Patent Publication Number: US-2019175815-A1

Title: Venous air capture chamber

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a venous air capture chamber for use in dialysis. The venous air capture chamber reduces both stagnant flow and turbulence, and provides improved capture of air bubbles from liquid flowing through the chamber. The venous air capture chamber further provides for bidirectional flow to automate aspects of system priming. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Venous air capture chambers are used in hemodialysis to separate entrained air bubbles from the blood before the blood is returned from the dialyzer to the patient. Conventional venous air capture chambers suffer from both areas of stagnant flow within the chamber and from areas of mixing between blood and air resulting in an increased tendency to coagulation in the extracorporeal circuit. Often, a turbulent blood surface is in contact with air in a manner such that air is further entrained into the blood which promotes mixing of air into the blood resulting in thrombosis activation, clogging of the dialyzer, and microbubbles that can be passed to the patient receiving a hemodialysis treatment. Moreover, red blood cells can be damaged due to the high shear stresses. Shear stress is aggravated when blood flows at an increased rate into the venous air capture chamber. As such, conventional chambers fail to inhibit blood coagulation and/or undesirably activate blood thrombosis. 
     Conventional priming of a dialysis system is a complex process which requires training and monitoring. Automated priming is not used in conventional venous air capture chambers because fluid can only flow in one direction. Dialyzer priming removes air from the dialyzer prior to use. In general, the dialyzer must be inverted or “flipped” during priming to facilitate air removal from the dialyzer compartment. Then, with the dialyzer inverted, a physiologically compatible saline solution is introduced from the bottom of the dialyzer to drive air out the top of the vertically positioned dialyzer and replaced with saline. If air is not removed from the dialyzer, the air can cause clotting and blockages in the hollow fibers of the dialyzer membrane which reduces the efficiency of the dialyzer during treatment. Air trapped in the dialyzer can reduce dialyzer clearance by preventing diffusion between the blood and dialysate compartments. Additionally, clots in the returned blood to the patient can lead to increased risk of thrombosis. Finally, technicians can introduce error and inconsistently perform the steps for priming. 
     Hence, there is a need for an a venous air capture chamber that can effectively separate air bubbles from blood without causing mixing of new air into the blood, coagulation or hemolysis due to high shear stress. There is a need for a venous air capture chamber capable of bidirectional flow, allowing a simplified priming process that avoids the need to invert or “flip” a dialyzer during a priming step. The systems and methods should simplify and automate priming and improve usability. There is also a need for a bidirectional drip chamber that automates system priming and minimizes the risk of wet fibers trapping air. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The first aspect of the invention relates to a venous air capture chamber. In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the venous air capture chamber comprises a chamber body comprising a top portion and a bottom portion; a fluid inlet upwardly extending from the bottom portion of the chamber body towards the top portion of the chamber body to form a fluid inlet tube terminating in a first fluid inlet port and a second fluid inlet port; wherein the first fluid inlet port and the second fluid inlet port are disposed tangential to a circle plane formed by a center axis of the chamber body; wherein the first fluid inlet port and second fluid inlet port are opposedly positioned on the fluid inlet at an angle of about 180°; and a fluid outlet on the bottom portion of the chamber body. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first fluid inlet port and second fluid inlet port are positioned at about a 90° turn relative to a fluid flow of the tube. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the fluid outlet includes a mesh filter forming a cylindrical taper having a decreasing diameter in an upwardly direction from the bottom of the chamber and terminates in a substantially planar surface. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the chamber body is a substantially ovoid in shape. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the chamber body comprises a small diameter cylinder portion and a large diameter cylinder portion; wherein the large diameter cylinder portion is positioned higher relative to the large diameter cylinder portion. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet is positioned in the chamber body in the large diameter cylinder portion; and wherein the fluid outlet is positioned on a bottom of the small diameter cylinder portion. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the chamber body has a height of between 9 and 13 cm. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the small diameter cylinder portion is inwardly sloping from a top of the small diameter cylinder portion to the bottom of the small diameter cylinder portion. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the small diameter cylinder portion has a height of between 3 and 7 cm. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the large diameter cylinder portion has a height of between 4 and 8 cm. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the venous air capture chamber comprises a spiral flow inducing shelf positioned inside the chamber body at the fluid inlet flush to a bottom portion of the fluid inlet port. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the spiral flow inducing shelf is downwardly sloping. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the venous air capture chamber comprises a cap covering the top portion of the chamber body. 
     In any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the cap comprises two ports. 
     Any of the features disclosed as being part of the first aspect of the invention can be included in the first aspect of the invention, either alone or in combination. 
     The second aspect of the invention is drawn to an extracorporeal flow path. In any embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the extracorporeal flow path comprises a dialyzer comprising a blood side of the dialyzer and a dialysate side of the dialyzer; a blood inlet fluidly connected to the blood side of the dialyzer and a blood outlet fluidly connected to the blood side of the dialyzer; a blood pump; and the venous drip chamber of the first aspect of the invention positioned in a venous blood line fluidly connectable to the dialyzer and to a patient. 
     In any embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the extracorporeal flow path comprises an arterial air capture chamber positioned in an arterial blood line fluidly connectable to the dialyzer and to a patient. 
     In any embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the blood pump can be a non-pulsatile pump. 
     Any of the features disclosed as being part of the second aspect of the invention can be included in the second aspect of the invention, either alone or in combination. 
     The third aspect of the invention is drawn to method comprising the steps of: pumping blood through the extracorporeal flow path of the second aspect of the invention; and pumping dialysate through the dialysate side of the dialyzer; wherein the step of pumping blood through the extracorporeal flow path comprises controlling the blood pump to pump the blood at a blood flow rate of between 50 mL/min and 500 mL/min. 
     In any embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the method includes the step of filling the venous air capture chamber to a specified filling level; wherein the specified filling level is based on the blood flow rate. 
     In any embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the specified filling level is between 40% to 65% when the blood flow rate is between 50 mL/min and 200 mL/min; the specified filling level is between 50% to 75% when the blood flow rate is between 100 mL/min and 275 mL/min; the specified filling level is between 65% to 85% when the blood flow rate is between 275 mL/min and 500 mL/min; and the specified filling level is between 70% to 85% when the blood flow rate is 500 mL/min or greater. 
     In any embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the blood flow rate is between 275 and 500 mL/min and the specified filling level is between 65% and 80%. 
     Any of the features disclosed as being part of the third aspect of the invention can be included in the third aspect of the invention, either alone or in combination. 
     The fourth aspect of the invention is drawn to a method for priming a dialyzer. In any embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, a physiologically compatible saline is pumped through the extracorporeal flow path of the second aspect of the invention, and further pumped through a dialysate side of the dialyzer. 
     Any of the features disclosed as being part of the fourth aspect of the invention can be included in any other aspect of the invention, either alone or in combination. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a generalized diagram of a venous air capture chamber. 
         FIGS. 2 a - b    are detailed diagrams of a venous air capture chamber. 
         FIGS. 3 a - b    are detailed diagrams of fluid inlet designs for a venous air capture chamber. 
         FIGS. 4 a - b    are detailed diagrams of venous air capture chamber bodies. 
         FIGS. 5 a -5 f    show schematics of the venous air capture chamber. 
         FIGS. 6 a - b    show schematics of a cap to be used on a venous air capture chamber. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of an extracorporeal flow path. 
         FIG. 8  shows a computer aided design picture of a venous air capture chamber. 
         FIGS. 9 a - b    show velocity distribution vector diagrams for air capture chambers with differing body shapes. 
         FIGS. 10 a - b    show velocity distribution vector diagrams for an air capture chamber with a substantially circular body shape. 
         FIGS. 11 a - b    show velocity distribution vector diagrams for an air capture chamber with a substantially ovoid body shape. 
         FIGS. 12 a - b    show velocity distribution vector diagrams for an air capture chamber with a parallel cylinder body shape. 
         FIGS. 13 a - b    show velocity distribution vector diagrams for an air capture chamber with a two opposedly positioned fluid inlets and differing body shapes. 
         FIGS. 14 a - b    show velocity distribution vector diagrams for an air capture chamber with a two opposedly positioned fluid inlets and differing positions of the fluid inlets. 
         FIGS. 15 a - b    show velocity distribution vector diagrams for an air capture chamber with a two opposedly positioned fluid inlets and differing relative sizes of the small diameter cylinder and large diameter cylinder portions. 
         FIGS. 16 a - d    show velocity distribution vectors with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIG. 17  shows a velocity distribution vector with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIGS. 18 a - d    show y-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIGS. 19 a - b    show z-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIGS. 20 a - b    show x-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIGS. 21 a - b    show velocity distribution vectors near the inlet ports with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIGS. 22 a - b    show shows velocity distribution vectors in the y-direction with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIG. 23  shows the pressure distribution in the venous air capture chamber with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIGS. 24 a - c    show the max shear rate with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIG. 25  shows residence time distributions with a 60% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.104 m/s. 
         FIGS. 26 a - d    show velocity distribution vectors with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIG. 27  shows a velocity distribution vector with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIG. 28 a - d    show y-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIGS. 29 a - b    show z-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIGS. 30 a - b    show x-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIGS. 31 a - b    show velocity distribution vectors near the inlet ports with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIGS. 32 a - b    show velocity distribution vectors in the y-direction with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIG. 33  shows the pressure distribution in the venous air capture chamber with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIGS. 34 a - c    show the max shear rate with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIG. 35  shows residence time distributions with a 65% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.288 m/s. 
         FIGS. 36 a - d    show velocity distribution vectors with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIGS. 37 a - d    show y-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIGS. 38 a - b    show z-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIGS. 39 a - b    show x-section views the velocity distribution vectors with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIGS. 40 a - b    show velocity distribution vectors near the inlet ports with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIG. 41  shows velocity distribution vectors in the y-direction with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIG. 42  shows the pressure distribution in the venous air capture chamber with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIGS. 43 a - c    show the max shear rate with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIG. 44  shows residence time distributions with a 75% filling level and an inlet velocity of 0.52 m/s. 
         FIG. 45  shows a setup of an experiment to detect the presence of stagnant flow. 
         FIGS. 46 a - c    show the presence or absence of stagnant flow as a function of filling level for a flow rate of 50 mL/min. 
         FIGS. 47 a - b    show the presence or absence of stagnant flow as a function of filling level for a flow rate of 100 mL/min. 
         FIGS. 48 a - b    show the presence or absence of stagnant flow as a function of filling level for a flow rate of 275 mL/min. 
         FIGS. 49 a - b    how the presence or absence of stagnant flow as a function of filling level for a flow rate of 500 mL/min. 
