Abstract: Patients having diminished circulation in the cerebral vasculature as a result of cardiac arrest or from other causes are treated by flowing an oxygenated medium through an arterial access site into the cerebral vasculature and collecting the medium through an access site in the venous site of the cerebral vasculature. In addition to oxygenation, the recirculating blood may also be cooled to hypothermically treat and preserve brain tissue. Isolation and cooling of cerebral vasculature in patients undergoing aortic and other procedures is achieved by internally occluding at least the right common carotid artery above the aortic arch. Blood or other oxygenated medium is perfused through the occluded common carotid artery(ies) and into the arterial cerebral vasculature. Usually, oxygen depleted blood or other medium leaving the cerebral vasculature is collected, oxygenated, and cooled in an extracorporeal circuit so that it may be returned to the patient.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is disclosed that includes a sample container including at least one wall defining a fluid-receiving interior chamber and including a fluid inlet for receiving fluid into the chamber and a sample device receiver carried by the container wall and in fluid communication with the chamber, the receiver being adapted to receive a sampling device for withdrawing a fluid sample from the chamber.

Abstract: A blood collection tube holder assembly is disclosed that includes a needle assembly including a piercing end and a non-piercing end and a generally cylindrical housing including a distal end engageable with the needle assembly, a proximal end adapted to receive a blood collection tube, and a sidewall extending between the proximal and distal ends. A cover is movably associated with the proximal end of the cylindrical body and movable between a closed position covering the proximal end and an open position opening the proximal end.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a medical line set (10) having a breakable coupling device (90), and to such a coupling device (90). More particularly the present invention refers to an medical dialysis line set (10), such as a peritoneal dialysis (PD) line set, including a liquid introducing portion (20), a liquid distribution portion or PD portion (40) and a drain portion (80), for introducing and extracting dialysis liquid from a patient, the line set particularly including said coupling device (90) for connecting and disconnecting the liquid introducing portion (20) in order to introduce and extract spent medical solution.

Abstract: A method for providing at least partial bypass of the heart to supplement the pumping function of the heart to thereby enable the surgeon to perform various surgical procedures thereon includes providing a circulatory assist system having a portable extracorporeal axial flow pump with a pump housing, a rotating pumping member disposed in the pump housing and inlet and outlet cannulated tubes respectively connected to inlet and outlet ports of the pump housing, accessing the patient's left atrium of the heart with the inlet cannulated tube, accessing the aorta with the outlet cannulated tube, actuating the rotating pumping member to draw oxygenated blood from the left atrium of the heart through the lumen of the inlet cannulated tube and into the inlet port of the pump housing whereby the pumping member imparts mechanical energy to the oxygenated blood passing through the pump housing and directs the oxygenated blood through the outlet port and through the lumen of the outlet cannulated tube to be transfe

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: 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: A method and apparatus for ultrafiltration of blood operating by removing blood from a peripheral blood vessel at a rate of less than two percent of total cardiac output of a patient, extracting fluid at a rate of 0.1 liter to 1.0 liters per hour while retaining cells and proteins in the blood, and returning the concentrated blood to a secondary blood vessel is disclosed. Blood is removed and returned using small gage needles. As a pump circulates blood from the patient, a filter removes ultrafiltrate from the blood using duty cycle or pump control, and a transparent container collects the removed fluid.

Abstract: A catheter including a catheter tube and a bolus tip, the bolus having a radially extending main side port. In one embodiment the catheter also has second and third side ports axially spaced from said main side port. The second and third side ports are each axially elongated, with an edge which is semi-circular in cross-section. The second side port is displaced 180° from the main side port. The third side port is axially aligned with the main port. The catheter is thickened in a dimple opposite each of the second and third side ports. Another catheter embodiment specifically for hemodialysis includes a dual lumen tube with a bolus at its distal end. A main venous port is formed in one side of the bolus adjacent the bullet nose of the bolus. Variations of this embodiment utilize a bolus with a 13.5 French tube connector section and a 10 French nose section, with the venous port formed in the nose section.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood by utilizing a peripherally inserted catheter assembly for the continuous removal 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: A tubular set portion for circulating blood between a patient and an extracorporeal blood treatment device. The set portion has: an arterial tube for conveying blood from a patient toward the blood treatment device; a venous tube for conveying blood from the blood treatment device back towards the patient; and a pair of spaced, transverse tubes that each connect between the arterial tube and the venous tube, each of the tubes being capable of clamp sealing. The arterial and venous tubes are clamp sealable between the spaced, transverse tubes. Flow reversal on the patient's side of this device is possible by appropriate clamping of two opposed tube sections of the rectangular array which may be formed by the joined tube sections, while flow remains unchanged on the side of the tubular set portion that is connected to the extracorporeal blood treatment device.

Abstract: A transfer set body for use in transferring dialysis fluid into and out of a patient using an implanted multiple lumen catheter is provided which has a generally cylindrical housing capable of receiving and containing multiple lumen tubing therein, a proximal clamping end which provides pressure so as to pinch off the tubing when it is desired to prevent flow through the tubing, and a distal connection end which allows the tubing to be connected to a source of dialysis fluid and to a drain or other device for collecting or recycling spent dialysate. The transfer set body also features an internal structure of a size and shape which positions the multiple lumen tubing in the body in proper orientation and alignment to allow efficient clamping of the tubing and to ensure that the inflow and outflow lumens are properly aligned.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood by utilizing a peripherally inserted catheter assembly for the continuous removal 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: A fitting (1) for a blood circulating circuit (4) of a dialysis machine has a first ans a second mouth (8, 9) for connecting the fitting (1) to a first ans a second portion (2, 3) of the blood circulating circuit (4) respectively; the fitting (1) defining a third portion (10) of the blood circulating circuit (4) by means of a tuby (6) by which to determine the absorption of electromagnetic waves by the blood, and by means of a chamber (7) having a wall (15) movable as a function of the pressure of the blood.

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 gas-enriched fluid is provided by the combination of a first fluid, such as a patient's blood, with a second gas-supersaturated fluid, such as an oxygen supersaturated fluid. In this example, a catheter assembly includes a portion that receives the patient's blood from a pump and that receives the oxygen supersaturated fluid from an appropriate fluid source. The oxygen supersaturated fluid is advantageously combined with the blood in an area of laminar flow, and then this gas-enriched fluid is delivered to the patient through an appropriate lumen coupled to the portion of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A vascular access catheter having a curved tip. Preferably, the curved tip is formed into a substantially pig-tail shape. Where the catheter is of the double lumen variety, the terminus of the draw lumen is at the end of the curved tip, and thus is shielded from direct contact with a side wall of the blood vessel into which the catheter is inserted. This configuration lessens risks associated with prior art vascular access catheters, including occlusion of the catheter and damage to the vein wall.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, kits, and apparatus are provided for delivering a macromolecular assembly such as a plasmid, virus vector, or other gene vector, to an extravascular tissue such as muscle tissue. The composition comprises the macromolecular assembly and a vascular permeability-enhancing agent. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a vasodilating agent. The method of the invention comprises proving a vascular permeability-enhancing agent to a blood vessel and providing a macromolecular assembly to the vessel. An oxygenator useful for providing oxygen to a fluid extracorporeally prior to providing the fluid to a blood vessel of a mammal is included in the invention. Kits, apparatus, and methods for using the catheters described herein for isolating cardiac circulation, diverting caval blood flow from the right atrium, and for other purposes, are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat plasma by separating targeted blood cell species such as red blood cells and platelets from the plasma by filtration through hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes.

Abstract: A method and device for intentionally inducing whole-body hyperthermia or hypothermia in a patient for medical treatment while protecting the central nervous system from damage includes a tub for immersing the patient's body in a solution with a temperature greater than or less than normal body temperature to thereby increase or decrease the patient's body temperature. The patient's cerebral spinal fluid is circulated and maintained at temperatures less drastically altered from normal temperatures by a pump and a heater and cooler connected to the patient's spine through catheters. The patient's central nervous system blood is separated from the rest of the circulatory system and circulated and maintained at temperatures less drastically altered from normal temperatures by pumps and a heater and cooler. The remaining blood in the patient's body is circulated and temperature controlled through pumps and a heater and cooler.

