MECHANICAL LEECH SYSTEM

摘要

A mechanical leech system may include a fluid exchange assembly. The fluid exchange assembly may be attached to a patient's target tissue area via suturing or the like, and may be activated to perform blood removal and treatment agent infusion. The fluid exchange assembly may include an inflow pathway for infusion of treatment agents into the tissue area, and an outflow pathway for removal of blood. The outflow pathway may be sized and/or shaped to promote laminar fluid flow and avoid coagulation. The assembly may include a channel housing, gasket, and base. Needles seated in the assembly may receive blood from a patient and infuse a treatment agent into the patient. The assembly may be connectable to a pump to urge the blood and the treatment agent through the inflow and outflow pathways. A cradle optionally provides protection and storage for the assembly.

主权项

1. A system for promoting fluid exchange within a target tissue area, the system comprising:
a first needle comprising a first lumen sized to receive blood from target tissue area; a second needle comprising a second lumen sized to receive blood from the target tissue area; and a housing comprising:
a first outflow channel comprising a first branch, a second branch, and an exit branch in fluid communication with the first branch and the second branch;an outflow exit port in fluid communication with the exit branch;a first outflow entrance port in fluid communication with the first branch;a second outflow entrance port spaced apart from the first outflow entrance port and in fluid communication with the second branch; wherein the first and second needles are coupled to the first outflow entrance port and the second outflow entrance port, respectively, such that blood flows from the first lumen into the first branch and from the second lumen into the second branch; and wherein the first outflow channel is shaped to promote laminar flow of blood from the first and second outflow entrance ports to the outflow exit port.