Leucocyte depleting filter device and method of use

摘要

Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies and methods for removing leucocytes and other deleterious matter from a leucocyte-containing liquid are disclosed. Leucocyte depletion filter assemblies have a generally cylindrical housing having first and second chambers and an inlet into the first chamber and an outlet from the second chamber and a vent. A porous degassing element is positioned between the first and second chambers to remove gas from the liquid and the degassing element communicates with a vent covered with a liquophobic membrane which allows gas but not the liquid to flow through the vent. A hollow, cylindrical filter element is positioned in the second chamber and comprises a fibrous mass of microfibers capable of decreasing the leucocyte content of the liquid at a flow rate capacity of six liters per minute at a differential pressure of less than 15 psi. The mass of microfibers have a CWST of at least 53 dynes/cm and a graded pore size over at least a substantial radial portion of the microfibrous mass. The interior of the hollow filter element communicates with the outlet. These filter assemblies are suitable for use in an extracorporeal circuit. Leucocytes and other deleterious matter are removed from the leucocyte-containing liquid by passing the leucocyte-containing liquid through these filter assemblies.