Centrifugal separation system, rotating body, and centrifugal separator

Abstract

A centrifugal separation system (10) performs centrifugal separation using a centrifugal bag set (16) comprising a first bag (161) that accommodates a liquid to be treated, and one or more child bags that exchange the liquid with the first bag (161). The centrifugal separation system (10) comprises: a rotating body (14) that accommodates one centrifugal bag set (16); and a centrifugal separator (12) that rotates the rotating body (14). The rotating body (14) is attached to and detached from the centrifugal separator (12) in a state in which the centrifugal bag set (16) is accommodated.

Description

Centrifugal separation system, rotor and centrifuge

[0001] The present invention relates to a centrifugal separation system, a rotor, and a centrifuge that separate a mixed liquid into multiple components using a centrifugal bag set.

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent No. 5272144 discloses a centrifugal separator that separates liquids using centrifugal bag sets. This centrifugal separator has a rotatable rotor and multiple slots for accommodating multiple centrifugal bag sets.

[0003] Patent No. 5272144

[0004] Conventional centrifuge systems are dedicated devices for different types of centrifuge bag sets, and when processing a different type of centrifuge bag set, a new centrifuge must be prepared.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] One aspect is (1) a centrifugation system that performs centrifugation using a centrifuge bag set having a first bag that contains a liquid to be treated, one or more child bags that transfer liquid between the first bag and the child bags, and at least one tube that connects the first bag and the child bags, the centrifugation system comprising: a rotating body that contains one of the centrifuge bag sets; and a centrifuge that rotates the rotating body, and the rotating body is attached to and detached from the centrifuge that centrifuges the centrifuge bag set while containing the centrifuge bag set.

[0007] The centrifugal separation system described in the above item (1) can be used to process multiple types of centrifuge bag sets by replacing the rotor, thereby increasing the utilization efficiency of the centrifuge and enabling the centrifuge system to flexibly respond to demand.

[0008] (2) In the centrifuge system according to item (1), the rotor may include a plurality of slots arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other about a rotation axis, the plurality of slots accommodating the first bag and the secondary bag spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and a liquid transfer mechanism for transferring liquid between the first bag and the secondary bag spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. This centrifuge system can transfer blood components between the plurality of bags while miniaturizing the rotor, thereby reducing manual labor.

[0009] (3) In the centrifuge system according to item (1) or (2), the rotor may include a balancer that offsets displacement of the center of gravity of the centrifuge bag set. This centrifuge system can stabilize the rotational motion of the rotor.

[0010] (4) In the centrifuge system according to (2), the liquid transfer mechanism may include a pusher that presses the first bag or the sub-bag into at least one of the slots. This centrifuge system can automate the transfer of liquid between the bags.

[0011] (5) In the centrifuge system according to (4), the liquid delivery mechanism may include a tube housing that houses the tube, and a blocking / cutting unit that is provided in the tube housing and can block or seal the tube. This centrifuge system allows different components to be separated into different sub-bags. In addition, this centrifuge system can automate the process of sealing the tubes connected to the sub-bags.

[0012] (6) In the centrifugal separation system according to item (5), the rotor may include a liquid sensor for detecting components of the liquid inside the tube. This centrifugal separation system can automate the separation of blood components.

[0013] (7) In the centrifuge system according to any one of items (1) to (6), the rotor may have a reader that reads identification information from the centrifuge bag set. This centrifuge system can reduce the labor required to input the identification information of the centrifuge bag set.

[0014] (8) In the centrifuge system according to item (7), the rotating body may include a first control unit that receives a control signal from the centrifuge and transmits the identification information of the centrifuge bag set to the centrifuge. This centrifuge system can automate the input of the identification information of the centrifuge bag set while simplifying the configuration of the first control unit of the rotating body and saving labor.

[0015] (9) In the centrifugal separation system according to item (8), the first control unit may drive the liquid delivery mechanism based on the control signal. This centrifugal separation system can simplify the configuration of the first control unit and facilitate further miniaturization of the rotor.

[0016] (10) In the centrifuge system according to item (8) or (9), the centrifuge may include a rotating body housing chamber that houses the rotating body, a rotation drive unit that rotates the rotating body, and a second control unit that controls the rotation drive unit, and the second control unit may monitor the rotating body and send the control signal to the first control unit. By monitoring the rotating body, this centrifuge system can more efficiently centrifuge the centrifuge bag set.

[0017] (11) In the centrifuge system according to any one of items (1) to (10), the rotor may have a temperature measuring unit provided in each of the slots, and the temperature measuring unit may measure the temperatures of the first bag and the secondary bag. This centrifuge system makes it possible to confirm that the blood has been formulated within a predetermined temperature range.

