1953results about "Other blood circulation devices" patented technology

A closed loop infusion system controls the rate that fluid is infused into the body of a user. The closed loop infusion system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user. The sensor produces a sensor signal, which is representative of the condition of the user. The sensor signal is used to generate a controller input. The controller uses the controller input to generate commands to operate the delivery system. The delivery system infuses a liquid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. Preferably, the sensor system monitors the glucose concentration in the body of the user, and the liquid infused by the delivery system into the body of the user includes insulin.

A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

A system for accessing a patient's cardiac anatomy which includes an endovascular aortic partitioning device that separates the coronary arteries and the heart from the rest of the patient's arterial system. The endovascular device for partitioning a patient's ascending aorta comprises a flexible shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first inner lumen therebetween with an opening at the distal end. The shaft may have a preshaped distal portion with a curvature generally corresponding to the curvature of the patient's aortic arch. An expandable means, e.g. a balloon, is disposed near the distal end of the shaft proximal to the opening in the first inner lumen for occluding the ascending aorta so as to block substantially all blood flow therethrough for a plurality of cardiac cycles, while the patient is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The endovascular aortic partitioning device may be coupled to an arterial bypass cannula for delivering oxygenated blood to the patient's arterial system. The heart muscle or myocardium is paralyzed by the retrograde delivery of a cardioplegic fluid to the myocardium through patient's coronary sinus and coronary veins, or by antegrade delivery of cardioplegic fluid through a lumen in the endovascular aortic partitioning device to infuse cardioplegic fluid into the coronary arteries. The pulmonary trunk may be vented by withdrawing liquid from the trunk through an inner lumen of an elongated catheter. The cardiac accessing system is particularly suitable for removing the aortic valve and replacing the removed valve with a prosthetic valve.

A method of alerting medical personnel of a problem during hemodialysis includes providing an active, fail-to-safe site sensor for a fistula needle at an access site during hemodialysis; and automatically alerting medical personnel of a problem during hemodialysis using the active, fail-to-safe site sensor during at least the following: failing of the active, fail-to-safe site sensor; insufficient powering to the active, fail-to-safe site sensor; partial fistula needle dislodging from the access site; and complete needle dislodging from the access site.

Devices and methods are provided for temporarily inducing cardioplegic arrest in the heart of a patient and for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass in order to facilitate surgical procedures on the heart and its related blood vessels. Specifically, a catheter based system is provided for isolating the heart and coronary blood vessels of a patient from the remainder of the arterial system and for infusing a cardioplegic agent into the patient's coronary arteries to induce cardioplegic arrest in the heart. The system includes an endoaortic partitioning catheter having an expandable balloon at its distal end which is expanded within the ascending aorta to occlude the aortic lumen between the coronary ostia and the brachiocephalic artery. Means for centering the catheter tip within the ascending aorta include specially curved shaft configurations, eccentric or shaped occlusion balloons and a steerable catheter tip, which may be used separately or in combination. The shaft of the catheter may have a coaxial or multilumen construction. The catheter may further include piezoelectric pressure transducers at the distal tip of the catheter and within the occlusion balloon. Means to facilitate nonfluoroscopic placement of the catheter include fiberoptic transillumination of the aorta and a secondary balloon at the distal tip of the catheter for atraumatically contacting the aortic valve. The system further includes a dual purpose arterial bypass cannula and introducer sheath for introducing the catheter into a peripheral artery of the patient.

Pressure is measured on both sides of an occluding member for determining when pressure forces on the occluding member may cause migration of the occluding member. An alarm indicates when the pressure force on the balloon exceed a predetermined threshold. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure monitor determines when a rate of pressure increase with respect to the fluid volume in the balloon reaches a predetermined threshold when inflating the occluding member. A predetermined amount of fluid is then added to the balloon so that the balloon is not under inflated or over inflated.

Improved integrity test, priming sequence and bag height detection tests, apparatuses and methods for a medical fluid delivery system are provided. The integrity test includes a plurality of air pressure decay tests, using positive and negative pressure. The priming sequence includes pumping fluid through a portion of a patient line to be primed to overcome air in the line and other potential obstacles. The head height test measures a pressure build-up or drop-off within a pump chamber of a membrane pump. The measured pressure corresponds to a head height between a fluid supply and the pump or between the pump and a fluid drain. A determination is made whether the corresponding head height is acceptable.

