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

Abstract: A composition including lecithin which is useful for defoaming liquids, such as blood. In one aspect of the invention the composition includes inorganic particles. In another aspect of the invention the composition includes a silicone.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A blood treatment system has a housing formed of transparent plastic material configured so that substantially the entire blood flow path is visible. A generally planar blood filtration media assembly divides a blood treatment chamber within the housing into first and second interior spaces that are visible through the transparent housing, with a cardiotomy manifold in fluid communication with the first interior space and a venous blood inlet in fluid communication with the second interior space. A generally planar blood defoamer media assembly is provided generally parallel with and spaced apart from the blood filtration media assembly. The blood defoamer media assembly divides the second interior space from the blood storage chamber. The blood flow path along each side of the blood filtration media assembly and each side of the blood defoamer media assembly is visible.