Low volume, large area filters for iv or blood filtration

Abstract

There is disclosed herein a flow-through medical filter element which includes surface or depth filter media and a frame-like structure for supporting and positioning the media. The frame-like structure is a molded member which includes a ring-like inlet, a fluid-impervious terminal end spaced from the inlet and a plurality of rib-like members which extend between and interconnect the inlet end and terminal end. The inlet end includes internally-extending pleat-supporting projections and the terminal end has complementary externally-extending pleat-supporting shoulders. The frame-like structure is symmetrical about an axial plane which includes the mold parting line. The external shoulders are formed at angles which permits separation of a mold along the parting line and release of the part. The filter media also includes longitudinal pleats and is secured at its ends to the pleat-supporting projections associated with the inlet end and to the external pleat-supporting shoulders at the terminal end. Thus blood enters the filter element flows through the media and thereafter exits the filter element. This construction permits for a molding operation and provides a high surface area filter for use in existing units.