Method and systems for high-throughput blood component collection
AssigneeTerumo BCT, Inc.
InventorsThomas J. Felt, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Brian M. Holmes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.
Claims21
A method for collecting a blood component through apheresis, the method comprising:
- drawing whole blood into a centrifuge from a whole blood source;
- introducing the whole blood into a blood component collection bladder having an inlet and an outlet, the whole blood being introduced through the inlet;
- spinning the centrifuge to cause centrifugal force to act on the whole blood to separate the whole blood in the blood component collection bladder into a least plasma and a blood component including concentrated red blood cells;
- separating plasma from the whole blood;
- extracting the plasma through the outlet of the blood component collection bladder into a container;
- detecting when red blood cells are being extracted through the outlet;
- and
- after the red blood cells are detected and while the centrifuge continues to spin, forcing the plasma back into the blood component collection bladder through the outlet to move the red blood cells through the inlet and out of the blood component collection bladder.
An apheresis system comprising:
- a first tube having a lumen, fluidly associated with the needle, that moves whole blood from a whole blood source through the lumen;
- a draw pump engaged with the first tube that draws the whole blood into a centrifuge;
- the centrifuge that spins to cause centrifugal force to act on the whole blood to separate the whole blood into a least plasma and a blood component including concentrated red blood cells;
- a blood component collection bladder, inserted into the centrifuge and fluidly associated with the first tube, that separates the plasma from the whole blood;
- a second tube, fluidly associated the blood collection bladder, that moves the plasma from the blood component collection bladder;
- a collection container, fluidly associated with the second tube, that collects the plasma;
- a first sensor positioned in physical proximity to the second tube to detect the presence of red blood cells in the second tube;
- a return pump, engaged with the second tube, that is configured to force the plasma back towards the blood component collection bladder through the second tube to move at least the blood component including red blood cells from the blood component collection bladder into the first tube after red blood cells are detected by the sensor and while the centrifuge continues to spin;
- and
- a second sensor configured to detect when the blood component including red blood cells has been expelled from the blood component collection bladder through the first tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.