A method for removing fat from salvaged blood includes transferring salvaged blood from a reservoir to a blood component separation device, and separating the blood into a plurality of blood components. The method may then transfer a volume of unwashed blood components from the blood component separation device back toward the reservoir, and recentrifuge the blood components remaining within the blood component separation device. After re-centrifuging, the method transfers additional salvaged blood from the reservoir to the blood component separation device to refill the blood component separation device. The method may then wash the components within the bowl by introducing wash solution into the blood component separation device. The wash solution displaces a volume of fat from the blood component separation device and into a waste container. The method may then empty the washed blood components within the blood component separation device to a product container.

An improved method for separating whole blood into components and collecting a desired blood component. The method allows a desired blood component to be subjected to centrifugal forces within a separator for prolonged periods of time, yielding a cleaner cut and higher yield of the desired blood component. Whole blood is drawn from a source and pumped into a separator, the undesired blood components are removed from the separator at rates so as to build up the desired blood component in the separator. The desired blood component is only removed after a predetermined amount of the desired blood component has built up in the separator. It is preferred that the desired blood component be buffy coat and that the method be used to perform photopheresis treatments. In another aspect, the invention is a method of performing a full photopheresis treatment to treat diseases in a reduced time, preferably less than about 70 minutes, and more preferably less than about 45 minutes.

An improved method for separating whole blood into components and collecting a desired blood component. The method allows a desired blood component to be subjected to centrifugal forces within a separator for prolonged periods of time, yielding a cleaner cut and higher yield of the desired blood component. Whole blood is drawn from a source and pumped into a separator, the undesired blood components are removed from the separator at rates so as to build up the desired blood component in the separator. The desired blood component is only removed after a predetermined amount of the desired blood component has built up in the separator. It is preferred that the desired blood component be buffy coat and that the method be used to perform photopheresis treatments. In another aspect, the invention is a method of performing a full photopheresis treatment to treat diseases in a reduced time, preferably less than about 70 minutes, and more preferably less than about 45 minutes.

A pneumatically controlled gas washout vent is configured to vent respiratory gas from a patient interface. The gas washout vent includes an inflatable body, a pump configured to pressurize the inflatable body, and housing that enclosed the inflatable body and the pump. An airflow passage extends between the inflatable body and a wall of the housing. The inflatable body is configured to expand upon being inflated by the pump and narrow the airflow passage upon being inflated.