The present invention involves, in some embodiments, reusable pump drive systems, which are coupled to removable, and preferably disposable, pumping cartridges. The invention provides, in some embodiments, novel pumping cartridges for use in pumping systems. One such cartridge includes an integrated filter element therein for filtering fluids, for example fluids pumped to the body of a patient in a medical procedure. In some embodiments, the integrated filter is utilized as a blood clot removal filter and in other embodiments is used to remove particulates liquids infused to a patient. The filter element includes a filter with pores therein that are preferably sized to permit essentially unrestricted flow of individual human blood cells therethrough and to block or collect blood clots, cell clumps, particulates etc. with sizes substantially larger than the average size of a human blood cell.

Apparatus and methods for performing retrograde perfusion, especially during cardiopulmonary bypass operations, including dedicated pediatric scaled apparatus for retrograde perfusion of an adult human organ, organ system, or limb, especially the brain, employing small scale oxygenators and heat exchangers such as are designed for pediatric surgery; also including methods and apparatus for retrograde cerebral perfusion, using nonselective infravalvular cannulation of the superior vena cava, estimating the efficacy of cerebral perfusion by monitoring fluid flow across a valve of an internal jugular vein, modification of inflow pressure and administration of pharmacologic agents, and increasing fluid flow into a brain by occlusion of an inferior vena cava distal to its junction with an azygos vein.

Methods and apparatus are provided for treating congestive heart by actively or passively enhancing perfusion to the renal arteries. A first embodiment comprises a specially configured balloon catheter and extracorporeal pump, wherein the pump operates in a “once-through” fashion or alternating volume displacement mode. In another embodiment the catheter includes a pair of balloons to isolate a region of the aorta, and a third balloon that directs flow into the renal arteries. In still further embodiments, a stent or cuff having a constricted region is deployed in or around the aorta, respectively, to create a backpressure upstream of the stent or cuff. Methods of enhancing renal perfusion also are provided.

A pumping system 10 provides a physiological pulsatile flow and includes controller 121, a pump drive head 50 coupled to a motor 12 and a fluid housing 52 having at least one port 60. The port 60 includes a ball valve retainer region 69, a valve seat 73, and an occluder ball 71 disposed in the ball valve retainer region 69. During operation, the motor 12 forces the fluid in and out the fluid housing 52 and causes the occluder ball 71 to move from a first position whereby the fluid cannot pass through the port 60, to a second position whereby the fluid moves annular to and generally around the occluder ball 71. This movement creates a slight flow reversal that “breaks up” any blood clots that may form. The pumping system may be used as part of a cardiopulmonary bypass system, a ventricular assist device (VAD) and/or a heart pump.

A modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system may include a dialysis unit, e.g., that contains suitable components for performing hemodialysis, such as a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer, and a power unit having a housing that contains suitable components for providing operating power to the pumps of the dialysis unit. The power unit may be selectively connected to the dialysis unit and provide power (e.g., pneumatic power in the form of pressure and/or vacuum) to the dialysis unit for the pumps when connected to the dialysis unit, but may be incapable of providing power to the dialysis unit when disconnected from the dialysis unit. The dialysis unit and the power unit are sized and weighted to each be carried by hand by a human.

A reverse flow pump comprising two concentric passageways and an interior compartment having cut out portions in communication with a pump passageway for the directional flow of fluid relative to the pump, and a rotor positioned within the interior compartment for reversing the directional flow of fluid through a region in communication with another pump passageway. A reverse flow pump and cannula system is further provided comprising an inner cannula adjoining a pump passageway, and an outer conduit adjoining another pump passageway for the reverse flow of fluid relative to the pump. A method of transporting fluid between body cavities is also provided comprising the steps of selecting a reverse flow pump and cannula system, forming an opening in a body passageway, positioning the outer conduit through the opening, inserting the inner cannula into the outer conduit so that the distal openings of the inner cannula and the outer conduit are positioned in separated portions of the body, connecting the inlet and the outlet passageways of the pump to the proximal ends of the inner cannula and the outer conduit, and activating the pump to transport fluid between the separated portions of the body.

