Abstract: A method of removing carbon monoxide from an oxygen carrier including setting a carbon monoxide bonded oxygen carrier solution across a separation membrane from an oxygen-dissolved solution; and exposing the setting part to the light and a method of removing carbon monoxide from an oxygen carrier including setting a carbon monoxide oxygen carrier solution across a hollow fiber separation membrane from an oxygen-dissolved solution; and exposing the setting part to light.

Abstract: The invention refers to method for selectively binding and separating at least one component from whole blood or a body fluid, whereby the blood or body fluid is allowed to pass through a rigid integral separation matrix without being excluded therefrom. The matrix has a porous structure with a pore size raging from 5 micron to 500 micron as well as an active surface ranging from 0.5 cm2 to 10 m2, and the surface is able to bind such components.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for continuously filtering a blood product including whole blood or any of its component(s), erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and plasma either alone or in combination. The system includes a connector for receiving the blood product, a filter coupled to the connector for filtering the received blood product, a collection bag coupled to the filter for collecting the filtered blood product, and a reservoir bag connected to the connector for temporarily storing received blood product, and providing received blood product through the connector to the filter to maintain continuity in filtration. The reservoir bag and the collection bag are suspended, the connector near or below the bottom of the collection bag, and the bottom of the reservoir bag is above the bottom of the collection bag. Also provided is a method of filtering a blood product using the continuous blood filtration system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a detection device for detecting irregular intravascular pressure, the device including an analyzer for automatically analyzing intravascular pressure upstream of the suspected location of irregular blood flow, and a comparing device that correlates the recorded intravascular pressure to a standard whereby variation in the intravascular pressure during multiple tests is indicative of irregular blood flow. Also disclosed is a system for providing a warning of potential health problems due to irregular blood flow, the system including a detecting device as set forth above and a communicating device operatively connected to the detecting device for communicating a warning when the device indicates an irregularity of intravascular pressure during at least two uses of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a CD28-specific superagonistic monoclonal antibody (mAb) or of a mimicry compound hereto for making a pharmaceutical composition for the induction and/or multiplication of regulatory T cells.

Abstract: The support device for bags, applicable in machines for extracorporeal blood treatment or in machines for renal failure treatment, comprises a base body (2) and a support element (3) associated to the base body in such a way as to be displaceable with respect to the base body between at least one operative loading position and an operative work position. In particular the support element is telescopically engaged to the base body and is slidable along a predetermined movement direction (4). The special configuration of the support device enables an easy loading of the machine and a subsequent optimal control of the machine stability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.

Abstract: A treatment assembly is positioned along an AV-fistula and couples therapeutic energy to an adjacent area due to a material response to an applied energy field from a remotely located energy source. The treatment assembly may be delivered into the fistula through a hemodialysis needle, or may be secured to the fistula graft itself and implanted therewith within a patient. A cover provides a shield between an anastomosis area and blood flow. Another AV-fistula includes a valved reservoir that receives a fluid agent from a hemodialysis needle while moving the needle into or from the fistula; the agent leaks from the reservoir into the fistula lumen. Another valved fistula is adjustable between an open condition and closed conditions during and between hemodialysis treatments, respectively. Another AV-fistula has a bladder reservoir coupled to a second refillable fluid reservoir and is adapted to locally deliver a therapeutic agent into the fistula lumen.

Abstract: A method for batch implementation of settings in a renal replacement therapy device including: displaying on a user interface control settings which may be manually selected by an operator; selecting an independent control setting of the plurality of control settings; adjusting the independent control setting to an independent control setting level selected by an operator; temporarily storing the adjusted independent control setting level; automatically adjusting a dependent control setting level based upon the independent control level; displaying the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting, and implementing both the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting to control the device, by actuating a batch setting acceptance operation.

Abstract: A blood purification device allows controlling a false alarm and allows detecting accurately an abnormality in a patient who is undergoing a blood purification treatment or in the device which is running. The hemodialysis equipment includes blood circuit made of an arterial blood circuit having an arterial needle at its end and a venous blood circuit having a venous needle at its end; a blood pump; a dialyzer purifying the blood flowing in blood circuit; a venous blood pressure sensor which can detect pressure of a patient's blood flowing in the venous blood circuit; a venous blood pressure monitoring means for comparing a base value of the pressure measured by the venous blood pressure sensor or pressure predicted to be measured with a predetermined alarm-threshold. The device also has a venous blood pressure monitoring means allows updating the predetermined alarm threshold at a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Improved integrity test, priming sequence and bag height detection tests, apparatuses and methods for a medical fluid delivery system are provided. The integrity test includes a plurality of air pressure decay tests, using positive and negative pressure. The priming sequence includes pumping fluid through a portion of a patient line to be primed to overcome air in the line and other potential obstacles. The head height test measures a pressure build-up or drop-off within a pump chamber of a membrane pump. The measured pressure corresponds to a head height between a fluid supply and the pump or between the pump and a fluid drain. A determination is made whether the corresponding head height is acceptable.

