EP0038323B1 - A device for the separation of a liquid, especially whole blood - Google Patents
A device for the separation of a liquid, especially whole blood Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0038323B1 EP0038323B1 EP79900655A EP79900655A EP0038323B1 EP 0038323 B1 EP0038323 B1 EP 0038323B1 EP 79900655 A EP79900655 A EP 79900655A EP 79900655 A EP79900655 A EP 79900655A EP 0038323 B1 EP0038323 B1 EP 0038323B1
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- Prior art keywords
- axis
- transferring element
- separation
- liquid
- outlet
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
- B04B—CENTRIFUGES
- B04B5/00—Other centrifuges
- B04B5/04—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers
- B04B5/0442—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers with means for adding or withdrawing liquid substances during the centrifugation, e.g. continuous centrifugation
Definitions
- This invention relates to a separation device, particularly for the separation of whole blood, with a flexible transferring element comprising at least one inlet conduit for the liquid to be separated and at least two outlet conduits to enable continuous simultaneous withdrawal of each separated fraction, said inlet and outlet conduits communicating with a separation chamber revolving in a circular path around and at a distance from an axis through a fixedly held end of said transferring element with its longitudinal axis inclined with respect to the axis of rotation.
- Whole blood is a tissue consisting of cells suspended in plasma. Said cells constitute about 45% by volume, while the remaining 55% constitutes plasma. Said suspended blood cells comprise inter alia red cells, white cells and thrombocytes.
- Said separate fractions of said whole blood may be used independently for different purposes.
- said white cells are of particular concern for blood research, immunological studies and for clinic use in transplantations of organs.
- said white cells may be used for support therapy by cancer patients, the white cells of which in one or another respect have been destroyed through different anti cancer drugs.
- the red cells as well as the plasma are of particular concern for transfusion purposes.
- An object of this invention is therefore to provide an improved device of the described kind, which completely eliminates relatively rotating individual parts.
- the present device is characterized in that the transferring element and the separation chamber are integrally connected and in that the separation chamber revolves about its longitudinal axis with substantially the same angular velocity as it rotates about an axis (I-I) through a fixedly held end of the transferring element.
- said transferring element (as well as said separation unit) will rotate around said axis (primary rotation), and also around its own longitudinal axis (secondary rotation). Said primary and said secondary rotation thereby are so synchronized that any tending of said transferring element to be exposed to torsion or to be wound is counteracted.
- said transferring element this fact apparently means that said transferring element will make one revolution around its own longitudinal axis per revolution around said axis through said one end of said transferring element. It is also realized that since said transferring element and said separation unit are integrally connected, also said separation unit will perform a synchronized secondary rotation with said transferring element.
- Said integral connection between said transferring element and said separation unit is achieved preferably by means of a tubular casing comprising a closed and an open end.
- Said casing thereby enclose at least one inlet tube for the liquid, to be separated, and at least two outlet tubes for the respective fraction of said liquid.
- said inlet as said outlet tubes are terminating at short distance from the closed end of said casing while forming a separation chamber between the respective ends of said tubes and said closed end of said casing.
- said outlet tube for the heavy fraction is terminating next to said closed end of said casing, while the outlet tubes for successively lighter fractions are terminating at successively longer distance from said closed end.
- the inlet tube thereby is terminating at a longer distance from said closed end than the outlet tube for said heaviest fraction, but at a shorter distance from said closed end than the outlet tube for the lightest fraction.
- the inlet tube for said whole blood conveniently is terminating into an area between the corresponding ends of the tubes for said red cells and said plasma, respectively.
- the inlet tube for said liquid and the outlet tube for the respective fraction are preferably provided in a mirror symmetric relation with respect to the central longitudinal axis of said casing. This means that outlet tubes for one and the same fraction are located diametrically opposite to each other within said casing. Preferably, the inlet tube is located centrally.
- tubular casing encloses two concentric tubes.
- the inlet for the liquid, to be separated is constituted by the annular space between the innermost tube and the intermediate tube.
- the outlet for the heaviest fraction is in the same way formed by the annular space between said intermediate tube and said casing, while the outlet for the lightest fraction is formed by the cavity within said innermost tube.
