Apparatus and methods for making, storing, and administering freeze-dried materials such as freeze-dried plasma

Abstract

A vessel receives a liquid material, which is freeze-dried in situ within the vessel. A gas permeable material carried by the vessel provides gas transport for sublimation during drying. After freeze drying, an oxygen-free inert gas is introduced into the vessel through the gas permeable material, to occupy the interior of the vessel with the freeze-dried material. The gas permeable material is covered, to trap the oxygen-free inert gas within the vessel with the freeze-dried material. The freeze-dried material is stored in the entrapped oxygen-free inert gas within the vessel for a storage period. The vessel receives a reconstituting liquid for mixing with the freeze-dried material, and conveys the reconstituted freeze-dried material from the vessel for administration to an individual.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 881,493, filed 27 Jul. 2008, and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Making, Storing, and Administering Freeze-Dried Materials Such as Freeze-Dried Plasma,” which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 725,352, filed 19 Mar. 2007, and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Making, Storing, and Administering Freeze-Dried Materials Such as Freeze-Dried Plasma,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for manufacturing, storing and administering freeze-dried materials, such as single donor units of freeze-dried human plasma.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]First aid is critical for the survival of a person that has suffered a serious injury, such as a trauma victim. For instance, initial treatment of a severely wounded person in co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020]In one embodiment, the method further includes, after freeze drying, introducing an oxygen-free inert gas into the interior space through the gas permeable material of the second end component. The oxygen-free inert gas occupies the interior space with the freeze-dried material to prevent deterioration of the material. The method also includes covering the gas permeable material of the second end component, to trap the oxygen-free inert gas within the interior space with the freeze-dried material. The method includes storing the freeze-dried material in the entrapped oxygen-free inert gas within the vessel for a storage period prior to introduction of the reconstituting liquid.

Problems solved by technology

For instance, initial treatment of a severely wounded person in combat situations can often mean the difference between life and death.

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