Self-loading fluid line loop arrangement for centrifuge system
Inventors
O'Brien, Peter • Holmes, Brian M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12377202-B2
Publication Date
2025-08-05
Expiration Date
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
Provides an apheresis system for separating a component from a multi-component fluid using a centrifuge. A filler is used with a channel for holding a separation bladder of a disposable, where the channel comprises two opposing walls. A loop rotational position guide runs along a length of an outer surface of a centrifuge housing, including a plurality of bearings along the length.
The plurality of bearings of the loop rotational position guide is configured to hold a flexible loop of a disposable when the separation bladder is loaded in the channel. The loop rotational position guide is associated with a mechanical arrangement that includes bearing features, including roller bearing configurations, positioned along an outer surface of the centrifuge housing to guide and contain the flexible loop during use.
The overall system concepts include centrifuge and filler architectures for receiving and seating disposable bladders using spiral or spiral-jog channel concepts, together with fluid flow paths that include a direct flow lumen and a drip chamber architecture. The system-level concepts also include control elements with valves and sensors and controllers coordinating fluid separation and return behavior, including detection of downstream component extraction and forcing separated components back to the donor.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim. The independent claim includes two main inventive aspects: a filler with a channel that holds a separation bladder of a disposable, and a loop rotational position guide on an outer surface of a centrifuge housing that includes bearings configured to hold a flexible loop of a disposable when the bladder is loaded.
Filler channel holding a disposable separation bladder
A filler comprising a channel for holding a separation bladder of a disposable, wherein the channel comprises two opposing walls.
Loop rotational position guide with bearings holding a flexible loop
A loop rotational position guide running along a length of an outer surface of a centrifuge housing, the loop rotational position guide comprising a plurality of bearings along the length of the outer surface, the plurality of bearings configured to hold a flexible loop of a disposable when the separation bladder is loaded in the channel.
Across the provided independent claim, the coverage centers on pairing a filler channel that holds a disposable separation bladder with a centrifuge-housing outer-surface loop rotational position guide that includes a plurality of bearings configured to hold a flexible disposable loop during loading.
Stated Advantages
Provides a high-level disclosure intended to reduce donation time and improve donor comfort.
Documented Applications
Apheresis machine for separating a component from a multi-component fluid.
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