         FIG. 50  shows a setup of an experiment to determine whether an unstable area exists in the fluid-air interface. 
         FIG. 51  shows a stable interface existing with a flow rate of 50 mL/min and a filling level of 50%. 
         FIG. 52  shows a stable interface existing with a flow rate of 100 mL/min and a filling level of 50%. 
         FIGS. 53 a - b    the presence or absence of a stable fluid-air interface with a flow rate of 275 mL/min as a function of filling level. 
         FIGS. 54 a - b    the presence or absence of a stable fluid-air interface with a flow rate of 500 mL/min as a function of filling level. 
         FIGS. 55 a - b    illustrate a comparison of a conventional venous air capture chamber and the present venous air capture chamber. 
         FIGS. 56 a - c    show extracorporeal flow paths set up for dialysis and priming using both conventional and bi-directional air capture chambers. 
         FIG. 57  shows a detailed view of a venous blood line. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. 
     The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element. 
     The term “about a 90° turn” refers to an angle defined by three points, wherein the angle is 90° or close to 90°. 
     The term “about 180°” refers to an angle defined by three points, wherein the angle is 180° or close to 180°. 
     An “arterial air capture chamber” is a device placed in the arterial line of an extracorporeal flow path that separates and captures air mixed with the blood. 
     The term “arterial blood line” refers to a fluid line in an extracorporeal flow path that conveys blood from a patient to the dialyzer. 
     The term “blood flow rate” refers to the velocity of blood moving in a fluid line. 
     A “blood inlet” is a fluid connection through which blood can enter a component. 
     A “blood outlet” is a fluid connection through which blood can exit a component. 
     The term “blood pump” refers to a pump located in an extracorporeal flow path for pumping blood from a patient, to a dialyzer, and back to the patient. 
     The term “blood side of the dialyzer” refers to the portion of the dialyzer through which blood will travel during dialysis. 
     The terms “bottom portion” and “bottom section” refer to the portion of a component at a height lower than the center of a component when positioned for normal use. 
     A “cap” is a component that fits on top of a second component. 
     A “center axis” is an imaginary line through the center of a component from the top to the bottom of the component. 
     The term “chamber body” refers to the interior space of an air capture chamber. 
     The term “circle plane” refers to a horizontal plane that is substantially circularly shaped. 
     The term “comprising” includes, but is not limited to, whatever follows the word “comprising.” Thus, use of the term indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present. 
     The term “consisting of” includes and is limited to whatever follows the phrase “consisting of” Thus, the phrase indicates that the limited elements are required or mandatory and that no other elements may be present. 
     The term “consisting essentially of” includes whatever follows the term “consisting essentially of” and additional elements, structures, acts or features that do not affect the basic operation of the apparatus, structure or method described. 
     The term “controlling the blood pump” or to “control the blood pump” refers setting a pump rate for a blood pump. 
     The term “cylindrical taper” refers to a three dimensional shape of a component that is substantially circular at a base of the component, and narrows towards a point at the top of the component. 
     The term “decreasing diameter” refers to a three dimensional shape of a component that becomes more narrow along from one end of the component towards the opposite end of the component. 
     The term “dialysate side of the dialyzer” refers to the portion of the dialyzer through which dialysate will travel during dialysis. 
     “Dialysis” is a type of filtration, or a process of selective diffusion through a membrane. Dialysis removes solutes of a specific range of molecular weights via diffusion through a membrane from a fluid to be dialyzed into a dialysate. During dialysis, a fluid to be dialyzed is passed over a filter membrane, while dialysate is passed over the other side of that membrane. Dissolved solutes are transported across the filter membrane by diffusion between the fluids. The dialysate is used to remove solutes from the fluid to be dialyzed. The dialysate can also provide enrichment to the other fluid. 
     The term “dialyzer” refers to a cartridge or container with two flow paths separated by semi-permeable membranes. One flow path is for blood and one flow path is for dialysate. The membranes can be in the form of hollow fibers, flat sheets, or spiral wound or other conventional forms known to those of skill in the art. Membranes can be selected from the following materials of polysulfone, polyethersulfone, poly(methyl methacrylate), modified cellulose, or other materials known to those skilled in the art. 
     The term “disposed” refers to a first components placement on a second component. 
     The term “downwardly sloping” refers to the configuration of a component wherein the component is at a higher elevation near an outer edge of a container or larger component, and at a lower elevation towards the center of the container or larger component. 
     The term “extracorporeal flow path” is the path through which blood will travel during dialysis. 
     The term “filling” or to “fill” refers to adding a fluid to a component or container. 
     The term “filling level” refers to the level of a fluid within a component. 
     The terms “fluidly connected,” “fluidly connectable,” and “fluid connection” refer to the ability of providing for the passage of fluid or gas from one point to another point. The two points can be within or between any one or more of compartments, modules, systems, components, and rechargers, all of any type. 
     The term “fluid flow of the tube” refers to a direction that fluid will move through a tube when used in normal operation. 
     A “fluid inlet” is a fluid connection through which a fluid can enter a component. 
     A “fluid inlet port” is an opening in a fluid inlet through which fluid enters a component. 
     A “fluid inlet tube” is a fluid connector through which a fluid can enter a component or container. 
     A “fluid outlet” is a fluid connection through which a fluid can exit a component. 
     The term “flush” refers to the position of a first component or structure relative to a second component or structure, wherein the first component or structure is in contact with the second component or structure. 
     The term “inner diameter” refers to the distance from the wall of a component, through the center of the component, and to the wall on the opposite side. 
     The term “inwardly sloping” refers to a configuration of a container wherein the container has a smaller diameter on either the top portion or the bottom portion than on the opposing portion. 
     A “large diameter cylinder portion” or “large cylinder portion” refers to the cylinder having a larger diameter in a component comprising at least two cylinders. 
     A “mesh filter” is a component made of interlaced or interconnected structures that provides openings between the structures. 
     The term “opposedly positioned” refers to the relative positions of two components wherein the two components are facing in substantially opposite directions. 
     A “patient” or “subject” is a member of any animal species, preferably a mammalian species, optionally a human. The subject can be an apparently healthy individual, an individual suffering from a disease, or an individual being treated for a disease. 
     A “physiologically compatible saline solution” is a solution that can be safely introduced into the bloodstream of a living person. 
     A “port” is an opening in a component through which fluid or gas may enter or leave the component. 
     The term “positioned” refers to the location of a particular component or structure. 
     The term “positioned higher” refers to the relative positions of two components wherein the component that is “positioned higher” is at a higher elevation when the system is in normal use. 
     “Priming” refers to preparing a system or component for use. In any embodiment, the term “priming” can refer to the process of pumping a liquid into a system, fluid lines, or other components to fill the system, fluid lines, or other components with the fluid. 
     The term “priming step” refers to a discrete action taken in order to prime a system. 
     The terms “pumping,” “pumped,” or to “pump” refers to moving a fluid, gas, or combination thereof, with a pump. 
     The term “small diameter cylinder portion” or “small cylinder portion” refers to the cylinder having a smaller diameter in a component comprising at least two cylinders. 
     The term “specified filling level” refers to a level of fluid within a component, such as a percentage of the component filled with fluid and is a predetermined level dependent upon other system parameters. 
     A “spiral flow-inducing shelf” refers to a shelf that causes fluid inside of the larger structure to move in a spiral flow path. 
     The term “substantially ovoid” refers to a component that has rounded ends and a slightly elongated shape. 
     The term “substantially planar surface” refers to an outer surface of a component that is generally a flat surface. 
     The term “tangential” or “tangentially” refers to a position of a first component on a second component, wherein the first component occupies a space within a horizontal plane of the second component. 
     The term “terminating” refers to an outer edge of a component or structure. 
     The term “top portion” refers to the portion of a component at a height higher than the center of a component when positioned for normal use. 
     The term “upwardly extending” refers to a configuration of a component wherein, during normal operation, the component is positioned from a bottom portion towards a top portion of a second component. 
     A “venous air capture chamber” is a device placed in the venous line of an extracorporeal flow path that separates and captures air mixed with the blood. 
     The term “venous blood line” refers to a fluid line in an extracorporeal flow path that conveys blood from a dialyzer to the patient. 
     Venous Air Capture Chamber 
     The invention relates to a venous air capture chamber for hemodialysis and a method for performing dialysis that minimizes contact or mixing between the blood and air. The air capture chamber can be adapted for disposable or non-disposable sets and provides for bidirectional flow during priming and blood return functions. Bidirectional flow during priming can be implemented in a compact portable hemodialysis system that does not require the dialyzer to be manually inverted during the priming process. The structural features of the venous air capture chamber minimize stagnant areas and avoid high shear stresses to inhibit blood coagulation or activation of thrombosis. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a venous air capture chamber in accordance with the present invention. In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the venous air capture chamber can comprise a chamber body  101 , a fluid inlet extending upwardly from a bottom portion towards a top portion of the chamber body  101  to form a fluid inlet tube  103 , a fluid outlet  104  and an optional mesh filter  105  covering the fluid outlet  104 . The mesh filter  105  can be a cone shape having a cylindrical taper wherein the diameter of the cone decreases in an upwardly direction towards a top of the chamber body  101 . The cone shape can terminate in a substantially planar surface or a point. In some embodiments of the invention, the venous chamber does not comprise mesh filter  105 . As described herein, the fluid inlet  103  can terminate in two fluid inlet ports  102  placed on the fluid inlet  103 , the fluid inlet ports disposed tangential to a circle plane formed by a center axis of the chamber body  101 . The two fluid inlet ports  102  can be a first fluid inlet port and second fluid inlet port that are positioned at about a 90° turn relative to a fluid flow of the tube or a vertical axis of the tube. In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the two fluid inlet ports  102  can be opposedly positioned on the fluid inlet tube  103  and spaced at an angle of about 180° apart, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2 a    illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of the venous air capture chambers described herein. In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the venous air capture chamber can comprise a chamber body  201 . The chamber body can comprise two portions, a small diameter cylinder portion  203  and a large diameter cylinder portion  202 , with the large diameter cylinder portion  202  positioned higher relative to the small diameter cylinder portion  203 . The upwardly extending fluid inlet can form a fluid inlet tube  204  with fluid inlet ports  205 . The fluid inlet tube  204  can enter the chamber body in the small diameter cylinder portion  202 . The fluid outlet  206  can be placed on the bottom portion of the chamber body  201  and can comprise an optional mesh filter  207 . The optional mesh filter  207  can be any type of mesh filter known in the art. The mesh filter  207  can have a cylindrical taper having a decreasing diameter in an upwardly direction from the bottom of the chamber body  201  and terminating in a substantially planar surface as illustrated in  FIG. 2   a.    
