Apparatus and method for in-vivo plasmapheresis using periodic backflush
First Claim
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1. A method of carrying out human in-vivo plasmapheresis comprising:
- implanting a filter device within a blood vessel of a patient, said filter device comprising a plurality of elongated hollow microporous fibers;
providing a multiple lumen catheter in fluid communication with the hollow interior of said fibers, and diffusing plasma and toxins from the patient'"'"'s blood through the wall of said fibers into the hollow interior thereof; and
periodically interrupting said diffusion of plasma and toxins and backflushing said fibers by directing a backflush fluid containing an amount of anticoagulant at least sufficient to provide fiber thromboresistance through a lumen of said catheter into said fibers at a pressure and for an interval sufficient to substantially cleanse the pores of said filter, and after said interval, resuming said diffusion of plasma.
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Abstract
Apparatus and method for in-vivo plasmapheresis utilizing a plurality of elongated hollow microporous filter fibers periodically interrupt diffusion of blood plasma from a patient, and, for a selected time, backflush fluid into the fibers at a pressure and interval sufficient to cleanse the fiber pores, after which plasma diffusion is resumed. The backflush fluid, preferably a normal saline solution, may contain an anticoagulant such as heparin in suitable concentration for systemic anti-coagulation or for treating the fiber for thromboresistance.
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13 Claims
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1. A method of carrying out human in-vivo plasmapheresis comprising:
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implanting a filter device within a blood vessel of a patient, said filter device comprising a plurality of elongated hollow microporous fibers;
providing a multiple lumen catheter in fluid communication with the hollow interior of said fibers, and diffusing plasma and toxins from the patient'"'"'s blood through the wall of said fibers into the hollow interior thereof; and
periodically interrupting said diffusion of plasma and toxins and backflushing said fibers by directing a backflush fluid containing an amount of anticoagulant at least sufficient to provide fiber thromboresistance through a lumen of said catheter into said fibers at a pressure and for an interval sufficient to substantially cleanse the pores of said filter, and after said interval, resuming said diffusion of plasma. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification