Device allowing serial use of clean and alternative blood filters during blood filtration

摘要

A device that allows for serial (time) use of clean blood filters during the use of a heart lung machine. The device is comprised of a series of filters and a switching mechanism that allows the new filter to be placed in the blood flow pathway while at the same time removing the old (previous) filter. A clean filter is always available, and filters for specific components of blood or those able to bind and remove specific biochemicals can be used.

主权项

1. A continuous extracorporeal blood filtration system comprising:
a line for the continuous circulation of blood for filtration comprising an outlet line portion and an inlet line portion for the circulation of blood for filtration; a plurality of intermediate lines connected in parallel between said outlet line portion and said inlet line portion; a filter connected to each of said parallel lines, one of said filters being operable at a particular time to permit the flow of blood therethrough; a valve connected in each parallel line upstream of the corresponding filter to permit blood flow through a single filter at one time; and control means coupled to each valve to serially activate such valves switching the blood flow to another filter and closing the flow to the previously active filter.