       FIG. 2 b    illustrates a detailed view of the fluid inlet design. As shown in  FIG. 2 b   , the fluid inlet tube  204  can comprise two opposedly positioned fluid inlet ports  205 . The opposedly positioned fluid inlet ports  205  can be placed in a circle plane formed around the center axis of the chamber body  201 . In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the fluid inlet ports  205  can be positioned at about 180° relative to the fluid inlet tube  204 . 
       FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    show variations of the fluid inlet design. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 a   , the fluid inlet ports  302  can be located at a position close to an inner wall  301  of the chamber body and at a distance from the small diameter cylinder portion  303  with downwardly sloped surface to facilitate downward fluid flow. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 b   , the fluid inlet ports  305  can alternatively be located closer to the small diameter cylinder portion  306  and further from the inner wall  304  of the chamber body. A downwardly sloped surface can have a rounded cliff edge and a steeper slope that shown in  FIG. 3 a    to facilitate downward fluid flow. The sloped surface can also radiate outwards along an inner perimeter of the small diameter cylinder portion  303 . 
       FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    illustrate different embodiments of the chamber body. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 a    provides a short small diameter cylinder portion  401  of the chamber body relative to the large diameter cylinder portion  402 . The upwardly extending fluid inlet  403  enters at the large diameter cylinder portion  402 . The fluid outlet  404  is at the bottom of the small diameter cylinder portion  401 .  FIG. 4 b    illustrates a similar venous air capture chamber with small diameter cylinder portion  405 , a large diameter cylinder portion  406 , a fluid inlet  407  and fluid outlet  408 . In  FIG. 4 a    the venous air capture chamber has shorter small diameter cylinder portion  401  relative to the large diameter cylinder portion  402  than the venous air capture chamber of  FIG. 4 b   , which has a longer small diameter cylinder portion  405  relative to the large diameter cylinder portion  406 . The height of the small cylinder portion of the venous air capture chamber can be set as any height, including between 3 and 7 cm. The large cylinder portion can be any height, including between 4 and 8 cm. 
       FIG. 5 a - c    show schematics of a non-limiting embodiment of the venous air capture chamber of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 a   , the venous air capture chamber can, in any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, comprise a chamber body  501 , an upwardly extending fluid inlet  504 , and a fluid outlet  505  positioned on the bottom portion of the chamber body  501 . As described, the chamber body  501  can comprise a large diameter cylinder portion  502  and a small diameter cylinder portion  503 , with the large diameter cylinder portion  502  positioned higher relative to the small diameter cylinder portion  503 . 
     In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the large diameter cylinder portion  502  can have a diameter of any size. In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the inner diameter  518  of the large diameter cylinder portion  502  can be set at any size between 1.8 and 4.0 cm. The outer diameter  519  of the large diameter cylinder portion  502  can be set at any size between 1.9 and 4.1 cm. In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the small diameter cylinder portion  503  can be inwardly sloping from the top of the small diameter cylinder portion  503  to the bottom of the small diameter cylinder portion  503 . As such, near the top of the small diameter cylinder portion, the inner diameter of the small diameter cylinder portion  503  can be between of 1.2 and 2.0 cm, as denoted by diameter  510 . At the bottom portion of the small diameter cylinder portion  503 , the inner diameter can be between 1.1 and 1.9 cm, but smaller relative to the top of the small diameter cylinder portion  503 , as shown by diameter  509 . In any embodiment of the first, second or third aspects of the invention, the height of the small diameter cylinder portion  503  can be between 2.5 and 4.1 cm, shown as height  508 . 
     In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the venous air capture chamber can have a total height of between 9 and 13 cm, shown by height  513 . The venous air capture chamber can have a height measured from the top of the venous air capture chamber to the top of the fluid outlet  505  of between 8 and 11 cm, shown by height  512 . In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the chamber wall  506  can have a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.3 cm as shown by width  507 . 
     In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the fluid inlet  504  can form a fluid inlet tube. The fluid inlet tube can have a width of between 0.3 and 0.6 cm as shown by width  514 . The chamber body can extend over the fluid inlet tube to a distance of between 0.6 and 1.0 cm from the chamber body  501 , as shown by height  515 . The fluid inlet  504  can have a diameter of between 0.35 and 0.8 cm over the fluid inlet tube, as shown by diameter  511 . The fluid outlet  505  can form a fluid outlet tube with a restricted diameter of between 0.3 and 0.6 cm, as shown by diameter  516 . The fluid outlet tube can have a total diameter of between 0.35 and 0.9 cm as shown by diameter  517 . 
     In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, a spiral flow inducing shelf  535  can be included in the venous air capture chamber. The spiral flow inducing shelf  535  is a feature that can help smooth fluid flow through the chamber and eliminate stagnant areas, particularly at low fluid flow rates. The spiral flow inducing shelf  535  can be downwardly sloping and have a rounded cliff edge to facilitate fluid flow. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 a   , in any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the spiral flow inducing shelf  535  can be positioned flush to the bottom portion of the fluid inlet  504  and can be downwardly sloping. 
       FIG. 5 b    shows a bottom view of the venous air capture chamber illustrated in  FIG. 5 a   . Axis  520  is a center axis of the large diameter cylinder portion of the chamber body. Axis  521  is a center axis of the small diameter cylinder portion of the chamber body above fluid outlet  505 . Fluid inlet  504  has a center axis  522 . Axis  523  is an axis through the chamber body along a plane of the fluid inlet  504  and fluid outlet  505 . In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the horizontal distance from the center axis  522  of the fluid inlet  504  to the center axis  521  of the small diameter cylinder portion of the chamber can be between 1.0 and 1.8 cm. 
       FIG. 5 c    is a different cross section of the venous drip chamber. As shown in  FIG. 5 c   , the distance between a center axis  525  of the fluid outlet  505  to the center axis  520  of the large diameter cylinder portion of the chamber body can be between 0.3 and 0.6 cm, shown by width  524 . The spiral flow inducing shelf  535  is shown flush to the bottom portion of the fluid inlet  504 . 
       FIG. 5 d    shows a detailed view of the fluid inlet  504 , labeled as Feature C in  FIG. 5 c   . As described, the fluid inlet  504  can comprise two fluid inlet ports  526  with the two fluid inlet ports  526  opposedly positioned on the fluid inlet  504  at an angle of about 180° along the chamber wall  506 . The opposedly positioned fluid inlet ports  526  are formed by fluid inlet tip  527 , which separates the two fluid inlet ports  526 . In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the fluid inlet port  526  can have a diameter of between 0.15 and 0.35 cm, shown by diameter  528 . The width  528  of the fluid inlet ports will define the angle of the fluid inlet tip  527 , which can be between 70° and 130°, shown as angle  529 . 
       FIG. 5 e    illustrates the fluid inlet  504  entering the chamber body  501 , shown as Detail B in  FIG. 5 a   . As shown in  FIG. 5 e   , each fluid inlet port  526  can have a height of between 0.50 and 1.0 cm, shown as height  530 . In any embodiment, the top of the fluid inlet port  526  can be with the curved with the curve defining a circle with a radius of between 0.55 and 0.80 cm, shown by radius  531 . 
       FIG. 5 f    is a close up of a feature in the chamber wall  506 , shown as Detail D in  FIG. 5 a   . The feature  532  is a protrusion in the chamber wall  506 . The feature  532  can extend between 0.01 and 0.02 cm from the chamber wall  506 , shown as width  533 . The feature  532  can be rounded, defining a circle with a radius of between 0.04 and 0.06 cm, shown by radius  534 . 
       FIG. 6 a    is a schematic of the cap portion  601  of the venous drip chamber. The cap  601  can comprise two ports  602 . The ports  602  are used for both air in adjusting the chamber level and pressure monitoring, and for liquid in adding medications or physiologically compatible saline. Each port  602  can contain a tube with a diameter of between 0.15 and 0.4 cm, shown as diameter  603 . The ports  602  can themselves have an inner diameter of between 0.3 and 0.5 cm, shown as diameter  604 . Each port  602  can extend to a height of between 0.7 and 0.9 cm above the outer surface of the cap  601 , shown as height  605 . In order to fit over the top of the chamber body, the cap can have receiving slots  608  into which an edge of the chamber body can fit. The inner edges of the receiving slots  608  can define an inner diameter of between 1.8 and 4.0 cm, shown as diameter  607 . The outer edges of the receiving slots  608  can define an inner diameter of between 2.2 and 4.4 cm, shown as diameter  606 . The cap  601  can have a thickness on the inner edge of the receiving slot  608  of between 0.08 and 0.12 cm, shown as width  610 , and a thickness of between 0.10 and 0.14 cm on the outer edge of the receiving slot  608 , shown as width  609 . The cap  601  can have a top thickness of between 0.1 and 0.3 cm, shown as height  611 . A height from the base of the cap  601  to the bottom of the receiving slots  608  can be between 0.5 and 0.7 cm, shown as height  612 . 
       FIG. 6 b    is a schematic showing a top view of the cap  601 . As described, the cap  601  can comprise a first port  613  and a second port  614 , shown collectively as ports  602  in  FIG. 6 a   . Each port  613  and  614  can have a center axis  615  and  616  respectively. The center axis  615  and  616  of each port  613  and  614  can be spaced evenly apart from a center axis  617  of the cap  601 . Each of the ports  613  and  614  can be positioned on center axis  618  of the cap  601 . A distance between the center axis  615  of port  613  and center axis  616  of port  614  can be between 1.0 and 2.0 cm. 
     In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the venous air capture chambers can be used in an extracorporeal flow path for hemodialysis. The extracorporeal flow path can comprise a dialyzer  701 . Blood from a patient  709  can be pumped through an arterial blood line  702 , fluidly connected to dialyzer  701 , and enter the dialyzer  701  through blood inlet  704 . Blood can exit the dialyzer  701  through blood outlet  705 , which is fluidly connected to venous blood line  703 , and be pumped back to the patient  709 . One of skill in the art will understand that the extracorporeal flow path depicted in  FIG. 7  is for illustrative purposes only, and that additional components, sensors, lines and pumps can be included. Blood pump  708  can be used to pump the blood through the extracorporeal circuit. Blood in the arterial blood line  702  can be pumped through arterial air capture chamber  706  as described herein. The arterial air capture chamber  706  can be placed at any location in the arterial line  702 , including either upstream or downstream of blood pump  708 . The venous blood line  703  can also comprise the venous air capture chamber  707 . The blood, upon entering the dialyzer  701  can enter a blood side of the dialyzer  701 . The dialyzer  701  can also comprise a dialysate side of the dialyzer  701  separated from the blood side by a semi-permeable membrane. Solutes in the blood can pass through the semi-permeable membrane and enter the dialysate where the solutes can be removed or the dialysate discarded. One of skill in the art will understand that the fluid flow rates in relation to the experiments described herein are equivalent to blood flow rates through the extracorporeal flow path. In use, a user can control the blood pump  708  to achieve a combination of blood flow rate and filling level as described to allow the venous air capture chamber  707  to capture air while avoiding stagnant flow or overly high shear stress. The blood pump  708  can be any type of pump used in the art. 
     In addition to the advantageous results with respect to residence time, shear stress, and air capture described herein, the venous air capture chambers described herein advantageously allow for bidirectional fluid flow through the chamber body. The bidirectional fluid flow functionality allows for a simplified priming process, without the need to flip the dialyzer for priming of the fluid lines. The venous air capture chambers described herein can be constructed from any material known in the art, including but not limited polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate (PC). 
       FIGS. 55 a - b    illustrate the differences between the present venous air capture chamber and conventional air capture chambers. As shown in  FIG. 55 a   , a conventional venous air capture chamber  5501  has a fluid inlet  5502  at the top of the air capture chamber  5501 , and a fluid outlet  5503  at the bottom of the air capture chamber  5501 . Because fluid cannot travel from the fluid outlet  5503  to the fluid inlet  5502 , the conventional venous air capture chamber  5501  cannot allow for bidirectional flow. In contrast, as shown in  FIG. 55 b   , the venous air capture chamber  5504  has a fluid inlet  5505  and a fluid outlet  5506  that are both positioned on the bottom portion of the venous air capture chamber  5504 . As such, fluid is capable of moving from the fluid outlet  5506  to the fluid inlet  5505 , allowing for fluid to move bi-directionally through the venous air capture chamber  5504 . 
     As described, the venous air capture chamber of the present invention advantageously allows for bidirectional flow through the venous air capture chamber, simplifying the process of priming the dialysis system. In any embodiment of the first, second or third aspects of the invention, the arterial air capture chambers used in the extracorporeal flow path can also allow for bidirectional flow.  FIG. 56 a    shows a traditional extracorporeal flow path configured for use in dialysis. Blood from a patient travels to a dialyzer  5601  through arterial blood line  5602 , entering at blood inlet  5607 , as shown by the arrow on the arterial blood line  5602  in  FIG. 56 a   . Blood from the dialyzer  5601  exits through blood outlet  5608 , and travels back to the patient through venous blood line  5603 , as shown by the arrow on the venous blood line  5603 . An arterial air capture chamber  5604  is placed in the arterial blood line  5602  in order to remove air from the blood before reaching the dialyzer  5601 . A venous air capture chamber  5605  is placed in the venous blood line  5603  in order to remove air from the blood before being returned to the patient. Blood pump  5606  provides the driving force to move blood through the extracorporeal flow path. 
       FIG. 56 b    shows an extracorporeal flow path set up for priming of the system. Due to gravity, in order to prime the dialyzer  5601  and extracorporeal flow path, physiologically compatible saline must be pumped through the dialyzer  5601  from the bottom of the dialyzer  5601  to the top of the dialyzer  5601  in order to push air out of the dialyzer  5601  from the top. The priming process requires fluid to move through the extracorporeal flow path in the opposite direction as in normal use. Because conventional air capture chambers do not allow for bidirectional fluid flow, the direction of fluid flow through the extracorporeal flow path cannot be simply reversed. Instead, the entire dialyzer and extracorporeal flow path must be flipped in order to allow fluid and air to move from the top of the dialyzer  5601 , through the blood outlet  5608  and into the venous line  5603  through the venous air capture chamber  5605 , which after being flipped is connected to the top of the dialyzer  5601 , as shown by the arrow on venous line  5603  in  FIG. 56   b.    
       FIG. 56 c    shows an extracorporeal flow path using the bidirectional air capture chambers of the present invention. Advantageously, because the arterial air capture chamber  5604  and the venous air capture chamber  5609  of the present invention allows for bidirectional flow, the system can be primed without the need to flip the dialyzer  5601 . Because fluid can flow in through the fluid outlet of the arterial air capture chamber  5604 , and can flow out of the fluid inlet of arterial air capture chamber  5604 , and because fluid can flow in through the fluid outlet of venous air capture chamber  5609  and out through the inlet of venous air capture chamber  5609 , the direction of fluid flow in the extracorporeal flow path can be reversed, and fluid and air can be removed from the top of the dialyzer  5601  simply by changing the direction of blood pump  5606 , as shown by the arrow on arterial blood line  5602  and venous blood line  5603  in  FIG. 56   c.    
       FIG. 57  is a detailed view of a non-limiting venous blood line set up that can be used with the venous air capture chambers described herein. The venous blood line can comprise a venous air capture chamber  5701  as described herein. The venous blood line can be connected to a patient through luer connector  5702 , and can be connected to a dialyzer outlet through dialyzer connector  5705 . In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the luer connector  5702  can optionally include a recirculation connector, which allows recirculation of fluid through the entire extracorporeal flow path. Line clamp  5703  can be used to restrict or stop blood flow if necessary through the venous blood line. A sample port  5704  can be included in the venous blood line for blood sampling. As described, the venous air capture chamber  5701  can comprise a cap with two ports comprising line  5706  and line  5707  for removal of captured air, adjustment of the filling level, monitoring of pressure, or addition of medications. Each of the lines  5706  and  5707  can terminate in luer connectors  5709  and  5708 , respectively. Line clamp  5710  in line  5706  and line clamp  5711  in line  5707  can be used to control the movement of air or fluids through the lines. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a computer aided design of a venous air capture chamber in accordance with the present invention. As described, in any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the venous air capture chamber can comprise a chamber body  801 , a fluid inlet  802 , a fluid outlet  803 , and a mesh filter  804 . The venous air capture chamber can also comprise a cap  805  covering the top portion of the chamber body  801 . The cap  805  can comprise one or more ports  806  for removal of air captured by the chamber, measuring pressure in the chamber, or adding or removing liquid. As described herein, the chamber body  801  can comprise two cylinder portions, a small diameter cylinder portion  807 , and a large diameter cylinder portion  808 . The large diameter cylinder portion  808  can be positioned higher relative to the small diameter cylinder portion  807 , with the fluid outlet  803  placed at the bottom of the small diameter cylinder portion  807 . In any embodiment of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects of the invention, the fluid inlet  802  can enter the chamber body  801  in the large diameter cylinder portion  808 . 
     Based on computational flow monitoring described herein, a venous air capture chamber was constructed comprising a chamber body, an upwardly extending fluid inlet terminating in two fluid inlet ports opposedly positioned on the fluid inlet tangential to a circle plane formed by a center axis of the chamber body at an angel of about 180° and a fluid outlet comprising a mesh filter. In order to determine the effects of each of the disclosed features of the venous air capture chamber on the flow of fluid through the venous air capture chamber, computational flow dynamic (CFD) analysis was conducted on several configurations of an venous air capture chamber as outlined herein. The CFD analysis simulated several configurations of the venous air capture chambers in order to optimize for geometry and filling levels. In order to carry out the CFD analysis, computer aided design models of the venous air capture chambers were created, similar to the model shown in  FIG. 9 . The CFD analysis was conducted with the assumption of Multi-phases (air and blood) and viscous laminar flow. The blood analogue used had a density 1044 kg/m 3  and viscosity 0.00271 PaS. Flow domain was based on the chamber inner surfaces, and inlet and outlet ports were created through ANSYS Fluent. The initial and boundary conditions used were steady, and chamber filling was not considered. The inlet velocity was calculated based on flow rate and inlet tubing section area (ID 4.5 mm and area 15.89 mm 2 ) and specified for the inlet port. The inlet velocities used in the experiments described herein were 0.104 m/s (100 ml/min), 0.288 m/s (275 ml/min), and 0.52 m/s (500 ml/min). The chamber volume was specified as the filling level of fluid by using ANSYS&#39;s region adaption/patch tools. Simulations were carried out both with and without the mesh filter. When considering the mesh filter, the filter was treated as a porous cell zone during the simulation. The original figures for the CFD analysis were in color. In order to better distinguish the diagrams, certain portions are shown with lead lines indicating the colors and relative velocities from the original figures 
     Experiment 1 
       FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    illustrate velocity vector distribution diagrams for venous air capture chambers with differing body shapes. Both the venous air capture chambers illustrated in  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    have a flat inlet port design, with the fluid inlet port positioned on the top of the upwardly extending fluid inlet. The venous air capture chamber in  FIG. 9 a    has a substantially circular body, while the venous air capture chamber in  FIG. 10 b    has a substantially ovoid shaped body. The chambers in each of  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    lack a mesh filter. The legend for  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red, to orange, to yellow, to green, to light blue, and then to blue. The same color transition applies for each flow diagram of the present invention. For example,  FIG. 9 b    shows a high velocity flow in red at 5.00e-01 m/s, orange at 4.13e-01 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-01 m/s, green at 2.38e-01 m/s to light blue at 1.38e-01 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 1.40e-07. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9   aa , fluid flows straight upward from a flat inlet port in high velocity green area  901 , before traveling downward through lower velocity light blue area  902 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 b   , fluid flows straight upward from the flat inlet port in high velocity green area  903 , before traveling downward through lower velocity light blue area  904 . In each case, the flat inlet port creates a strong upward flow jet, and causes the fluid-air interface to be unstable, and a possibly causes a turbulent flow in the interface. The height which the flow jet can reach is dependent on the flow rate, which can make maintaining the fluid-air interface stable without turbulent flow at the fluid-air interface difficult. Further, the flow jet formation is dependent on the inlet port design, and not the body shape, as the upward flow is present in both of  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b   . An additional experiment showed that the same flat fluid inlet port provides the same upward flow stream in a chamber body that has a parallel cylinder shape. Based on the analysis in Experiment 1, a flat fluid inlet port provides an undesired upward flow stream. 
     Experiment 2 
     Velocity distribution vector diagrams were also created for chambers with an upwardly extending fluid inlet terminating in a fluid inlet port positioned at about a 90° turn relative to a fluid flow of the fluid inlet tube and disposed tangential to a circle plane formed by the center axis of the chamber body, and are shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . Each of the venous air capture chambers illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12  lack a mesh filter.  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b    illustrate velocity distribution vectors for a venous air capture having a substantially circular shape. The legend for  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.00e-01 m/s, orange at 4.13e-01 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-01 m/s, green at 2.38e-01 m/s to light blue at 1.38e-01 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 4.51e-07.  FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    illustrate velocity distribution vectors for a venous air capture having a substantially ovoid shape. The legend for  FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.00e-01 m/s, orange at 3.63e-01 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-01 m/s, green at 2.38e-01 m/s to light blue at 1.38e-01 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 1.21e-05.  FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b    illustrate velocity distribution vectors for a venous air capture having a parallel cylinder body shape. The legend for  FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.00e-01 m/s, orange at 4.13e-01 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-01 m/s, green at 2.38e-01 m/s to light blue at 1.38e-01 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 4.55e-05.  FIG. 10 b    is a cross-sectional view of the chamber in  FIG. 10 a   , taken at line  1101 .  FIG. 11 b    is a cross-sectional view of the chamber in  FIG. 11 a   , taken at line  1201 .  FIG. 12 b    is a cross-sectional view of the chamber in  FIG. 12 a   , taken at line  1301 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 a   , the fluid forms a single jet, which enters the air capture chamber in high velocity green area  1002 , before slowing slightly and turning downward into the chamber body in lower velocity light blue area  1003 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 b   , the downward moving fluid has a higher velocity near the chamber wall opposite the fluid inlet, shown as light blue area  1004 , and a lower velocity through the center of the chamber body, shown as blue area  1005 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 a   , fluid flows out from inlet port, hits the chamber wall, and splits into two flows, one is an upward flow and another is a downward flow in high velocity light blue areas  1102  and  1103 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 b   , the downward moving fluid has a higher velocity near the chamber wall opposite the fluid inlet, shown as light blue area  1104 , and a lower velocity through the center of the chamber body, shown as blue area  1105 . The flow illustrated in  FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    is different from the flow illustrated in  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b   , and may be due to the fact that the substantially ovoid body in  FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    gives fluid less space to flow than the round body illustrated in  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b   , causing the split fluid flow. The upward flow stream in  FIG. 11 a    may cause the fluid level to be unstable, while downward flow stream may bring bubbles into outlet port. As shown in  FIGS. 12 a    and  12   ba , the fluid also forms two flow streams, shown as higher velocity light blue areas  1202  and  1203 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 b   , the downward moving fluid has a higher velocity near the chamber wall opposite the fluid inlet, shown as light blue area  1204 , and a lower velocity through the center of the chamber body, shown as blue area  1205 . The split fluid flow streams illustrated in  FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b    may cause an unstable fluid level and bubbles in the outlet port, and may also be due to the fact that the parallel cylinder design provides less room for fluid to flow than the circular design in  FIGS. 10 a    and  10   b.    
     Based on the analysis in Experiment 2, a fluid inlet port positioned at about a 90° turn relative to a fluid flow of the fluid inlet tube and disposed tangential to a circle plane formed by the center axis of the chamber body provides strong downward flow in a round chamber, and provides split flows in ovoid or parallel cylinder shaped chamber bodies. 
     Experiment 3 
       FIGS. 13 a  and 13 b    illustrate velocity distribution vectors for venous air capture chambers having an upwardly extending fluid inlet tube comprising two opposedly positioned fluid inlet ports placed in a circle plane formed around the center axis of the chamber body and at about 180° relative to the fluid inlet tube, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 13 a    illustrates the velocity distribution vectors for a chamber body having a parallel cylinder shape, while  FIG. 13 b    illustrates the velocity distribution vectors for a chamber body having a substantially ovoid shape. The legend for  FIGS. 13 a  and 13 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 2.00e-01 m/s, orange at 1.65e-01 m/s, yellow at 1.35e-01 m/s, green at 8.50e-02 m/s to light blue at 4.50e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 8.50e-05. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 a   , the fluid flow out of the fluid inlet port is extremely restricted by the wall of the chamber body, causing non-uniform flow. The fluid has a high velocity near the side of the chamber in red areas  1301  and  1302 , a moderate velocity through the center of the chamber in green area  1305 , and a low velocity in the blue areas labeled  1303  and  1304 . In  FIG. 13 b   , in contrast, the fluid flow around the fluid inlet port is more smooth and uniform, with a higher velocity through the center of the chamber in green area  1308 , and a slightly lower velocity near the sides of the chamber in light blue areas  1306  and  1307 . 
     Experiment 4 
     As described with reference to  FIG. 3 , the fluid inlet ports can be located at a position close to an inner wall of the chamber body and at a distance from the small diameter cylinder portion as illustrated in  FIG. 3 a    the fluid inlet ports can be located closer to the small diameter cylinder portion as illustrated in  FIG. 3 b   .  FIG. 14 a    illustrates a velocity vector distribution diagram for a chamber body having an upwardly extending fluid inlet tube comprising two opposedly positioned fluid inlet ports placed in a circle plane formed around the center axis of the chamber body and at about 180° relative to the fluid inlet tube wherein the fluid inlet ports are located closer to a center of the small diameter cylinder; and  FIG. 14 b    illustrates a velocity flow diagram for a similar chamber with the fluid inlet ports located closer to the wall of the chamber body. The legend for  FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 2.00e-01 m/s, orange at 1.65e-01 m/s, yellow at 1.35e-01 m/s, green at 8.50e-02 m/s to light blue at 4.50e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 5.42e-05 m/s. 
       FIG. 14 a    illustrates the fluid in red area  1403 , green area  1404 , light blue area  1405  and blue area  1406 .  FIG. 14 b    illustrates the fluid in red area  1407 , green area  1408 , light blue area  1409 , and blue area  1410 . As shown in  FIG. 14 a   , the embodiment with the fluid inlet ports positioned closer to the center of the small diameter cylinder provides a large area of low velocity flow, illustrated in circle  1401 . The low velocity area may lead to stagnant flow within the chamber body. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 b   , there is a significantly smaller area of low velocity flow, illustrated in circle  1402 , which provides advantageous fluid flow through the chamber. 
     Experiment 5 
     As noted with respect to  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   , the small diameter cylinder portion of the chamber body may be constructed either as a short small diameter cylinder portion as in  FIG. 4 a    or a long small diameter cylinder portion as in  FIG. 4 b   .  FIG. 15 a    illustrates a velocity distribution vector diagram for a venous air capture chamber having an upwardly extending fluid inlet tube comprising two opposedly positioned fluid inlet ports placed in a circle plane formed around the center axis of the chamber body and at about 180° relative to the fluid inlet tube, with a short small diameter cylinder portion relative to the large diameter cylinder portion.  FIG. 15 b    illustrates velocity distribution vectors for the same venous air capture chamber with a long small diameter cylinder portion relative to the large diameter cylinder portion. The legend for  FIG. 15 a    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 2.00e-01 m/s, orange at 1.65e-01 m/s, yellow at 1.35e-01 m/s, green at 8.50e-02 m/s to light blue at 4.50e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 3.09e-05 m/s. The legend for  FIG. 15 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 3.00e-01 m/s, orange at 2.48e-01 m/s, yellow at 2.03e-01 m/s, green at 1.48e-01 m/s to light blue at 6.75e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 2.86e-05 m/s. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 a   , the short small diameter cylinder portion results in a non-uniform velocity distribution with a strong flow of about 0.13 to 0.14 m/s in the yellow area labeled  1501 , and lower velocity in blue area  1503 . In contrast, the long small diameter cylinder portion shown in  FIG. 16 b    result in a more uniform flow velocity and a significantly less strong flow of about 0.03 to 0.06 m/s in the green area labeled  1502 , with lower velocity in blue areas  1504 . A uniform flow with a low velocity within the small diameter cylinder portion of the venous air capture chamber is helpful to allow bubbles to be capture prior to entering the fluid outlet. 
     Experiment 6 
     Based on the analysis conducted in Experiments 1-5, a venous air capture chamber was selected for further analysis having an upwardly extending fluid inlet tube comprising two opposedly positioned fluid inlet ports placed in a circle plane formed around the center axis of the chamber body and at about 180° relative to the fluid inlet tube, a long small diameter cylinder portion, and a substantially ovoid shaped body and a mesh filter on the fluid outlet, and used in each of Experiments 6-8.  FIGS. 16 a - d    illustrate velocity distribution vectors for such a venous air capture chamber at the conditions of a 60% filling level and 0.104 m/s inlet velocity, corresponding to a flow rate of 100 mL/min.  FIG. 16 a    illustrates a front view of the chamber body,  FIG. 16 b    illustrates a back view of the chamber body,  FIG. 16 c    illustrates a right side view of the chamber body, and  FIG. 16 d    illustrates a left-side view of the chamber body. In each of  FIGS. 16 a - d   , the line  1601  represents the filing level.  FIG. 17  illustrates the same venous air capture chamber as  FIGS. 16 a - d   , but with a 65% filling level as represented by line  1701 . 
     The legend for  FIGS. 16 a - d    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 1.04e-01 m/s, orange at 8.58e-02 m/s, yellow at 7.02e-02 m/s, green at 4.96e-02 m/s to light blue at 2.87e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 1.07e-05 m/s. The legend for  FIG. 17  transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 1.04e-01 m/s, orange at 8.58e-02 m/s, yellow at 7.02e-02 m/s, green at 4.96e-02 m/s to light blue at 2.87e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 4.15e-06 m/s. 
     In setting a filling level for a particular inlet flow velocity, flow without turbulence at the fluid-air interface is important to minimize residence time of blood in the area and to avoid trapping air bubbles in the fluid. As shown in each of  FIGS. 16 a - d   , there is a transit area between the massive flow having a high velocity in green area  1603  and the fluid-air interface, shown as blue area  1602  in  FIGS. 16 a - d   . A lower velocity blue area  1604  also exists at the bottom of the air capture chamber. In  FIG. 17 , a blue transit area  1702  exists between the massive flow in green area  1703  and the fluid air interface  1701 . A lower velocity blue area  1704  also exists near the bottom of the air capture chamber. In the transit area, the velocity is low relative to the massive flow. However, in comparing  FIGS. 16 a - d    to  17 , the transit area is smaller in  FIGS. 16 a - d   . The results suggest that the filling level of the venous air capture chamber can be used to minimize the transit area, and that for an inlet flow velocity of 0.104 m/s, a filling level of no more than 60% should be used. In each of the figures illustrated in  FIGS. 18-25 , the conditions used are a fluid inlet flow velocity of 0.104 m/s or 100 mL/min and a 60% filling level. 
