Baxter International Inc.

Philippe Van Heems

Jean-Marie Mathias

Thomas Walter Coneys

Jean-Marc Payrat

Gianni Di Stefani

A confined air tube is intended to be placed into in-line communication with the transfer tubing of a blood processing system. The confined air tube provides an incremental volume of air, which keeps the transfer tubing from collapsing and sticking together during heat sterilization. After sterilization, the confined air tube accommodates conveyance of a blood component into an associated downstream transfer container. The confined air tube can also receive air vented from the transfer container, so that the blood component can undergo further processing or be stored in an air-depleted environment within the transfer container.

Confined air tube and methods for handling air in closed blood processing systems

Needle protectors for retaining needles are disclosed. The needle protector includes a housing with an opening at each of a proximal and distal end. The needle protector may include a portion that is depressible to a substantially fixed position over the needle retracted within the housing.

Growing community of inventors

La Chatre, France

Philippe Van Heems