[0018] Another aspect is (12) a rotor for a centrifuge system that performs centrifugation using a single centrifuge bag set, the single centrifuge bag set including a first bag that contains a liquid to be treated, one or more secondary bags that transfer liquid between the first bag and the secondary bag, and a tube connecting the first bag and the secondary bag, the rotor including a first slot that accommodates the first bag, at least one second slot that is spaced apart from the first slot in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis and accommodates the secondary bag, and a liquid transfer mechanism that transfers liquid between the first bag in the first slot and the secondary bag in the second slot, the rotor being attached to and detached from a centrifuge that centrifuges the centrifuge bag set while the rotor accommodates the centrifuge bag set. Because this rotor accommodates only one centrifuge bag set, it can be made compact. Furthermore, because the rotor can be attached to and detached from the centrifuge, the centrifuge bag set can be attached and detached at a location separate from the centrifuge, thereby reducing the waiting time of the centrifuge and increasing the operating rate of the centrifuge.

[0019] (13) The rotating body according to item (12), further comprising a temperature measuring unit provided in each of the first slot and the second slot, the temperature measuring unit measuring the temperatures of the first bag and the secondary bag, and this rotating body makes it possible to confirm that the blood has been formulated within a predetermined temperature range.

[0020] Yet another aspect is (14) a centrifuge for a centrifuge system that performs centrifugation using a single centrifuge bag set including a first bag that contains a liquid to be treated, one or more child bags that transfer liquid between the first bag and the child bag, and tubes that connect the first bag and the child bag, the centrifuge comprising: a rotary drive unit that detachably supports a rotor that contains the centrifuge bag set and rotates the rotor; and a second control unit that sends a control signal to the rotor, the second control unit monitoring the operation of the rotor. This centrifuge allows for a reduction in the size of the rotor, thereby enabling a reduction in the size of the device configuration. Furthermore, since the centrifuge allows the centrifuge bag set to be attached to and detached from the rotor at a separate location, the availability of the device can be improved by reducing the waiting time of the device.

[0021] The above-mentioned centrifugal separation system, rotor and centrifuge have excellent utilization efficiency and can flexibly respond to demand.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifuge and a rotor of a centrifugation system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the rotor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the rotor of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the rotor of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of the centrifuge of FIG. 1. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram of a centrifuge bag set according to a first embodiment and a method of collecting whole blood using the centrifuge bag set. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of a process of removing white blood cells and platelets from whole blood using the centrifuge bag set of FIG. 5A and a process of detaching the blood collection bag. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of the centrifuge bag set of FIG. 5B attached to the rotator of FIG. 2B. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of a process of transferring blood components centrifuged in a first bag to a second bag (daughter bag) using the rotator. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a process of transferring a preservative solution in a third bag (daughter bag) to blood components in a first bag using the rotator. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of a process of closing and sealing a tube. FIG. 8A is a plan view of a rotator according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of the rotator of FIG. 8A and the configuration of a centrifugal bag set according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of a blood collection process using the centrifugal bag set of FIG. 8B, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of a centrifugation process using the rotator of FIG. 8A. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of a process of transferring blood components to a second bag (daughter bag) using the rotator of FIG. 8A, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of a process of transferring blood components to a third bag (daughter bag) using the rotator of FIG. 8A. FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a process of transferring a preservative solution from a fourth bag to a first bag, and FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram of a process of transferring a mixture of the preservative solution from the first bag and blood components to the fourth bag. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a rotator according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a plan view of the rotator of FIG. 12A.

[0023] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1 , a centrifuge system 10 according to this embodiment includes a centrifuge 12 and a rotating body 14. The rotating body 14 is detachably attached to the centrifuge 12. When attached to the centrifuge 12, the centrifuge 12 enables the rotating body 14 to rotate about its rotation axis. The rotating body 14 accommodates a centrifuge bag set 16 shown in FIG. 5A , and applies centrifugal force to the centrifuge bag set 16 to separate a liquid to be processed into multiple components. The centrifuge system 10 is suitable for use in, for example, a blood center. In this case, the centrifuge system 10 centrifuges blood (whole blood 63) as a liquid to prepare red blood cells 64 and plasma 66. Note that the use of the centrifuge system 10 is not limited to blood separation, and it can also be used for purifying cellular medicines and formulating cell products.

[0024] 2A and 2B , the rotating body 14 has a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis C, a flat upper end surface 14a at the upper end, and a flat lower end surface 14b at the lower end. The rotating body 14 includes a plurality of slots 18 (a first slot 181, a second slot 182, and a third slot 183), a balancer 20, a liquid delivery mechanism 22, a reading device 24, a detachable unit 26, a power supply unit 28, and a first control unit 30.

[0025] The first slot 181, the second slot 182, and the third slot 183 are formed as recesses recessed in the rotation axis direction with respect to the upper end surface 14a and open to the upper end surface 14a. The first slot 181 accommodates the first bag 161 of the centrifuge bag set 16. The second slot 182 accommodates the second bag 162 of the centrifuge bag set 16. The third slot 183 accommodates the third bag 163 of the centrifuge bag set 16.

[0026] The rotor 14 has the same number of slots 18 (first slots 181 to third slots 183) as the number of bags (first bag 161 to third bag 163) in the centrifuge bag set 16. The number of slots in the rotor 14 can be increased or decreased depending on the number of bags in the centrifuge bag set 16. The first slot 181, the second slot 182, and the third slot 183 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis C and spaced apart from one another.

