Abstract:
The filter device (16) for removing leukocytes is disclosed. The outer housing (18) enclosing the filter pad assembly (20) includes two sheets (44, 46) of flexible plastic material. The filter device (16) includes tangential side ports (36, 38) as an inlet and an outlet. The filter pad assembly (20) includes a composite of three media regions (28, 30, 32) including non-contiguous layers (40) having an overall thickness of greater than about 6 mm but not more than about 10 mm. Each non-contiguous layer (40) comprises an interlocked matrix of polyester fibers, fiberglass fibers, and cellulose acetate fibrets. The matrix has a number average fiber diameter no greater than about 0.23 micron.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for filtering suspensions of medical and biological fluids, one aspect of which is separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles (104) and (108) which are differently sized or shaped and in which a first type of red cell particle (104) may be deformable at a relatively lower force and/or faster rate than a second type of white cell particle (108). A filter membrane (100) is provided having pores (102) with substantially precisely dimensioned pore sizes, with the pores (102) being dimensioned to allow passage of the first type of particle (104) without distortion or only minimal distortion and passage of the second type of particle (108) only with substantial distortion. Because the filter membrane (100) has precisely dimensioned pores (102), with spacing between the pores (102) being maintained despite the smaller interval between the pores (102), the porosity of the membrane (100) may be relatively much greater, allowing faster filtration rates while reducing shear exposure time and consequently reducing particle damage. Various methods for preventing clogging of the membrane (100) are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Microporous membranes (10) comprising polyvinylidene difluoride and methods for making such membranes are disclosed. The membranes (10), which are not crosslinked and are not contacted with a strong alkali solution during manufacture, are wettable by aqueous solution even after repeated wetting and drying. The membrane includes a support (18) and surfaces (11) treated with a hydrophilic coating. Separately, such membranes are also useful in apparatus (60) for separating a biological fluid into two or more components.
Abstract:
Membranes and methods for making membranes are disclosed. The membranes (10) include a polymeric matrix (16) and a particulate material immobilized within the matrix. The membrane may further include a skin layer (19) having randomly spaced surface pores (21). The membranes may find particular application in methods and apparatus for removing organic compounds from a biological fluid as part of a pathogen inactivation treatment.
Abstract:
Polymer membrane structures are microfabricated from polyimide film by lithography or etching. The microfabricated structures have systematically varied dimensions and geometries conducive to implanting in host tissue and the promotion, when implanted, of new vascular structures.
Abstract:
Devices for removing compounds from a biological fluid are disclosed. The devices (20) include sorbent beads (22) applied to an adhesive-surface (26, 28) of support (24). The devices (20) may be used in 'batch-type' or 'flow-through' systems.