Method and apparatus for removal of gas bubbles from blood

A gas removal system for use in a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit for use with a patient, said system comprising:

• a pump for pumping blood from the patient through the bypass circuit;
• a blood filter for removing gas bubbles from blood passing through the bypass circuit, said blood filter comprising:
• a shell defining a chamber characterized by a central axis, a top and bottom;
• an impeller disposed within the chamber;
• a motor operably connected to the impeller,
• a gas vent in fluid communication with the central axis of the chamber and located proximate the top of the chamber,
• a blood inlet port affixed to the chamber;
• and
• a blood outlet port located at the radial periphery of said chamber;
• wherein the impeller is configured to rotate a volume of blood within the chamber.