Abstract:
A method for recovering blood from a blood-laden surgical sponge for autologous reinfusion, the method comprising the steps of: conveying negative pressure to a housing with the blood-laden surgical sponge; applying a predetermined force to draw the blood from the surgical sponge; and collecting the recovered blood.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/426,965, filed on Dec. 23, 2010; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/444,501, filed on Feb. 18, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/448,963 filed on Mar. 3, 2011. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly to intra-operative blood recovery systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Autologous blood transfusion or autotransfusion is the collection and reinfusion of a patient&#39;s own blood products. Autologous blood is preferred in some instances because the blood type will always match, and if only autologous blood is used during surgery then the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, such as, hepatitis or HIV from blood, is substantially eliminated, and the risk of allergic reactions, or other adverse reactions, is significantly reduced. 
         [0004]    Generally, during a surgical procedure autologous blood transfusion may be facilitated by either a blood processing device, such as a cell-saver type machine or a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine. The CPB machine is directly connected to the patient by tubing which allows for continuous recovery of blood from a body cavity and reinfusion of the patient&#39;s blood. The “cell-saver” method requires the recovered blood to be processed (spun, washed, etc.) and then bagged for reinfusion via a typical intravenous route. 
         [0005]    Surgical sponges are also commonly used during surgical procedures to absorb body fluids of the patient, such as blood, both inside the incision or around the site of the surgery. Sponges of this nature are usually made of an open-meshed absorbent fabric, such as woven cotton. The sponge may be re-used or discarded and the process repeated as many times as is necessary during the surgical procedure. Typically, the blood is recovered from the sponge by either physically wringing the sponge or by soaking the sponge in a saline solution, and then the blood and saline solution are suctioned either into the cell saver where the red blood cells are washed, spun and returned to the patient, or directly by a CPB machine. The wringing method has a number of drawbacks, such as, loss of blood from splatter and residual blood remaining on hands. In addition, this method is time-consuming, inefficient, and has the potential to physically damage the blood cells due to the compressional and torsional forces. Furthermore, the amount of blood recovered from the sponges is variable, and depends on the individual&#39;s strength, technique and stamina. In addition, the wringing method is not particularly aesthetic and is generally considered as being undesirable by most users. 
         [0006]    It is an object of an aspect of the following to mitigate or obviate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for recovering fluid from a fluid retaining structure, said apparatus comprising:
       a vessel for receiving said fluid retaining structure, said vessel comprising a port; and   wherein said port is coupled to a source of negative pressure, and said negative pressure is conveyed to said vessel to apply a force on said fluid retaining structure to cause egress of said fluid from said retaining structure.       
 
         [0010]    In another of its aspects, there is provided a method for recovering fluid from a fluid retaining structure and collecting said fluid in a vessel, the method comprising the steps of:
       associating said vessel with a perforated barrier;   introducing said fluid retaining structure to abut said barrier in said vessel;   providing a force within said vessel to cause egress of said fluid from said fluid retaining structure; wherein   said fluid passes through said perforated barrier into a reservoir of said vessel.       
 
         [0015]    In another of its aspects, there is provided an apparatus for recovering blood from a sponge containing said blood, said apparatus comprising:
       a receptacle defining an internal chamber;   a sponge retaining housing comprising a perforated base, said sponge retaining housing being received by said receptacle;   at least one piston received by said sponge retaining housing, said at least one piston being caused to force said sponge against said perforated base; and   wherein said blood is forced out of said sponge and said blood flows through said perforated base into said receptacle.       
 
         [0020]    In another of its aspects, there is provided a method for monitoring blood loss, the method comprising the steps of:
       absorbing blood from a surgical site with a surgical sponge;   removing said surgical sponge from said surgical site;   introducing said sponge into a vessel, said vessel comprising at least one port;   coupling said at least one port to a source of negative pressure outside said vessel; and   operating said source of negative pressure to convey negative pressure to said vessel in response to said negative pressure forcing the egress of said fluid from said sponge;   collecting said recovered blood received via said at least one aperture; and   measuring the amount of recovered blood from said surgical sponge.       
 
         [0028]    In another of its aspects, there is provided an apparatus for recovering blood from a sponge containing said blood, said apparatus comprising:
       a housing defining an internal cavity;
           said housing having an opening to introduce said sponge therein;   a port to permit fluid flow from said internal cavity;   a barrier intermediate said sponge and said port, said barrier having at least one aperture to allow fluid therethrough; and   
           wherein said blood is forced out of said sponge by a force applied to said sponge.       
 
         [0034]    In another of its aspects, there is provided a method for recovering blood from a blood-laden surgical sponge for autologous reinfusion, the method comprising the steps of:
       conveying negative pressure to a housing with said surgical sponge;   applying a predetermined force to draw said blood from said surgical sponge; and   collecting said recovered blood.       
 
         [0038]    In another of its aspects, there is provided an apparatus for recovering blood from a sponge containing said blood, said apparatus comprising:
       a receptacle defining an internal chamber;   a sponge retaining housing comprising a perforated base, said sponge retaining housing being received by said receptacle;   a member received by said sponge retaining housing, said member caused to urge said sponge against said perforated base; and   wherein said blood is forced out of said sponge and said blood flows through said perforated base into said receptacle.       
 
         [0043]    Advantageously, the blood recovery apparatus is more effective in recovering blood from the blood-laden surgical sponges for autologous reinfusion than prior art methods. Furthermore, the apparatus is more consistent, potentially more effective, especially in long operating procedures, and potentially less damaging to the blood cells. Also, the apparatus allows for improved monitoring of blood loss from a patient. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0044]    Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which: 
           [0045]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary apparatus for recovering blood; 
           [0046]      FIG. 2  shows the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in its assembled form; 
           [0047]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-section of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  along line B-B′; 
           [0048]      FIG. 4  shows another exemplary apparatus for recovering blood, in another embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 5  shows another exemplary apparatus for recovering blood, in yet another embodiment; and 
           [0050]      FIGS. 6 to 12  show different views of another exemplary apparatus for recovering blood, in yet another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0051]    The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein makes reference to the accompanying block diagrams and schematic diagrams, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. 
         [0052]    Moreover, it should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, certain sub-components of the individual operating components, conventional data networking, application development and other functional aspects of the systems may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. Like elements in the various exemplary embodiments are represented by like reference numerals. 
         [0053]      FIG. 1  shows an illustration of an exemplary blood recovery apparatus  10 , comprising a receptacle  12  supporting a strainer basket  14  for receiving a fluid retaining structure, such as a surgical sponge, generally designated by reference numeral  16 . The apparatus  10  also comprises a flexible membrane or diaphragm  18  which covers the strainer basket  14  as a lid, to sealingly and removably secure the strainer basket  14  to the receptacle  12 . The receptacle  12  also includes a port  20  coupled to a source of negative pressure i.e. pressure that is below surrounding (ambient) pressure, for facilitating the recovery of the fluid from the fluid retaining structure  16 . Typically, a fluid  21 , such as blood, is retained by the surgical sponge  16  which is constructed from an absorbent material, e.g., a low-count open-mesh gauze or washed gauze fabric sheet, such as woven cotton. The sheet may include a plurality of folds defining a multiple ply configuration of the sponge  16 . 
         [0054]    In more detail, the receptacle  12  is generally cylindrical in nature, comprising a base  22 , sidewall  24  extending from the base  22  to define an interior chamber or cavity  25  having an opening  26  with a flange  27  extending outwardly therefrom. A reservoir  29  for the recovered fluid is formed in the chamber  25 , and the port  20  is located in the sidewall  24 , and adjacent to the opening  26 . Generally, the strainer basket  14  is bowl-shaped and includes a perforated body  28  with a plurality of apertures  30  therethrough, and a flange  32  extending from the strainer basket opening  34 . The apertures  30  extend through body  28  to allow for fluid, such as recovered blood  21 , to pass therethrough. The receptacle flange  27  and the strainer basket flange  32  sealingly but removably engage each other, such that the strainer basket  14  fits snugly on the receptacle  12 . The diaphragm  18  is dimensioned to cover the strainer basket opening  34 , and comprises a generally uniform thickness across its entire diametric dimension, and a peripheral snap ring  36  defining the outer periphery. The peripheral snap ring  36  is shaped to matingly engage the flanges  27  and  32 , thus sealingly and removably securing the strainer basket  14  to the receptacle  12 . Preferably, the diaphragm  18  is semi-rigid, or is fabricated from a material having a density that allows the diaphragm  18  to be moved in response to the negative pressure within the interior chamber  25 . Suitable materials for the diaphragm  18  may include plastic, such as, thermoplastic urethane (TPU) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), among others. The diaphragm  18  may also include a durable, rigid cover to shield the diaphragm  18  from damage due to sharp surgical instruments or other objects. 
