Abstract:
An extracorporeal blood processing method and system (14) wherein blood is extracted from a mammalian subject through a blood withdrawal tube (16) having a blood pump (18), such as a peristaltic pump, positioned thereon. A "distal segment" of the blood withdrawal tube (16) extends from the mammalian subject to the inlet side of withdrawal pump (18). A "proximal segment" of the blood withdrawal tube (16) extends from the outlet side of the blood pump (18) to an extracorporeal blood processing apparatus (14). An anticoagulant feed tube (24) is connected to the "proximal segment" of the blood withdrawal tube (16) such that a flow of anticoagulant solution may be combined with blood exiting the outlet of said blood pump (18) and passing through the "proximal segment" of said blood withdrawal tubing (16).
Abstract:
A method of determining the critical vapor pressure of a hygroscopic material, such as a drug. A drug sample is placed in a substantially isothermal environment. A vapor, such as water vapor, at a given pressure is then placed in the ambient air over the drug. The rate of heat production from this sample at the given water vapor pressure, or the humidity of the air above the sample, is then measured. The water vapor pressure over the drug is gradually increased. Simultaneously, the rate of increase in heat production from the drug sample, or the rate of change of the relative humidity of the air above the drug sample, is measured. A marked increase in the rate of heat production generated by the drug, or a marked change in the relative humidity of the air over the sample, signals the attainment of the critical water vapor pressure.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved cannula (22) that can be used to reconstitute powdered drugs in a drug delivery system. Furthermore, the present invention provides a cannula (22) and drug delivery system incorporating same. To this end, the present invention provides a cannula structure for use in a reconstitution of a powdered drug comprising a cannula (22) having a first end (26) and a second end (28), and defining a channel in an interior thereof between the first and second ends (26, 28). The first end (26) is closed and includes a member (27) for piercing a septum (42). The cannula (22) includes at least two slots (50a, 50b) providing fluid communication between the channel and an exterior of the cannula (22). The slots (50a, 50b) are located in juxtaposition to the first end (26) and have a width, as measured along a length of the cannula (22), that is less than a length, as measured around the cannula (22). The slots (50a, 50b) also have a minimum projected area equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the channel.
Abstract:
An aseptic/sterile fluid connection between two containers formed by radio frequency sealing together portions of transfer regions (14B, 16B) of two containers, each transfer region having a layer of a relatively high melt temperature material such as a rubber or elastomer (18, 20) positioned between two outer container walls made of a flexible thermoplastic, for example polyvinyl chloride. The transfer regions are placed in registry and the radio frequency welding fuses together portions of adjacent container outer walls and forms a fluid opening therethrough.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an additive system for vinyl chloride polymer formulations to improve both the processing of the formulations and the functional characteristics of medical products made from the formulations. The additive system surprisingly exceeds previously known systems with respect to the melt fabrication and heat stability of the polymer formulations and the desired product characteristics of the products manufactured from such materials. Preferably, the additive system of the present invention comprises optimal amounts of the combination of a zinc salt primary stabilizer with an epoxide secondary stabilizer and a polyethylene external lubricant. Other processing aids and performance additives such as bases, antioxidants and internal lubricants, may be included. The additive system can be utilized with either plasticized or non-plasticized vinyl chloride polymer formulations.
Abstract:
Methods and devices for separating leukocytes from a leukocyte contaminated blood fraction by use of a rotating membrane filter apparatus (60). The invention includes methods/devices for preparing substantially leukocyte free platelet concentrate for therapeutic use. The devices of the invention include a rotating membrane filter apparatus (60) for leukocyte separation as well as tubing harness/component systems (Figs. 2a, 2b, 2c) useable in connection with automated apheresis instruments.
Abstract:
Exovascular (10) and endovascular (100) stent devices and associated support/restrictor assemblies (30, 104, 106) for use in conjunction with prosthetic vascular grafts (12), including venous valve grafts made from preserved bioprosthetic venous valves (119). Also disclosed are methods for preparing vascular grafts (12) such as venous valve grafts using the devices and assemblies of the present invention.
Abstract:
Implant assemblies (10) and methodologies provide immuno-protection for implanted allografts, xenografts, and isografts. The assemblies and methodologies establish an improved boundary (34) between the host and the implanted cells. The boundary (34) has a pore size, an ultimate strength, and a metabolic transit value that assures the survival of the cells during the critical ischemic period and afterward. The boundary (34) allows the fabrication and clinical use of implant assemblies (10) and methodologies that can carry enough cells to be of therapeutic value to the host, yet occupy a relatively small, compact area within the host.
Abstract:
A composition comprising human neutrophil precursor cells, wherein the cellular component is comprised of at least about 16 % human myeloblasts and promyelocytes, which have been derived from neutrophil progenitor cells obtained from peripheral blood, bone marrow or cord blood, and less than about 5 % colony forming units (CFU) of at least about 50 cells is provided. An alternative composition comprising human neutrophil precursor cells, wherein the cellular component is comprised of at least about 16 % CD15+CD11b- cells and less than about 5 % colony forming units (CFU) of at least about 50 cells also is provided, wherein at least about 60 % of the CD15+CD11b- cells are myeloblasts and promyelocytes.