Disposable Filter for Microemboli

Abstract

A disposable, autoclavable filter passes blood at high rates of flow without excessive hemolysis. It is constructed of polypropylene, except for the filter mesh which is made of a polyester material with a pore size of about 25μ The mean rise in the plasma hemoglobin level after four hours of recirculation of banked blood at 4 liters/min in a closed circuit in which the filter was employed was 75 mgè100 cc. Studies during cardiopulmonary bypass have shown that much particulate matter can be filtered from the perfusate which otherwise would be returned as emboli to the patient. The filter can reduce or eliminate pulmonary insufficiency which sometimes results from massive transfusion of banked blood during hemorrhagic shock.