       FIGS. 18 a -18 d    illustrate cross sections of the velocity distribution vectors at various heights in the chamber body.  FIG. 18 a    shows the cross section at a height of 7.5 cm, set as the fluid-air interface in the conditions of a 60% filling level in a 12.5 cm venous air capture chamber.  FIG. 18 b    shows the cross section at a height of 6 cm,  FIG. 18 c    shows the cross section at a height of 4 cm, and  FIG. 18 d    shows the cross section at a height of 3 cm. The legend for  FIGS. 18 a, c , and  d    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.00e-02 m/s, orange at 4.13e-02 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-02 m/s, green at 2.13e-02 m/s to light blue at 1.13e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 1.07e-05 m/s. The legend for  FIG. 18 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 1.04e-01 m/s, orange at 8.58e-02 m/s, yellow at 7.02e-02 m/s, green at 4.96e-02 m/s to light blue at 2.87e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 1.07e-05 m/s. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 a   , the velocity is maintained at the fluid-air interface, though the velocity is low, as all velocity vectors are in blue. The fluid near the fluid inlet port, shown in  FIG. 18 b   , is uniform, with higher velocities in green areas  1801  and  1802 , and lower velocity in blue area  1803 .  FIG. 18 c    illustrates light blue portion  1804 , and blue portion  1805 .  FIG. 18 d    illustrates light blue portion  1806 , and blue portion  1807 . There are no observable areas of stagnant flow at any level. However, as shown in  FIG. 18 b   , the fluid exhibits a circular flow, which may create a longer residence time. 
       FIGS. 19 a  and 19 b    show section views of the velocity distribution vectors in the plane at z=0, or the symmetry plane.  FIG. 19 b    is a close up view of the area in circle  1902  of  FIG. 19 a   . In each of  FIGS. 19 a  and 19 b   , line  1901  represents the filling level, set at 60%. The legend for  FIGS. 19 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.00e-02 m/s, orange at 3.83e-02 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-02 m/s, green at 2.13e-02 m/s to light blue at 1.13e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 1.07e-05 m/s. 
       FIGS. 19 a - b    illustrate light blue areas  1903  and  1904 , as well as green area  1905 . The remainder of the fluid is shown in blue. As shown in  FIGS. 19 a  and 19 b   , there are no observable areas of stagnant flow. However, as shown in  FIG. 19 b   , a circular flow is present, which may increase residence time. 
       FIGS. 20 a  and 20 b    show section views of the velocity distribution chambers at a section of x=0, which is across a center line of the small diameter cylinder portion. In each of  FIGS. 20 a  and 20 b   , the line marked  2001  represents the filling level of 60%.  FIG. 20 b    is a close up view of the area in  FIG. 20 a    shown in circle  2002 . The legend for  FIGS. 20 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.00e-02 m/s, orange at 3.83e-02 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-02 m/s, green at 2.13e-02 m/s to light blue at 1.13e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 1.07e-05 m/s. In  FIGS. 20 a - b   , areas  2003  and  2006  are in light blue, while areas  2004  and  2005  are in green. 
     As shown, there are no areas of stagnant flow within the venous air capture chamber. However, an area of circle flow exists, which may increase residence time. As illustrated in  FIGS. 16-20 , areas of circular flow exist within the venous air capture chamber at the conditions of an inlet flow rate of 100 mL/min and a 60% filling level. Fluid within the circular flow areas will stay in the chamber for a longer time, causing a risk for a treatment with low inlet flow rate, such as 100 ml/min and below. The circular flow areas are largely reduced when flow rate increases, as described herein. 
       FIGS. 21 a  and 21 b    illustrate velocity distribution within the inlet ports. The legend for  FIGS. 21 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 2.00e-01 m/s, orange at 1.65e-01 m/s, yellow at 1.35e-01 m/s, green at 8.50e-02 m/s to light blue at 5.50e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 1.07e-05 m/s.  FIG. 21 a    shows red area  2101 , green area  2102 , and blue areas  2103 .  FIG. 21 b    shows red area  2104 , green area  2105  and blue areas  2106  and  2107 . As shown in  FIGS. 21 a  and 21 b   , there are no low velocity or stagnant flow areas within the inlet ports. 
       FIGS. 22 a  and 22 b    show section views of the velocity in the y-direction through the chamber body through multiple sectional planes. In  FIG. 22 a   , the max velocity scale is set at 0.06 m/s, meaning only velocities in excess of 0.06 m/s are shown. In  FIG. 22 b   , the max velocity scale is set at 0.02 m/s, meaning velocities of greater than 0.02 m/s are shown. The legend for  FIG. 22 a    transitions from a low velocity flow in red at −6.00 e-02 m/s, orange at −7.11e-02 m/s, yellow at −8.86e-01 m/s, green at −1.07e-01 m/s to light blue at −1.25e-01 m/s to a high velocity flow shown in blue at −1.49e-01 m/s. The legend for  FIG. 22 b    transitions from a low velocity flow in red at −2.00 e-02 m/s, orange at −4.26e-02 m/s, yellow at −6.16e-02 m/s, green at −9.41e-02 m/s to light blue at −1.14e-01 m/s to a high velocity flow shown in blue at −1.49e-01 m/s. All visible velocity vectors are shown in red. As described, an important function of the venous air capture chamber is to capture air bubbles in the blood before the blood is passed back to the patient. In order to capture bubbles, fluid velocity in y direction should be maintained at less than 0.06 m/s (ref to Replacement of Renal Function by Dialysis, 5 th  edition). As shown in  FIG. 22 a   , no velocity vectors of greater than 0.06 m/s are shown which means that velocity in the y-direction is less than 0.06 m/s. As shown in  FIG. 22 b   , velocities of 0.02 m/s or greater do exist within the chamber. 
       FIG. 23  is a representative pressure distribution within the venous air capture chamber, which shows the pressure distribution. At the conditions of a 100 ml/min flow rate, the pressure ranges from −752 to 0 Pa or −5.6 mmHg to 0 mmHg. The legend in  FIG. 23  transitions from red at 0.00 pascal, to orange at −1.69e+02 pascal, yellow at −2.42e+02 pascal, green at −4.32e+2 pascal, to light blue at −5.82e+02 pascal, to a low in blue of −7.52e+02 pascal. The pressure is greatest near the outlet of the venous air capture chamber, and decreases with increasing height through the venous air capture chamber. 
     Improper flow conditions through the venous air capture chambers, such as high shear stress, may result in a dangerous level of hemolysis, which can be dangerous to the patient. As recommended (ref Kidney Int, Paul et al, 2003), the shear stress thresholds for red blood cell damage are 4000 dynes/cm 2  (400 Pa) for short term exposure and 2000 dynes/cm 2  (200 Pa) long term exposure.  FIG. 24 a    shows a representative strain distribution within the chamber body at a plane of z=0, which is a proper representation to show strain distribution.  FIGS. 24 b  and 24 c    are the representative strain distributions near the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, respectively. The legend for  FIG. 24 a - c    transitions from a shear stress in red at 5.33 e+02 l/s, orange at 4.40e+02 l/s, yellow at 3.60e+02 l/s, green at 2.54e+02 l/s to light blue at 1.21e+02 l/s to a low shear stress shown in blue at 6.04e-01 l/s. All visible shear stress is shown in green. As shown in  FIG. 24 a   , the maximum shear rate is about 533 l/s or a max shear stress (considering a viscosity of 0.00271 PaS) of 1.45 Pa, which is much less than the safety thresholds. As such, the venous air capture chambers described can be safely used for a patient with an inlet flow velocity of 100 ml/min and a filling level of 60%. As shown in  FIG. 24 a   , the highest levels of strain are concentrated at the fluid inlet and outlet. However, as shown in  FIGS. 24 b  and 24 c   , the highest strain levels still remain well below the dangerous levels. 
       FIG. 25  shows a residence time distribution within the venous air capture chamber with the conditions of 100 ml/min inlet flow rate and a 60% filling level. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the maximum residence time is about 54 seconds. Due to limits of ANSYS Fluent, only a 3D residence time distribution is presented. 
     Experiment 7 
       FIGS. 26 a - d    illustrate velocity distribution vectors for such a venous air capture chamber at the conditions of a 65% filling level and 0.288 m/s inlet velocity, corresponding to a flow rate of 275 mL/min, for a venous air capture chamber as described comprising a mesh filter on the fluid outlet.  FIG. 26 a    illustrates a front view of the chamber body,  FIG. 26 b    illustrates a back view of the chamber body,  FIG. 26 c    illustrates a right side view of the chamber body, and  FIG. 26 d    illustrates a left-side view of the chamber body. In each of  FIGS. 26 a - d   , the line  2601  represents the filing level.  FIG. 27  illustrates the same venous air capture chamber as  FIGS. 26 a - d   , but with a 75% filling level as represented by line  2701 . The legend for  FIGS. 26 a - d    and  27  transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 2.88 e-01 m/s, orange at 2.37e-01 m/s, yellow at 1.95e-01 m/s, green at 1.38e-01 m/s to light blue at 7.92-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 9.55 e-06 m/s. 
     As shown in each of  FIGS. 26 a - d   , there is a transit area between the massive flow green area  2603  having a high velocity and the fluid-air interface  2601 , shown as area  2602  in  FIGS. 26 a - d   . A lower velocity blue area  2604  exists near the bottom of the air capture chamber. In  FIG. 27 , there is a transit area  2702  between green massive flow area  2703  and the fluid air interface  2701 . A lower velocity blue area  2704  exists near the bottom of the air capture chamber. In the transit area, the velocity is low relative to the massive flow. However, in comparing  FIGS. 26 a - d    to  27 , the transit area is smaller in  FIGS. 26 a - d   . The results suggest that the filling level of the venous air capture chamber can be used to minimize the transit area, and that for an inlet flow velocity of 0.288 m/s, a filling level of no more than 65% should be used. In each of the figures illustrated in  FIGS. 28-35 , the conditions used are a fluid inlet flow velocity of 0.288 m/s or 275 mL/min and a 65% filling level. 
       FIGS. 28 a -28 d    illustrate cross sections of the velocity distribution vectors at various heights in the chamber body.  FIG. 28 a    shows the cross section at a height of 7.75 cm, set as the fluid-air interface in the conditions of a 65% filling level in a 12.5 cm venous air capture chamber.  FIG. 28 b    shows the cross section at a height of 6 cm,  FIG. 28 c    shows the cross section at a height of 4 cm, and  FIG. 28 d    shows the cross section at a height of 3 cm. The legend for  FIG. 28 a    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 4.00 e-02 m/s, orange at 3.30e-02 m/s, yellow at 2.70e-02 m/s, green at 1.90e-02 m/s to light blue at 1.10e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 9.55 e-06 m/s. The legend for  FIG. 28 b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 2.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 1.65e-01 m/s, yellow at 1.35e-01 m/s, green at 8.50e-02 m/s to light blue at 5.50e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 9.55e-06 m/s. The legend for  FIG. 28 c    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 1.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 8.25e-02 m/s, yellow at 6.75e-02 m/s, green at 4.75e-02 m/s to light blue at 2.25e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 9.55e-06 m/s. The legend for  FIG. 28 a    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.00 e-02 m/s, orange at 3.83e-02 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-02 m/s, green at 2.13e-02 m/s to light blue at 1.38e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 9.55e-06 m/s. 