         [0055]    The port  20  extends from the interior chamber  25  of the receptacle  12  through the sidewall  24 , with a spout  38  extending from the other side of the sidewall  24 . Accordingly, a passageway  40  is formed to provide fluid communication with the chamber  25 . The spout  38  may comprise a connector for coupling a hose to the source of negative pressure which provides a suction force, such as a suction device or vacuum terminal  42 , such as that found in a hospital or laboratory environment. The connector may include a valve mechanism for permitting only air flow from the chamber  25 , while impeding the flow of blood therethrough. 
         [0056]    In operation, the apparatus  10  is easily assembled by placing the strainer basket  14  on the receptacle  12  such that the strainer basket flange  32  is supported by the receptacle flange  27 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Blood-laden surgical sponges  16  are removed from a surgical site or a site with blood loss, and introduced into the strainer basket  14  via the opening  34 , and come to rest on the perforated body  28 . Typically, a predetermined number of blood-laden surgical sponges  16  are placed in the strainer basket  14  such that the capacity of the reservoir  29  is not exceeded, otherwise the efficiency of the vacuum terminal  42  may be compromised. The diaphragm  18  is placed over the strainer basket  14  and the snap ring  36  forces the flanges  27  and  32  together to create an air-tight seal. As such, air may only escape from the assembled apparatus  10  via the port  20 . A suitable hose is connected to the connector to convey the pressure by the vacuum terminal  42 . 
         [0057]    Generally, as the vacuum terminal  42  draws air out of the chamber  25 , and from the strainer basket  14  via the apertures  30 , a partial vacuum is created within the assembled apparatus  10 , and the negative pressure causes the diaphragm  18  to collapse on the blood-laden sponges  16 , thus compressing the sponge  16 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The diaphragm  18 , however, remains sealingly engaged to the receptacle  12  via the snap ring  36 , thus maintaining the air-tight seal. Accordingly, the combined forces imparted by the diaphragm  18  and the negative pressure forces the blood out of the blood-laden sponges  16 , which flows into the reservoir  29  via the apertures  30 . Since the negative pressure is dispersed over the entire area of the perforated body  28 , instead of being concentrated over a smaller area, the potential hemolytic effects due to the negative pressure are potentially minimized. Once a substantial amount of blood has been forced out of the sponges  16 , or after a predetermined time, the vacuum terminal  42  may be stopped. For instance, the predetermined time may be correlated to the known time period required to recover the most blood for a predetermined number of sponges  16 . The volume of the recovered blood  21  in the reservoir  29  may be measured via indicia on the receptacle  12 , thus providing an effective means for monitoring the blood loss from the patient, without using prior art sponge-weighing methods. 
         [0058]    After the vacuum terminal  42  has been stopped, the hose is disconnected and the diaphragm  18  is removed from the receptacle  12  by prying open the snap ring  36 . The spent or compressed surgical sponges  16  are removed from the strainer basket  14  for re-use, or disposal. Typically, the number of surgical sponges  16  in use during a surgical procedure is known which allows for full accounting of the surgical sponges  16  prior to closing an incision, thus ensuring patient safety. The recovered blood  21  in the receptacle  12  may then be emptied to allow for recovered blood from a new batch of blood-laden surgical sponges  16 . The receptacle  12  may be emptied by a variety of ways, such as, pouring the recovered blood  21  out into another container or suctioning the recovered blood  21  via the receptacle opening  26 . Accordingly, the receptacle  12  may include a handle depending from the sidewall  24  to facilitate pouring, and transport of the receptacle  12 , or apparatus  10 . 
