Abstract: A transducer protector (TP) and a method for forming the transducer protector are disclosed. The transducer protector is operable in cooperation with a hemodialysis system, and may be mounted between a drip chamber and a pressure transducer. The transducer protector is mounted in an integrally-assembled housing which includes an inlet from the hemodialysis system or drip chamber, and an outlet to the pressure transducer. The transducer includes at least one hydrophobic membrane that is attached permanently to either a first connector, a second connector or a peripheral ring, the connectors integrally attached to each other to form the TP housing.

Abstract: A rigid support element for an infusion line for medical use has a first and second portion rigidly connected to each other and capable of holding a first length of tubing. The first portion incorporates a continuous separator for separating fluid into a gaseous portion and a liquid. This separator has a containing body formed on a support element and a pair of membranes, one hydrophobic and one hydrophilic, interacting with each other.

Abstract: Splitable-tip catheters are disclosed with bioresorbable adhesive to provide spatial separation of distal tip elements during use. The invention can be particularly useful in hemodialysis applications where it is desirable to separate blood extraction and return lumens. The adhesive facilitates insertion of the distal end of the catheter as an assembly, e.g., into a blood vessel using a single guidewire, while the bioresorbable nature of the adhesive allows the tip elements to separate in vivo.

Abstract: A blood set comprises an arterial line having a patient end provided with a multiport connector (14) having first port (15) connected to a blood transport tube (13), a second port (16) bearing a male luer connector for connecting to a vascular access device (17), and a third port (18) connected to a service tube (20) terminating with female luer connector (23) for connection with a priming liquid supply line. The blood set operates rapidly and with a small risk of contamination for the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hemodialysis tube treated with a medicament on the surface thereof, which provides stable communication between the artery and the vein of the patient under hemodialysis and can greatly reduce stenosis at arteriovenous connections. As a base material of the hemodialysis tube, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is used while the medicament is paclitaxel or rapamycin.

Abstract: Treating of localized bacterial infection, comprising locally applying Taurolidine to the infection. A device for insertion into the body, the device comprising Taurolidine to render the device infection resistant. A medication for treating bacterial infections, comprising Taurolidine carried by one of: gels, liquid, thixotropic gels, colloidal mixtures, dispensal suspensions, injectable polymers, or a microparticle. A method for treating blood, comprising: removing blood from the body; treating the blood with Taurolidine; and returning the treated blood.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a blood bag system, comprising a closed, sterile bag of substantially transparent, bio-compatible material, defining upper and lower ends; an infusion port at the upper end of the bag; an outlet port at the lower end of the bag; an inlet port at the lower end of the bag; a hemo-concentrator having an inlet port and an outlet port; a pair of inlet tubes fluidly connected to the hemo-concentrator inlet port; and a pair of outlet tubes fluidly connected to the hemo-concentrator outlet port. One of the inlet tubes is fluidly connected to the outlet port of the bag, and one of the outlet tubes fluidly connected to the inlet port of the bag. The other of the inlet tubes and the other of the outlet tubes are temporarily sealed (e.g., clamped) to prevent flow therethrough. The bag, the one outlet tube, the hemo-concentrator, and the one inlet tube thus form a closed fluid circulation circuit by which a pump can recycle the blood through the hemo-concentrator.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter defined by at least two separate tip sections distal to a dividing point includes strategic placement of openings in the tip sections to facilitate fluid flow and minimize typical problems associated with catheters. In a multi-lumen catheter having tip sections with a releasably joined or splittable region, the bond strength between the tip sections is varied along their length such that an increasing separation force is required to separate the tip sections from one another distal to the dividing point. Delivery of a multi-lumen catheter is improved with respect to both sheathed and non-sheathed delivery methods, in which a friction reducing structure is provided on either the catheter, delivery sheath or both to provide a buffer for a sheathed delivery and in which a unique guidewire aperture or additional lumen is provided in at least one of the tip sections for a non-sheathed delivery.