[0027] The balancer 20 is an annular member disposed near the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 14. The balancer 20, also called a balance ring, has an internal space extending in the circumferential direction and a balancer liquid flowing through the internal space. The balancer 20 stabilizes the rotational motion of the rotor 14 by offsetting the displacement of the center of gravity caused by a misalignment of the centrifugal bag set 16 in the slot 18. The balancer 20 also contains an amount of balancer liquid sufficient to offset the displacement of the center of gravity caused by the exchange of liquid between the first bag 161 and the second bag 162 or the third bag 163.

[0028] The liquid transfer mechanism 22 moves liquid between the multiple bags of the centrifuge bag set 16. The liquid transfer mechanism 22 mainly includes a tube accommodating section 32, a closure cutter 34, a liquid sensor 36, and an extruder 38. The tube accommodating section 32 is located on the upper end surface 14a of the rotating body 14. The tube accommodating section 32 includes a first flow path groove 321, a second flow path groove 322, and a third flow path groove 323. The first flow path groove 321 is a groove-shaped portion that accommodates the first tube 171 (see FIG. 3 ) extending from the first bag 161. The second flow path groove 322 is a groove-shaped portion that accommodates the second tube 172 extending from the second bag 162. The third flow path groove 323 is a groove-shaped portion that accommodates the third tube 173 extending from the third bag 163. The first flow channel 321, the second flow channel 322, and the third flow channel 323 are connected at a junction 326. The layout of the first flow channel 321, the second flow channel 322, and the third flow channel 323 is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and various shapes may be used.

[0029] The liquid delivery mechanism 22 includes, as occlusion cutting units 34, a first occlusion cutting unit 341 provided in the first flow channel 321, a second occlusion cutting unit 342 provided in the second flow channel 322, and a third occlusion cutting unit 343 provided in the third flow channel 323. Each occlusion cutting unit 34 performs a occlusion operation in which the tube 17 is compressed to occlude it, and a seal cutting operation in which the tube 17 is sealed and cut. Note that, in this specification, the multiple connecting tubes included in the centrifuge bag set 16 are collectively referred to as the tube 17. In the occlusion operation, the occlusion cutting unit 34 compresses the tube 17 to a degree that does not cut it, thereby closing the internal flow path of the tube 17. In the occlusion operation, the tube 17 is only temporarily closed. Therefore, when the occlusion operation of the occlusion cutting unit 34 is released, the tube 17 can allow fluid to flow. In the seal cutting operation, the occlusion cutting unit 34 cuts the tube 17 while heating the tube 17 to irreversibly seal it by fusion. The seal cutting operation seals the tube 17 so that it is not in contact with the outside air.

[0030] The liquid sensor 36 is, for example, an optical sensor, and is located in the first flow channel 321. The liquid sensor 36 detects a change in the liquid composition inside the first tube 171 from a change in the amount or color of light transmitted through the first tube 171. The detection result of the liquid sensor 36 is sent to the first control unit 30 and is used to control the operation of the occlusion cutting unit 34 and the extrusion unit 38.

[0031] The pusher 38 presses a specific bag in the centrifugal bag set 16 to move liquid between the bags. In this embodiment, the pusher 38 includes a first pusher 381 provided in the first slot 181 and a second pusher 382 provided in the third slot 183. Each of the first pusher 381 and the second pusher 382 includes a pusher 38a and an actuator 38b. The pusher 38a is a plate-shaped member disposed on the inner periphery of the slot 18. The pusher 38a can protrude from the inner periphery to the outer periphery of the slot 18. The pusher 38a faces the bag housed inside the slot 18 in the thickness direction. When the pusher 38a protrudes to the outer periphery, it presses the bag housed in the slot 18, discharging the liquid inside the bag. The actuator 38b drives the pusher 38a under control of the first control unit 30. The actuator 38b pushes the pusher 38a toward the outer periphery. The first extrusion section 381 transfers the liquid from the first bag 161 accommodated in the first slot 181 to another bag, and the second extrusion section 382 transfers the liquid from the third bag 163 accommodated in the third slot 183 to another bag.

[0032] The extrusion unit 38 can be replaced with a peristaltic pump. A peristaltic pump conveys the liquid inside the tube 17 by rotating a roller that presses against the flexible tube 17 to close the closed portion, thereby moving the liquid. When a peristaltic pump is used, the peristaltic pump is added to the tube accommodating unit 32.

[0033] The detachable portion 26 is located on the lower end surface 14b of the rotor 14. The detachable portion 26 is arranged along the rotation axis. The detachable portion 26 is detachably connected to the rotation shaft 62 (see FIG. 4) of the centrifuge 12. The rotational driving force of the centrifuge 12 is transmitted to the rotor 14 through the detachable portion 26.

[0034] The reader 24 is disposed, for example, inside the first slot 181. The reader 24 may be an optical reader that reads the barcode 40 attached to the first bag 161. The reader 24 reads identification information including the type of centrifuge bag set 16, traceability information such as the date, time, and location of blood collection, and the processing method. The identification information is used to control the operation of the liquid delivery mechanism 22 in the centrifugation process. The identification information may be stored in a contactless IC chip attached to the centrifuge bag set 16. In this case, the reader 24 may be disposed at a predetermined location on the rotating body 14 as a wireless reader.