- said innermost tube is terminating at a longer distance from the closed end of said casing compared to said intermediate tube.
- the number of concentric tubes to be used depends in each separate case on the number of desired fractions.
- This preferred embodiment in general is very similar to said first embodiment and need therefor not be described in more detail.
- suitable spacers may be provided between the tubes to keep said tubes in places.
- protruding heels, frame works and similar constructions may be provided on the outer surfaces of the inner tubes to prevent said tubes from contacting each other and thereby clogging said annular spaces or channels.
- said integral connection between said transferring element and said separation unit is realized by means of a tubular body comprising a closed and an open end.
- Said tubular body comprises at least one inlet channel (longitudinal void) for the liquid, to be separated, and at least two outlet channels (longitudinal voids) for the respective fraction of said liquid.
- Said channels are terminating at a distance from said closed end of said tubular body while forming a separation chamber between the respective ends of said channels and said closed end of said tubular body.
- Still another embodiment of the present invention comprises a separation unit in the form of a separate hollow body in firm communication with said transferring element.
- Said hollow body is preferably molded and comprises cavities in communication with tubes or channels in said transferring element.
- said molded separation unit as said transferring element are conveniently encapsulated within a tubular housing comprising a closed and an open end.
- the separation chamber in this case is formed by cavities in an individual molded hollow body, while the corresponding chambers in the preceding embodiments are formed by the space between said transferring element and said closed end of said enclosing casing. Neither this embodiment should need to be discussed more in detail.
- said separation unit conveniently is carried in a rotatable support casing which is adapted to be rotated together with said separation unit around said axis through said fixedly held end of said transferring element.
- said support casing is preferably driven by means of separate driving means which in turn are adapted to be driven synchronically to the secondary rotation of said transferring element.
- Said driving means are preferably coupled to the motor that provides for the primary rotation of said transferring element.
- said transferring element is provide in a curved path and supported in this position by means of suitable supporting means.
- said support casing as said separation unit may be manufactured from transparent material making it possible to visually (for example by means of a stroboscope) watch the separation of whole blood within said separation chamber.
- said transferring element may comprise flowing channels for a cooling liquid, for example salt solution, which is adapted to withdraw heat that may be generated through shearing in said transferring element due to bending of tubes in said secondary rotation.
- a cooling liquid for example salt solution
- the present device As is shown in Fig. 1, the present device, generally designated 1, comprises a transferring element 2 which at its one end 3 is held fixedly and at its other end 4 is connected to a separation unit 5 comprising a separation chamber 5'.
- Said separation unit 5 is preferably carried in a support casing 6 which is rotatable around its own longitudinal axis by means of bearings 7, 8.
- said transferring element 2 is provided in a curved path and kept in this position by means of a stand 9 and suitable support bearings 10, 11 being attached to said stand and permitting said transferring element 2 to rotate freely around its own longitudinal axis.
- Said stand 9 is carried on a stationary support plate 12 and is rotatable around an axis through said fixedly held end 3 of said transferring element.
- Said axis is designated 1-1 in Fig. 1.
- the rotation around said axis I-I is provided by means of a not shown drive motor via a drive shaft 9c which is carried in a bearing 9a in a supporting means 9b.
- a counter-weight may be provided to balance said transferring element 2 and said separation unit 5, when said stand 9 is rotating. Thereby, vibrations due to asymmetric weight distribution are avoided.
- Said separation unit 5 as well as said support casing 6 are preferably transparent. Thereby it is possible to visually (for example by means of a stroboscope) watch the separation and, if necessary, to control the rotation speed, so that the best possible separation is achieved.
- said separation may be controlled by controlling the introducing and/or withdrawing of liquid in said different inlet and outlet tubes. For example, if whole blood is to be separated into plasma and red cells and the volume of plasma within said separation chamber apparently is too big, then said volume may be reduced by either increasing the withdrawing of plasma or by reducing the withdrawing of red cells.
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is a suitable transparent material.
- a further way of controlling said separation comprises the choice of a suitable rotation radius R from said axis I-I.
- the ratio conveniently is between 30:1 and 15:1. Due to the fact that one end of the transferring element is held stationary, the other end of the transferring element i.e. the separation unit 5, while rotating around the axis (I-I), primary rotation, necessarily will rotate around its own longitudinal axis, secondary rotation. The blood which is introduced into the separation chamber will therefore be exposed to a centrifugal force depending on the secondary rotation in the transferring element. Therefore, the blood may be initially separated already in the transfering element, i.e. prior to entering the separation chamber.
- said casing may be driven separately by means of schematically shown drive means, generally designated 13, which are synchronically driven by the not shown drive motor for said stand 9.
- FIGs. 2-4 suitable cross-sections are shown, which may be used for said transferring element 2.
- said transferring element consists of a tubular body 2a having perforating holes or channels 14a, 14a', 15a, 15', 16a, 16a' and 17a.
- said channels are preferably mirror symmetrically provided to the central longitudinal axis of said tubular body 2a.
- said channels 14a, 14a' constitute inlet channels for said whole blood
- said channels 15a, 15a' and 16a, 16a' constitute outlet channels for the red blood cells and the plasma, respectively.
- the central channel 17a may either form a third inlet channel for said whole blood, or a separate flowing channel for cooling liquid, if necessary.
- said transferring element consists of a tubular housing 2b enclosing six individual tubes 14b, 14b', 15b, 15b', 16b, 16b'.
- Said tubes are mirror symmetrically provided around the central longitudinal axis of said casing and attached to each other to maintain the shown position.
- Said tubes form in pairs inlet and outlet tubes for the whole blood and the separated fractions, respectively.
- said tubes 14b, 14b' are inlet tubes for said whole blood, while the tubes 15b, 15b' and 16b, 16b' are outlet tubes for red blood cells and plasma, respectively.
- the space 17b between said tubes and said casing 2b forms flowing channels for a cooling liquid, for example isotonic 0.9% NaCI solution.
- a cooling liquid for example isotonic 0.9% NaCI solution.
- said transferring element consists of an outer tubular casing 2c enclosing concentric tubes 16c, 1 8c. Said casing 2c and said tubes 16c and 18c thereby form annular spaces or channels 14c, 15c. Said annular space 15c between said casing 2c and the intermediate tube 18c forms preferably outlet channel for the heaviest fraction (red blood cells), while the annular space 14c between said intermediate tube 18c and the innermost tube 16c forms preferably inlet tube for said whole blood. The cavity in the innermost tube 16c consequently forms outlet channel for said plasma.
- the number of concentric tubes, to be used may vary from case to case and is depending on the number of fractions that is desired.
- said intermediate tube 18c may be provided with protruding heels 19c abutting the inner surface of said casing 2c and the outer surface of the innermost tube 16c, respectively. Thereby is avoided that said tubes will contact each other and clog the annular spaces 14c and 1 5c, when said transferring element is rotating around said axis I-I.
- tubular body 2a as said casings 2b and 2c are manufactured from a flexible material.
- a preferred example of such material is silicon rubber which is also sufficiently firm to withstand shearing due to the primary rotation of said transferring element.
- Figs. 5-8 correspond generally to the transferring element shown in Figs. 1 and 4.
- the same reference numbers as those in Figs. 1 and 4 have therefore been used, except for the addition of the letter "d" instead of the letter "c".
- Fig. 5 said separation unit is designated 5d, said separation chamber is designated 5d' and said transferring element (including said tubular casing) is designated 2d.
- the transferring element and the separation unit of Figs. 9-15 differ from the construction shown in Fig. 5 primarily in that said separation unit 5e is formed as a separate molding unit.
- Said transferring element 2e has in general the same cross-section as that of Fig. 3.
- the same reference numbers have therefore been used, except for the addition of the letter "e”.
- the channels in said separation unit 5e have therefore been designated in the same way as the corresponding tubes in the transferring element 2e, except for the addition of double prim and triple prim.
- the transferring element 2f (including the separation unit 5f) of Fig. 16 is the simplest possible realization of said transferring element having the cross-section shown in Fig. 3.
- the same reference numbers as those in Fig. 3 have therefore been used, except for the addition of the letter "f".
- the transferring element comprises only three tubes, designated 14f, 15f, 16f.
- the inlet tube for the liquid, to be separated, is designated 14f, while the outlet tubes for the red cells and the plasma are designated 15f and 16f, respectively.
- the present device is especially, though not exclusively, useful in the separation of whole blood into for example red blood cells and plasma.
- Said whole blood is thereby continuously introduced into said device from an outer source, for example a patient, and is separated under the influence of centrifugal forces in a rotatable separation unit.
- the separated fractions, red blood cells and plasma are withdrawn from said separation chamber within said separation unit through individual tubes and are reinfused into said patient or are collected selectively. Due to the fact that one end of said transferring element is held fixedly, while the other end thereof (i.e. the end which is in fluid communication with said separation chamber) is integrally connected to said chamber, rotating couplings are thereby avoided, which due to heat of friction may expose said blood and the separated fractions to excessive and detrimental temperature increases and/or detrimental shear stresses.
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Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a separation device, particularly for the separation of whole blood, with a flexible transferring element comprising at least one inlet conduit for the liquid to be separated and at least two outlet conduits to enable continuous simultaneous withdrawal of each separated fraction, said inlet and outlet conduits communicating with a separation chamber revolving in a circular path around and at a distance from an axis through a fixedly held end of said transferring element with its longitudinal axis inclined with respect to the axis of rotation.
- To facilitate the understanding of the present invention it. may be convenient to first illustrate the nature and character of whole blood. This should however not constitute a limitation of the present invention, but should rather be taken as a convenient instrument to understand the present invention when used in one of its more especial fields of use.
- Whole blood is a tissue consisting of cells suspended in plasma. Said cells constitute about 45% by volume, while the remaining 55% constitutes plasma. Said suspended blood cells comprise inter alia red cells, white cells and thrombocytes. By means of the present device it is possible not only to separate cells from plasma, but also to separate said several cells from each other into separate fractions (so- called cytapheresis) if desired. Said separate fractions of said whole blood may be used independently for different purposes. For example said white cells are of particular concern for blood research, immunological studies and for clinic use in transplantations of organs. Furthermore, said white cells may be used for support therapy by cancer patients, the white cells of which in one or another respect have been destroyed through different anti cancer drugs.
- The red cells as well as the plasma are of particular concern for transfusion purposes.
- One separation device of the kind described above is disclosed in U.S.
Patent 3 885 735. This device permits a continuous separation of for example whole blood, but since the transferring element and the separation unit comprising the separation chamber are formed as individual parts releasably connected to each other a relative rotation between said parts cannot be excluded. Such relative rotation at the joint will necessarily create heat due to friction, which may be detrimental to blood. A further disadvantage of this known device is that it necessarily must comprise sealants to prevent leakage of blood at said joint between the transferring element and the separation unit. - An object of this invention is therefore to provide an improved device of the described kind, which completely eliminates relatively rotating individual parts.
- According to the invention it is thus provided a separation device of the kind described above. The present device is characterized in that the transferring element and the separation chamber are integrally connected and in that the separation chamber revolves about its longitudinal axis with substantially the same angular velocity as it rotates about an axis (I-I) through a fixedly held end of the transferring element.
- Due to the fact that said one end of said transferring element is held fixedly, i.e. is kept stationary, while said other end is rotatable together with said separation unit around an axis through said one end, the person skilled in the art realizes that said transferring element (as well as said separation unit) will rotate around said axis (primary rotation), and also around its own longitudinal axis (secondary rotation). Said primary and said secondary rotation thereby are so synchronized that any tending of said transferring element to be exposed to torsion or to be wound is counteracted. As regards said transferring element this fact apparently means that said transferring element will make one revolution around its own longitudinal axis per revolution around said axis through said one end of said transferring element. It is also realized that since said transferring element and said separation unit are integrally connected, also said separation unit will perform a synchronized secondary rotation with said transferring element.
- Said integral connection between said transferring element and said separation unit is achieved preferably by means of a tubular casing comprising a closed and an open end. Said casing thereby enclose at least one inlet tube for the liquid, to be separated, and at least two outlet tubes for the respective fraction of said liquid. As well said inlet as said outlet tubes are terminating at short distance from the closed end of said casing while forming a separation chamber between the respective ends of said tubes and said closed end of said casing.
- Preferably, said outlet tube for the heavy fraction is terminating next to said closed end of said casing, while the outlet tubes for successively lighter fractions are terminating at successively longer distance from said closed end. The inlet tube thereby is terminating at a longer distance from said closed end than the outlet tube for said heaviest fraction, but at a shorter distance from said closed end than the outlet tube for the lightest fraction.
- In the separation of whole blood into for example red cells and plasma the inlet tube for said whole blood conveniently is terminating into an area between the corresponding ends of the tubes for said red cells and said plasma, respectively.
- To ascertain a well balanced primary rotation the inlet tube for said liquid and the outlet tube for the respective fraction are preferably provided in a mirror symmetric relation with respect to the central longitudinal axis of said casing. This means that outlet tubes for one and the same fraction are located diametrically opposite to each other within said casing. Preferably, the inlet tube is located centrally.
- According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention said tubular casing encloses two concentric tubes. The inlet for the liquid, to be separated, is constituted by the annular space between the innermost tube and the intermediate tube. The outlet for the heaviest fraction is in the same way formed by the annular space between said intermediate tube and said casing, while the outlet for the lightest fraction is formed by the cavity within said innermost tube.
- By analogy with the first embodiment said innermost tube is terminating at a longer distance from the closed end of said casing compared to said intermediate tube.
- The number of concentric tubes to be used depends in each separate case on the number of desired fractions. This preferred embodiment in general is very similar to said first embodiment and need therefor not be described in more detail. Yet it is to be noted that suitable spacers may be provided between the tubes to keep said tubes in places. For example protruding heels, frame works and similar constructions may be provided on the outer surfaces of the inner tubes to prevent said tubes from contacting each other and thereby clogging said annular spaces or channels.
- Alternatively, said integral connection between said transferring element and said separation unit is realized by means of a tubular body comprising a closed and an open end. Said tubular body comprises at least one inlet channel (longitudinal void) for the liquid, to be separated, and at least two outlet channels (longitudinal voids) for the respective fraction of said liquid. Said channels are terminating at a distance from said closed end of said tubular body while forming a separation chamber between the respective ends of said channels and said closed end of said tubular body. Again, this alternative embodiment is very similar to said first embodiment and therefor need not be described more in detail.
- Still another embodiment of the present invention comprises a separation unit in the form of a separate hollow body in firm communication with said transferring element. Said hollow body is preferably molded and comprises cavities in communication with tubes or channels in said transferring element. As well said molded separation unit as said transferring element are conveniently encapsulated within a tubular housing comprising a closed and an open end. The principal difference between this embodiment and the embodiments described hereabove is that the separation chamber in this case is formed by cavities in an individual molded hollow body, while the corresponding chambers in the preceding embodiments are formed by the space between said transferring element and said closed end of said enclosing casing. Neither this embodiment should need to be discussed more in detail.
- Although not necessary, said separation unit conveniently is carried in a rotatable support casing which is adapted to be rotated together with said separation unit around said axis through said fixedly held end of said transferring element. Thereby is a smooth and vibration free primary rotation ascertained. As an extra matter of safety against vibrations and possible unbalances during said primary rotation said support casing is preferably driven by means of separate driving means which in turn are adapted to be driven synchronically to the secondary rotation of said transferring element. Said driving means are preferably coupled to the motor that provides for the primary rotation of said transferring element.
- Preferably, said transferring element is provide in a curved path and supported in this position by means of suitable supporting means. As well said support casing as said separation unit may be manufactured from transparent material making it possible to visually (for example by means of a stroboscope) watch the separation of whole blood within said separation chamber.
- Finally, said transferring element may comprise flowing channels for a cooling liquid, for example salt solution, which is adapted to withdraw heat that may be generated through shearing in said transferring element due to bending of tubes in said secondary rotation.
- The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
- Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the present device together with suitable accessories,
- Figs. 2-4 are cross-sections of preferred transferring elements according to the present invention,
- Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration, partly in section, of a preferred transferring element in firm communication with a separation unit,
- Figs. 6-8 are cross-sections of the transferring element and the separation unit of Fig. 5 along lines VI-VI, VII-VII and VIII-VIII in Fig. 5,
- Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration, partly in section, of a second preferred transferring element in communication with an individual separation unit, taken along lines IX-IX in Figs. 10-15,
- Figs. 10-15 are cross-sections of the separation unit and the transferring element of Fig. 9, taken along lines X-X, XI-XI ... XV XV,
- Fig. 16 is a schematic view, partly in section, of a further transferring element according to the present invention, taken along lines XVI-XVI in Figs. 17-19, and wherein Figs. 17-19 are cross-sections of the transferring element of Fig. 16, taken along lines XVII-XVII, XVIII-XVIII and XIX-XIX in Fig. 16.
- As is shown in Fig. 1, the present device, generally designated 1, comprises a transferring
element 2 which at its oneend 3 is held fixedly and at itsother end 4 is connected to aseparation unit 5 comprising a separation chamber 5'. - Said
separation unit 5 is preferably carried in a support casing 6 which is rotatable around its own longitudinal axis by means ofbearings - Between its two
ends element 2 is provided in a curved path and kept in this position by means of astand 9 andsuitable support bearings element 2 to rotate freely around its own longitudinal axis. Saidstand 9 is carried on astationary support plate 12 and is rotatable around an axis through said fixedly heldend 3 of said transferring element. Said axis is designated 1-1 in Fig. 1. The rotation around said axis I-I is provided by means of a not shown drive motor via adrive shaft 9c which is carried in abearing 9a in a supportingmeans 9b. - To the right part (not shown) of said
stand 9 in Fig. 1 a counter-weight may be provided to balance said transferringelement 2 and saidseparation unit 5, when saidstand 9 is rotating. Thereby, vibrations due to asymmetric weight distribution are avoided. - Said
separation unit 5 as well as said support casing 6 are preferably transparent. Thereby it is possible to visually (for example by means of a stroboscope) watch the separation and, if necessary, to control the rotation speed, so that the best possible separation is achieved. Alternatively, said separation may be controlled by controlling the introducing and/or withdrawing of liquid in said different inlet and outlet tubes. For example, if whole blood is to be separated into plasma and red cells and the volume of plasma within said separation chamber apparently is too big, then said volume may be reduced by either increasing the withdrawing of plasma or by reducing the withdrawing of red cells. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is a suitable transparent material. - A further way of controlling said separation comprises the choice of a suitable rotation radius R from said axis I-I.
- Depending on the liquid, to be separated, it may be convenient to use a larger or smaller ratio between radius r of said separation chamber 5' and radius R of the primary rotation of said separation chamber 5', i.e. the distance between said axis I-I and said
separation unit 5. In the separation of whole blood into red cells and plasma, said ratio conveniently is between 30:1 and 15:1. Due to the fact that one end of the transferring element is held stationary, the other end of the transferring element i.e. theseparation unit 5, while rotating around the axis (I-I), primary rotation, necessarily will rotate around its own longitudinal axis, secondary rotation. The blood which is introduced into the separation chamber will therefore be exposed to a centrifugal force depending on the secondary rotation in the transferring element. Therefore, the blood may be initially separated already in the transfering element, i.e. prior to entering the separation chamber. - To avoid unbalances due to vibrations of said support casing 6, said casing may be driven separately by means of schematically shown drive means, generally designated 13, which are synchronically driven by the not shown drive motor for said
stand 9. - In Figs. 2-4 suitable cross-sections are shown, which may be used for said transferring
element 2. - In Fig. 2 said transferring element consists of a
tubular body 2a having perforating holes orchannels tubular body 2a. In the separation of whole bood saidchannels channels central channel 17a may either form a third inlet channel for said whole blood, or a separate flowing channel for cooling liquid, if necessary. - In Fig. 3 said transferring element consists of a
tubular housing 2b enclosing sixindividual tubes tubes tubes - The
space 17b between said tubes and saidcasing 2b forms flowing channels for a cooling liquid, for example isotonic 0.9% NaCI solution. - In Fig. 4 said transferring element consists of an outer
tubular casing 2c enclosingconcentric tubes tubes channels 14c, 15c. Saidannular space 15c between said casing 2c and theintermediate tube 18c forms preferably outlet channel for the heaviest fraction (red blood cells), while theannular space 14c between saidintermediate tube 18c and theinnermost tube 16c forms preferably inlet tube for said whole blood. The cavity in theinnermost tube 16c consequently forms outlet channel for said plasma. As mentioned before the number of concentric tubes, to be used, may vary from case to case and is depending on the number of fractions that is desired. - To maintain the concentric arrangement of said
casing 2c and saidtubes intermediate tube 18c may be provided with protrudingheels 19c abutting the inner surface of saidcasing 2c and the outer surface of theinnermost tube 16c, respectively. Thereby is avoided that said tubes will contact each other and clog theannular spaces - As well said
tubular body 2a as saidcasings - The transferring element and the separation unit shown in Figs. 5-8 correspond generally to the transferring element shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The same reference numbers as those in Figs. 1 and 4 have therefore been used, except for the addition of the letter "d" instead of the letter "c". In Fig. 5 said separation unit is designated 5d, said separation chamber is designated 5d' and said transferring element (including said tubular casing) is designated 2d. Reference is also made to the above description in connection with Fig. 4.
- The transferring element and the separation unit of Figs. 9-15 differ from the construction shown in Fig. 5 primarily in that said
separation unit 5e is formed as a separate molding unit. Said transferringelement 2e has in general the same cross-section as that of Fig. 3. For similar parts, the same reference numbers have therefore been used, except for the addition of the letter "e". The channels in saidseparation unit 5e have therefore been designated in the same way as the corresponding tubes in the transferringelement 2e, except for the addition of double prim and triple prim. - The transferring
element 2f (including theseparation unit 5f) of Fig. 16 is the simplest possible realization of said transferring element having the cross-section shown in Fig. 3. The same reference numbers as those in Fig. 3 have therefore been used, except for the addition of the letter "f". Thus, the transferring element comprises only three tubes, designated 14f, 15f, 16f. The inlet tube for the liquid, to be separated, is designated 14f, while the outlet tubes for the red cells and the plasma are designated 15f and 16f, respectively. - In connection with Fig. 5 the operation of the present device will be described when used in the separation of whole blood. Said whole blood, to be separated into red blood cells and plasma, is introduced through the
annular space 14d between theinnermost tube 1 6d and theintermediate tube 18d. Due to the secondary rotation of said transferring element, shown by the arrow to the left of Fig. 1, said whole blood will be exposed to preseparation prior to entering into saidseparation chamber 5d' in such a manner that said plasma tends to concentrate towards the longitudinal axis of said transferringelement 2d, while the heavier red blood cells correspondingly tend to concentrate away from said longitudinal axis within saidspace 14d. The so partly separated whole blood enters into saidseparation chamber 5d', where the proper separation occurs. Due to the centrifugal forces the heavier red blood cells will be concentrated peripherally outwardly (to the left of Fig. 5), while the lighter plasma will be concentrated towards the centre and will enter into the cavity in saidoutlet tube 1 6d. Due to the fact that whole blood is continuously introduced into saidspace 14d the separated red blood cells and the plasma correspondingly are continuously withdrawn through theannular space 15d and the cavity in saidoutlet tube 16d, respectively. Since neither the way in which said whole blood is introduced into said transferringelement 2d and saidseparation unit 5d nor the way in which the separated fractions are withdrawn from said unit constitute any essential part of the present invention, no further description thereof is therefore needed. Briefly, the arrangement 20 of Fig. 1 corresponds in general to the construction of Figs. 9-15. The same reference numbers for similar parts have therefore been used, yet without the addition of any letter. - Even if the present invention has been described with particular reference to the separation of whole blood, it is to be understood that the present invention is as well applicable to other liquids, containing fractions of different densities, which are to be separated into said fractions.
