Patent ID: 6949078
Filing Date: 2005-09-27
Classification: A61M,B01D

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for treating segmented edema comprising: a plasma extraction device comprising a filter element configured for insertion in a patient's major vein having a plurality of elongated hollow microporous fiber membranes configured to separate plasma including plasma proteins from blood in-vivo within said vein, a plasma extraction catheter communicating with said filter element and in fluid communication with an ultrafiltration apparatus, and a first pump cooperating with said plasma extraction catheter for pumping plasma and plasma proteins to the ultrafiltration apparatus; an ultrafiltration apparatus configured to separate plasma water from plasma proteins; a plasma water line in fluid communication with the ultrafiltration apparatus configured to direct separated plasma water from the ultrafiltration apparatus; and a plasma protein return line in fluid communication with the ultrafiltration apparatus comprising a protein return catheter separate from said plasma extraction catheter and configured to be inserted in a patient's major artery at a location separated from said plasma extraction device wherein said return line is configured to direct plasma proteins to a major artery in the body segment from which plasma is extracted.