membrane once installed for securement and protection thereof.As well as the structure of the present invention, the method of making of same is also encompassed by this invention.

Abstract: A cardioplegia system in which cardioplegia medication or a mixture of arterial blood and medication is delivered to the heart of a patient undergoing open heart surgery, which includes a bubble trap in conjunction with the delivery system. The bubble trap separates bubbles from the cardioplegic solution and when formed at least partially of transparent material, provides a visual indication of the air removed from the infusion liquid.