Abstract: Blood lines for hemodialysis and other blood handling procedures may be reused by placing connectors intermediately along the length of the blood lines so that the lines can be disconnected to separate out reusable portions thereof. Specifically, the bulk of the blood lines used may comprise branchless lengths of tubing which are easily reusable, and may be cleaned and stored along with a dialyzer or similar device by connection to a conventional reuse machine. Also, the connectors on the blood lines which are reused may have first and second sealing surfaces. The first sealing surfaces are used in the connections made to form the blood line in its normal form for use. Then, during cleaning and sterilization for reuse, the reusable connectors can connect first and second lengths of blood lines together making use of a second sealing surface, in which the first sealing surfaces are exposed to cleaning/storing solution to cause cleaning and antibacterial action on the first sealing surfaces.

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: An aortic balloon occlusion cannula for the occlusion of the aorta ascendens during cardiac surgery including a cannula containing several lumina that are separated from one another. The cannula carries two dilatable occlusion balloons positioned at a distance from each other, one of the balloons being neighbored to the distal end of the cannula which faces away from the heart and each of the balloons being connected to its own lumen which enables its dilation in independence from the other balloon. The cannula is insertable through the lefthand ventricle of the heart and through the valvula aortae and includes at least one further lumen. The further lumen being connected on the distal side, facing the body, of the distal occlusion balloon to the lumen of the aorta and is adapted to be connected to an extracorporal blood supply device. An additional separate lumen is provided in the cannula and forms a return conduit for liquid and opens on the proximal side of the proximal occlusion balloon.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing gas concentration in blood which has use as a generalized extracorporeal system and method to treat hypoxemic blood from a patient by mixing the blood with an oxygen supersaturated solution to generate hyperoxemic blood to be infused back to the patient. The extracorporeal system comprises an extracorporeal tubing through which blood from the patient is circulated, a blood pump for withdrawing blood from and delivering blood to the patient, at least one channel for delivering oxygen-supersaturated fluid and a mixing region for introducing supersaturated fluid without bubble formation. By infusing the oxygen-supersaturated fluid into the hypoxemic or normoxemic blood from the patient, hyperoxemic blood is thereby produced. The hyperoxemic blood is then returned to a central vein, right heart or artery of the patient with the blood pump at approximately the same volume delivery rate as blood volume withdrawal rate.

Abstract: A method for a bubble-free oxygenated blood delivery is provided. The method includes a step of selecting a delivery system having a tubular elongated member with a lumen. The selecting step comprises determining an effective diameter of the lumen needed to achieve a bubble-free delivery of the oxygenated blood based on a specified oxygenated blood flow rate and a desired target oxygen partial pressure in the oxygenated blood. The delivery system includes a generally tubular elongated member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a transition portion located between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The transitional portion is relatively flexible compared to the proximal end portion and is relatively stiff compared to the distal end portion. In another embodiment, the delivery system includes a generally tubular elongated member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion with a plurality of holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus advantageously comprises a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly. The liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly includes a pressurizable chamber having inlets for a first gas-supersaturated fluid and a second fluid, such as blood. The inlets are advantageously positioned on the mixing chamber in such a way that the first fluid and the second fluid enter the mixing chamber normally to each other to promote mixing and liquid-to-liquid gas transfer. The mixed fluid exits the chamber via an outlet for delivery to a patient.

Abstract: A circulatory support system and method for circulatory support are described for performing cardiopulmonary bypass using differential perfusion and/or isolated segmental perfusion of the circulatory system. The circulatory support system includes one or more venous cannulae for draining blood from the venous side of the patient's circulatory system, one or more arterial cannulae for perfusing the arterial side of the patient's circulatory system, and one or more blood circulation pumps connected between the venous cannulae and the arterial cannulae. The arterial cannulae and the venous cannulae of the circulatory support system may take one of several possible configurations. The circulatory support system is configured to segment a patient's circulatory system into one or more isolated circulatory loops.

Abstract: A tubular set portion for circulating blood between a patient and an extracorporeal blood treatment device. The set portion comprises: an arterial tube for conveying blood from a patient toward the blood treatment device; a venous tube for conveying blood from the blood treatment device back towards the patient; and a pair of spaced, transverse tubes that each connect between the arterial tube and the venous tube, each of the tubes being capable of clamp sealing. The arterial and venous tubes are clamp sealable between the spaced, transverse tubes. Flow reversal on the patient's side of this device is possible by appropriate clamping of two opposed tube sections of the rectangular array which may be formed by the joined tube sections, while flow remains unchanged on the side of the tubular set portion that is connected to the extracorporeal blood treatment device.

Abstract: Vascular access systems, devices and methods for facilitating repeated access to a blood vessel. These systems, devices and methods can be used in external blood treatment, such as dialysis, and in intra-venous administration of medicines, such as heparin, for extended periods of time, while avoiding deleterious effects such as those derived from repeated puncturing of the blood vessel tissues or exposure of such tissues to abnormal fluid flows. The vascular access systems comprise an anastomosis graft vessel, an occlusal device, such as an occlusal balloon, and a port device for accessing the occlusal device. Occlusal devices can be self-contained, they can rely on osmosis, and they can serve as the support of an agent to which the blood stream is exposed, either by transport or by mere contact. In addition, occlusal devices can adopt a distended and a collapsed configuration, the latter allowing for blood flow through the anastomosis graft vessel.

Abstract: A tubular set is provided for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, for example hemodialysis. The set has a patient arterial line and a patient venous line, each line having a patient connector at one end thereof. Each patient line connects at its other end to a reversing flow valve. The valve also connects to respective first ends of a blood processing unit arterial line and a blood processing unit venous line. Each of the unit lines carry a connector at ends opposed to the first ends for connection respectively to arterial and venous ports of a blood processing device, typically a dialyzer. The reversing flow valve has a first position that respectively connects the patient and unit arterial lines with the patient and unit venous lines. The reversing flow valve has a second position that connects the patient arterial line with the unit venous line, and the unit arterial line with the patient venous line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation is provided, advantageously comprising an extracorporeal circuit for the preparation and delivery of hyperoxic or hyperbaric blood. In one embodiment, an apparatus for gas-supersaturating fluids, e.g., physiologic saline, includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive the fluid; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level, advantageously about 600 p.s.i.; and an outlet advantageously coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet advantageously creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid, which collects within the chamber below the atomizer nozzle for removal via the outlet.

Abstract: A multi-lumen aortic balloon catheter is disclosed. The catheter is designed to assist surgeons in more effectively performing cardiovascular surgery, particularly cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. In one aspect the catheter is inserted into a femoral artery and threaded through the artery to the aortic arch where it is positioned so that the balloon is positioned in the ascending aorta. When inflated, the balloon (preferably a cylindrical design) blocks the aortic arch between the great arteries and the coronary ostia. A cardioplegia solution is delivered to the heart through an internal lumen in the catheter to slow the heart. Blood from a cardiopulmonary machine is transported through a blood flow lumen of the catheter to be delivered antegrade flow throughout the arteries. The catheter has a distal portion having fewer lumens than are present in a proximal portion. An alternative multilumen aortic balloon catheter is disclosed that is inserted through a patient's aorta.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a cardiopulmonary bypass procedure are provided. The method includes accessing a source of blood in a patient body from which source the blood is to be passed through a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, drawing blood from the source through the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and introducing the blood into an aortic artery of the patient body through a plurality of separate passages, after the blood has been passed through the cardiopulmonary bypass machine. The system comprises a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, a tubular member coupled to an outlet port of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine and a plurality of separate needle members connected in fluid flow communication with the tubular member, the needle members being arranged to be connected in fluid flow communication with an aortic artery, during a cardiopulmonary bypass procedure.

Abstract: A hemodialysis and vascular access system which includes a catheter having an arteriovenous fistula utilizing an indwelling silastic venous end and an arterial end which is adapted to be anastomosed to an artery is described. The catheter includes a needle receiving s through which a needle is inserted to access fluid flow within the hemodialysis and vascular access system. The invention enables use of an “arterialized” indwelling venous catheter where blood flows from an artery through the hemodialysis and vascular access system and is returned to the venous system via an arrangement wherein the outflow opening is distinct and distant from the site where the catheter enters the vein. The site of blood return to the venous system is not directly fixed to the venous wall but is free floating within the venous system. This system provides a hemodialysis and venous access graft which has superior longevity and performance and is relatively easy to implant.