Abstract: A hemodialysis needle or cannula device (FIG. 1) having a plurality of a needle mounted on a hub. Multiple thinner needles instead of a single larger needle can cause less pain and less tissue injuries when puncturing the skin and arteriovenous access such as arteriovenous fistula (14) or arteriovenous graft. Because the wound healing time by a hemodialysis needle device having multiple thinner needles is faster compared to that by a larger single needle, complications associated with repetitive needle puncturing for hemodialysis can be minimized. In addition, the overall blood flow rate by multiple needles would be compatible or even better than that by a single larger needle.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: An apheresis tubing set comprises a cryocyte bag (1) for collecting cells separated during apheresis. The cryocyte bag may comprise a mixing compartment (7) in fluid communication with a cell storage compartment, wherein the mixing compartment comprises a cryoprolectant port (9) and a cell sample port (16) and wherein the storage and mixing compartments are in fluid communication via a mix conduit The cryocyte bag may comprise two or more independent cell storage compartments for collecting two or more aliquots of the cells.

Abstract: An arterial blood collection device is provided having a one-piece plunger rod for use with a blood collection syringe. The plunger rod is hollow, with a closed front end. A self-sealing filter is provided within the closed front end of the plunger rod. Vents are spaced radially about the front end of the plunger rod for fluid communication into the hollow interior thereof. The plunger rod is intended for use in slidable communication within a syringe barrel. In use, the plunger can be retracted within the syringe barrel to form a cavity therein. Upon arterial blood contact, the cavity fills with blood and air can be expelled from the cavity through the vents and the filter and out to ambient air. The plunger rod is a one-piece assembly, eliminating the need for a separate rubber plunger seal.

Abstract: An infusion device for medical use has a container designed to hold a specified quantity of a liquid to be infused into a patient, a weighing device associated for operation with the container to measure the weight of the container and emit a corresponding signal, a transport line connected to the container, a pump, and a control unit associated with the weighing device and with the pump. The control unit is capable of detecting the end of infusion condition and of commanding the pump to stop the transport of fluid. A separator for continuously separating fluid into a gaseous portion and a liquid portion operates in the infusion line downstream of the pump and prevents the infusion of gas during the stopping transient of the pump at the end of infusion.

Abstract: The joint (36) comprises a tubular body (37) having two connecting zones (38, 39) each connected by an end to a tubular element (40) of a fluid transport line, giving continuity to passage of fluid. The tubular body is made of a mixture of an electrically-conductive material such as PVC, with carbon black to give it electrical conductivity. The joint has an internal surface (41) which is destined to come into contact with the transported fluid, and an external surface which is destined to have a grounded galvanic contact. The joint is inserted in the discharge fluid drainage line of a dialyzer filter, in an apparatus for intensive treatment of acute renal insufficiency, for eliminating ECG artefacts due to functioning of peristaltic pumps in the apparatus.

Abstract: A tubing set for use with a blood handling system is described that decreases the priming volume and surface area of the blood handling circuit, lowering the risk of hemodilution, platelet activation, and hemolysis. The tubing set also reduces the number of manual connections required, and uses quick-disconnect couplings to facilitate connections between the various lines, and between the lines and the arterial and venous cannulae.

Abstract: An automatic dialyzer for purifying blood brought into contact with a dialysate via a semi-impermeable membrane. The dialyzer includes at least a blood circulating system and a dialysate supply/discharge system, wherein the blood line of the blood circulating system is connected to an overflow line having a reversibly-rotatable blood pump, a blood chamber, and an open/close device for overflowing of liquid from the blood chamber to the outside of the blood line. Liquid supply means is provided to a first bypass line and/or a second bypass line for supplying liquid in both forward and reverse directions to enable regulation of the supply amount of the dialysate for water removing/liquid replenishing. The supply speed of the liquid supply device and the supply speed of the blood pump are regulatable in conjunction with each other. Also provided is a dialyzing method using the automatic dialyzer.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in extracorporeal blood perfusions systems that have a control unit for controlling the flow of fluids. The cartridge has a housing defining a plurality of internal passageways that connect to a cardiopulmonary circuit, a cardioplegia circuit and a suction circuit. The cartridge may be fitted with one or more of a bubble trap, a filter, and a valve.