         [0059]    Alternatively, the apparatus  10  may include a drainage assembly comprising an outlet in the sidewall  24  and adjacent to the base  22 , with a one-way valve to control egress of the recovered blood  21  from the reservoir  29  through a tapered spout. Tubing may be connected to the spout to supply the recovered blood  21  to a blood processing device, such as a cell saver machine or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine. A typical cell saver machine collects, filters, washes and returns the patient&#39;s blood to the patient, such that a closed circulation loop with minimal storage can be maintained at all times. The cell saver may also measure the volume of the recovered blood  21 . Alternatively, the recovered blood  21  may be dispensed into another vessel, such as a basin, via the spout, and the blood is then transferred therefrom to the cell saver machine or CPB machine. 
         [0060]    Although both the cell-saver machine and the CPB machine typically include filtering mechanisms for the patient&#39;s blood prior to being reinfused into the patient, a filter may be included with the perforated body  28  to remove clots, debris, particulates or foreign material that may be soaked up by the sponges  16 . Therefore, the filter is operable to permit blood to pass therethrough into the reservoir  29 , while acting as a barrier to the clots, debris, particulates or foreign material. The side wall  24  of the receptacle  12  may include a Heparin coating, or any other suitable anticoagulant, to delay the clotting of the recovered blood  21 , which may depend on the size of the blood reservoir  29 , the duration the recovered blood  21  is stored in the reservoir  29 , or the frequency of blood  21  removal from the reservoir  29 . 
         [0061]    Generally, the apparatus  10  may be fabricated from plastic materials and is for single-use only in order to enhance patient safety. Therefore, at the completion of the surgical procedure, all the components of the apparatus  10  are accounted for, and disposed of in a similar manner as the other bio-hazard materials. 
         [0062]    In another exemplary embodiment, an exemplary blood recovery apparatus  60  comprises a receptacle  62  with an opening  64  having a flange  66  extending outwardly therefrom, as shown in  FIG. 4 . A lid  68  dimensioned to cover the opening  64  includes a peripheral edge  70  which rests on the flange  66 . The lid  68  also comprises an aperture  72  disposed centrally to locate a bowl  74  which receives blood-laden sponges  75 . The cross-sectional thickness of the lid  68  is dimensioned to permit a passageway to be formed from the aperture  72  to the peripheral edge  70 . Located within the passageway is a tubing  76  with one end exposed to the opening  64 , and extending beyond the peripheral edge  70 , to provide fluid communication with the aperture  72 . The other end of the tubing  76  is connected to a negative pressure source, such as a vacuum terminal. The tubing  76  may include valve means for controlling fluid flow therethrough, and a pressure regulator to measure and control the pressure within the apparatus  60 . The bowl  74  comprises a body with a perforated base  78  dimensioned to fit snugly and sealingly within the aperture  72 . The bowl  74  further comprises an opening  80  with a flange  82  extending therefrom. A flexible membrane  84  affixed to an annular snap ring  86  is placed over the opening  80 , such that the snap ring  86  engages the flange  82  to secure to the flexible membrane  84  to the bowl  74 . Accordingly, an air-tight chamber is defined by the flexible membrane-covered bowl  74  and the receptacle  62 . Similar to the diaphragm  18 , the flexible membrane  84  may also include a durable, rigid cover to shield the flexible membrane  84  from damage due to sharp surgical instruments or other objects. 
         [0063]    In operation, the bowl  74  is placed within the aperture  72  and blood-laden sponges  75  are introduced into the bowl  74 . Next, the flexible membrane  84  is secured to the bowl opening  80  and then the external force is applied. Accordingly, as air is drawn from the air-tight chamber the flexible membrane  84  is caused to collapse on the blood-laden sponges  75 , compressing the blood-laden sponges  75 . The negative pressure and the collapsed flexible membrane  84  on the blood-laden sponges  75  forces the sponges  75  against the perforated base  78  to urge the blood out. By maintaining the pressure within a predetermined range, negative pressure-induced hemolysis of the blood components may be substantially suppressed. Additionally, any potential hemolytic effects due to exposure to air are substantially minimized since the blood is not exposed to air during operation of the apparatus  60 . Similar to the receptacle  12 , the receptacle  62  may also include a handle to facilitate transport of the receptacle  62  or apparatus  60 , or pouring the recovered blood into another vessel. The receptacle  62  may also comprise a drainage assembly comprising an outlet in the sidewall of receptacle  64 , with a one-way valve for dispensing the blood or connecting to a cell saver machine or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine. 
