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(11) | EP 0 070 159 A3 |
(12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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(54) | Centrifuging apparatus and methods for separating fluids into components thereof |
(57) Centrifuging apparatus 2 has a plate 10 disposed adjacent a flexible whole blood
bag 8 in which blood is being processed. Under the influence of centrifugal force
the plate 10, which is disposed inwardly nearer the center of rotation than the bag
8, expels a separated blood component from the bag into a receiver bag 6. The bag
6 is located radially outward from the bag 8 and a valve 117 (see Figure 6) is provided
which is responsive to the specific density of separated components to stop the flow.
The mass of the plate 10 may be selected so as to expel only the desired component.
A further separated blood component is similarly expressed into radially outermost
bag 4. Timer mechanism 15 automatically clamps the intermediate flow tubing (52, 54).
A plurality of embodiments are described useful for plasma pheresis, platelet pheresis
and cell-washing. The receiver bag 6 may be positioned radially inward of bag 8 or circumferentially along side it. The apparatus minimises the pressure to which blood processing bags are subjected and provides for automatic displacement of separated components and automatic termination of flow within the confines of the rotor. |