Method and apparatus for axial flow filtration

A method for providing axial, pressurized fluid flow filtration utilizing tissue filter medium wound about a spool, wherein a distal end of said tissue filter medium and spool are partially received within a cap having an end face and an annular wall portion, a cannister having a closed end and an open end that is closed by a cover equipped with an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting, wherein said medium spool, and cover are disposed within said canister and a proximal end of said medium and spool are positioned proximate said cover, and wherein there is no need for a further structural element in said spool, comprising the steps of:

• a) encompassing said cap and at least a part of said wound tissue medium with a wrapping comprising tissue wound co-axially with said wound tissue filter medium wherein said wrapping extends beyond said end face of said cap,
• b) disposing the proximal end of said spool proximal to said inlet fitting in sealable communication with said inlet fitting,
• c) providing a communicating passage for fluid flow between the distal end of said spool and the distal end of said wound tissue medium and said end face of said cap,
• d) providing a communicating passage for fluid flow between said proximal end of said wound tissue filter medium and said outlet fitting,
• e) inserting said spool, said wound filter tissue medium, said cap, and said wrapping into said canister forcibly to squeeze said skirt portion between said cap and said canister cup portion thereby to prevent fluid by-pass flow around said wound tissue filter medium.