         [0064]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, an exemplary blood recovery apparatus  90  comprises a receptacle  92  with a base  94 , a sidewall  96 , and an opening  98  having a flange  100  extending outwardly therefrom, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Located between the base  94  and the opening  98  is a perforated platform  102  on which blood-laden sponges  104  rest, and a reservoir  106  for the recovered blood is formed below the perforated platform  102 . The sidewall  96  includes one port  108  extending therethrough that connects via a line to a source of negative pressure, such as a vacuum terminal. The port  108  or the line is associated with a valve  110  for controlling fluid flow therethrough, or for preventing reverse flow, and the valve  110  may include a filter for permitting through passage of air only. In addition, a pressure regulator within the receptacle  92  may be included to measure and control the pressure, thus suppressing or minimizing possible hemolytic effects of the negative pressure. A float valve  111  within the reservoir  106  may be included to stop the vacuum terminal, once a float included therein, and rises with the level of the recovered blood within the reservoir  106 , reaches a predetermined level. A lid  112  dimensioned to cover the opening  98  includes a peripheral edge  114  which rests on the flange  100 . The lid  112  also includes at least one aperture  116  therethrough in communication with the exterior of the receptacle  92 . Affixed to the peripheral edge  114  is a flexible membrane  118  in close contact with the blood-laden sponges  104 . The lid  112  is secured to receptacle  92  by forcing the peripheral edge  114  of the lid  112  to the flange  100 , such that an air-tight chamber  120  is defined between the flexible membrane  114  and the base  94 . 
         [0065]    In operation, as air is drawn from the air-tight chamber  120  the flexible membrane  118  is caused to collapse on the blood-laden sponges  104  and compress the blood-laden sponges  104 . The atmospheric pressure, in combination with the negative pressure and the collapsing flexible membrane  118  forces the sponges  104  against the perforated platform  102  to urge the blood out of the sponges  104 . The recovered blood is collected in the reservoir  106  and may be emptied via a drainage assembly  122  connected to another port  124  adjacent to the base  94 . Alternatively, the drainage assembly  122  may be connected to a cell saver machine or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine. Similar to receptacle  12 , the receptacle  92  may also include a handle to facilitate transport of the receptacle  92  or apparatus  90 , or pouring the recovered blood into another vessel. 
         [0066]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, a blood recovery apparatus  130  comprises a receptacle  132  with a base  134 , a sidewall  136  defining an interior chamber  138 , with an opening  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 to 12 . The sidewall  136  also includes ribs  139  depending from the base  134  to the opening  140 , and a seat  142  is formed around the perimeter of the opening  140  and extending away from the opening  140 , and terminating perpendicularly with a ring wall  144 . A spout  146  is formed within a portion of wall  144 , and a port  147  is defined through the sidewall  136  and is connected via a line to a source of negative pressure, such as a vacuum terminal (not shown). A valve for controlling fluid flow therethrough, or for preventing reverse flow, is included, and may include a filter for allowing air only therethrough. The apparatus  130  also comprises a strainer basket  148  with a bottom portion  150  dimensioned to be accommodated within the interior chamber  138  and a top portion  152  with an opening  153 , such that the top portion  152  rests on the seat  142 . The strainer basket  148  further comprises a perforated base  154  with a plurality of apertures  156  extending therethrough, with a bottom portion sidewall  158  depending therefrom and terminating at the top portion  152 . The apertures  156  are appropriately dimensioned to enhance drainage of the recovered blood into the receptacle  132 , and may vary in size and/or shape. A flange  160  is formed with the bottom portion wall  158  and a top portion wall  162 , such that the bottom portion wall  158  and the top portion wall  162  are separated by the flange  160  resting on the seat  142 . Between the seat  142  and the flange  160  is a gasket or a seal member  163 , such as an  0  ring, which provides an air-tight seal between the strainer basket  148  and the receptacle  132 , during operation. 
