Abstract: A device for therapeutic plasma exchange includes an extracorporeal circuit, which includes a blood supply line, a separating unit, a line for infusion of formed elements, a line for infusion of replacement fluid, a blood plasma line, an anticoagulant line and at least one independent line for therapeutic drugs. The independent line can include a storage for the therapeutic drug, a conveyer of therapeutic drug, a propelling device and a controller configured to control flow of the therapeutic drug.

Abstract: A device for assisting a subcutaneous injection is disclosed. The device includes features which prevent an unwanted needle stick and assist the gripping of tissue for performing a safe and effective subcutaneous injection.

Abstract: A catheter for an extracorporeal blood circulator disperses a flow of blood flowing out from a blood feeding hole to reduce the impact of blood collision on a living organ. The catheter 60 includes a blood feeding lumen 61 extending in an axial direction and a blood feeding hole 63 communicating with a distal end of the blood feeding lumen, and a side portion 63a of the blood feeding hole on the proximal side facing the blood feeding lumen is cut out to a bottom portion 63b of the blood feeding hole.

Abstract: A normal workflow including a plurality of steps may be defined by exemplary systems and methods for use in preparing a treatment, performing a treatment, and performing post-treatment processes. A user may be guided by one or more workflow affordances to indicate where and how to use a graphical user interface to follow the normal workflow. When a user deviates from the normal workflow, one or more deviation workflow affordances may be displayed on the graphical user interface to guide a user back to the normal workflow.

Abstract: A bioartificial liver device including a bioreaction chamber having a plurality of semi-permeable membranes and a plurality of filter spaces each confined by two adjacent semi-permeable membranes; a plurality of liver cell perfusion ports each communicating with one of the filter spaces for introducing the liver cells into the filter spaces, and a positive peristaltic pump. In the device, the semi-permeable membranes are disposed substantially horizontal with respect to the ground, and the positive peristaltic pump is adapted to drive the plasma flow from the bottom wall of the device to the top wall. The device of the invention improves the cell loading and the area for substance exchange between the blood and the liver cells.

Abstract: A syringe pump provides a controlled metering of the medicament from a syringe by movement of the syringe plunger while also measuring flow from the syringe with a flow sensor. Simultaneous monitoring of flow command implicit in control of the syringe plunger and an actual flow provides additional safety and detection of irregularities in the delivery of the medicament.

Abstract: An occlusion assembly for compressing at least one tube, e.g. a pair of side-by-side flexible tubes, that comprises an occluding member for each tube placed within the assembly. Each occluding member is pressed into an occluding position by an element that is movable, e.g. in a space between the occluding members, to cause a tube-contacting portion of each occluding member to translate toward its associated tubing to compress it. In an embodiment, the element is a spreader that is positioned between two occluding members and acts to spread the distal ends of the occluding members away from each other as they press against their respective tubes. A main spring may be included that urges the spreader toward the distal ends of the occluding elements into an occluding position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine for the purification of blood, a manifold for the dialysis machine as well as to a process for the regeneration of the dialysis bath. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dialysis machine, a manifold for the dialysis machine as well a process which facilitates the administration of medical preparations during a dialysis procedure. In order to solve the object, a dialysis machine according to the present invention comprises tubes (1, 5, 8) connected with a dialyzer (6), means for delivering pharmaceuticals into the tubes and a pump (11) for the transport of blood through the tubes and the dialyzer. The dialysis machine comprises means for administration (4) of at least one pharmaceutical by a suction effect of the pump or by a pressure effect of the pump or by an excess pressure of a gas or a liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood treatment for the single-needle mode, the apparatus having an extra-corporeal blood circuit with a blood infeed line running to the inlet and a blood return line leading away from the outlet, of a blood treating unit, includes in the blood return line a device, e.g., container, for amassing blood, which is in flow-permitting connection for gas transfer with a device, e.g., container, for storing gas. A pressure is calculated and set in the device for storing gas before the arterial and venous phases are started, with two constraints. First, the pressure should be sufficiently low to ensure both no infusion of air into the patient and also regulated flow of blood into the patient even at opposing pressures lower than ambient pressure. Second, the pressure should be sufficiently high to expel blood from the device for amassing blood into the device for storing gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with a control device (50) for controlling the opening and closing of an arterial line (2) with simultaneous closing and opening of a venous line (3) in a single-lumen-arrangement (10), with which untreated blood is removed through the single-lumen-arrangement (10) and the arterial line (2), led through a blood treatment device (5) and treated blood is fed back through the venous line (3) and the single-lumen-arrangement (10), an arterial line container (20) which is arranged in the arterial line (2) in front of the blood treatment device (5), a venous line container (30) which is arranged in the venous line (3) following the blood treatment device (5), a sensor device (31) for detecting an amount of treated blood being above a limit value in the venous line container (30), a sensor device (21) for detecting an amount of untreated blood being below a limit value in the arterial line container (20), an arterial line closure device (22) for

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: A device and method for monitoring an access to a patient for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with an extracorporeal blood circuit are described, as well as an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with a device for monitoring the vascular access. The device and method are based on the monitoring of a characteristic property of the blood, in particular the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood flowing in the arterial blood line of extracorporeal blood circuit I of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus A. In the event of an incorrect vascular access, the flow conditions change in the communicating intra- and extracorporeal blood circulation system. These changes in the flow conditions can be detected as a change in the haemoglobin concentration. A disconnection of venous puncture cannula for the patient access is ascertained by a reduction in the haemoglobin concentration in the blood in arterial blood line.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheters with improved tip configurations, including a triple-lumen catheter which may be useful for apheresis. In one variation, the catheter has three lumens with distal openings angularly spaced apart and staggered axially with respect to one another. In another variation, the catheter has two lumens exiting distally and one centrally positioned lumen exiting proximally. A third variation is a catheter with a single distal opening and two proximal openings. The staggered lumen openings along the axial length of the catheter may decrease recirculation while maximizing flow rates.

Abstract: In a single needle extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, an ultrafiltration pump (10) performs a pure ultrafiltration of ultrafiltrate from an hemofilter (4). The blood may be continuously circulated through the hemofilter using a first pump (5), which alternates an higher flow rate during the arterial phase and a lower flow rate during the venous phase, and a second pump (6) which is maintained at a flow rate intermediate between said higher and lower flow rate. The apparatus may be used for treatment of Congestive Heart Failure.

Abstract: A blood processing device includes a venous-access device, a blood component separation device, a return line, a draw line, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a first pump. The first pressure sensor is located on the return line between the blood component separation device and the venous-access device, and determines a first pressure. The second pressure sensor is located on the draw line between the blood component separation device and the venous-access device, and determines a second pressure. The first pump is connected to at least one of the return line and the draw line and controls a flow rate within the connected line based on a subject access pressure determined based upon the first and second pressures.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for reducing anticoagulant dilution of collected blood components during blood collection.

Abstract: A blood processing system for collecting and exchanging blood components includes a venous-access device for drawing whole blood from a subject and returning blood components to the subject. The system may include three lines connecting the venous access device to a blood component separation device and an anticoagulant source. A blood draw line fluidly connects to the venous-access device to the blood component separation device. An anticoagulant line introduces anticoagulant into the drawn whole blood. A return line, fluidly connected to the venous-access device and the blood component separation device, returns uncollected blood component to the subject. Each line may have a pump that controls flow through the line. The blood component separation device separates the drawn blood into a first blood component and a second blood component, and may be configured to send the first blood component to a first blood component bag.

Abstract: A cannula has a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a tip on the distal end. The tip has an outer wall defining a lumen opening at the end of the tip and extending to the proximal end of the cannula. The tip further comprises one or more ribs extending into the lumen to support the outer wall from kinking when the cannula is flexed. The outer wall has a inner surface defining the lumen and a plurality of non-circular apertures formed in the tip extending into the lumen. The apertures having a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis aligned in relation to a circumference of the outer wall to prevent puckering or buckling when the tip is bent. This alignment is also designed to support the outer wall from kinking when the tip is bent.

Abstract: A blood processing device includes a venous-access device, a blood component separation device, a return line, a draw line, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a first pump. The first pressure sensor is located on the return line between the blood component separation device and the venous-access device, and determines a first pressure. The second pressure sensor is located on the draw line between the blood component separation device and the venous-access device, and determines a second pressure. The first pump is connected to at least one of the return line and the draw line and controls a flow rate within the connected line based on a subject access pressure determined based upon the first and second pressures.

