Methods and systems for high-throughput blood component collection

Inventors

Felt, Thomas J. • Hlavinka, Dennis J. • Holmes, Brian M.

Assignees

Terumo BCT Inc

Abstract

Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to high-throughput apheresis systems and methods for collecting a first blood component while returning at least a second blood component to a donor. A target volume of the first blood component is determined and whole blood is drawn into a centrifuge after adding an anticoagulant. The centrifuge is spun at a first speed to separate the whole blood into the first blood component and the second blood component, and the first blood component is directed into a container.

The method returns at least the second blood component from the centrifuge back into the donor. A collected volume of the first blood component is determined, and when the collected volume equals the target volume, returning is reinitiated for a second return period. The returning during reinitiating includes delivering saline with the second blood component to the donor.

The centrifuge is spun to separate and return components in a coordinated manner. Spinning occurs while directing the first blood component into the container and/or while returning the at least the second blood component to the donor, and continuous/concurrent spinning is described. The overall system architecture includes a centrifuge node and a cassette node, with return and draw control coordinated by a controller/microcontroller.

Claims Coverage

The partial document provides two independent method claims. Across the independent claims, there are at least 6 main inventive features: determining a target volume before drawing, centrifuge-based separation into first and second blood components, directing the first component to a container, returning the second component to the donor, directly returning the second component from the centrifuge in one claim, and reinitiating returning with saline based on collected-volume equality in the other claim.

The independent claims define an apheresis collection method that determines a target volume of a first blood component before drawing whole blood, separates components in a centrifuge, directs the first component to a container, and returns at least the second component to the donor. One independent claim further includes measuring collected first-component volume and, upon equality with the target, reinitiating returning that includes delivering saline with the second component.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications