Abstract: A method of treating blood or plasma of a subject to remove metabolic contaminants by electrophoresis. Blood or plasma from the subject is placed in a first solvent stream, the first solvent stream being separated form a second solvent stream by an electrophoretic membrane. Applying an electric potential between the two solvent streams causes movement of metabolic contaminants from the blood or plasma through the membrane into the second solvent stream while cellular and biomolecular components of the blood or plasma are substantially retained in the first sample stream, or if entering the membrane, being substantially prevented from entering the second solvent stream.

Abstract: Multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis can be treated effectively using photodynamic therapy. In this protocol, a photoactive compound is administered, allowed to distribute in the effected subject, and the subject is then irradiated to activate the photoactive compound. Alternatively, the blood of a subject to be treated can be subjected to PDT extracorporeally. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, localized treatment at the joints may also be employed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photolytic cell, and to a photolytic artificial lung incorporating such a cell. The photolytic artificial lung converts water to oxygen for blood absorption, regulates pH, the removes carbon dioxide, and co-produces electrical power. The photolytic artificial lung includes a photolytic cell where all of the chemical reactions occur. Additionally, the present invention relates to photolytically sensitive materials for oxygen generation. These materials are useful for gas-free artificial lung and/or pulmonary capillary fabrication. The photolytic cell disclosed herein can also be used to direct chemical reactions in organs other than the lung.

Abstract: An apparatus for condition of an organic fluid for subsequent us in a medical procedure includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting an organic fluid charge from a source to the cabinet and a container is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the container. An output system is coupled to the container and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The receiver, which may be a syringe, includes a sensor to detect when gas bubbles have been eliminated from the receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and treating septicemia in patient blood is provided. The extracorporeal system includes an antimicrobial device to inactivate at least 99% of bloodborne microorganisms, a hemoconcentrator/filtration unit to remove approximately 50-75% of target molecules from the patient blood and a filter unit to remove target molecules from patient blood from the sieved plasma filtrate. Target molecules are produced by microorganisms, as well as by the patient's cells. These molecules include endotoxins from Gram negative bacteria, exotoxins from Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, as well as RAP protein mediator from Staphylococcus aureus, and cell mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, interleukin 6, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and bradykinin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and treating septicemia in patient blood is provided. The extracorporeal system includes an antimicrobial device to inactivate at least 99% of bloodborne microorganisms, a hemoconcentrator/filtration unit to remove approximately 50-75% of target molecules from the patient blood and a filter unit to remove target molecules from patient blood from the sieved plasma filtrate. Target molecules are produced by microorganisms, as well as by the patient's cells. These molecules include endotoxins from Gram negative bacteria, exotoxins from Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, as well as RAP protein mediator from Staphylococcus aureus, and cell mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, interleukin 6, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and bradykinin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and treating septicemia in patient blood is provided. The extracorporeal system includes an antimicrobial device to inactivate at least 99% of bloodborne microorganisms, a hemoconcentrator/filtration unit to remove approximately 50-75% of target molecules from the patient blood and a filter unit to remove target molecules from patient blood from the sieved plasma filtrate. Target molecules are produced by microorganisms, as well as by the patient's cells. These molecules include endotoxins from Gram negative bacteria, exotoxins from Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, as well as RAP protein mediator from Staphylococcus aureus, and cell mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, interleukin 6, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and bradykinin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, two ultraviolet light sources, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle which are all systematically situated with respect to a housing and a cover. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and ultraviolet light control switches. Timers are provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station from the two ultraviolet light sources. The cover is also provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: A means, apparatus, and system for reducing the net fluid volume deficiency in a patient during a medical treatment process. The invention seeks to modify a batch-type process to achieve the efficiency of a continuous process by precisely measuring the net change in fluid volume within a patient and dispensing the appropriate amount of biological fluids to a patient via IV lines or by recycling blood components into the patient while biological fluids are being withdrawn. The apparatus includes subcomponent lines, valving means, pumping means, load cells, storage chambers, a centrifuge, and centrifuge bowls. The system may have numerous feedback components to accurately measure and control the flow rates and amount of fluid dispensed to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiation chamber comprising: a rigid first plate having a first surface and a second surface having a raised boundary surrounding a plurality of raised partitions; a rigid second plate having a first surface and a second surface having a raised boundary surrounding a plurality of raised partitions; wherein the second surface of said rigid first plate is contacted with second surface of said rigid second plate thereby forming a chamber; said chamber, defined by the raised boundary surrounding the plurality of raised partitions which extend from said second surface of said first plate and said second surface of said second plate, said chamber having a first port and a second port, wherein a plurality of channels are formed by said partition and are in fluid communication with the first port and second port. The present invention also provides a method of using the irradiation chamber in the treatment of cells.

Abstract: The invention resides in a syringe which can be evacuated and which includes a piston rod structure that can be locked in predetermined positions. The syringe is particularly suitable for the treatment of body fluids outside the body particularly for the ultraviolet irradiation treatment of blood or HOT treatment of blood.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for conditioning mammalian blood for subsequent use in a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting a blood charge from a source to the cabinet and a flask is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the flask. An output system is coupled to the flask and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus includes an automated control system operable upon closing the door to lock the door and to then condition the charge, and to then cause the charge to move from the flask to the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and a ultraviolet light control switch. A timer is provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station. A cover is provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for conditioning organic fluid for subsequent use in a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting a organic fluid charge from a source to the cabinet and a container is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the container An output system is coupled to the container and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus also includes a needle hub wherein a first end of the needle may be inserted intramuscularly while a second end of the needle projects beyond the patient's tissue and the second end being shielded.

Abstract: A device for the exposure of blood to light produces a controlled, safe, and rapid exposure of blood to specific emissions, thereby inducing improved immune response. The device exposes the blood through a simplified blood flow path in which the blood flow is in a spiral motion. The device includes a blood flow path, a pump, an exposure chamber, an ultraviolet light source, and a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber and a pair of light sources positioned on opposite sides of the chamber. The housing includes a pair of housing sections moveable in hinged relation between open and closed positions. A manually removable tray within the housing to define a support suface for a flexible container in the chamber is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blood disinfection method to disinfect retroviruses and other viruses by repeating the following procedures: extracting blood infected with retroviruses such as HIV, HBV, HCV and other viruses from a patient's body, irradiating a YAG laser beam externally on it via a reflection mirror, and returning it to the patient. A disinfection system essentially consists of a low temperature room to lower temperature of a patient in this system, a blood circulation system to circulate blood by extracting blood of the patient from his or her body and returning it, and a laser beam irradiation means to irradiate a laser beam on his or her blood circulating in this blood circulation system.

Abstract: A method for treating aberrant tissue in an animal that includes the following steps. A photosensitive agent is introduced into the blood stream of an animal that has better selectivity for the aberrant tissue than normal tissue to obtain aberrant tissue containing the photosensitizing agent. The aberrant tissue containing the photosensitizing agent is exposed to light to activate the photosensitizing agent to increase permeability of vasculature in the aberrant tissue; and a treating agent is introduced into the bloodstream of the animal, which treating agent passes through the vasculature having increased permeability into the aberrant tissue to treat the aberrant tissue.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in a mammalian subject comprises: (a) extracting the aliquot of blood from the subject; (b) treating the aliquot of blood ex vivo with at least one stressor selected from the group consisting of an oxidizing agent, ultraviolet radiation and elevated temperature; and (c) administering the aliquot of blood treated in step (b) to the subject. Preferably, the aliquot has a volume of from about 0.01 ml to about 400 ml and is treated simultaneously by ozone gas and ultraviolet radiation at a temperature of from 37-55° C.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring vascular access is described. A field coil is placed at a location on an extracorporeal circulation loop connected to the vascular system of a patient, and an induction coil is placed at another different location. A voltage is supplied to the field coil, inducing an electric current in the blood. The current induces a voltage in the induction coil. Monitoring the voltage in the induction coil reveals if vascular access is defective.

Abstract: The enclosed application titled Virus Eliminator is described physically and functionally. This permits the elimination of viruses in the blood stream. The scope of the invention has many ramifications of being used in a clinical practice of medicine, including private physicians, hospitals and clinics.

Abstract: An electrophoresis system for removing or reducing concentration of a metabolic component from blood or plasma of a subject, the system comprising: (a) a first ion-permeable barrier having a defined pore size and pore size distribution disposed in an electric field area; (b) a second ion-permeable barrier having a defined pore size and pore size distribution disposed between a cathode zone and the first barrier so as to define a treatment chamber therebetween; (c) means adapted for cooling blood or plasma from the subject; (d) means adapted to provide dialysate to the cathode zone and an anode zone; and (e) means adapted to provide blood or plasma from the subject to the treatment chamber; wherein, upon application of the electric potential, a metabolic component from the blood or plasma moves through at least one barrier into at least one of the cathode or anode zones.

