Abstract:
A circumferential flow path (86) is established about an axis of rotation, while the circumferential flow path (86) is rotated about the axis. Blood is introduced into the rotating circumferential flow path (86) through an inlet port (122) having an axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation. The axial inlet flow together with the circumferential separation flow creates a vortex region (148) that circulates about the port axis and stretches across the circumferential flow path (86). The vortex region (148) perfuses the blood uniformly into the circumferential flow path (86) for separation into constituent parts.
Abstract:
A blood oxygenator/heat exchanger system (10) includes disposable and durable components, the latter being possible of permanent installation to further reduce costs, inconvenience and risks of use. The system may selectively include a blood pump (136) of axial, centrifugal, or ventricular type, along with an integral venous reservoir (206). By combination, arrangement and cooperation of structural features blood pumping volume is decreased, advantageous blood flow paths are achieved, blood damage is reduced, and durable components are reusable for lowest costs. The oxygenator/heat exchanger (58) nests upon a durable heat source base (24) to be supported thereby, while redundant boundaries are provided between blood and heat transfer media.
Abstract:
A steam sterilizable unit (10) for inactivating pathogens in a body fluid is provided comprising a plastic structure for housing a therapeutically effective amount of a methylene blue solution. The plastic structure preferably includes at least an inner layer (128) constructed from a non-PVC plastic. Preferably, the methylene blue solution has a pH of less than 7.0 and preferably less than or equal to approximately 6.3.
Abstract:
A protein-compatible polymer blend made from a water-soluble polymer and a matrix polymer. The glass transition temperature of either the water-soluble polymer or the matrix polymer is greater than the application temperature, i.e., the temperature at which the protein-compatible polymer blend is being used.
Abstract:
A low priming volume centrifugal pump comprising a disc shaped impeller (10) having opposite faces (16, 18) and an inlet hole (20) centrally disposed therein. The impeller (10) has flow channels (12, 14) disposed on at least one of the faces (16, 18) of the impeller (10) which radiate outward from said inlet hole (20). The volume of the flow channels (12, 14) is small relative to the total impeller envelope volume providing for efficient momentum transfer with a minimum of turbulence and backflow. Thus, priming volume is reduced and flow within the pump is more efficient. The pump can be used as stand alone device, or it can be integrated with a blood oxygenator into a common housing.
Abstract:
An ultrasound catheter (10) for removing obstructions from tubular anatomic structures such as blood vessels, said catheter comprising an elongate flexible catheter body (20) having an ultrasound transmission member or wire (24) extending longitudinally therethrough. A distal head (26) is formed on the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member or wire (24) and is affixed to the catheter body (20). The ultrasound transmission member or wire may be formed of any material capable of transmitting ultrasonic energy including various superelastic metal alloys such as nickel titanium metal alloys. The distal portion of the ultrasound transmission member or wire (24) may be of reduced diameter to provide enhanced flexibility and/or amplification of the ultrasonic energy through the distal portion of the ultrasound transmission member or wire. A proximal end connector (12) may be provided with a sonic connector to effectively couple the catheter (10) to the ultrasound transducer (14).
Abstract:
A method, device and system, for providing a flow of oxygenated perfusion fluid (e.g. oxygenated whole blood) through a balloon angioplasty catheter (100) to perfuse tissues which would normally be deprived of blood flow when the balloon (132) of the angioplasty catheter (100) is inflated. In accordance with the invention, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device (12) is fluidly connected to the angioplasty catheter (100) such that oxygenated fluid (e.g. oxygenated whole blood) may be passed through the catheter (100) and caused to exit the catheter (100) distal to the angioplasty balloon (132). The patient's own blood may be withdrawn, oxygenated by the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device (12) and subsequently reinfused through the angioplasty catheter (100). A dual-lumen introducer sheath (102) may be employed for the dual function of a) facilitating insertion of the catheter (100) and b) allowing withdrawal of blood for subsequent oxygenation and reinfusion through the angioplasty catheter (100).
Abstract:
A frangible seal (40) for a fluid path including a frangible seal member secured within a tube defining the fluid path. The frangible seal member having a tubular seal member (42) and a stem (43)extending from the tubular seal member which, upon bending back and forth, breaks away from the seal member thereby to rupture the tubular seal in the fluid path. The tubular seal member and stem are integrally formed of a non-PVC material. The tubular seal member will bond to PVC tubing during steam heating thereof. The tubular seal member and stem are constructed to provide uniform non-reclosable rupturing. The stem includes vanes with spurs that frictionally engage the inner walls of the tube to maintain separation of the stem and ruptured tubular seal member.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for testing a blood unit for viral contamination without rendering the blood unit unusable for therapeutic applications. The method comprises the steps of: removing and collecting from a blood unit a majority of the leukocytes present therein; and using the collected leukocytes to test the blood unit for viral contamination. The present invention also provides a method for validating viral inactivation processes.
Abstract:
A drawer-mounted (36) centrifuge (12) provides easy access for loading and unloading disposable processing elements (22). The centrifuge also includes an umbilicus holder (86) that moves between an operating position and an out-of-way position as the drawer opens and closes.