       FIG. 28 a    shows light blue area  2801 , while the rest of the diagram is blue.  FIG. 28 b    shows light blue area  2802 , while the rest of the diagram is blue.  FIG. 28 c    shows light blue area  2803  while the rest of the diagram is blue.  FIG. 28 d    shows green area  2804  while the rest of the diagram is blue. As shown in  FIG. 28 a   , the velocity is maintained at the fluid-air interface, though the velocity is low. There are no observable areas of stagnant flow at any level. Distribution of velocity became uniform on the planes from Y=4 cm to Y=3 cm gradually as shown in  FIGS. 28 c  and 28 d   . As shown in  FIG. 28 b   , there is some circular flow, but the areas of circular flow are largely reduced as compared to the lower flow rates depicted in Experiment 6. 
       FIGS. 29 a  and 29 b    show section views of the velocity distribution vectors in the plane at z=0, or the symmetry plane.  FIG. 29 b    is a close up view of the area in circle  2902  of  FIG. 29 a   . In each of  FIGS. 29 a  and 29 b   , line  2901  represents the filling level, set at 65%. The legend for  FIGS. 29 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 1.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 8.25e-02 m/s, yellow at 6.75e-02 m/s, green at 4.25e-02 m/s to light blue at 2.25e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 9.55e-06 m/s. Area  2903  is green, area  2904  is light blue, and the remainder of the air capture chamber is in blue. As shown in  FIGS. 29 a  and 29 b   , there are no observable areas of stagnant flow. Additionally, as noted, areas of circular flow are largely reduced. Velocity in the small diameter cylinder portion of the venous air capture chamber is uniform under the conditions. 
       FIGS. 30 a  and 30 b    show section views of the velocity distribution chambers at a section of x=0, which is across a center line of the small diameter cylinder portion. In each of  FIGS. 30 a  and 30 b   , the line marked  3001  represents the filling level of 65%.  FIG. 30 b    is a close up view of the area in  FIG. 30 a    shown in circle  3002 . The legend for  FIGS. 30 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 1.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 8.25e-02 m/s, yellow at 6.75e-02 m/s, green at 4.25e-02 m/s to light blue at 2.25e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 9.55e-06 m/s. Areas  3003  and  3004  are red, areas  3005  and  3006  are green, areas  3007  and  3008  are light blue, and the remainder of the air capture chamber is in blue. As shown, there are no areas of stagnant flow within the venous air capture chamber. Further, areas of circular flow are largely reduced as compared to the diagrams presented in 
     Experiment 6. 
       FIGS. 31 a  and 31 b    illustrate velocity distribution within the inlet ports. The legend for  FIGS. 3 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 3.83e-01 m/s, yellow at 3.38e-01 m/s, green at 2.38e-01 m/s to light blue at 1.38e-01 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 9.55e-06 m/s. In  FIG. 31 a   , area  3101  is red, area  3102  is green, and the remainder is blue. In  FIG. 31 b   , area  3103  is red, area  3104  is yellow, area  3105  is green, and the remainder is blue. As shown in  FIGS. 31 a  and 31 b   , no low velocity or stagnant flow areas are present within the inlet ports. 
       FIGS. 32 a  and 32 b    show section views of the velocity in the y-direction through the chamber body through multiple sectional planes. In  FIG. 32 a   , the max velocity scale is set at 0.06 m/s, meaning only velocities in excess of 0.06 m/s are shown. In  FIG. 32 b   , the max velocity scale is set at 0.03 m/s, meaning velocities of greater than 0.03 m/s are shown. The legend for  FIG. 32 a    transitions from a low velocity flow in red at −6.00 e-02 m/s, orange at −1.16e-01 m/s, yellow at −1.63e-01 m/s, green at −2.27e-01 m/s to light blue at −2.91e-01 m/s to a high velocity flow shown in blue at −3.78e-01 m/s. The legend for  FIG. 32 b    transitions from a low velocity flow in red at −3.00 e-02 m/s, orange at −1.06e-01 m/s, yellow at −1.43e-01 m/s, green at −2.30e-01 m/s to light blue at −1.14e-01 m/s to a high velocity flow shown in blue at −3.78e-01 m/s. All visible velocity vectors are shown in red. 
     As shown in  FIG. 32 a   , only a very few velocity vectors of greater than 0.06 m/s are shown which means that velocity in the y-direction is less than 0.06 m/s with a few exceptions. As shown in  FIG. 32 b   , velocities of 0.03 m/s or greater do exist within the chamber. 
       FIG. 33  is a representative pressure distribution within the venous air capture chamber, which shows the pressure distribution. The legend in  FIG. 33  transitions from red at 4.56e+01 pascal, to orange at −8.69e+01 pascal, yellow at −2.00e+02 pascal, green at −3.89e+02 pascal, to light blue at −5.03e+02 pascal, to a low in blue of −7.11e+02 pascal. The pressure is greatest near the outlet of the venous air capture chamber, and decreases with increasing height through the venous air capture chamber. At the conditions of a 275 ml/min flow rate, the pressure ranges from −711 to 45.6 Pa or −5.3 mmHg to 0.34 mmHg. The pressure is greatest near the outlet of the venous air capture chamber, and decreases with increasing height through the venous air capture chamber. 
       FIG. 34 a    shows a representative strain distribution within the chamber body at a plane of z=0, which is a proper representation to show strain distribution. The legend for  FIG. 34 a - c    transitions from a shear stress in red at 1.90e+03 l/s, orange at 1.62e+03 l/s, yellow at 1.24e+03 l/s, green at 9.53e+02 l/s to light blue at 2.87e+02 l/s to a low shear stress shown in blue at 1.26e-0 l/s. All visible shear stress is shown in green. As shown in  FIG. 34 a   , the maximum shear rate is about 1900 l/s or a max shear stress (considering a viscosity of 0.00271 PaS) of 5.1 Pa, which is much less than the safety thresholds. As such, the venous air capture chambers described can be safely used for a patient with an inlet flow velocity of 275 ml/min and a filling level of 65%.  FIGS. 34 b  and 34 c    are the representative strain distributions near the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 34 a   , the highest levels of strain are concentrated at the fluid inlet and outlet. However, as shown in  FIGS. 34 b  and 34 c   , the strain levels still remain well below the dangerous levels. 
       FIG. 35  shows a residence time distribution within the venous air capture chamber with the conditions of 275 ml/min inlet flow rate and a 65% filling level. As shown in  FIG. 35 , the maximum residence time is about 31 seconds. Due to limits of ANSYS Fluent, only a 3D residence time distribution is presented. 
     Experiment 8 
       FIGS. 36 a - d    illustrate velocity distribution vectors for such a venous air capture chamber at the conditions of a 75% filling level and 0.52 m/s inlet velocity, corresponding to a flow rate of 500 mL/min, for a venous air capture chamber as described comprising a mesh filter on the fluid outlet.  FIG. 36 a    illustrates a front view of the chamber body,  FIG. 36 b    illustrates a back view of the chamber body,  FIG. 36 c    illustrates a right side view of the chamber body, and  FIG. 36 d    illustrates a left-side view of the chamber body. In each of  FIGS. 36 a - d   , the line  3601  represents the filing level. The legend for  FIGS. 36 a - d    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 5.20 e-01 m/s, orange at 4.27e-01 m/s, yellow at 3.51e-01 m/s, green at 2.22e-01 m/s to light blue at 1.44e-01 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 2.86e-05 m/s. 
     As shown in each of  FIGS. 36 a - d   , there is almost no transit area between the massive flow green area  3602  having a high velocity and the fluid-air interface with the conditions of a 500 mL/min flow rate and a 75% filling level. A lower velocity blue area  3603  exists near the bottom of the air capture chamber. The results suggest that the filling level of the venous air capture chamber of no more than 75% should be used when the fluid inlet velocity is 500 mL/min. In each of the figures illustrated in  FIGS. 36-44 , the conditions used are a fluid inlet flow velocity of 0.52 m/s or 500 mL/min and a 75% filling level. 
       FIGS. 37 a -37 d    illustrate cross sections of the velocity distribution vectors at various heights in the chamber body.  FIG. 37 a    shows the cross section at a height of 8.5 cm, set as the fluid-air interface area in the conditions of a 75% filling level in a 12 cm venous air capture chamber.  FIG. 37 b    shows the cross section at a height of 6 cm,  FIG. 37 c    shows the cross section at a height of 4 cm, and  FIG. 387  shows the cross section at a height of 3 cm. The legend for  FIG. 37 a    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 1.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 8.25e-02 m/s, yellow at 6.75 e-02 m/s, green at 4.25e-02 m/s to light blue at 2.75e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 2.86e-05 m/s. The legend for  FIGS. 37 b - d    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 3.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 2.38e-01 m/s, yellow at 2.03e-01 m/s, green at 1.42e-01 m/s to light blue at 6.75e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 2.86e-05 m/s.  FIG. 37 a    includes green areas  3701  and  3702 , while the remainder of the diagram is blue.  FIG. 37 b    includes green area  3703 , light blue area  3704 , and the remainder of the diagram is blue.  FIG. 37 c    includes light blue areas  3705  and  3706  while the remainder of the diagram is blue.  FIG. 37 d    includes only blue velocity vectors. 
     As shown in  FIG. 37 a   , the velocity is maintained at the fluid-air interface area. There are no observable areas of stagnant flow at any level. Distribution of velocity became uniform on the planes from Y=4 cm gradually as shown in  FIG. 37 c    and more uniform on the plane at Y=3 cm, as shown in  FIG. 37 d   . As shown in  FIG. 37 b   , there is some circular flow, but the areas of circular flow are largely reduce as compared to the lower flow rates depicted in Experiments 6 and 7. 
       FIGS. 38 a  and 38 b    show section views of the velocity distribution vectors in the plane at z=0, or the symmetry plane.  FIG. 38 b    is a close up view of the area in circle  3802  of  FIG. 38 a   . In each of  FIGS. 38 a  and 38 b   , line  3801  represents the filling level, set at 75%. The legend for  FIGS. 38 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 3.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 2.38e-01 m/s, yellow at 2.03e-01 m/s, green at 1.42e-01 m/s to light blue at 6.75e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 2.86e-05 m/s. Area  3803  is green, while the remainder of the diagrams are in blue. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 38 a  and 38 b   , there are no observable areas of stagnant flow. Additionally, areas of circular flow have been eliminated. Velocity in the small diameter cylinder portion of the venous air capture chamber is uniform under the conditions. 