Abstract: A method of alerting medical personnel of a problem during hemodialysis includes providing an active, fail-to-safe site sensor for a fistula needle at an access site during hemodialysis; and automatically alerting medical personnel of a problem during hemodialysis using the active, fail-to-safe site sensor during at least the following: failing of the active, fail-to-safe site sensor; insufficient powering to the active, fail-to-safe site sensor; partial fistula needle dislodging from the access site; and complete needle dislodging from the access site.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongated tube having an interior defined by a sidewall having openings. At least a portion of the catheter is spirally formed into a corkscrew pattern or has an inwardly spiraling portion with at least one opening coincident therewith. Additionally or alternatively, the catheter comprises a septum that divides the interior into at least first and second lumens. The first and second lumens may form a double helix in a portion of the catheter coincident with the plurality of openings or along the entire length of the catheter. Methods of manufacturing the catheters involve extruding the portion of the catheter having the openings, making this portion separately then attaching it to another catheter, or heating and deforming a portion of a catheter to form a tip portion. The catheter can be used for hemodialysis by drawing blood through one lumen and returning it through another.

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: An implantable access port in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow port casing having a first channel, a second channel and a third channel. A self-sealing insert may be disposed within the third channel. The implantable access port may further comprise a graft having a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, the first branch extending from the first channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel at a first location, the second branch extending from the second channel and adapted to be anastomosed to a vessel in a second location, the third branch extending at least partially into the third channel, wherein the third branch is disposed between the self-sealing insert and the hollow port casing. Methods for performing medical procedures associated with the implantable access port are also disclosed.

Abstract: A renal flow system and method direct fluid into renal arteries from a location within the aorta. A renal flow assembly has a tapered tube that is adjustable between a radially collapsed condition for delivery to the location through a delivery sheath and a radially expanded condition that divides aortic flow into exterior and interior paths. The tube's wall is made from a sheet of flexible material, such as PTFE or ePTFE. Two, nickel-titanium rings radially support the tube's ends and are connected by a longitudinal spine support. A fluid delivery assembly injects drug to flow along the exterior flow path and the tubular wall directs the agent into the renal artery ostium. The tube's taper has localized shape for circumferential agent mixing to infuse both kidneys' renals. The flow assembly allows an interventional device, e.g. delivery catheter, to advance across the location while directing blood into the renals and perfusing downstream circulation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blood aspiration system that is configured to enable various types of aspiration through a working lumen of a catheter. The blood aspiration system facilitates natural aspiration by providing a circuit between a patient's arterial and venous vasculature, and also comprises a manually actuated pump configured to selectively vary rates of aspiration in the working lumen. The blood aspiration system further comprises an external port that allows suction-assisted aspiration or infusion through the working lumen, and further comprises a detachable filter that removes emboli prior to reperfusing blood into a patient's venous vasculature.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the design and use of implantable medical devices, and in particular to the design and use of an implantable device for establishing long-term access to a patient's blood circulation for extra corporeal treatment of blood, such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, oxygenation of blood and other. A vascular access device is provided having a rotatable inner core positioned within a device body between first and second positions for diverting blood flow to an extra corporeal blood circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for improving the yield for separating components of fluids, for example biological or sensitive fluids such as blood, and improving the component yield, for example, from donated whole blood by separating its components by density in a centrifuge bowl with a multi-axial lumen. The apparatus, system, and method eliminate the need to batch-type separate blood and can reduce the time needed to treat patients suffering from T-cell or white blood cell mediated diseases or conditions to less than 70 minutes. In one aspect, the invention is a centrifuge bowl (10) comprising an outer housing (100); a core (200); a lower plate (300); a lumen (400); a first bowl channel (420) within said lumen (400) for inflowing said fluid (800); a second bowl channel (410) for removing a first separated fluid component (810); and a third bowl channel (740) for removing a second separated fluid component (820).

Abstract: An extracorpeal blood circuit for removal of contrast from human blood using a filter and withdrawal filter pump and a by-pass pump. The withdrawal filter blood pump operates when a contrast bolus has been detected. Otherwise the bypass blood pump maintains physiological blood flow from the coronary sinus preventing the need for deflation and re-inflation of the balloon catheter. When contrast is detected blood the bypass blood pump is stopped to prevent contrast from leaking back into the patients circulatory system via the bypass pump and CS blood flow is maintained at its physiological blood flow resulting in the heart being oblivious to the transition by the prefilter blood pump.

