Conmed Corporation

Stephen J Roberts

John S Gentelia

Frank R Williams

The present invention is directed to a self-contained, totally disposable apparatus for the collection and reinfusion of blood which is suitable for use with a chest drainage unit to provide for the autotranfusion of autologous blood and the method of using the apparatus. The blood collection and reinfusion apparatus is separate in structure from the chest drainage unit and comprises a rigid outer container and an inner flexible container in conjunction with portals for blood collection, reinfusion, and attachment to a vacuum source. The apparatus and method of the invention provides a closed system, requires minimal handling of the blood, and provides for greater patient safety in that no interruption of the operation of the chest drainage unit is required.

Apparatus for collecting blood from a chest drainage unit and reinfusion

The present invention is directed to a self-contained, totally disposable apparatus for the collection and reinfusion of blood which is suitable for use with a chest drainage unit to provide for the autotransfusion of autologous blood and the method of suing the apparatus. The blood collection and reinfusion apparatus is separate in structure from the chest drainage unit and comprises a rigid outer container and an inner flexible container in conjunction with portals for blood collection, reinfusion, and attachment to a vacuum source. The apparatus and method of the invention provides a closed system, requires minimal handling of the blood, and provides for greater patient safety in that no interruption of the operation of the chest drainage unit is required.

A method and apparatus for filling an underwater drainage device is provided with a rotatable funnel and cap which is positioned between the manometer chamber and water seal chamber in a pleural drainage device. In use the cap may be removed and the funnel positioned to fill the manometer chamber to the desired level and the funnel may then be rotated to fill the underwater seal chamber to the desired level. A positive pressure relief valve is provided in the cap.

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Sauquoit, NY, United States of America

Stephen J Roberts