Temperature control device for use in fluid-based hyper/hypothermia systems, comprising a connection unit for connecting the device to a local power network, and a fluid temperature control unit for heating or cooling a fluid. The device includes a power supply unit, by which electrical consuming components of the fluid temperature control unit are supplied with power, and which effects supply of the electrical consuming components with direct current.

Flexible housing filters for filtration of fluids and methods of making such filters are disclosed. The filters may include one or more peripheral seals in the flexible housing.

A method and device treats cancer where blood from a cancer patient passes through an array of passageways within an interior of a chamber. The passageways include wells having porous membrane wall portions that enable a molecular-sized activating agent in a carrier fluid that enhances an immune response to pass through these porous wall portions. Pore size is such to allow the molecular-sized activating agent in the interior of the chamber to enter the wells yet prevents immune cells and cancer cells in the wells to pass through the porous wall portions into the interior of the chamber. Blood is retained in the wells so that it remains in contact with the immune cells and cancer cells for a predetermined period sufficient to enhance an immune response. Then the cells with an enhanced immune response are return to the patient.

This document relates to the apparatus and methods used in the minimally invasive creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). In particular, the invention relates to the creation of an AVF using catheters and an alignment methodology that is based upon detection of asymmetric electric fields. The invention finds particular application in vascular access (VA) in the hemodialysis (HD) population.

The present invention relates to a portable lung assist device. In one embodiment, the portable lung assist device comprises an integrated oxygenator, blood pump, and cannula. In one embodiment, the portable lung assist device of the present invention does not require an oxygen tank, but instead can provide oxygen to a subject's blood from ambient air. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the portable lung assist device, for example the cannula can be implantable. In one embodiment, the cannula of the device of the present invention can be inserted in to the subject's pulmonary artery. A method for providing portable lung assistance is also described.

A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a pressure sensor mounted at a proximal end of a patient line made of a distensible material that provides PD solution to a patient through a catheter. During treatment, an occlusion can occur at different locations in the patient line and/or the catheter. When an incremental volume of additional solution is provided to the patient line while the occlusion is present, a change in pressure results. The change in pressure depends on the dimensions and the distensibility of the non-occluded portion of the patient line. If the change in pressure, the incremental volume, the properties related to the distensibility of the patient line, and some of the dimensions of the patient line are known, the location of the occlusion can be inferred. The occlusion type can be inferred based on the determined location.

An anti-cancer substance is administered via the patient's blood ex vivo and in line by establishing a connection between the patient and a device having a chamber containing the anti-cancer substance. The patient's blood in the chamber and the anti-cancer substance interact so that immune cells in the blood (1) are activated to produce an immune response in the patient, or (2) are pre-armed by attaching to the cells antibodies, or (3) both. After activating or pre-arming the cells, the patient's treated blood is returned to the patient. The anti-cancer substance may be within the chamber prior to drawing the patient's blood into the chamber, may be introduced into the chamber after drawing the patient's blood into the chamber, or may be introduced into the chamber concurrent with the introduction of the patient's blood into the chamber. The connection is terminated after returning to the patient's blood including the activated or pre-armed cells.

An anti-cancer substance is administered via the patient's blood ex vivo and in line by establishing a connection between the patient and a device having a chamber containing the anti-cancer substance. The patient's blood in the chamber and the anti-cancer substance interact so that immune cells in the blood (1) are activated to produce an immune response in the patient, or (2) are pre-armed by attaching to the cells antibodies, or (3) both. After activating or pre-arming the cells, the patient's treated blood is returned to the patient. The anti-cancer substance may be within the chamber prior to drawing the patient's blood into the chamber, may be introduced into the chamber after drawing the patient's blood into the chamber, or may be introduced into the chamber concurrent with the introduction of the patient's blood into the chamber. The connection is terminated after returning to the patient's blood including the activated or pre-armed cells.

The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

A system and methods are described for improving the management of ischemic cardiac tissue during acute coronary syndromes. The system combines a catheter-based sub-system which allows for simultaneous balloon dilation of a coronary artery and infusion of a carefully controlled perfusate during percutaneous coronary intervention. The system allows for modulation of levels of oxygen at the time of percutaneous intervention. In addition, catheters and systems are provided for administration of fluids with modified oxygen content during an intervention that incorporate upstream flow control members to compartmentalize the perfusion of the target coronary artery and the remainder of the heart.