Autotransfusion membrane system with means for providing reverse filtration

An apparatus for treating autologous blood taken from a patient for reinfusion to the patient comprising:

• suction means for aspirating blood from a wound site;
• first conduit means for conducting said aspirated blood from said suction means;
• washing fluid retainer means for retaining washing fluid for admixing with said aspirated blood;
• second conduit means interconnected between said washing fluid retainer means and said first conduit for conducting washing fluid therebetween;
• first filter means for removing emboli and large particulates from said aspirated blood, said first filter means being connected to said first conduit means;
• filter casing means for enclosing said first filter means therein;
• vacuum connector means associated with said first filter means for attaching a source of vacuum thereto;
• reservoir means associated with said filter casing means for collecting filtered blood from said first filter means;
• second filter means for filtering excess fluids and particulates from said blood;
• third conduit means interconnected between said reservoir means and said second filter means for conducting blood therebetween;
• fourth conduit means interconnected between said second filter and said reservoir for conducting filtered blood therebetween;
• filtrate container means in fluid communication with said second filter means for containing said excess fluids and particulates filtered from said blood by said second filter means;
• structure means connectable to said second filter means for providing movement of fluid through said second filter means to effect reverse filtration relative to said second filter means;
• fifth conduit means interconnected between said second filter means and said filtrate container means for conducting filtrate therethrough;
• and
• reinfusion means associated with said blood collection means for reinfusing purified blood to the patient.

A method of obtaining and treating autologous blood for reinfusion into a patient comprising:

• providing apparatus for treating autologous blood comprising:
• aspiration means for aspirating blood from a patient;
• a source of washing fluid, first filter means for removing emboli and particulates from said blood;
• a source of vacuum associated with said first filter means;
• second filter means for removing excess fluid and particulates from said blood;
• structure means for providing movement of fluid through said second filter to effect reverse filtration therethrough;
• monitoring means for evaluating blood component levels;
• and
• reinfusion means;
• aspirating blood from said patient using said aspiration means;
• admixing said blood with washing fluid from said source of washing fluid;
• filtering said admixture of blood and washing fluid through said first filter means to remove emboli and particulates;
• filtering said admixture through said second filter means to remove particulates and excess fluid;
• selectively providing fluid to said second filter means from said structure means for providing reverse filtration to effect intermittent reverse filtration;
• monitoring said filtered blood cellular volume fraction in said blood;
• and
• reinfusing said filtered blood into said patient.