Abstract: A graft, for example, an arterio-venous shunt graft, is provided, which in a first aspect of the subject invention, is formed with longitudinal ribs. With fibrotic tissue ingrowth between the ribs, a composite rib/tissue layer is formed about the graft. The ribs provide counteracting lateral force against the embedded tissue to seal punctures formed therethrough during hemodialysis procedures. To provide additional surface area for puncturing, the graft may be formed with a truncated cross-section. With a second aspect of the invention, the graft is mounted onto a strip to prevent kinking, twisting or bending during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting dislodgement of a needle inserted into a patient includes a sensor for detecting wetness due to blood and a sensor holder to secure the sensor to the patient such that the sensor detects wetness due to blood loss from the patient upon dislodgement of the needle. Methods and apparatuses for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling blood loss from a patient due to needle dislodgement are also provided.

Abstract: A method for emptying a blood circuit of an apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood after interrupting a treatment session. The apparatus has a blood treatment device with first and second compartments separated by a semi permeable membrane, an arterial pipe connected to an inlet of the first compartment, a venous pipe connected to an outlet of the first compartment and a second end, and a used liquid circuit having a drain pipe connected to an outlet of the second compartment. The method involves the closing of the blood circuit on itself. The blood circuit includes the arterial pipe, the first compartment of the blood treatment apparatus, and the venous pipe, in order to form a closed loop circuit after the arterial and venous pipes have been disconnected from the vascular system of the patient. The blood circuit contains a liquid, which is transferred from the closed loop circuit into the used liquid circuit.

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: Method and apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood by utilizing a peripherally inserted dual lumen catheter assembly for the continuous removal and return of blood for renal replacement treatment, in particularly, treatment of congestive heart failure and fluid overload by ultrafiltration. A catheter is inserted in a peripheral vein and maneuvered upward through the vascular system to access the reservoir of blood in the large or great veins for continuous blood withdrawal and treatment. Air-tight connectors are incorporated in the catheter assembly to overcome the untoward effects of negative pressure in blood withdrawal.

Abstract: The invention provides vascular access methods, systems and devices facilitating long-term, repeated, percutaneous access to a patient's blood stream. This is provided by an access tube apparatus adapted for anastomosis to the sidewall of a target anatomical vessel. The access tube has a replaceable occluder that fits within the conduit of the access tube in between blood treatments or when vascular access is otherwise not needed. When such access is desired, the percutaneously accessible occluder is simply removed from the access tube.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to a branch blood vessel of a major blood vessel, generally comprising an elongated shaft having at least one lumen in fluid communication with an agent delivery port in a distal section of the shaft, an expandable tubular member on the distal section of the shaft, and a radially expandable member on the tubular member. The tubular member is configured to extend within the blood vessel up-stream and down-stream of a branch vessel, and has an interior passageway which is radially expandable within the blood vessel to separate blood flow through the blood vessel into an outer blood flow stream exterior to the tubular member and an inner blood flow stream within the interior passageway of the tubular member. The radially expandable member is located down-stream of the shaft agent delivery port, and has an expanded configuration with an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the tubular member.

Abstract: The invention provides vascular access methods, systems and devices facilitating long-term, repeated access to any of a patient's anatomical vessels and the body fluid therein, such as a patient's bloodstream. This is provided by an access tube apparatus adapted for anastomosis to a target anatomical vessel. The access tube has an occluder that fits within the conduit of the access tube when vascular access is not needed. The occluder can be selectively moved or removed to allow for access to the body fluid in the anatomical vessel by way of the access tube.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a device for organizing a number of tubes extending from a unit of a medical fluid system is provided. The organizing device includes a body having a number of openings that each can removably receive an end of one of the number of tubes.