Abstract: A blood processing system for collecting and exchanging blood components includes a venous-access device for drawing whole blood from a subject and returning blood components to the subject. The system may also include three lines connecting the venous access device to a blood component separation device and an anticoagulant source. A blood draw line fluidly connects to the venous-access device to the blood component separation device. An anticoagulant line introduces anticoagulant into the drawn whole blood. A return line, fluidly connected to the venous-access device and the blood component separation device, and returns uncollected blood component to the subject. Each line may have a pump that controls flow through the line. The blood component separation device separates the drawn blood into a first blood component and a second blood component, and may be configured to send the first blood component to a first blood component bag.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits for creating bloodstream access in patients are provided. A patient's vessel is accessed surgically and blood flow is stopped. A short incision is made through the wall of one side of the vessel where the blood flow was stopped. A puncturing instrument is pushed through the incision across the lumen and through the vessel wall at a site opposite the incision. After the puncturing instrument is removed, a vessel wall traversing device which can be shaped like a blunt-ended nail with a hollow shank and a head of a larger diameter than the shank is inserted in the puncture hole blunt end first such that the shank traverses the puncture hole with the blunt end being positioned exterior to the outer surface of the vessel and the head of the device abutting inner surface of the vessel at the puncture hole.

Abstract: A device for the extracorporal blood treatment in a single-needle operating mode includes means for delivering blood into, and means for delivering blood out of means for collecting blood, and a controller for setting the respective delivery rates of the means for the delivery of blood. The operating mode of the means for delivering blood is continually switched between an arterial and a venous phase by the controller, wherein during the arterial phase the delivery rate Qb of the means for delivering blood is greater than the delivery rate Qsn of the means for delivering blood such that blood may be withdrawn from the patient during the arterial phase, and during the venous phase the delivery rate Qb is smaller than the delivery rate Qsn such that blood may be administered to the patient during the venous phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting plasma reduced platelets potentially suspended in a synthetic solution from a donor. Whole blood is drawn from the donor and introduced into a separation chamber. Platelets are extracted from the separation chamber into a container, using, for example, surge (with anticoagulated plasma or a synthetic solution) or push methodologies. The remaining blood components in the separation chamber are returned back to the donor. The steps of drawing whole blood and introducing the whole blood into the separation chamber, extracting platelets from the separation chamber into the container, and returning the remaining components in the chamber back to the donor are repeated. The sequestered platelets in the container are reintroduced into the separation chamber, whereupon a plasma reduced platelet product is extracted.

Abstract: A blood component collection apparatus comprises a blood component collecting circuit which includes an anticoagulant line for feeding an anticoagulant and a line for collecting an initial flow of collected blood. In the blood component collection apparatus, air is intermediately present between the anticoagulant and the blood in the passage of a blood collection needle side line, after a priming operation is performed in which anticoagulant is supplied from the anticoagulant line toward the side of a centrifugal separator in the blood collection needle side line through a branch connector and after an initial flow collecting operation is performed in which the initial flow of blood is collected.

Abstract: In a single needle extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, an ultrafiltration pump (10) performs a pure ultrafiltration of ultrafiltrate from an hemofilter (4). The blood may be continuously circulated through the hemofilter using a first pump (5), which alternates an higher flow rate during the arterial phase and a lower flow rate during the venous phase, and a second pump (6) which is maintained at a flow rate intermediate between said higher and lower flow rate. The apparatus may be used for treatment of Congestive Heart Failure.

Abstract: Multifunction needle/catheter devices and applications. In one instance, the device includes a substantially tubular and flexible catheter, where the catheter has an opening at an end of a distal section of the catheter and one or more apertures longitudinally spaced away from the end of the distal section, and a removable substantially rigid core capable of facilitating vein cannulization, the removable substantially rigid core being disposed within the catheter.

Abstract: A blood processing system is disclosed which is adapted for single or double access draw and return. The blood processing system includes a blood processor for separating blood (or blood components) into one or more components or other components. In one embodiment the blood processor includes an inlet for receiving blood from blood source and an outlet for returning at least one blood component to the source. The processing system includes a first flow path in communication with the inlet, a second flow path in communication with the outlet, a third flow path in communication with a second flow path at two spaced apart locations, a reservoir communicates with the third flow path between the two spaced apart locations, and a flow communication site associated with the second flow path downstream of the spaced apart locations which communication site is adapted to permit communication with the first flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: A catheter pump includes a catheter channel communicating with a distal end portion of the catheter for alternatingly leading fluid in proximal and distal directions. At least one outlet passage is distally spaced from the inlet passage or passages. The catheter pump further includes a displacement structure communicating with the proximal end portion of the catheter for alternatingly applying suction and pressure for driving the fluid displacement. At least in operating condition, the inlet passage or passages are continuously open. A catheter and fittings for such a catheter pump and method of using a catheter pump are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