         [0067]    Blood-laden sponges  164  are received via the opening  153  and come to rest on the perforated base  154 , and any recovered blood from the sponges  164  flows via the apertures  156  into a reservoir  157  formed in the interior chamber  138 . A lid  165  is introduced via the opening  153  and exerts pressure on the blood-laden sponges  164  to force the blood out. The lid  165  comprises two disc-shaped piston heads  166  and  168  dimensioned to engage the top portion wall  162  and the bottom portion wall  158 , respectively. The top disc-shaped piston  166  and the bottom disc-shaped piston  168  are separated by a plurality of ribs  170 . The edge of the disc-shaped piston  166  includes a seal member  172 , such as an  0  ring, or other suitable seal, which engages the wall  162  of the strainer basket  148 . Accordingly, a portion of the seal member  172  is secured within a recessed channel  175  formed within the edge, while another portion of the seal member  172  extends outside the channel  175  to engage the wall  162 . Therefore, when the lid  165  is introduced in the strainer basket  148 , the seal member  172  sealingly engages the top portion wall  162 , to form an air-tight chamber between the piston  166  and the base  134 . During operation, as air is drawn out of the interior chamber  138  by the vacuum terminal, the negative pressure forces the disc-shaped pistons  166  and  168  towards the perforated base  154 , thus magnifying the force exerted on the blood-laden sponges  164 . The action of the two disc-shaped pistons  166  and  168  moving simultaneously towards the perforated base  154  results in a “double” high-pressure phenomenon on the sponges  164 , which enhances blood recovery therefrom, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . For example, with the exemplary two disc-shaped pistons  166  and  168  dimensioned at 6.25 in. and 4.2 in., respectively, when the pressure source conveys a pressure of 400 mmHg (or 7.735 psi), then the disc-shaped piston  166  is subject to a force of approximately 237 lb (i.e. 7.735 (6.25/2) 2 π), and this force translates to approximately 885 mmHg (i.e. 2374(4.2/2) 2 π))=17.3 psi) as the resultant pressure to the disc-shaped piston  168 . Accordingly, the resultant pressure on the sponges  164  is intensified by this arrangement, with a gain ratio of approximately 2.2. Therefore, the magnitude of the negative pressure conveyed to the receptacle  132  may be lowered to minimize hemolysis, while relying more on the intensified pressure conveyed to the disc-shaped piston  166  to force the blood out of the sponges  164 . Once the blood has been drawn out of the sponges  164  the suction force is stopped, and the lid  165  is removed from the strainer basket  148  by pulling on a handle means  176 , and the spent sponges  164  are removed from the perforated base  154 . Subsequently, the strainer basket  148  is removed from the receptacle  132  and the recovered blood is poured out via the spout  146 . Advantageously, since the apparatus  130  comprises only three major parts, that is, the receptacle  132 , the strainer basket  148  and the lid  165 , the apparatus  130  is easily assembled or disassembled to facilitate emptying of the reservoir  157 . 
         [0068]    The recovered blood is collected in the reservoir  157  and may be emptied via the spout  146 . Alternatively, a drainage assembly is connected to another port adjacent to the base  134  for emptying the reservoir  157 . Further, the drainage assembly may be connected to a cell saver machine or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine. 
         [0069]    In addition, a pressure regulator may be included to measure and control the pressure within the receptacle  132 . While the handle means  176  aids in the placement of the lid  165  in the strainer basket  148 , and removal of the lid  165  from the strainer basket  148 , it may also be facilitate the application of a force for manual operation of the apparatus  130 . 
         [0070]    Similar to apparatus  10 , the apparatus  130  may include a filter with a perforated body to remove clots, debris, particulates or foreign material that may be soaked up by the sponges  16 . 