Abstract: An improvement to an A–V dialysis graft construction (10) that includes an elongated length of polymer tubing (12) having an inlet end (13) and an outlet end (14) for attachment to access needles (15) (15) wherein, the improvement includes a normally reduced diameter intermediate portion (16) that restricts the flow of blood from the inlet end (13) of the length of polymer tubing (12) to the outlet end (14) for the purpose of minimizing venous stenosis.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a dual lumen tube with a bolus at its distal end having a bullet nose. A venous port is formed in one side of the bolus adjacent the bullet nose of the bolus. An arterial port is formed in the bolus circumferentially displaced 180° around the catheter from the venous port. The bolus contains a venous passage which transitions from a smaller two-thirds moon shaped cross-section to a larger circular cross-section. The arterial passage has a crescent-moon shaped cross-section. The bullet nose is not as thick as the tube and is inclined on an angle to the axis of the tube so that a portion of its outer periphery is substantially tangent to a hypothetical cylinder containing the trailing edge of the venous port.

Abstract: This invention discloses a donor blood donation and sampling system including a donor needle adapted for drawing blood from a body, a blood collection bag coupled to a blood collection conduit which is coupled to the donor needle, a blood sampling conduit also coupled to the donor needle, and a sampling tube assembly arranged for selectable fluid engagement with the blood sampling conduit and for selectable clamping engagement with at least said blood collection conduit. A donor blood donation and sampling method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A needle for medical use, which is free from breakage of a cannula even if subjected to reapeated bending operations or puncture into the root of teeth in use. The needle is charactrized in that a cannula (2) is fixed to a hub (1) by charging a bonding adhesive in an adhesive-filling portion (11) provided in a distal end of the hub (1) so that a root (21) of the cannula (2) is located below the distal end (121) of the hub (1). The distal end of the hub (1) may be formed into a configuration provided with an annular rib (12) extending axially and surrounding the adhesive-filling portion (11).

Abstract: A renal flow system and method direct fluid into renal arteries from a location within the aorta. A renal flow assembly has a tapered tube that is adjustable between a radially collapsed condition for delivery to the location through a delivery sheath and a radially expanded condition that divides aortic flow into exterior and interior paths. The tube's wall is made from a sheet of flexible material, such as PTFE or ePTFE. Two, nickel-titanium rings radially support the tube's ends and are connected by a longitudinal spine support. A fluid delivery assembly injects drug to flow along the exterior flow path and the tubular wall directs the agent into the renal artery ostium. The tube's taper has localized shape for circumferential agent mixing to infuse both kidneys' renals. The flow assembly allows an interventional device, e.g. delivery catheter, to advance across the location while directing blood into the renals and perfusing downstream circulation.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a flexible bag (1) intended to receive a biological fluid with a view to its centrifugation. The bag includes an external enclosure (2) formed by two sheets of flexible plastic (3, 3?) connected at their periphery (4) so as to define an internal volume (5) for the fluid. The external enclosure (2) is provided with at least one inlet (6) and/or outlet (7) orifice for the fluid. The bag (1) also includes means (8) for the temporary association of at least one component with the bag (1). The means (8) is disposed on the external enclosure (2), in which the temporary association means are assembled on the bag (1) on a part of the periphery (4) of the enclosure (2) and are arranged to allow the insertion of the component between the means (8) and the enclosure (2) so as to provide temporary association during the centrifugation of the bag (1).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a blood bag system, comprising a closed, sterile bag of substantially transparent, bio-compatible material, defining upper and lower ends; an infusion port at the upper end of the bag; an outlet port at the lower end of the bag; an inlet port at the lower end of the bag; a hemo-concentrator having an inlet port and an outlet port; a pair of inlet tubes fluidly connected to the hemo-concentrator inlet port; and a pair of outlet tubes fluidly connected to the hemo-concentrator outlet port. One of the inlet tubes is fluidly connected to the outlet port of the bag, and one of the outlet tubes fluidly connected to the inlet port of the bag. The other of the inlet tubes and the other of the outlet tubes are temporarily sealed (e.g., clamped) to prevent flow therethrough. The bag, the one outlet tube, the hemo-concentrator, and the one inlet tube thus form a closed fluid circulation circuit by which a pump can recycle the blood through the hemo-concentrator.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. By minimizing or preventing arterial steal, other complications associated with arteriovenous grafts are also avoided. For instance, the present invention is also well suited to preventing arteriovenous graft thrombosis, eliminating dialysis needle hole bleeding, and eliminating or minimizing arteriovenous graft pseudoaneurism formation.

