Abstract:
A blood processing method provides a red blood cell product that is free of microorganisms like Yersinia enterocolitica during storage periods over 24 hours. The red blood cell product is collected in a first container (16), where it is refrigerating to cool the blood product to a temperature of about 3 to 5 degrees C. The refrigerated product is transferred from the first container (16) into a storage container (34) through a prescribed filter medium (44) that comprises a mass of synthetic fibers having an average fiber diameter of about 10 microns or less and a bulk density of about 0.7 gram per cubic centimeter or less. The filtered product is retained in the storage container (34) at a temperature of about 3 to 5 degrees C for a storage period over 24 hours after filtration. Using the filter medium (44), microorganisms like Yersinia enterocolitica present in the red blood cell product at the time of collection are depleted. The filtered blood product remains free of clinically significant numbers of microorganisms throughout refrigerated storage up to time of transfusion.
Abstract:
A container (10) for irradiation comprises a flexible, flat collapsible wall (12, 13) defining a sealed chamber (36), the plastic material of the wall (12, 13) is substantially transparent to irradiation, typically ultraviolet radiation. Access ports (22, 24, 26) are provided for communicating through the wall (12, 13) to the chamber (36). A flap (32) is provided, integral with the wall (12, 13) and spaced from the chamber (36), and carries identifying indicia (38) including a typical bar code indicia (40), so that the wall (12, 13) may be at least substantially free of opaque indicia. Also, structure may be provided for detecting and indicating exposure of the container to irradiation, such as ultraviolet sensitive tape (50) adhering to the flap (32). Alignment holes (46) may be provided, typically in the flap (32), to facilitate orientation of the container (10) with apparatus for irradiation (51) and apparatus for bar code reading (72), making use of alignment pins (70) carried by such apparatus (51).
Abstract:
A system is described for the collection and re-infusion of fluids from a patient. The system includes a non-disposable rigid cannister (12) and a disposable flexible liner (22) that is placed in the cannister (12). Fluids are collected from a patient in the cannister liner (22). The liner (22) is then removed from the cannister (12) and the contents are re-infused back into a patient. The system is unique in that it provides a stand alone vacuum means for continuously providing a relatively high vacuum to the cannister (12) and a relatively low vacuum inside the liner (22) to cause the liner (22) to expand against the walls of the cannister (12). The stand alone vacuum means also provides a consistent relatively low vacuum to a patient's cavity for collecting fluids from the patient without damaging the patient's internal organs.
Abstract:
Crosslinking reagents glutaraldehyde and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether have been used to bind epidermal growth factor ("EGF") to liposomal surfaces without utilizing the disulfide bridge linkage of EGF and, therefore, not adversely affecting the functionality of EGF. The crosslinking occurs through the amine residues offered by EGF and liposomes having phosphatidylethanolamine. The resulting EGF-modified liposomes offer potential as a microscopic drug delivery system.
Abstract:
Recognizing substances, epidermal growth factor, gelatin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, have been covalently bound to liposomal surfaces and utilized to attach liposomes onto a cellular target site. These "bioadhesive" liposomes offer several advantages in the area of topically and locally administered free drug. These advantages include the mutual protection of both the drug and biological environment; an increase in drug bioavailability and retention at the target site; and improved adherence or adhesion to the designated target site.
Abstract:
Drug-encapsulating liposomes have been successfully modified through the covalent binding of recognizing substances without significant interference with the rate constant of drug efflux from the liposomes. Through data processing according to two mechanisms, the acceptability of the bioadhesive liposomes as sustained release drug delivery systems for topical or local administration is shown.
Abstract:
A disposable uterine sound device (10) for measuring the depth and course of an uterine cavity is formed by coating a copper rod (14) and a portion of an attached nylon handle (12) with polyvinyl chloride. The coating (20) is then printed with a generally nonleachable biocompatible ink to form graduations (22) indicating units of measure of length. The resulting device is a flexible, smooth service device which minimizes trauma to a patient during use.
Abstract:
A device for implantation in a host having a material at an interface between the host and the device, said material having a conformation which results in growth of vascular structures by the host close to the interface.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) for proportioning solutions from at least first and second constituent solutions connected to separate inlet ports (26) of the apparatus (10) first detects which constituent solution is being supplied to which port and then properly proportions the finished solution from the constituent solutions irrespective of which constituent solution is connected to which inlet port.
Abstract:
A stentless aortic heart valve (13) having a disposable holder (55) with removable handle (71) attached can be manually reversed by the physician during suturing to provide a relatively unobstructed view into the patient's aorta. A covering (32) applied to strategic regions on the exterior and interior of the device provides a firm ground for suturing the prosthetic heart valve into position, and for attaching the detachable holder (55).