FILTERS WITH GRADIENT POROSITIES

摘要

Multiple embodiments of medical filters are described. For example, this document describes extracorporeal blood filters that have a gradient of filter pore sizes at different portions of the filter element. The gradient of filter pore sizes may enhance the filter's potential for capturing and removing gaseous bubbles that may be present in the blood or other fluid that is flowing through the filter.

主权项

1. A venous blood reservoir for use in an extracorporeal circuit, the reservoir comprising:
an outer housing defining an internal space, the outer housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion; and a venous filter comprising a porous filter material disposed within the internal space, the filter having an upper filter end portion and a lower filter end portion, the upper filter end portion disposed adjacent the upper housing portion and the lower filter end portion disposed adjacent the lower housing portion,
wherein an average pore size of the porous filter material disposed at the lower filter end portion is less than an average pore size of the porous filter material disposed at the upper filter end portion.