Arterial safety air diverter

摘要

A safety air diverter for use in open-heart surgery comprises a perfusate chamber having an air outlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the perfusate chamber, a perfusate outlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the perfusate chamber opposite and in axial alignment with the air outlet port, and a perfusate inlet port in fluid communication with the interior of the perfusate chamber. A fluid containment and air exit line extends outwardly from the air outlet port, while a purge line provides fluid communication between the fluid containment and air exit line and the perfusate inlet port. A pressure responsive ball valve travels in a track in communication with and in axial alignment with the air outlet port, and selectively seats in an O-ring positioned in the air outlet port. The track can extend to and be in communication with the perfusate outlet port, with an O-ring also positioned adjacent the perfusate outlet port. A filter filters all fluid exiting the perfusate chamber through the perfusate outlet port. The longitudinal axis of the perfusate inlet port can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the perfusate chamber longitudinal axis, or alternatively, the perfusate inlet port can extend tangentially from the perfusate chamber.