Abstract:
A support structure in the form of a foraminous screen netting having an upper plurality of strands arranged in parallel fashion and intersecting at an angle with a lower plurality of strands, also arranged in parallel fashion. Each strand provides a ridge whose apex extends in a direction generally normal to the plane of the screen upon which is supported substantially by line contact a semipermeable dialyzing membrane. Between each ridge is a groove into which extend channels defined in the membrane by the ridges.
Abstract:
An artificial kidney apparatus providing a blood compartment which is entirely self-contained within its own structure. The apparatus further provides, in the self-contained assembly, structure to vary the positive pressure within a dialysate chamber and the pressure gradient across the diffusion membrane. Improved connector units provide uniform blood distribution into the diffusion membrane.
Abstract:
Mass transfer diffusion devices, such as artificial kidneys and membrane oxygenators, are provided having a membrane support which comprises a supporting layer made from photoinsolubilized plastic. The supporting layer defines a plurality of projections of uniform height to support the membrane and to define fluid flow channels of uniform depth between the projections. The membrane support is fabricated by overlaying a photoinsolubilizable plastic layer with a master transparency having transparent and opaque areas disposed in a predetermined arrangement, passing light or other radiation through the transparency to insolubilize appropriate portions of the plastic layer, and then washing away the remaining soluble portions of the plastic layer.
Abstract:
A mass transfer device such as an artificial kidney is disclosed which describes a foraminous screen member supporting and lying against a length of semipermeable membrane of flattened tubular shape. The screen member and membrane are arranged in a spiral about a core, the screen member comprising first and second sets of spaced parallel strands in separate planes. The sets of strands lie against each other and define an angle thereto, and are connected to each other at their crossing points. One of the sets of strands is disposed in longitudinal relation to the axis of the tubular membrane. The strands of the longitudinally arranged set have center lines which are spaced apart from each other by a distance which is preferably at least twice the corresponding spacing distance between the strands of the other set.
Abstract:
An injection site for a flow conduit for biological fluids and the like, such as blood or parenteral solutions, is provided having improved resistance to leakage through needle punctures, even when the pressure within the flow conduit is substantially different from the pressure outside of the conduit. The conduit comprises tubing made of a biologically compatible material, in which a portion of the tubing is surrounded by an elastomeric sleeve injection site. A second elastic sleeve surrounds the first elastomeric sleeve, the second sleeve having an unstretched inner diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the elastomeric sleeve. As a result, the elastomeric sleeve is compressed by the second sleeve, whereby the sealing of the elastomeric sleeve after puncture by a needle is improved.
Abstract:
A bubble trap for liquid flowing in a conduit comprises an inlet port communicating with one end of a first chamber. The other end of the first chamber is closed, and a lateral port is defined in the side of the first chamber, communicating with the side of a second chamber between the ends thereof. The second chamber has an outlet port at an end opposite the inlet port, and a bubble collection port at an end adjacent the inlet port. The bubble collection port is closed with a resealable diaphragm, to permit the repeated aseptic insertion of a syringe to remove trapped gas.
Abstract:
A cover for sealingly closing the dialysate chamber of an extracorporeal kidney apparatus and providing a flow duct for passing dialyzing fluid from the chamber. A valve in said flow duct to adjust the flow (volume/time) and vary the pressure within the dialyzing fluid compartment.
Abstract:
An artificial kidney apparatus providing a blood compartment which is entirely self-contained within its own structure. The apparatus further provides, in the self-contained assembly, structure to vary the positive pressure within a dialysate chamber and the pressure gradient across the diffusion membrane. Improved connector units provide uniform blood distribution into the diffusion membrane.