         [0071]    In yet another embodiment, positive pressure is applied to force down the lid  165  of apparatus  130 . As such, after the sponges  164  and the lid  165  have been introduced in the strainer basket  148 , a cover is placed over the opening  153  to create an air-tight seal. Positive pressure is introduced via an inlet in the cover. The positive pressure may be applied by regulated compressed air or by an air pump. In this embodiment, the outlet  147  to the source of negative pressure is closed, and thus inoperable. Accordingly, the system may be adapted for use with a negative pressure source vacuum source and/or a positive pressure source. Alternatively, a pressure may be applied manually, for example, the handle  176  of lid  165  is grasped and a force is exerted to drive the pistons  166  and  168  towards the sponges  164  resting on the perforated base  154 . Electro-mechanical means such as an electric motor coupled to means for translating rotational motion into longitudinal motion to the lid  165  may also be employed. As described above, the action of the two disc-shaped pistons  166  and  168  moving simultaneously towards the perforated base  154  results in a “double” high-pressure phenomenon on the sponges  164 , which enhances blood recovery therefrom. 
         [0072]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, an edge of the bottom disc-shaped piston  168  also includes a seal member, such as an  0  ring, or other suitable seal, secured within a recessed channel  175  formed within the edge, as shown  FIGS. 8 to 10 . This seal member engages the wall  162  of the strainer basket  148  and minimizes the migration of any recovered blood upward or away from the base  134 . 
         [0073]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, the blood recovery apparatus  10  comprises a cylindrical housing with a sidewall extending from a base to an opening. Located between the base and the opening is a perforated platform on which blood-laden sponges rest. A port defined in the sidewall is connected to source of negative pressure, and a reservoir for the recovered blood is defined between the base and the port. A disc-shaped piston is introduced into the housing, and sealingly engages the sidewall to create an air-tight volume between the piston and the base. As air is drawn out of the housing, the negative pressure causes the piston to descend and compress the sponges. Accordingly, the negative pressure and the force from the piston cause the blood to drawn from the sponges. The recovered blood may be poured out of the housing, or alternatively, the housing may include another port connected to a drainage assembly for emptying the reservoir. The drainage assembly may be connected to a cell saver machine or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine. Similar to the receptacle  12 , the housing may also include a handle to facilitate transport of the housing, or pouring the recovered blood into another vessel. 
         [0074]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, the blood recovery apparatus  10  comprises a flexible housing with a resealable orifice for introducing blood-laden sponges into the housing and a port connected to a housing via a hose. The housing is also connected to a source of negative pressure, such that a partial vacuum is created in the reservoir. In turn, the partial vacuum causes the housing to compress the sponges, and causes the blood to be drawn from the sponges, and flow into the reservoir. The housing interior may comprise a mesh abutting the sponges, which promotes the flow of blood out of the housing by maintaining fluid channels. Alternatively, the housing interior comprises ribs formed to prevent fluid channels from collapsing as the pressure drops. The port and/or the hose to the reservoir may include a valve for regulation of fluid flow, or a pressure intensifier, and a filter allowing passage of air only. Spent sponges may be removed from the housing via the orifice, and a fresh batch of blood-laden sponges may be introduced into the housing. Hemolytic effects due to pressure and air may be substantially minimized using previously discussed techniques. 
         [0075]    Although in the foregoing embodiments the method and system for recovering blood have been described as being useful in an intra-operative setting, the method and system are also operable or potentially viable in a post-operative care setting, such as a recovery unit or care unit, including other applications. 
         [0076]    In any of the above embodiments, in order to delay the clotting of the recovered blood, a Heparin coating, or any other suitable anticoagulant, may be added to the interior walls of the reservoir in contact with blood. 
         [0077]    In another embodiment, any of the exemplary apparatus described above may be used in other commercial applications, such as forcing fluid or liquid from any absorbent material. For example, in one application oil is forced out of oil-soaked sponges or rags in environmental clean-up procedures. Another application may be in the janitorial cleaning services or household cleaning, for wringing liquid-absorbent materials or devices, such as mops, sponges or rags. As those of skill will appreciate, the afore-mentioned apparatuses may be modified to suit the desired application. 
         [0078]    Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, no element described herein is required for the practice of the invention unless expressly described as “essential” or “critical.” 
         [0079]    The preceding detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Further, the present invention may be practiced using one or more servers, as necessary. Thus, the preceding detailed description is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation, and the scope of the invention is defined by the preceding description, and with respect to the attached claims.