Abstract: Lymphocytes from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients have been found to be readily killed by ultra-violet light-C (UVC) radiation. Cells from healthy donors were minimally affected by doses of UVC 10 times higher than those which caused dramatic drops in the metabolism of CLL cells and eventual death. Irradiated cells from CLL patients and from healthy individuals all demonstrated a number of single strand DNA breaks and alkali-labile sites compared to unirradiated control cells. The extent of DNA damage to both healthy and CLL cells is dose dependent. However, the CLL cells demonstrated more extensive DNA fragmentation and an inability to undergo self-repair. The heightened sensitivity to UVC radiation of lymphocytes from CLL patients is used to provide an excorporeal treatment of CLL lymphocytes followed by the re-introduction of the treated lymphocytes to the patient.

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

Abstract: A fluid treatment system, and methods of use, the system includes a sealed fluid flow path including a treatment chamber portion and containing a fluid to be passed therethrough and treated with light. The treatment zone is transmissive to at least 1% of the light having at least one wavelength within a range of 170 to 2600 nm. In some variations, the sealed fluid flow path is removable from a light treatment system. In some variations, the flow path includes a first fluid container portion for containing the fluid to be treated and coupled to the treatment chamber portion and a second fluid container portion coupled to an output of the treatment chamber portion. The fluid flow path is designed to be disposable and easily replaceable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and a ultraviolet light control switch. A timer is provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station. A cover is provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for pumping or delivering fluids utilizing a flexible vessel subject to controlled pressures within another pressure vessel. The pressure vessel can be sourced with positive and/or negative (e.g., vacuum) pressure.

Abstract: A blood purifying system, in which a patient is connected to a blood centrifuge, and certain components of the patient's blood are forwarded and further treated at a purifying station by a microscopic automatic review to identify undesirable organisms, and with a controlled laser blast focused on such identified undesirable organisms to destroy them as they pass through the purifying station. A patient having a suspected condition involving blood clots or undesirable organisms in the patient's bloodstream is connected so that the blood flows slowly through a purifying station where the stream is spread across a significant area in a very smooth layer enabling inspection by a laser scanner and pattern recognition system. When an undesired particle is detected, there is a double check of the pattern recognition, and, assuming recognition as undesirable, the organism is destroyed by a focused laser blast.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for regenerating an oxygen-binding ability by reducing the methemoglobin contained in hemoglobin-vesicle by light irradiation. This method comprises adding electron donors such as amino acids, saccharides, alcohols, and/or flavin derivatives in appropriate amounts to the inner aqueous phase of the hemoglobin-vesicle, applying light to the vesicle when the content of methemoglobin increases as a result of oxidation of hemoglobin, thereby reducing the metohemoglobin. In this manner, the oxygen-binding ability is recovered, thereby maintaining the function of the hemoglobin-vesicle.

Abstract: An irradiation chamber adapted to treat a blood stream infection by subjecting the stream to ultraviolet radiation. The chamber is provided with a window transparent to UV rays under which is an array of parallel baffle plates that define a series of interconnected channels forming a labyrinthine passage extending from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber. Each baffle plate includes a transverse protuberance which intercepts the flow of blood in the related channels to produce a Bernoulli distortion acting to agitate the blood stream. And each baffle plate is vertically tapered to induce blood from the lower regions of the stream within the channels to rise to the upper region adjacent the window. As a consequence of these internal displacements within the flow stream and the intermingling of blood regions in the course of its flow through the labyrinthine passage, all portions of the blood stream are adequately exposed to UV rays.

Abstract: A container for irradiation comprises a flexible, flat collapsible wall defining a sealed chamber, the plastic material of said wall being substantially transparent to the irradiation, which is typically ultraviolet radiation. An access port or ports are provided for communicating through the wall to the chamber. A flap is provided, integral with the wall and spaced from the chamber. The flap carries identifying indicia including a typically bar code indicia, so that the wall which defines the chamber may be at least substantially free of opaque indicia. Also, means may be provided for detecting an indicating exposure of the container to such irradiation, such as ultraviolet sensitive tape adhering to the flap. Alignment holes may be provided, typically in the flap, to facilitate the orientation of the container with apparatus for irradiation and apparatus for bar code reading, making use of alignment pins carried by such apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and treating septicemia in patient blood. The extracorporeal system includes an anti-microbial device to kill at least 99% of bloodborne microorganisms, a hemoconcentrator/filtration unit to remove approximately 90% of target molecules from the patient blood and a filter unit to remove target molecules from patient blood from the sieved plasma filtrate. Target molecules are produced by microorganisms as well as the patient's cells and include endotoxins from gram negative bacteria, exotoxins from gram negative and gram positive bacteria, as well as RAP protein mediator from Staphylococcus aureus, and cell mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and brandykinin.