[0035] 3, the power supply device 28 supplies driving power to the liquid delivery mechanism 22, the reading device 24, and the first control unit 30. The power supply device 28 includes, for example, a storage battery such as a lithium-ion battery housed inside the rotating body 14. The power supply device 28 may be a power supply circuit that generates power using an electromagnetic field supplied from the centrifuge 12. The power supply device 28 may also be provided in the detachable unit 26 or another portion of the rotating body 14, and may be a power supply rectifier circuit that rectifies the power from the centrifuge 12, a voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage from the centrifuge 12, or the like.

[0036] 3, the first control unit 30 may have a first communication unit 42 that communicates with the centrifuge 12. The first control unit 30 transmits the identification information read by the reading device 24 and the detection result of the liquid sensor 36 to the centrifuge 12 via the first communication unit 42. The first control unit 30 also receives a control signal for the centrifuge 12 via the first communication unit 42. The first control unit 30 drives the first pushing unit 381, the second pushing unit 382, ​​the first occlusion cutting unit 341, the second occlusion cutting unit 342, and the third occlusion cutting unit 343 based on the control signal from the centrifuge 12. The first communication unit 42 communicates with the centrifuge 12 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the centrifuge 12 has a main body 44, a rotor housing chamber 46, and a lid 48. The rotor housing chamber 46 is a cylindrical recess formed inside the main body 44 and houses the rotor 14. The lid 48 is attached to the main body 44 via a hinge 50 ( FIG. 4 ). The lid 48 covers the rotor 14 housed in the rotor housing chamber 46, thereby protecting the surroundings from the rotor 14 while it is rotating. Furthermore, by covering the rotor housing chamber 46, the lid 48 stabilizes the temperature inside the rotor housing chamber 46.

[0038] The centrifuge 12 includes a motor 52 (rotation drive unit), a temperature regulator 54, a monitoring unit 56, a second communication unit 58, and a second control unit 60 inside the main body 44. The motor 52 is located below the rotor housing chamber 46. The motor 52 has a rotor shaft 62 extending along the rotation axis. The upper end of the rotor shaft 62 protrudes into the rotor housing chamber 46. The rotor shaft 62 detachably supports the detachable portion 26 of the rotor 14. The motor 52 rotates the rotor 14 at a predetermined rotation speed under the control of the second control unit 60. Although not particularly limited, the rotor shaft 62 may include an electrode terminal that supplies power to the power supply device 28 of the rotor 14.

[0039] The temperature regulator 54 includes, for example, a heater, and maintains the interior of the rotor housing chamber 46 at a predetermined temperature. The temperature regulator 54 is driven by the second control unit 60.

[0040] The monitoring unit 56 includes an image sensor that monitors the state inside the centrifuge bag set 16. The monitoring unit 56 monitors the inside of the first bag 161 and detects the separation state of the liquid component.

[0041] The second communication unit 58 communicates with the first communication unit 42 of the rotating body 14. The second communication unit 58 receives the identification information acquired by the first control unit 30 and the detection result of the liquid sensor 36. The second communication unit 58 also transmits a control signal of the second control unit 60 to the first control unit 30.

[0042] The second control unit 60 acquires identification information of the centrifuge bag set 16 housed in the rotating body 14 through the second communication unit 58. The second control unit 60 sets the rotation speed of the motor 52 based on the processing method included in the identification information. The second control unit 60 also selects a control program based on the processing method and the detection result of the liquid sensor 36. The second control unit 60 controls the operation of the pushing unit 38 and the closure cutting unit 34 in accordance with the selected control program. The control program corresponding to the processing method and the detection result of the liquid sensor 36 is stored in a memory (not shown).

[0043] Although the rotating body 14 and the centrifuge 12 of this embodiment are configured as described above, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit 30 of the rotating body 14 may perform part of the operation of the second control unit 60 of the centrifuge 12.

[0044] Next, the operation of the centrifuge system 10 of this embodiment will be described using blood processing using a centrifuge bag set 16 as an example. The centrifuge bag set 16 shown in Fig. 5A is, for example, a blood bag set used for blood donations. As shown in Fig. 5A, the centrifuge bag set 16, in its initial state upon delivery, includes a blood collection needle 165, a blood collection bag 166, a filter 167, a first bag 161 (parent bag), a second bag 162 (child bag), and a third bag 163 (child bag).

[0045] The blood collection needle 165 has a needle tube that is inserted into the donor to collect blood from the donor. The blood collection bag 166 is connected to the blood collection needle 165 via a blood collection tube 175. The blood collection bag 166 contains the donor's blood (whole blood 63) collected by the blood collection needle 165. One end of an introduction tube 176 is connected to the blood collection bag 166. The introduction tube 176 connects the blood collection bag 166 to the first bag 161. The first bag 161 is connected to the blood collection bag 166 via the introduction tube 176. A filter 167 is attached midway along the introduction tube 176.

