A removable second stage biocompatible substrate filter including biocompatible implant material configured to trap second stage operative particulate matter, wherein the removable second stage biocompatible substrate filter is configured to combine with first stage operative particulate matter captured from irrigation fluid by a first stage filter, defining a combined product and the removable second stage biocompatible substrate filter is configured to be removable from a filter device container.

Dialysis is enhanced by using nanoclay sorbents to better absorb body wastes in a flow-through system. The nanoclay sorbents, using montmorillonite, bentonite, and other clays, absorb significantly more ammonium, phosphate, and creatinine, and the like, than conventional sorbents. The montmorillonite, the bentonite, and the other clays may be used in wearable systems, in which a dialysis fluid is circulated through a filter with the nanoclay sorbents. Waste products are absorbed by the montmorillonite, the bentonite, and the other clays and the dialysis fluid is recycled to a patient's peritoneum. Using an ion-exchange capability of the montmorillonite, the bentonite, and the other clays, waste ions in the dialysis fluid are replaced with desirable ions, such as calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. The nanoclay sorbents are also useful for refreshing a dialysis fluid used in hemodialysis and thus reducing a quantity of the dialysis fluid needed for the hemodialysis.

Methods and devices are disclosed for processing stromal precursor cells (i.e., cells which can differentiate into connective tissue cells, such as in muscles, ligaments, or tendons) which can be obtained from fatty tissue extracts obtained via liposuction. Normal processing of a liposuction extract involves centrifugation, to concentrate the stromal cells into a semi-concentrated form called spun fat. That spun fat can then be treated by mechanical processing (such as pressure-driven extrusion through 0.5 mm holes) under conditions which can gently pry the stromal cells away from extra-cellular collagen fibers and other debris in the spun fat. The extruded mixture is then centrifuged again, to separate a highly-enriched population of stromal cells which is suited for injection back into the patient (along with platelet cells, if desired, to further promote tissue repair or regeneration).

A method of making an elongate catheter tube, includes forming an outer surface with opposing flat sides, forming a first lumen with a first cross-sectional circular shape and a first cross-sectional area, forming a second lumen with a second cross-sectional circular shape and a second cross-sectional area substantially equivalent to the first cross-sectional circular shape and the first cross-sectional area, and forming a third lumen with a third cross-sectional circular shape and a third cross-sectional area. The third cross-sectional area can be smaller than the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area. The third lumen can be axially offset from a central axis of the elongate catheter tube and adjacent to a first side of the opposing flat sides. The third lumen can be formed to withstand pressures associated with power injection of a fluid therethrough.

In a blood circulation system (10), a first blood circulation device (12) includes a first detection unit (22) that detects a first flow rate of blood flowing through a first blood sending vessel portion (28). A second blood circulation device (14) includes a second detection unit (95) that detects a second flow rate of blood flowing through a blood sending cannula (110). A first control section (74) controls a first centrifugal pump (20) based on a detection result of the second detection unit (95). A second control section (154) controls a second centrifugal pump (92) based on a detection result of the first detection unit (22).

The present invention provides for a removable second stage biocompatible substrate filter that includes biocompatible implant material configured to trap second stage operative particulate matter that may include at least one of bone fragments, plasma, stem cells, cellular matter, and growth factors captured from irrigation fluid. The second stage biocompatible substrate filter may be configured to combine with bone fragments captured from irrigation fluid by a first stage filter and may be configured to be operable with a reaming and collection device.

An apparatus (1) for providing agitation inside a patient's body cavity (C) is such that substantially all the fluid and/or content present in the body cavity (C) is agitated and comprises a gas source (6, 7); means for delivering gas (2) from the gas source (6, 7) into a patient's body cavity (C); and means for recovering gas (9) from the patient's body cavity (C). A gas-fluid separation device (9) and a securing device for use with the apparatus (1), a method for providing agitation inside a patient's body cavity (C), a method for administering a therapeutic fluid into a patient's cavity (C), a method for securing the agitation apparatus (1) to a patient using the securing device and a method for the separation of a gas from a fluid using the gas-fluid separation device (9) are also disclosed.

An apparatus (1) for providing agitation inside a patient's body cavity (C) is such that substantially all the fluid and/or content present in the body cavity (C) is agitated and comprises a gas source (6, 7); means for delivering gas (2) from the gas source (6, 7) into a patient's body cavity (C); and means for recovering gas (9) from the patient's body cavity (C). A gas-fluid separation device (9) and a securing device for use with the apparatus (1), a method for providing agitation inside a patient's body cavity (C), a method for administering a therapeutic fluid into a patient's cavity (C), a method for securing the agitation apparatus (1) to a patient using the securing device and a method for the separation of a gas from a fluid using the gas-fluid separation device (9) are also disclosed.

Provided, among other things, is a method of treating cerebral spinal fluid comprising: (a) utilizing a channel of a pump to draw CSF from a subject's subarachnoid space of the subject's brain or spinal column; (b) subjecting the drawn CSF to membrane dialysis against a dialysate fluid to reduce immune or inflammatory mediators; and (c) utilizing a second channel of the synchronized dual channel pump to return the dialyzed CSF to the subarachnoid space of the subject's brain or spinal column. For example, the pump can be a synchronized dual channel pump. In one embodiment, the method further comprises: (d) removing cellular matter from the CSF to produce reduced cell content CSF, wherein the reduced cell content CSF is subjected to membrane dialysis.

A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body defining a first lumen and a second lumen, and a split distal region extending from a distal end of the catheter body. The split distal region includes an arterial segment defined by an outer wall enclosing an arterial segment lumen, the arterial segment lumen in fluid communication with the catheter body first lumen, and a venous segment defined by an outer wall enclosing a venous segment lumen, the venous segment lumen in fluid communication with the catheter body second lumen, the venous segment outer wall extending from the catheter body distal end to a distal nose portion. The distal nose portion may taper distally from a first outer perimeter to a second outer perimeter smaller than the first outer perimeter.