Abstract: A system utilizes an oxygenation device to generate a gas-enriched physiologic fluid and to combine it with a bodily fluid to create a gas-enriched bodily fluid. The oxygenation device may take the form of a disposable cartridge, which is placed within an enclosure. An electronic controller manages various aspects of the system, such as the production of gas-enriched fluids, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down.

Abstract: A method for emptying a blood circuit of an apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood after interrupting a treatment session, the apparatus comprising: a blood treatment device (4) having a fist and a second compartment (5, 6) separated from one another by a semi permeable membrane (7), an arterial pipe (8) connected to an inlet of the first compartment (5), a venous pipe (9) connected to an outlet of the first compartment (5) and a second end, a used liquid circuit (6, 21) having a drain pipe (21) connected to an outlet of the second compartment (6), whereby the method comprises the steps of: closing on itself a blood circuit (2) comprising the arterial pipe (8), the first compartment (5) of the blood treatment apparatus (4) and the venous pipe (9) in order to form a closed loop circuit, after the arterial and venous pipes (8, 9) have been disconnected from the vascular system of the patient, the blood circuit containing a liquid, transferring the liquid contained in the closed loop circuit into th

Abstract: Blood lines for hemodialysis and other blood handling procedures may be reused by placing connectors intermediately along the length of the blood lines so that the lines can be disconnected to separate out reusable portions thereof. Specifically, the bulk of the blood lines used may comprise branchless lengths of tubing which are easily reusable, and may be cleaned and stored along with a dialyzer or similar device by connection to a conventional reuse machine. Also, the connectors on the blood lines which are reused may have first and second sealing surfaces. The first sealing surfaces are used in the connections made to form the blood line in its normal form for use. Then, during cleaning and sterilization for reuse, the reusable connectors can connect first and second lengths of blood lines together making use of a second sealing surface, in which the first sealing surfaces are exposed to cleaning/storing solution to cause cleaning and antibacterial action on the first sealing surfaces.

Abstract: An apheresis system is disclosed which may include a separation chamber; a suspension flow path which communicates at one end with the separation chamber and includes a connector at the other end for connecting to a source of cellular suspension; an anticoagulant flow path which communicates at one end with the suspension flow path and includes a connector at the other end for connecting to an anticoagulant source; and a return flow path which communicates at one end with the separation chamber and communicates at the other end with a connector for connection directly to the suspension source or to the suspension flow path for returning one or more suspension components to the source. The anticoagulant flow path includes a flow restriction, such as an internal flow restriction, which limits the free flow of anticoagulants into the suspension flow path while preferably not completely stopping the flow of anticoagulant.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering and withdrawing blood from a patient's body comprising a catheter body having a distal portion, a central return lumen extending from a proximal portion of the catheter body to the distal portion to allow blood passage therethrough, at least three longitudinally extending intake lumens independent of the return lumen and radially displaced with respect to the return lumen, and means for enabling simultaneous cut off of fluid flow to the at least three longitudinally extending lumens.

Abstract: A method of removing toxins from a patient's blood comprises implanting a filter device having a dialysis membrane with an exterior surface exposed to the patient's blood and a dialysate cavity exposed to an interior surface of the dialysate membrane within a blood vessel of a patient, continuously directing substantially uncontaminated or substantially decontaminated dialysate into the dialysate cavity and in diffusive communication with the patient's blood, dialysing the patient's blood with the dialysate, and continuously removing toxin contaminated dialysate from the filter device.