A multi-lumen catheter and method for inserting same in a patient is disclosed. The catheter includes an elongated, central, multi-lumen tube portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The central tube portion has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and is internally segmented into a plurality of lumens. A distal branch portion includes a plurality of single-lumen distal extension tubes. A proximal branch portion includes a plurality of single-lumen proximal extension tubes. Each proximal extension tube has a distal first end and a proximal second end. The distal first end of each proximal extension tube is connected to the proximal end of the central tube portion such that the single lumen of each distal extension tube is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of lumens of the central tube portion. Each lumen of the central tube portion and the lumens of the distal and proximal extension tubes in fluid communication therewith define a flow path through the catheter. Selectively attachable hub connectors are provided for selective attachment to the distal extension tubes and connection of the catheter to a fluid exchange device.

The present invention provides a device for administering an injectable product in doses, the device including a casing, a container accommodated by the casing, a delivering appliance for delivering the product from the container, a drive for the delivering appliance, and a means for determining a malfunction of the device, wherein a vibrator motor is accommodated by the casing, the vibrator motor being triggered by the means for determining a malfunction such that it generates a vibrating alarm signal when a malfunction is determined.

A flow management system for extracorporeal blood treatment application helps to ensure proper balance of incoming and outgoing fluids by precise balancing of relatively small balance chambers. The invention employs combinations of features that help to ensure accuracy including underfilling of the waste flow side of a fixed volume chamber and mechanical connections to synchronize valves and pumps.

Methods and devices for providing dialysis treatment are provided. The device includes a resin bed including zirconium phosphate, zirconium oxide, and urease.

The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells from a complex fluid sample. In particular, the enrichment of fetal cells from maternal samples, such as maternal blood samples, can greatly aid in the detection of fetal abnormalities or a variety of genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention recognizes that the enrichment of rare malignant cells from patient samples, can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and development of therapeutic modalities for patients. The invention includes microfabricated filters for filtering fluid samples and methods of enriching rare cells of fluid samples using microfabricated filters of the present invention. The invention also includes solutions for the selective sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample and methods of using selective RBC sedimentation solutions for enriching rare cells of a fluid sample. Yet another aspect of the invention is an automated system for processing a fluid sample that includes: at least one filtration chamber that includes a microfabricated filter; automated means for directing fluid flow through at least one filtration chamber of the automated system, and means for collecting enriched rare cells. The present invention also includes methods of using automated systems for separating rare cells from fluid samples. Preferred fluid samples are blood, effusion, or urine samples, and rare cells that can be enriched from such sample include nucleated red blood cells and cancer cells.

Apparatus and method for treating a body joint wound subsequent to surgical intervention. An infusion tube is insertable into the wound for transporting a prepared solution to the joint. A second tube is insertable into the wound for transport of fluid removed from the joint. A vacuum device is coupled to the second tube. Suction is automatically turned on to evacuate the wound for a prescribed period of time and then stopped for another prescribed period of time. The on and off cycle may be repetitive. During the entire period, the prepared solution is constantly infused. The infusion tube and evacuation tube are isolated from each other so that no contaminants can be infused. A plurality of preadjusted suction duty cycles are available, from which one may be selected as appropriate for the type of wound to be treated.

The instant invention relates to a method and the apparatus for collecting a hyperconcentrated platelet product. A fluid containing platelets and other particles flows into a fluid chamber at a flow rate. The flow rate of the fluid is selected to retain the majority of the platelets in the fluid chamber in a saturated bed. The platelets are collected from the fluid chamber without collecting the other particles to form a hyperconcentrated other particle reduced platelet product.

The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components. In one aspect, the invention relates to optical methods, devices and device components for measuring two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both from a separation chamber of a density centrifuge. In embodiment, two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both measured by the methods of the present invention comprise images of a separation chamber or component thereof, such as an optical cell of a separation chamber. In another aspect, the present invention relates to multifunctional monitoring and control systems for blood processing, particularly blood processing via density centrifugation. Feedback control systems are provided wherein two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both are measured, processed in real time and are used as the basis of output signals for controlling blood processing. In another aspect, optical cells and methods of using optical cells for monitoring and control blood processing are provided.