- As is realized from the above description, the present device is especially, though not exclusively, useful in the separation of whole blood into for example red blood cells and plasma. Said whole blood is thereby continuously introduced into said device from an outer source, for example a patient, and is separated under the influence of centrifugal forces in a rotatable separation unit. The separated fractions, red blood cells and plasma, are withdrawn from said separation chamber within said separation unit through individual tubes and are reinfused into said patient or are collected selectively. Due to the fact that one end of said transferring element is held fixedly, while the other end thereof (i.e. the end which is in fluid communication with said separation chamber) is integrally connected to said chamber, rotating couplings are thereby avoided, which due to heat of friction may expose said blood and the separated fractions to excessive and detrimental temperature increases and/or detrimental shear stresses.
Claims (10)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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AT79900655T ATE9766T1 (en) | 1979-06-06 | 1979-06-06 | DEVICE FOR SEPARATING A LIQUID, ESPECIALLY BLOOD. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE1979/000128 WO1980002653A1 (en) | 1979-06-06 | 1979-06-06 | A device for the separation of a liquid,especially whole blood |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0038323A1 EP0038323A1 (en) | 1981-10-28 |
EP0038323B1 true EP0038323B1 (en) | 1984-10-10 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP79900655A Expired EP0038323B1 (en) | 1979-06-06 | 1980-12-15 | A device for the separation of a liquid, especially whole blood |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0038323B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS56500600A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE9766T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE2967251D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1980002653A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3242541A1 (en) * | 1982-11-18 | 1984-05-24 | Fresenius AG, 6380 Bad Homburg | CENTRIFUGE |
EP4321254A1 (en) * | 2022-08-09 | 2024-02-14 | Sigma Laborzentrifugen GmbH | Continuous flow centrifuge |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3856669A (en) * | 1973-07-02 | 1974-12-24 | Department Of Health Education | Elution centrifuge-apparatus and method |
DE2833911A1 (en) * | 1977-08-03 | 1979-02-15 | Eric Westberg | DEVICE FOR EFFECTING UNLIMITED RELATIVE ROTATION OF THE ENDS OF AN EXTERNAL LINE ELEMENT |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2948093A (en) * | 1957-06-24 | 1960-08-09 | Swift & Co | Method and apparatus for assembling cylindrical objects |
US2980172A (en) * | 1959-10-14 | 1961-04-18 | American Metal Prod | Oil heater |
US3138459A (en) * | 1959-12-09 | 1964-06-23 | Polaroid Corp | Photographic product and a process of additive color photography |
US3067550A (en) * | 1960-04-29 | 1962-12-11 | Schultz Louis William | Drill grinding structure |
GB1094102A (en) * | 1963-09-27 | 1967-12-06 | Schmermund Alfred | Improvements in or relating to cigarette-magazine filling machines |
DE1586102A1 (en) * | 1967-07-20 | 1970-04-02 | Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg | Method and device for forming cigarette blocks |
US3846959A (en) * | 1973-05-30 | 1974-11-12 | Speedco Inc | Bulk-loading apparatus |
US4054021A (en) * | 1975-07-18 | 1977-10-18 | Karl Fassbind | Apparatus for simultaneously packaging a series of elongate bodies |
US4173107A (en) * | 1977-11-04 | 1979-11-06 | Gemel Ltd. | Collating and packaging machine |
-
1979
- 1979-06-06 WO PCT/SE1979/000128 patent/WO1980002653A1/en unknown
- 1979-06-06 JP JP50094479A patent/JPS56500600A/ja active Pending
- 1979-06-06 AT AT79900655T patent/ATE9766T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1979-06-06 DE DE7979900655T patent/DE2967251D1/en not_active Expired
-
1980
- 1980-12-15 EP EP79900655A patent/EP0038323B1/en not_active Expired
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3856669A (en) * | 1973-07-02 | 1974-12-24 | Department Of Health Education | Elution centrifuge-apparatus and method |
DE2833911A1 (en) * | 1977-08-03 | 1979-02-15 | Eric Westberg | DEVICE FOR EFFECTING UNLIMITED RELATIVE ROTATION OF THE ENDS OF AN EXTERNAL LINE ELEMENT |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1980002653A1 (en) | 1980-12-11 |
JPS56500600A (en) | 1981-05-07 |
ATE9766T1 (en) | 1984-10-15 |
DE2967251D1 (en) | 1984-11-15 |
EP0038323A1 (en) | 1981-10-28 |
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