[0046] The filter 167 adsorbs and removes white blood cells and platelets from the blood flowing through the inlet tube 176. The first bag 161 (parent bag) contains the blood flowing in from the inlet tube 176. In the initial state, the first bag 161 is empty. The first bag 161 in the initial state may contain an additive to prevent deterioration of the blood, if necessary. As shown in FIG. 3, the first bag 161 is affixed with a barcode 40 (see FIG. 3).

[0047] The first bag 161 further has a first tube 171 in addition to the introduction tube 176. The first tube 171 is used to transfer liquid to and from the second bag 162 or the third bag 163. The second bag 162 is initially empty. The second bag 162 contains the blood component 63a (e.g., plasma 66) centrifuged in the first bag 161. The second bag 162 has a second tube 172. The second tube 172 is connected to the first tube 171.

[0048] The third bag 163 is, for example, a secondary bag containing a preservation solution 68. The preservation solution 68 is, for example, a blood preservation solution (ACD solution) or a red blood cell preservation solution (MAP solution). The third bag 163 has a third tube 173. The third tube 173 is connected to the first tube 171 and the second tube 172.

[0049] 5A , in the centrifuge bag set 16, the donor's whole blood 63 is collected into the blood collection bag 166 through the blood collection needle 165. Then, the blood collection tube 175 is cut. The blood collection needle 165 is separated from the centrifuge bag set 16.

[0050] Next, the whole blood 63 in the blood collection bag 166 is transferred to the first bag 161 through the introduction tube 176. During this operation, white blood cells and platelets are removed from the whole blood 63 by the filter 167.

[0051] Next, as shown in Fig. 5B, an operation is performed to cut the introduction tube 176 at the cutting position 177. The centrifuge bag set 16 from which the filter 167 and the blood collection bag 166 have been removed, as shown in the right side of Fig. 5B, is used for processing in the centrifuge system 10.

[0052] Next, the centrifuge bag set 16 is accommodated in the rotor 14. As shown in FIG. 6A , the first bag 161 is accommodated in the first slot 181, the second bag 162 is accommodated in the second slot 182, and the third bag 163 is accommodated in the third slot 183. The first tube 171 is accommodated in the first flow channel 321, the second tube 172 is accommodated in the second flow channel 322, and the third tube 173 is accommodated in the third flow channel 323. The liquid sensor 36 and the occlusion cutter 34 are attached to the first tube 171. The occlusion cutter 34 is also attached to the second tube 172 and the third tube 173, respectively. The centrifuge bag set 16 can be attached to the rotor 14 after the rotor 14 has been removed from the centrifuge 12. The centrifuge bag set 16 is attached to and detached from the rotor 14 for a predetermined period of time. By removing the centrifuge 12 from the rotor 14 to attach or detach the centrifuge bag set 16, the waiting time of the centrifuge 12 can be reduced, and the operating rate of the centrifuge 12 can be improved.

[0053] This centrifugation system 10 sequentially mounts the rotors 14 containing the centrifugation bag sets 16 in the centrifuge 12 to perform centrifugation, eliminating the need for waiting time until multiple centrifugation bag sets 16 are collected, thereby increasing the operating rate of the centrifuge 12.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figure 6B, a centrifugation step is performed using the centrifuge 12. In the first step of the centrifugation step, the centrifuge 12 rotates the rotor 14 at a predetermined rotation speed. The rotation of the rotor 14 separates the blood components 63a in the first bag 161 according to their specific gravities. As shown in the figure, the blood in the first bag 161 separates into red blood cells 64, which have a high specific gravity, and supernatant (plasma 66), which has a low specific gravity. The plasma 66 is formed in a position near the first tube 171 of the first bag 161.

[0055] Then, a second step is performed in which the plasma 66 in the first bag 161 is transferred to the second bag 162. As shown in the figure, in the second step, the first occlusion cutting unit 341 opens the first tube 171, the second occlusion cutting unit 342 opens the second tube 172, and the third occlusion cutting unit 343 closes the third tube 173. The first occlusion cutting unit 341 and the second occlusion cutting unit 342 are also opened. As a result, the first bag 161 and the second bag 162 communicate with each other via the first tube 171 and the second tube 172. In this state, the first pushing unit 381 presses the first bag 161. This operation causes the plasma 66 in the first bag 161 to flow through the first tube 171 and the second tube 172 and be transferred to the second bag 162. The second step is performed under the monitoring of the liquid sensor 36. When red blood cells 64 flow into the first tube 171, the liquid sensor 36 detects a change in the liquid composition. When a change in the composition of the first tube 171 is detected, the first control unit 30 closes the second occlusion / cutting section 342 of the second tube 172 to prevent the red blood cells 64 from flowing into the second bag 162.

[0056] 7A , a third step is performed in which the preservation solution 68 in the third bag 163 is transferred to the first bag 161. In the third step, the first occlusion cutting unit 341 opens the first tube 171, the second occlusion cutting unit 342 closes the second tube 172, and the third occlusion cutting unit 343 opens the third tube 173. Furthermore, the first control unit 30 drives the second pushing unit 382 to press the third bag 163. The preservation solution 68 in the third bag 163 is transferred to the first bag 161. When the second pushing unit 382 completely presses the third bag 163, the third step is completed. Through the above steps, the separation of the blood components 63a and the addition of the preservation solution 68 are completed.

[0057] 7B , a fourth step is performed in which the tube 17 is sealed and cut. The first occluding cutter 341 seals and cuts the first tube 171, the second occluding cutter 342 seals and cuts the second tube 172, and the third occluding cutter 343 seals and cuts the third tube 173. In the fourth step, the first bag 161 is separated from the second bag 162 and the third bag 163. Furthermore, the second bag 162 is separated from the third bag 163 by sealing and cutting the second tube 172.

[0058] The above steps complete the centrifugation operation in the centrifuge 12. Thereafter, the rotating body 14 is removed from the centrifuge 12. The next unprocessed rotating body 14 is attached to the centrifuge 12 from which the rotating body 14 was removed, and the next centrifugation operation is performed. The rotating body 14 removed from the centrifuge 12 is transported outside the centrifuge 12. Thereafter, the first bag 161, the second bag 162, and the third bag 163 are removed from the rotating body 14.

[0059] As described above, the centrifugal separation system 10 of this embodiment allows the rotor 14 to be miniaturized, thereby enabling the centrifuge 12 to be miniaturized. Furthermore, because the centrifuge bag set 16 can be attached to and detached from the rotor 14 at a location separate from the centrifuge 12, the centrifuge system 10 can reduce the waiting time of the centrifuge 12 and increase the availability of the centrifuge 12. Furthermore, the rotor 14 of this embodiment can automatically transfer the centrifuged blood components 63a to the second bag 162, add the preservative solution 68 from the third bag 163 to the first bag 161, and seal and separate the first bag 161 and the second bag 162. Therefore, the centrifuge system 10 can reduce labor.

[0060] Second Embodiment This embodiment relates to modified examples of the rotor 14A and the centrifuge bag set 16A. Note that, since the configuration of the centrifuge 12 is the same, a description of the centrifuge 12 will be omitted in this embodiment. In addition, in the configuration of the rotor 14A and the centrifuge bag set 16A of this embodiment, the same components as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7B are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] The rotating body 14A shown in Fig. 8A includes a first slot 181, a second slot 182, a third slot 183, and a fourth slot 184. A first extrusion portion 381 is provided in the first slot 181, and a second extrusion portion 382 is provided in the fourth slot 184. Note that the third slot 183 is not provided with an extrusion portion 38. The tube accommodating portion 32 includes a circumferential portion 325, a first flow path groove 321, a second flow path groove 322, a third flow path groove 323, and a fourth flow path groove 324. The circumferential portion 325 extends in the circumferential direction. The first flow groove 321 is located on the inner circumferential side of the first slot 181, the second flow groove 322 is located on the inner circumferential side of the second slot 182, the third flow groove 323 is located on the inner circumferential side of the third slot 183, and the fourth flow groove 324 is located on the inner circumferential side of the fourth slot 184. The first flow groove 321, the second flow groove 322, the third flow groove 323, and the fourth flow groove 324 each extend a short distance in the radial direction and connect to the circumferential portion 325.

[0062] A liquid sensor 36 is provided in the first flow channel 321. A first occlusion cutting portion 341 is disposed in a circumferential portion 325 between the first flow channel 321 and the second flow channel 322. A second occlusion cutting portion 342 is provided in the second flow channel 322. A third occlusion cutting portion 343 is provided in the third flow channel 323. A fourth occlusion cutting portion 344 is provided in the fourth flow channel 324.

[0063] The layout of the tube accommodating portion 32 in this embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and various modifications are possible.

[0064] 8B, the rotating body 14A includes a first control unit 30A. The first control unit 30A drives the first occluding cutting unit 341, the second occluding cutting unit 342, the third occluding cutting unit 343, the fourth occluding cutting unit 344, the first pushing unit 381, and the second pushing unit 382 based on a control signal from the centrifuge 12 (see FIG. 4).

[0065] 9A , the centrifuge bag set 16A in the initial state includes a blood collection needle 165, a first bag 161, a second bag 162, a third bag 163, a fourth bag 164, and a filter 167. The first bag 161 and the blood collection needle 165 are connected to the first bag 161 via a blood collection tube 175. The first bag 161 is an empty bag in the initial state. The first bag 161 has a first tube 171 separate from the blood collection tube 175. The tip of the first tube 171 is connected to the fourth bag 164. A filter 167 is connected to the first tube 171 near the fourth bag 164. The filter 167 adsorbs and removes white blood cells and platelets.

[0066] A second tube 172 and a third tube 173 are connected to the first tube 171. The second bag 162 and the third bag 163 are empty bags in an initial state. The second bag 162 is connected to the first tube 171 via the second tube 172. The third bag 163 is connected to the first tube 171 via the third tube 173. The fourth bag 164 contains the preservative solution 68 in an initial state.

[0067] Hereinafter, blood processing using the rotor 14A and the centrifugal bag set 16A of this embodiment will be described.

[0068] 9A , the centrifuge bag set 16A is used to collect whole blood 63 by puncturing a blood donor with a blood collection needle 165. The whole blood 63 collected by the blood collection needle 165 is stored in the first bag 161 through a blood collection tube 175. After the blood collection is completed, the blood collection tube 175 is cut at the cutting position 177 shown in the figure.

[0069] 9B , the centrifuge bag set 16A is attached to the rotating body 14A. The first bag 161 of the centrifuge bag set 16A is accommodated in the first slot 181, the second bag 162 is accommodated in the second slot 182, the third bag 163 is accommodated in the third slot 183, and the fourth bag 164 is accommodated in the fourth slot 184. In the first slot 181, the identification information of the first bag 161 is read by the reader 24. The first tube 171 is accommodated in the first flow groove 321, the circumferential portion 325, and the fourth flow groove 324. The liquid sensor 36, the first occlusion cutter 341, and the fourth occlusion cutter 344 are attached to the first tube 171.

[0070] The second tube 172 is housed in the second flow channel 322 and has a second occluding cutting part 342 attached thereto. The third tube 173 is attached to the third flow channel 323 and has a third occluding cutting part 343 attached thereto.

[0071] Next, the rotor 14A is mounted in the centrifuge 12 shown in Fig. 4, and the centrifugation step is performed. In the centrifugation step, first, as shown in Fig. 9B, the rotor 14A is rotated with the first occluding cutting unit 341 to the fourth occluding cutting unit 344 closed to centrifuge the blood components 63a in the first bag 161.

[0072] 10A , when the blood components 63a in the first bag 161 are centrifuged, they are separated into red blood cells 64, a buffy coat 70, and plasma 66. The plasma 66 is formed in a region closest to the first tube 171, and the red blood cells 64 are formed in a region farthest from the first tube 171. The buffy coat 70 is formed between the plasma 66 and the red blood cells 64.

[0073] Next, a second step is performed in which the plasma 66 is transferred to the second bag 162. In the second step, the first control unit 30A opens the first occluding cutting unit 341 and the second occluding cutting unit 342 and drives the first pushing unit 381 to press the first bag 161. This transfers the plasma 66 from the first bag 161 to the second bag 162. The liquid sensor 36 detects a change in the components of the first tube 171. When the liquid sensor 36 detects a change from the plasma 66 to the buffy coat 70, the first control unit 30A closes the second occluding cutting unit 342 and ends the second step.

[0074] Thereafter, a third step is performed in which the buffy coat 70 is transferred to the third bag 163. As shown in Fig. 10B, in the third step, the first control unit 30A opens the first occluding cutter 341 and the third occluding cutter 343. This transfers the buffy coat 70 to the third bag 163. When the liquid sensor 36 detects a change from the buffy coat 70 to red blood cells 64, the first control unit 30A closes the third occluding cutter 343, and the third step ends.

[0075] 11A , a fourth step is performed in which the preservation solution 68 in the fourth bag 164 is transferred to the first bag 161. In the fourth step, the first control unit 30A opens the first occluding cutter 341 and the fourth occluding cutter 344 and closes the second occluding cutter 342 and the third occluding cutter 343. The second pushing unit 382 pushes out the preservation solution 68 in the fourth bag 164. As a result, the preservation solution 68 in the fourth bag 164 is transferred to the first bag 161.

[0076] 11B , a fifth step is performed in which the mixed solution 64a of the preservative solution 68 and the red blood cells 64 in the first bag 161 is transferred to the fourth bag 164. In the fifth step, the first control unit 30A presses the first bag 161 with the first extrusion unit 381. As a result, the contents of the first bag 161 are transferred to the fourth bag 164. During this transfer, platelets and white blood cells remaining in the mixed solution 64a in the first bag 161 are removed by the filter 167. As a result, the mixed solution 64a from which the platelets and white blood cells have been removed is obtained in the fourth bag 164.

[0077] The rotating body 14A of this embodiment can perform centrifugation using different types of centrifuge bag sets 16A. Conventionally, a dedicated centrifuge 12 was required for each of the centrifuge bag sets 16 and 16A. In contrast, the centrifuge system 10 described above can use the same centrifuge 12 as the rotating body 14 of the first embodiment, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the centrifuge 12. Different types of centrifugation can be performed simply by switching between the rotating body 14 and the rotating body 14A, allowing for flexible and highly efficient centrifugation.

[0078] (Third Embodiment) This embodiment relates to a rotating body 14B shown in Figures 12A and 12B. The basic configuration of the rotating body 14B is similar to that of the rotating body 14 (first embodiment) shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In the configuration of the rotating body 14B of this embodiment, the same components as those of the rotating body 14 of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] 12A and 12B , the rotating body 14B is provided with a temperature measurement unit 25 in each of the first slot 181, the second slot 182, and the third slot 183. The temperature measurement unit 25 is a contact or non-contact temperature sensor. The temperature measurement unit 25 provided in the first slot 181 measures the temperature of the first bag 161 accommodated in the first slot 181. The temperature measurement unit 25 provided in the second slot 182 measures the temperature of the second bag 162 accommodated in the second slot 182. The temperature measurement unit 25 provided in the third slot 183 measures the temperature of the third bag 163 accommodated in the third slot 183.