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: A method of and system for providing vascular access in a patient for hemodialysis involves attaching the distal end of an access catheter to the abdominal aorta of the patient and the proximal end of the access catheter to a portion of the patient to allow selective access to an interior portion of the access catheter. A blood-withdrawal catheter and a blood-return catheter are placed into the access catheter until their distal ends are in the patients abdominal aorta and blood may be removed and return to the aorta. When finished, the blood catheters are removed. Selective access to the proximal end of the access catheter is provided, preferably, by a cutaneous port assembly that includes a screwable cap and anti-infection cuff.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter including a catheter tube and a bolus tip, the bolus having a radially extending main side port. The catheter also has second and third side ports axially spaced from said main side port. The second and third side ports are each axially elongated, with an edge which is semi-circular in cross-section. The second side port is displaced 180° from the main side port. The third side port is axially aligned with the main port. The catheter is thickened in an arch opposite each of the second and third side ports.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted venous drainage reservoir for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery with both hard and soft shell reservoirs. The system utilizes a wall vacuum or other source of negative pressure to create a negative pressure via a regulator within a sealed hard shell reservoir, or within a sealed housing surrounding a soft shell reservoir. The addition of a negative pressure in the venous return line enables the use of smaller cannulas suitable for minimally invasive surgery. The reservoir need not be positioned well below the patient as in conventional gravity venous drainage configurations, thus adding flexibility to the operating room layout and enabling a reduction in the extracorporeal blood prime volume needed. In one embodiment, a flexible membrane in the hard shell reservoir expands to contact the blood surface and reduce blood/air interactions. In another embodiment, a moisture trap is provided between the source of vacuum and hard shell reservoir to reduce environmental contamination.

Abstract: A no-needle blood access device for hemodialysis including a cylindrical external body (20), the lower portion of the external body being provided with openings (28) at diametrically facing locations. Pipe members (30) are mounted in the respective openings. First and second artificial conduits (12, 14) are fitted into the respective pipe member, each of the artificial conduits being anastomosed to a targeted artery or vein; and a columnar internal body (40) fitted into the external body so as to be rotated in the external body.

Abstract: An intragraft dialysis catheter apparatus (10) for installation in a pre-existing A-V dialysis shunt for prolonging the useful life of the A-V dialysis shunt for providing blood flow to the inlet and outlet ports of a conventional dialysis machine to cleanse a patient's blood supply in a well recognized manner. The apparatus includes a pair of generally thin walled reservoir members (30), (30′) each having a generally stiff backing plate member (40), (40′) covering at least the bottom portion of the respective reservoir members (30), (30′) and wherein each reservoir member (30), (30′) is in open fluid communication with one of a pair of elongated hollow catheter members (20), (20′).

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter comprising a lumen tube with a bolus at its distal end. A main venous port is formed in one side of the bolus adjacent the bullet nose of the bolus. Second and third venous ports are formed in either the bolus or the tube. The second port is circumferentially displaced 180° around the catheter from the main venous port. An arterial port is formed in either the bolus or the tube, in axial alignment with the main venous port and circumferentially displaced 180° around the catheter from the second venous port.

Abstract: Pressure is sensed in blood flow tubing by placing an aqueous, preferably isotonic, substantially cell-free solution into branch connection tubing that connects in branching relation with the blood flow tubing at one end. The branch connection tubing also connects in use with a pressure transducer unit at its other end. An air volume is maintained, occupying a portion of the branch connection tubing which is adjacent to the other end. One flows positively or negatively pressurized blood through the blood flow tubing, with the result that the pressure of the blood is communicated through the aqueous solution and the air volume in the branch connection tubing to the pressure transducer unit, with the blood being spaced from the air volume. Preferably, substantially all of the branch connection tubing containing the aqueous solution and air volume has an inner diameter of substantially no more than 5 mm.

Abstract: The method of selecting and implanting a permanent venous catheter into a patient for use in chronic, extracorporeal blood treatment procedures. The method comprises determining the Body Surface Area of the patient. One then selects a permanent venous catheter having an actual length which is within 10% of a desired length as indicated in a Table found in this application for the Body Surface Area of the particular patient and a particular vein through which the catheter is to extend. Also, the internal diameter of the tubing is preferably adjusted in a manner correlating with the catheter length. Following catheter selection, the venous catheter is implanted in the venous system of the patient with the distal tip of the catheter being in or adjacent to the upper right atrium of the heart.

Abstract: A circulatory support system and method for circulatory support are described for performing cardiopulmonary bypass using differential perfusion and/or isolated segmental perfusion of the circulatory system. The circulatory support system includes one or more venous cannulae for draining blood from the venous side of the patient's circulatory system, one or more arterial cannulae for perfusing the arterial side of the patient's circulatory system, and one or more blood circulation pumps connected between the venous cannulae and the arterial cannulae. The arterial cannulae and the venous cannulae of the circulatory support system may take one of several possible configurations. The circulatory support system is configured to segment a patient's circulatory system into one or more isolated circulatory loops.