Abstract: A blood filter system used for the sequential filtering of blood while actively removing air bubbles and debris comprising a filter housing with unique conical, or cylindrical shape, a flared inlet port, a unique up and down blood flow path, a multi-stage sequential filter assembly, an active air purge assembly and a unique downspout assembly with outlet port. The filter housing is adapted so that blood passes from the inlet port through the multi-stage sequential filter assembly to the outlet port following an up and down flow path, while its unique shape and angled filters effectively direct any air bubbles and debris up and out of the blood stream toward the active air purge assembly where they are removed.

Abstract: A system for dialysis is disclosed. The system uses renal failure therapy fluid, such as dialysis fluid, several times before it is discarded. In a home hemodialysis application, the patient's blood is passed through the dialyzer several times, that is, multiple passes through the dialyzer, until the dialysis fluid is saturated or near saturation, with waste products from the patient's blood. In peritoneal dialysis, the dialysate is used at least twice within the patient's peritoneal cavity, i.e., multiple passes, before it is discarded. This has the effect minimizing the amount of dialysate a patient must handle and dispose of in the dialysis process.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for placement within a vessel of a patient. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body, a septum extending longitudinally through the interior of the catheter body from the dividing the interior of the catheter body into a first lumen and a second lumen. Each lumen has curved or angled internal walls at the distal end of the catheter that terminate at ports located on opposing sides of the catheter body. The invention also provides a method for exchanging fluids in a patient comprising the step of positioning the catheter of the present invention in communication with a fluid-containing vessel of a patient. The method is particularly well-suited for hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other therapies which require removal and return of blood from a patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and devices for selectively removing anti-PEG antibodies from a patient's blood prior to administration of a PEG-conjugated therapeutic agent so as to prevent immune reactions against the PEG-conjugated therapeutic agents when the agents are administered as a therapeutic regimen. Removal of anti-PEG antibodies may be physical, in which anti-PEG antibodies are physically removed from the blood through an extracorporeal blood circuit connected to an anti-PEG antibody removal device, or functional, in which an anti-PEG inactivating agent is infused into the patient's blood stream prior to administration of the PEG-conjugated therapeutic agent. Also disclosed is a device for selectively removing anti-PEG antibodies from a blood stream and system incorporating the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for isolating cells from a subject by circulating the subject's body fluid over an affinity moeity coupled matrix to isolate isolate cells from a subject either ex vivo or in vivo. One aspect of the invention is directed to connecting a subject to a system capable of circulating the subject's body fluid through an affinity moiety coupled matrix, such that the affinity moiety coupled matrix is capable of binding to and extracting target cells from the body fluid, and then eluting the target cells from the affinity moiety. Another aspect of the invention is directed to the apparatus for isolating cells from a subject, comprising a blood circulation system with an arterial side blood circuit for extracting blood and flowing the blood over an affinity moiety coupled matrix that binds to and extracts target cells and a venous side blood circuit for returning the blood to the patient.

Abstract: A blood purification device has a blood purification element divided into two chambers by a semipermeable membrane, with a first chamber as part of a dialysis fluid loop and a second chamber as part of an extracorporeal blood loop. By virtue of an analysis unit operatively connected to a sensor in the dialysis fluid loop, the device provides simple and uncomplicated determination of the blood purification performance of the blood purification element for a second material by derivation from a previously established blood purification performance for a first material. In this way, the device also determines the blood concentration of the second material during the blood treatment through measurements in the dialysis fluid without intervention in the treatment sequence.

Abstract: A switch valve for use in an extracorporeal blood flow circuit comprises a valve housing having a chamber, four openings communicating with the chamber, and a valve member located in the valve chamber. A first opening is to be connected to a patient via an arterial cannula, a second opening is to be connected to a patient via an venous cannula, a third opening is to be connected to a first inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device, and a fourth opening is to be connected to a second inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device. The valve member is movable within the valve housing to fluidly connect the first opening to either the third or the fourth opening and to fluidly connect the second opening to either the third or the fourth opening. The width of the valve member is smaller than a peripheral dimension of the openings.

Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and materials for diagnosing and treating neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Abstract: Device for extracorporeal treatment of blood 1 intended to operate in a mode with a single needle 2, comprising: a treatment unit 3 having a first compartment 4 and a second compartment 5, which are separated by a semipermeable membrane 6, an extracorporeal blood circuit comprising a single needle 2, an intake line 7 in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 of the treatment unit 3, the first compartment 4, and a return line 8 in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 of the treatment unit 3, a purge line 9 at the outlet of the second compartment 5, a closure means (10, 11) acting on at least the intake line 7 and the return line 8 in order to generate the alternate sequence of blood intake and return, at least a first chamber 12 which is in fluid communication with the extracorporeal blood circuit and defines a first additional blood volume, the first chamber 12 having a variable total content; the first chamber 4 being rigid and including at least one wall capable of being moved, t

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood circuit having a controller comprising the steps of: withdrawing the blood from a withdrawal blood vessel in a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, treating the blood in the circuit and infusing the treated blood into the patient; detecting an occlusion which at least partially blocks the withdrawal or infusion of the blood; reducing the blood flow rate and the rate of filtration in response to the occlusion, and further prompting the patient to move his arm in an effort to alleviate the occlusion.

Abstract: Implantable devices for evaluating body-associated fluid transport structures and methods for using the same are provided. In some instances, the implantable devices include an elongated structure with at least one hermetically sealed integrated circuit sensor stably associated therewith and a transmitter. The devices find use in a variety of different applications, including monitoring the function of various types of body-associated fluid transport structures, such as arteriovenous fistulae, vascular grafts, catheters, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, and implantable central venous access devices.

Abstract: Endovascular intervention methods entail creating a temporary capillary block in the vasculature of at least a portion of a patient's organ, such as a hemisphere of the patient's brain, the capillary block essentially blocking blood flow through capillaries in the portion of the patient's organ, and performing the endovascular intervention. Distal embolism protection devices include a blood pump and at least one of a centrifuge element, a dialysis element, a cooling element, and a filtration element. The blood pump is generally capable of drawing blood from a patient's vein, circulating the blood through each of the elements so that a characteristic of a blood component may be manipulated therewith, and perfusing the modified blood into a patient's artery. A capillary block is thereby created in the vasculature of at least a portion of a patient's organ with manipulated blood components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.

Abstract: A method of reducing pathogens in blood by exposure to a nitric oxide containing gas in an extracorporeal circuitry is provided. The method includes: obtaining blood from a mammal or a blood source, separating the blood into plasma and blood cells, exposing the plasma to nitric oxide containing gas, combining the exposed plasma with the blood cells, reducing nitric oxide content in the recombined blood, and returning the blood to the mammal or blood source.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus comprises dialyzer means, dialyzing solution supply means, blood circulation means, and blood irradiation means. Employing electromagnetic radiation in the red visible and near infrared spectrum as part of a hemodialysis apparatus prevents long-term side effects associated with the use of dialysis, including cardiovascular diseases and anemia, and protects and restores the remaining kidney function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood. The replacement fluid may include pharmaceutical grade balanced salt solution containing albumin and/or other target receptor molecules and/or other physiological molecules in a sufficient concentration to adequately replenish ongoing losses.

Abstract: Ultrasonic devices for preventing microbubbles and/or microparticles from reaching the brain during a PCI or cardiovascular surgery. Devices 27 and 77 are designed for implantation in the chest cavity and operate in combination with needle vents or other vent systems for removing diverted microbubbles. Systems 77 and 83 are designed for noninvasive employment. Devices 57 and 87 are particularly designed to prevent microbubbles from reaching the great origins of the carotid arteries and/or for diverting bubbles that might reach the vicinity and otherwise pass through. Improved devices 11 and 94 separate microbubbles from a flowing bloodstream and produce a cleansed stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: The transducer-protector device for medical apparatus comprises a housing formed by two half-shells, a membrane defining a gas-permeable anti-contamination barrier, a female Luer first connection port, a second connection port for connection to a flexible tube, a helical bellows-conformed deformable member. The device, which operates in a service line of an extracorporeal blood circuit associated to a dialysis machine, is for protecting the machine from contaminating agents originating from the circuit. The device is simple and economical to manufacture.