Abstract: Biocompatible liquid is pumped into a body cavity (eg. subarachnoid space, peritoneum, mediastinum, pleural space) by means of one pump and removed from it by means a second pump, preferably via a double-barreled catheter is used for insertion and removal of the liquid. An optional secondary catheter removes liquid from a distal area of the body cavity. Temperature and pressure are sensed within the cavity and can be controlled by adjusting liquid flow rates. While outside the body, the liquid can be ultraviolet-sterilized, foam fractionated to remove contaminants, oxygenated and pH balanced, cooled or warmed, and augmented with exogenous liquid that may contain drugs.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for collecting and separating whole blood into one or more components. A disposable blood separation fluid circuit is provided which is adapted to cooperate with a reusable separation controller. The fluid circuit includes a fluid flow path for communication with a blood source and at least one container in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path is connected to a blood source and quantities of whole blood are collected in the container and one other location within the fluid circuit. The source is then disconnected from the disposable fluid circuit. The quantities of whole blood are centrifugally processed, with processing of at least a portion of one of the quantities beginning after the source is disconnected from the fluid circuit.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment system including: a blood circuit having a first blood passage coupled at a first end to a first end of a blood treatment device and a second blood passage coupled at a first end to a second end of the treatment device, wherein the first and second blood passages each have a second end adapted to be coupled to a vascular system of a human patient; a first blood pump connectable to the first blood passage and a second blood pump connectable to the second blood passage, wherein said first and second blood pumps are adapted to move blood through the first and second blood passages in a first direction and in a reverse direction, and a pump controller operatively connected to the first and second blood pumps, said controller operates the blood pumps to cyclically move blood through the first and second blood passages in the first direction and the reverse direction.

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 return-flow alarm system. A return-flow alarm-triggering pressure is specified, and when pressure of the return flow in the system is higher than or equal to the specified pressure, a return-flow alarm is triggered.

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: A catheter pump includes a catheter channel communicating with a distal end portion of the catheter for alternatingly leading fluid in proximal and distal directions. At least one outlet passage is distally spaced from the inlet passage or passages. The catheter pump further includes a displacement structure communicating with the proximal end portion of the catheter for alternatingly applying suction and pressure for driving the fluid displacement. At least in operating condition, the inlet passage or passages are continuously open. A catheter and fittings for such a catheter pump and method of using a catheter pump are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal blood circulation, which is used for a single-needle dialysis, comprises a blood withdrawal line (2) having an arterial pump portion (23), and a blood return line (4) having a venous pump portion (43). Pump portions are designed to be coupled with corresponding peristaltic pumps (6), (7). An arterial expansion chamber (25) is arranged on the withdrawal line downstream from said arterial pump portion. A venous expansion chamber (45) is arranged on the return line upstream from said venous pump portion. The two expansion chambers are firmly joined one to the other into an integrated structure (9), which is equipped inside with two ducts connecting the arterial expansion chamber with two fluid connections attached outside to the integrated structure. The circuit can be assembled and disassembled from a dialysis machine easily and rapidly.

Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A single access dialysis needle system comprises a first cannula, a second cannula or sheath, and a barrier arranged on the outer surface of the first cannula. The distal end of the first cannula extends distal to the distal end of the second cannula or outer sheath, and the barrier is positioned between the respective distal ends. When the barrier is inflated or otherwise activated, it prevents or minimizes recirculation.

Abstract: A single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for withdrawing a selected compound from blood are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit mounted on a re-usable hardware component or module. The system withdraws blood from a donor or patient, separates the blood into two or more components and further combines the separated component with a solvent so as to remove a compound from the blood component.

Abstract: A system compact enough to be located entirely beside the donor's chair, and able to process the blood while the donor is still resting in the chair after having donated the blood. The separated blood components (plasma and red blood cells) may be stored in their individual optimum environments immediately after the whole blood is drawn, and the blood does not need to be transported back to a separation laboratory for processing. The system includes a needle (72) (or other cannula-like device) for insertion into a vein of the donor and drawing whole blood therethrough, a rotor (2a) for holding the blood after it is drawn, and a motor (50) for spinning the rotor so as to cause the blood to separate into components, for example, plasma and red blood cells.

Abstract: A blood treatment device, in particular a dialysis machine, which permits both single-needle and dual-needle operation. The device has a blood treatment unit, in particular a dialyzer that has an inlet connected to a feed line and an outlet connected to a return line. The feed line has two parallel line branches with a positive displacement pump being connected into the first and second line branches. To produce a fluid connection between the outlet of the dialyzer and one of the two pumps, a connection line is provided. For dual-needle operation, the feed and return lines are connected to an arterial and a venous needle. For single-needle operation, the feed and return lines are brought together and connected to a common needle. The connection line permits single-needle operation without great changes to the structure of the blood treatment device.