[0080] The temperature measurement unit 25 periodically measures the temperatures of the first bag 161, the second bag 162, and the third bag 163. The measurement results of the temperature measurement unit 25 are stored in the first control unit 30 while one centrifuge bag set 16 is stored. The measurement results of the temperature measurement unit 25 are transmitted from the first control unit 30 to the second control unit 60 and used to control the operation of the temperature regulator 54. The measurement results of the temperature measurement unit 25 are also transmitted to a quality control device (not shown) at a predetermined timing at the blood center and used to confirm whether the first bag 161, the second bag 162, and the third bag 163 were maintained within a predetermined temperature range during the centrifugation process. The blood center can use the measurement results of the temperature measurement unit 25 to ensure the safety of blood products by sending only the centrifuge bag sets 16 maintained within the predetermined temperature range to the next process based on the measurement results of the temperature measurement unit 25.

[0081] The rotor 14B of this embodiment makes it possible to confirm whether the predetermined temperature was maintained during the centrifugation process for all of the centrifuge bag sets 16. In other words, by using the rotor 14B of this embodiment, it is possible to confirm that the blood product has been prepared within a predetermined temperature range.

[0082] In addition, the rotating body 14B of this embodiment may be configured by attaching a temperature measurement unit 25 to each of the first slot 181, second slot 182, third slot 183, and fourth slot 184 of the rotating body 14A shown in Figure 8A.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A centrifugation system that performs centrifugation using a centrifuge bag set having a first bag that contains a liquid to be treated, one or more child bags that transfer liquid between the first bag and the child bags, the centrifugation system comprising: a rotating body that contains one of the centrifuge bag sets; and a centrifuge that rotates the rotating body, the rotating body being attached to and detached from the centrifuge that centrifuges the centrifuge bag set while containing the centrifuge bag set.

2. A centrifuge system according to claim 1, wherein the rotor comprises: a plurality of slots arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis, for accommodating the first bag and the child bag at intervals in the circumferential direction; and a liquid transfer mechanism for transferring liquid between the first bag and the child bag spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

3. A centrifuge system according to claim 2, wherein said rotating body is provided with a balancer for offsetting displacement of the center of gravity of said centrifuge bag set.

4. A centrifuge system according to claim 2, wherein the liquid delivery mechanism includes a pushing section that presses the first bag or the child bag into at least one of the slots.

5. A centrifuge system according to claim 4, wherein the liquid delivery mechanism comprises a tube accommodating section for accommodating the tube, and a blocking / cutting section provided in the tube accommodating section and capable of blocking or sealing the tube.

6. A centrifuge system according to claim 5, wherein said rotor is provided with a liquid sensor for detecting the composition of the liquid inside said tube.

7. A centrifuge system according to claim 2, wherein said rotor has a reader for reading identification information from said centrifuge bag set.

8. A centrifuge system according to claim 7, wherein the rotating body includes a first control unit that receives a control signal for the centrifuge and transmits the identification information of the centrifuge bag set to the centrifuge.

9. A centrifuge system according to claim 8, wherein said first control unit drives said liquid delivery mechanism based on said control signal.

10. A centrifuge system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the centrifuge comprises: a rotating body storage chamber for storing the rotating body; a rotation drive unit for rotating the rotating body; and a second control unit for controlling the rotation drive unit, wherein the second control unit monitors the rotating body and sends the control signal to the first control unit.

11. A centrifuge system according to claim 2, wherein the rotating body has a temperature measuring unit provided in each of the slots, and the temperature measuring unit measures the temperature of the first bag and the child bag.

12. A rotor for a centrifuge system which performs centrifugation using one centrifuge bag set having a first bag for containing a liquid to be processed, one or more child bags for transferring liquid between the first bag and the child bag, and a tube connecting the first bag and the child bag, the rotor comprising: a first slot for accommodating the first bag; at least one second slot arranged spaced apart from the first slot in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis and accommodating the child bag; and a liquid delivery mechanism for transferring liquid between the first bag in the first slot and the child bag in the second slot, the rotor being attached to and detached from a centrifuge which centrifuges the centrifuge bag set while accommodating the centrifuge bag set.

13. A rotating body as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a temperature measuring unit provided in each of the first slot and the second slot, the temperature measuring unit measuring the temperatures of the first bag and the child bag.

14. A centrifuge for a centrifuge system that performs centrifugation using a single centrifuge bag set having a first bag for containing a liquid to be treated, one or more child bags for transferring liquid between the first bag and the child bags, the centrifuge comprising: a rotary drive unit that detachably supports a rotating body that contains the centrifuge bag set and rotates the rotating body; and a second control unit that sends a control signal to the rotating body, the second control unit monitoring the operation of the rotating body.