An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to a non-primary blood vessel and a second end that is fluidly coupled to a pump to conduct blood between the pump and the non-primary blood vessel. An outflow conduit is also provided that has a first end sized and configured to be positioned within the same or different blood vessel, whether primary or non-primary, through the vascular graft. The outflow conduit is fluidly coupled to the pump to conduct blood between the pump and the patient. The vascular graft may be connected to the blood vessel subcutaneously to permit application of the extracardiac pumping system in a minimally-invasive procedure.

An apparatus for the treatment of a medical liquid has a liquid treatment machine and a cassette that is insertable in the machine. The cassette has a rigid base body with fitted chambers and passages and a foil that covers the chambers and passages. Actuators and sensors are arranged in the liquid treatment machine for the operation of the apparatus with the inserted cassette such that cassettes are insertable in different integration shapes.

Patients having diminished circulation in the cerebral vasculature as a result of stroke or from other causes such as cardiac arrest, shock or head trauma, or aneurysm surgery or aortic surgery, 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. Usually, the cold oxygenated medium will comprise autologous blood, and the blood will be recirculated for a time sufficient to permit treatment of the underlying cause of diminished circulation. In addition to oxygenation, the recirculating blood will 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. Occlusion of the carotid artery(ies) is preferably accomplished using expansible occluders, such as balloon-tipped cannula, catheters, or similar access devices. Access to the occlusion site(s) may be open surgical, percutaneous, or intravascular.

A cartridge for treating medical or biological fluid includes a first cap having an inlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality of compartments and a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein each compartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid is adapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality of particles.

One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be catastrophic. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks and/or air infiltration, but none is perfect. According to the present invention, multiple inputs are combined to provide greater security against leakage and/or air infiltration by providing sensors for external presence of liquid (plasma, replacement fluid, blood, etc.) outside a fluid circuit and infiltration of air or bubbles into the fluid circuit.

A bezel and bezel assembly in which the bezel is a rigid block with a plurality of cavities. A depression in the block has ribs extending up therefrom to form an elevated contour. The depression includes at least one cavity therein for the application of air pressure into the depression and over the elevated contour. A gasket fits over the bezel so that positive pressure applied through the at least one cavity in the depression forces a gasket membrane to expand away from the pumping side and negative pressure applied through the at least one cavity in the depression pulls the gasket membrane against the elevated contour of the ribs. The bezel may include solvent bondable tubing connections for making pneumatic connections to the bezel.

Methods are disclosed for sterilizing biological materials to reduce the level therein of one or more biological contaminants or pathogens, such as prions, responsible for the disease states known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in mammals. These methods involve sterilizing biological materials with irradiation.

The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells from a complex fluid sample. In particular, the enrichment of fetal cells from maternal samples, such as maternal blood samples, can greatly aid in the detection of fetal abnormalities or a variety of genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention recognizes that the enrichment of rare malignant cells from patient samples, can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and development of therapeutic modalities for patients.

A first aspect of the present invention is a microfabricated filter for filtering a fluid sample. A microfabricated filter of the present invention comprises at least one tapered pore, and preferably comprises at least two tapered pores whose variation in size is 20% or less. The present invention also includes a method of enriching rare cells of a fluid sample using a microfabricated filter of the present invention.

Another aspect of the invention is solutions for the selective sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample comprising a red blood cell aggregating agent and at least one specific binding member that selectively binds RBCs. Solutions of the present invention include a combined solution for rare cell enrichment that comprise RBC aggregating agents, at least one specific binding member that selectively binds RBCs, and at least one additional specific binding member for the removal of undesirable sample components other than RBCs. The invention also includes methods of using selective RBC sedimentation solutions and combined solutions for enriching rare cells of a fluid sample.

Yet another aspect of the invention is an automated system for processing a fluid sample that includes: at least one filtration chamber that comprises or engages one or more microfabricated filters of the present invention; automated means for directing fluid flow through the one or more filtration chambers of the automated system, and means for collecting enriched rare cells. The present invention also includes methods of using an automated system for separating rare cells from a fluid sample. Preferred fluid samples are effusion, blood, or urine samples, and rare cells that can be enriched from such sample include nucleated red blood cells and cancer cells.

The use of an analyte-monitoring device for continuously monitoring analytes within a bodily fluid bypass flow path. A method of monitoring analytes in a patient by continuously monitoring analytes present in a bodily fluid of that patient within the bodily fluid bypass flow path is provided.