Abstract: Accurate measurement of hematocrit during blood recovery or plasma sequestration processes by means of algorithms to account for the presence of air or other non-blood substances in salvaged or separated blood is described. A method of automatic start-up of the hematocrit measurement circuit and a method of determining the minimum volume of blood required to obtain an accurate measurement of the hematocrit also is described.

Abstract: Cardiac implants include a conduit or scaffold having a first therapeutic agent in at least partial covering relation to at least a first portion of the scaffold, and a second therapeutic agent, different from the first therapeutic agent, in at least partial covering relation to at least a second portion of the scaffold. The first therapeutic agent and second therapeutic agent may include one of: antithrombotic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiproliferative agents, antibiotic agents, angiogenic agents, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulant agents, rhestenosis preventing agents, hormones and combinations thereof. Methods for making cardiac implants include providing a scaffold, covering at least a first portion of the scaffold with a first therapeutic agent, and covering at least a second portion of the scaffold, different from the first portion, with a second therapeutic agent different from the first therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A catheter system facilitates blood treatments such as apheresis that require simultaneous withdrawal and return of blood to a patient at high flow rates. A multi lumen catheter has an external coupling device connected to a pump and blood treatment device. All of the lumens are designed to be used in the blood treatment process. The catheter includes two or more lumens for withdrawing blood and a return lumen for returning treated blood. The combined flow resistance of the withdrawal lumens is less than or equal to the flow resistance of the return lumen so that the flow rate of blood through the withdrawal lumens does not require a pressure differential sufficient to collapse the lumens. High flow rates are achievable through the catheter by using a pair of withdrawal lumens instead of a single, large withdrawal lumen. The lumens may be used for general medical use when the catheter system is not being used for exchange treatments.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically retroperfusing a coronary vein includes an intraluminal cannula having a main body portion extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is for connecting to an artery outside of the pericardium to automatically supply oxygenated blood from the artery for retroperfusion. The main body portion and the distal end portion are insertable through a vein that is fluidly connected with the coronary vein and into the coronary vein. An expandable stent is attached to the distal end portion for expanding radially into engagement with the interior wall of the coronary vein to secure the distal end portion at a desired location within the coronary vein. Occluding structure for at least partially occluding the coronary vein is provided at the distal end to decrease the back-flow of blood into the right atrium during retroperfusion. The cannula includes passages that allow a limited amount of blood to bypass the occluding structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically retroperfusing a coronary vein includes an intraluminal cannula having a main body portion extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is for connecting to an artery outside of the pericardium to automatically supply oxygenated blood from the artery for retroperfusion. The main body portion and the distal end portion are insertable through a vein that is fluidly connected with the coronary vein and into the coronary vein. An expandable stent is attached to the distal end portion for expanding radially into engagement with the interior wall of the coronary vein to secure the distal end portion at a desired location within the coronary vein. Occluding structure for at least partially occluding the coronary vein is provided at the distal end to decrease the back-flow of blood into the right atrium during retroperfusion.

Abstract: A perfusion system for off-pump coronary artery bypass is provided in order to make the off-pump coronary artery bypass easier and safer and to restrict the amount of bleeding to a degree for not affecting operations by occluding the vessel in concurrency with the perfusion, including a blood removal portion, a pump, and a perfusion portion for returning blood pumped out by the pump in the form of an injection of the blood in pulses in response to a diastolic phase of the heart.

Abstract: A catheter is described. In one embodiment, the catheter includes: a shaft segment including a shaft segment uptake lumen and a shaft segment return lumen; and a distal end segment coupled to the shaft segment, the distal end segment including a distal end segment uptake lumen and a distal end segment return lumen, where the distal end segment central axis forms a non-zero angle with the shaft segment central axis when the catheter is in its unstressed configuration. In a second embodiment, the catheter includes: a shaft segment; and a distal end segment coupled to the shaft segment; where the uptake lumen distal end is terminated by a closed surface, further where the uptake lumen distal segment includes only one side hole. In a third embodiment, the catheter includes: an uptake lumen; and a return lumen; where at least a portion of the return lumen distal segment is helically coiled around the uptake lumen distal end.