Device intended to break at least one closure element located inside a flexible tube

Apparatus for treating a biological fluid comprising a flexible tube and a device, said device comprising:

• a closure element inside said flexible tube with a first part and a second part separated by a breakable weakening zone;
• an assembly for holding said flexible tube, said assembly comprising a fixed element with a first housing for holding a first portion of said flexible tube;
• a mobile element with a second housing for holding a second portion of said flexible tube;
• a member for moving the mobile element;
• a clamp;
• a handle;
• a means for detecting a presence of said flexible tube in said assembly;
• a means for determining an energy used for breaking of said weakening zone;
• wherein at least one of said first and second housings are formed inside a U-shaped groove;
• wherein said first and second housing are aligned along a center line defining a neutral position of said mobile element;
• wherein said member moves the mobile element to either side of said neutral position;
• wherein said movement of said mobile element breaks said weakening zone when said flexible tube is placed in said assembly;
• and
• wherein breaking said breakable weakening zone comprises enables a fluid to flow inside said flexible tube.

Method for breaking a closure element of an apparatus for treating a biological fluid comprising the steps of:

• providing a device with a closure element having a first part and a second part, said device further comprising an assembly with a fixed element and a mobile element;
• providing a member for moving said mobile element;
• placing said closure elements inside a flexible tube;
• defining a weakening zone between said first part and said second part;
• placing said flexible tube (21) in said assembly for holding (26) said device with the weakening zone (24);
• actuating the member (36) for moving the mobile element (29) to either side of a neutral position in such a way as to break the weakening zone (24) of the closure element (20).