Abstract: Systems and methods separate pump the blood cells through an in-line leukofilter to a blood cell storage container. The leukofilter has a filtration medium enclosed within a flexile housing. The systems and methods can employ a fixture to restrain expansion of the flexible filter housing during operation of the pump.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling a fluid separation system, preferably a blood apheresis system having a leukocyte reduction chamber. The method utilizes a three-level alarm system. A first-level alarm condition is triggered in response to a pressure drop in the system to less than or equal to a specified system pressure and pauses fluid flow in at least a portion of the system. A second-level alarm condition is triggered in response to a specified number of said pressure drops within a specified period and reduces the flow rate of the fluid in the system. The alarm conditions may also trigger a visible and/or audible alarm. These alarm levels permit flow through the leukocyte reduction chamber to continue when the pressure drop is caused by a non-serious, self-resolving or easily-correctable condition such as misalignment of system components.

Abstract: An autotransfusion device having: a first line and a first pump, the first line being connected to the inlet of a blood centrifugation cell, and branches of the first line being (i) connected to a red blood cell container, (ii) provided with a coupling, and (iii) being suitable to be connected to the patient; a second line connected to the outlet of a blood centrifugation cell and two branches of the second line being provided with two couplings; and a third line and a second pump, the third line being connected to the first line in an intermediate position between the first pump and the blood centrifugation cell, and branches of the third line (i) being connected to a physiological solution container and (ii) being provided with a coupling.

Abstract: An access disconnect sensor for a patient undergoing extracorporeal blood processing includes an electrochemical fuel cell or sensor to detect blood leakage. The fuel cell includes circuitry for oxidizing glucose in the blood. The sensor also includes a transmitter to send a signal to a remote receiver that the sensor indicates the presence of blood. The circuitry may include a battery or may use electricity generated by the sensor to send a signal indicating a leak of blood or disconnection of the access needle.

Abstract: A switch valve for use in an extracorporeal blood flow circuit comprises a valve housing having a chamber, four openings communicating with the chamber, and a valve member located in the valve chamber. A first opening is to be connected to a patient via an arterial cannula, a second opening is to be connected to a patient via an venous cannula, a third opening is to be connected to a first inlet/oulet of a blood treatment device, and a fourth opening is to be connected to a second inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device. The valve member is movable within the valve housing to fluidly connect the first opening to either the third or the fourth opening and to fluidly connect the second opening to either the third or the fourth opening. The width of the valve member is smaller than a peripheral dimension of the openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dialysis apparatus, which can be used, e.g., for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, or hemofiltration. Numerous alarms occur during treatments creating additional workloads for the operator. The present method of controlling the apparatus allows an automatic switch from a first control mode to another, thus allowing the treatment to continue without operator influence.

Abstract: Methods and devices for selectively removing an agent from a physiological site, e.g., a physiological efferent fluid collection site, are provided. Aspects of the invention include fluid removal (e.g., aspiration) devices having a fluid removal element and a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of the fluid removal element. The flow modulator is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into the fluid removal element. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including the selective removal of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents from a variety of different physiological sites.

Abstract: Methods, devices and device components are presented for blood processing. Particularly, methods, devices and device components are presented for separating blood into blood components and collecting one or more separated blood components, which reduce the incidence of blood vessel infiltration and enhance donor comfort. In one aspect, the invention provides blood processing methods having a return flow rate which decreases systematically during a return time. In another aspect, the invention provides blood processing methods having a removal flow rate, return flow rate or both which are derived from a subject's total blood volume. In another aspect, the present invention provides blood processing methods wherein the fraction by volume of removed blood corresponding to collected components is selected to optimize blood processing efficiency and enhance the purities of collected blood components.

Abstract: A method for the return of blood from a blood treatment apparatus, preferably from a dialysis apparatus, uses a pumped substituate fluid to displace the blood. A substituate pump contained in the treatment apparatus displaces the blood by means of the correspondingly transported substituate fluid until it is detected in corresponding detectors that substituate fluid is flowing back in the line instead of blood. Once the transported substituate fluid has been detected, the blood volume is further displaced in a controlled manner until it has reached the line outlet of the corresponding line.

Abstract: The invention relates to characterization of a dialyzer's capacity to accomplish a dialysis clearance of a patient, and strategies for improving the efficiency of a dialysis treatment of the patient The invention involves determining a whole body clearance ratio (420) for a dialysis treatment of a patient (410). The whole body clearance ratio expresses how well the patient responds to a potential cleaning capacity of a dialyzer, which is used to perform the treatment.

Abstract: Patient fluid management is carried out by separating plasma from whole blood in vivo via an implantable filter device comprising one or more elongated hollow tubes and a plurality of elongated microporous fibers having an interior lumen extending along the length thereof, each fiber having a first and second end secured to the one or more elongated hollow tubes by passing plasma through the fiber wall from the outer wall surface to the inner wall surface and to the interior fiber lumen, directing the separated plasma to an ultrafiltration apparatus having a sieving coefficient cutoff between about 1×104 and about 6×104 daltons, separating plasma water and selected plasma components, from the separated plasma, and directing the treated plasma to the patient.

Abstract: An improved method for separating whole blood into components and collecting a desired blood component. The method allows a desired blood component to be subjected to centrifugal forces within a separator for prolonged periods of time, yielding a cleaner cut and higher yield of the desired blood component. Whole blood is drawn from a source and pumped into a separator, the undesired blood components are removed from the separator at rates so as to build up the desired blood component in the separator. The desired blood component is only removed after a predetermined amount of the desired blood component has built up in the separator. It is preferred that the desired blood component be buffy coat and that the method be used to perform photopheresis treatments. In another aspect, the invention is a method of performing a full photopheresis treatment to treat diseases in a reduced time, preferably less than about 70 minutes, and more preferably less than about 45 minutes.

Abstract: A system for rapid induction of indication of hypothermia especially of the heart and brain during cardiac arrest and normal circulation. The device recirculates blood through an extracorporeal circuit using a single venous access. The blood can be cooled and/or treated before reentry to the vascular system. The device maximizes the cooling rate by optimizing the blood withdrawal rate. Cooling of the brain is achieved by flow of cooled blood from the thorax to the head. During cardiac arrest, the blood flow is generated by cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Abstract: A disposable fluid circuit kit for extracorporeal blood treatment systems that supply replacement fluid to a patient is described. The circuit has a blood portion that carries blood and subjects it to some treatment, such as dialysis or hemofiltration. A portion carries filtrate or dialysate. A replacement fluid portion that carries fluid used to compensate for fluid loss is connectable to a supply of replacement fluid. a sterilizing filter in the replacement fluid portion sterilizes the replacement fluid before introduction into the patient acting as a guard against touch contamination of the connected replacement fluid container. Preferably, the filter has a pore size effective to eliminate pyrogens.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of blood treatment machines with a blood treatment module to hold components of an extracorporeal blood circulation. To simplify access to a securing means (21) that is attached to a vertical infusion rod (20) attached to the blood treatment machine (1) for securing objects, in particular containers such as bags (11) containing medicinal fluids, a blood treatment machine (1) with a housing (2) and a blood treatment module (3) is proposed, whereby vertical and horizontal directions are defined by the orientation of the housing during the use of the blood treatment machine, having a rod-shaped means (20) attached to the housing, whereby the rod-shaped means (20) have at least one first section (22) and a second section (23), whereby the axial extent in the second section (23) runs in a different direction than in the first section (22). In another embodiment, the rod-shaped (20) have a cropped course.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus system and methods for treatment of virus-infected or pathogen-loaded human blood components separated from normal components comprising a separation apparatus and treatment apparatus system that inactivate pathogens in an extracorporeal blood system.

Abstract: A control deck and system for controlling and driving blood fluids through an extracorporeal blood circuit kit. In one aspect, the invention is a deck having an improved mechanism for securing a cassette in place during treatment operations. The improved deck comprises catches for slidably receiving tabs of the cassette and one or more rotating clamps for locking and securing the cassette in a loaded position. In another aspect the invention is a system for controlling and driving blood fluids having infrared communication abilities to transmit and receive real time data. In still another aspect, the invention is a system for controlling and driving blood fluids having an upright tower design that reduces the footprint of the system. In this embodiment, a centrifuge chamber is positioned in an upper portion of the system while the control deck and photoactivation chamber are located in a base portion of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling blood withdrawal and infusion flow rate with the use of a pressure controller. The pressure controller uses pressure targets based upon occlusion limits that are calculated as a function of flow. The controller has the ability to switch from controlling withdrawal pressure to controlling infusion pressure based upon the detection of an occlusion. The controller distinguishes between partial and total occlusions of the withdrawal vein providing blood access. Depending on the nature of occlusion, the controller limits or temporarily reverses blood flow and, thus, prevents withdrawal vessel collapse or reverses blood flow to quickly infuse blood into the vessel without participation from operator.

Abstract: A completely integrated cardiopulmonary bypass system includes a common casing provided with a reservoir, a venous air trap, oxygenator, heat-exchanger and a pump. This totally integrated system provides for volume sequestration and for bypassing the reservoir without use of a shunt. The system also provides for open or closed circuit operation, thereby permitting the volume sequestration. The closed circuit operation has a venous air trap for air removal, thus retaining the safety features of both open reservoir and closed-venous air trap systems.