       FIGS. 39 a  and 39 b    show section views of the velocity distribution chambers at a section of x=0, which is across a center line of the small diameter cylinder portion. In each of  FIGS. 39 a  and 39 b   , the line marked  3901  represents the filling level of 75%.  FIG. 39 b    is a close up view of the area in  FIG. 39 a    shown in circle  3902 . The legend for  FIGS. 39 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 3.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 2.48e-01 m/s, yellow at 2.03e-01 m/s, green at 1.42e-01 m/s to light blue at 6.75e-02 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 2.86e-05 m/s. Areas  3903  and  3906  are green, areas  3904  and  3905  are light blue, and the remainder of the diagram is in blue. As shown, there are no areas of stagnant flow within the venous air capture chamber. Further, areas of circular flow are eliminated in the views shown in  FIGS. 39 a    and  39   b.    
       FIGS. 40 a  and 40 b    illustrate velocity distribution within the inlet ports. The legend for  FIGS. 40 a - b    transitions from a high velocity flow in red at 9.00 e-01 m/s, orange at 7.43e-01 m/s, yellow at 6.07e-01 m/s, green at 4.29e-01 m/s to light blue at 2.48e-01 m/s to a low velocity flow shown in blue at 2.86e-05 m/s.  FIG. 40 a    includes red portion  4001 , yellow portion  4002 , and green portion  4003 .  FIG. 40 b    includes red portion  4004 , yellow portion  4005 , green portion  4006 , and light blue portions  4007  and  4008 . As shown in  FIGS. 40 a  and 40 b   , there are no low velocity or stagnant flow areas within the inlet ports. 
       FIG. 41  shows section views of the velocity in the y-direction through the chamber body through multiple sectional planes. In  FIG. 41 , the max velocity scale is set at 0.06 m/s, meaning only velocities in excess of 0.06 m/s are shown. As shown in  FIG. 41 , velocities in excess of 0.06 m/s can be found at the Y=6 cm, Y=5 cm, and Y=4 cm planes, but not at the Y=3 cm plane. The legend for  FIG. 41  transitions from a low velocity flow in red at −6.00 e-02 m/s, orange at −1.95e-01 m/s, yellow at −2.55e-01 m/s, green at −3.76e-01 m/s to light blue at −4.96e-01 m/s to a high velocity flow shown in blue at −6.61e-01 m/s. All visible velocity vectors are shown in red meaning that Y-direction velocities in some portions of the small diameter cylinder portion of the venous air capture chamber are maintained at less than 0.06 m/s. 
       FIG. 42  is a representative pressure distribution within the venous air capture chamber, which shows the pressure distribution. At the conditions of a 500 ml/min flow rate, the pressure ranges from −607 to 116 Pa or −4.5 mmHg to 0.87 mmHg. The legend in  FIG. 423  transitions from red at 1.96e+02 pascal, to orange at −5.56e+01 pascal, yellow at −6.49e+01 pascal, green at −2.25e+02 pascal, to light blue at −3.86e+02 pascal, to a low in blue of −6.07e+02 pascal. The pressure is greatest near the outlet of the venous air capture chamber, and decreases with increasing height through the venous air capture chamber. The pressure is greatest near the outlet of the venous air capture chamber, and decreases with increasing height through the venous air capture chamber. 
       FIG. 43 a    shows a representative strain distribution within the chamber body at a plane of z=0, which is a proper representation to show strain distribution.  FIGS. 43 b  and 44 c    are the representative strain distributions near the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, respectively. The legend for  FIG. 43 a - c    transitions from a shear stress in red at 4.89 e+03 l/s, orange at 3.79e+03 l/s, yellow at 3.30e+03 l/s, green at 2.37e+03 l/s to light blue at 1.10e+03 l/s to a low shear stress shown in blue at 1.72 l/s. All visible shear stress is shown in green. As shown in  FIG. 43 a   , the maximum shear rate is about 4890 l/s or a max shear stress (considering a viscosity of 0.00271 PaS) of 13.3 Pa, which is much less than the safety thresholds. As such, the venous air capture chambers described can be safely used for a patient with an inlet flow velocity of 500 ml/min and a filling level of 75%. As shown in  FIG. 43 a   , the highest levels of strain are concentrated at the fluid inlet and outlet. However, as shown in  FIGS. 43 b  and 43 c   , the strain levels still remain well below the dangerous levels. 
       FIG. 44  shows a residence time distribution within the venous air capture chamber with the conditions of 500 ml/min inlet flow rate and a 75% filling level. As shown in  FIG. 44 , the maximum residence time is about 23 seconds. Due to limits of ANSYS Fluent, only a 3D residence time distribution is presented. 
     Experiment 9 
     In vitro testing of the venous air capture chambers described was also carried out. In order to determine whether stagnant flow exists at particular combinations of filling levels and flow rates, dye was introduced at set flow rates into the venous air capture chambers, as shown in  FIG. 45 . The clear fluid in the area between the dye and the fluid-air interface, labeled as  4501  in  FIG. 45  shows that a stagnant flow area exists. 
       FIG. 46 a    shows the results of the testing carried out with a filling level of 50% and a flow rate of 50 mL/min.  FIG. 46 b    shows the results of the testing carried out with a filling level of 55% and a flow rate of 50 mL/min.  FIG. 46 c    shows the results of the testing carried out with a filling level of 65% and a flow rate of 50 mL/min. As shown in  FIGS. 46 a - c   , at a flow rate of 50 mL/min, stagnant flow areas exist at any of the testing filling levels. Although the stagnant flow area shown in  FIG. 46 a    is small, the stagnant flow area was confirmed through additional testing. 
       FIG. 47 a    shows results of the stagnant flow testing carried out for a flow rate of 100 mL/min and a filling level of 75%.  FIG. 47 b    shows results of the stagnant flow testing carried out for a flow rate of 100 ml/min and a filling level of 65%. As shown in  FIGS. 47 a  and 47 b   , a stagnant flow area exists for a flow rate of 100 mL/min and a 75% filling level but does not exist for a flow rate of 100 mL/min and a filling level of 65%. 
       FIG. 48 a    shows results of the stagnant flow testing carried out for a flow rate of 275 mL/min and a filling level of 75%.  FIG. 48 b    shows results of the stagnant flow testing carried out for a flow rate of 275 ml/min and a filling level of 85%. As shown in  FIGS. 48 a  and 48 b   , no stagnant flow area exists for a flow rate of 275 mL/min and an either 75% filling level or a 85% filling level. 
       FIG. 49 a    shows results of the stagnant flow testing carried out for a flow rate of 500 mL/min and a 75% filling level.  FIG. 49 b    shows results of the stagnant flow testing carried out for a flow rate of 500 mL/min and a 85% filling level. As shown in  FIGS. 49 a  and 49 b   , no stagnant flow area exists for a flow rate of 500 mL/min and either a 75% filling level or an 85% filling level. 
     The results of the stagnant flow testing are presented in Table 1. Experiments resulting in stagnant flow areas are labeled Y in Table 1, and experiments without stagnant flow areas are labeled N. N/A shows combinations that were not tested. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Existence of Stagnant Flow for Filling levels and Flow Rates 
               
               
                 High Limit of Filling Level For Venous Chamber 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Flow rate 
                 Filling Level 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 (ml/min) 
                 50% 
                 55% 
                 65% 
                 75% 
                 85% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 50 
                 Y 
                 Y 
                 Y 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N 
                 Y 
                 N/A 
               
               
                   
                 275 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N 
                 N 
               
               
                   
                 500 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N 
                 N 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As shown in Table 1, there are no stagnant flows observed for 65% filling level at 100 ml/min, and 75% filling levels at 275 ml/min and 500 ml/min. The 85% filling level was tested also at 275 and 500 ml/min flow rates with no stagnant flows. 
     Experiment 10 
     In order to test the lower limit of the fill level, the experiments were conducted to determine whether a stable fluid-air interface could exist for a given combination of flow rate and filling level by determining the height of unstable fluid at the fluid-air interface. As shown in  FIG. 50 , at the height of the unstable area of the fluid-air interface was measured, shown as height  5001 . If the height  5001  is greater than 3 mm, an unstable fluid-air interface was confirmed. 
       FIG. 51  illustrates the result of the fluid-air interface testing at a flow rate of 50 mL/min and a filling level of 50%. As shown in  FIG. 51 , a stable interface exists at a flow rate of 50 mL/min and a filling level of 50%. 
       FIG. 52  illustrates the result of the fluid-air interface testing at a flow rate of 100 mL/min and a filling level of 50%. As shown in  FIG. 52 , a stable interface exists at a flow rate of 100 mL/min and a filling level of 50%. 
       FIG. 53 a    illustrates the results of the fluid air-interface testing at a flow rate of 275 mL/min and a filling level of 60%.  FIG. 53 b    illustrates the results of the fluid air-interface testing at a flow rate of 275 mL/min and a filling level of 65%. As shown in  FIGS. 53 a  and 53 b   , a stable interface exists for a flow rate of 275 mL/min at a filling level of 65%, but an unstable interface exists at a filling level of 60%. 
       FIG. 54 a    illustrates the results of the fluid air-interface testing at a flow rate of 500 mL/min and a filling level of 65%.  FIG. 54 b    illustrates the results of the fluid air-interface testing at a flow rate of 500 mL/min and a filling level of 70%. As shown in  FIGS. 54 a  and 54 b   , a stable interface exists for a flow rate of 500 mL/min at a filling level of 70%, but an unstable interface exists at a filling level of 65%. 
     The results of the fluid-air interface testing are summarized in Table 2. In Table 2, a Y denotes an unstable interface, while an N denotes a stable interface. As shown, a stable interface is maintained at a flow rate of 50 mL/min with a 50% filling level; at 100 mL/min with a 50% filling level; at 275 mL/min with a 65% filling level, and at 500 mL/min with a 70% filling level. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Existence of Stable Interface for Filling Volumes and Flow Rates 
               
               
                 Low Limit of Filling Level For Venous Chamber 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Flow rate 
                 Filling Level 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 (ml/min) 
                 50% 
                 60% 
                 65% 
                 70% 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 50 
                 N 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 100 
                 N 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 275 
                 N/A 
                 Y 
                 N 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 500 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 Y 
                 N 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Based on the data presented in Experiments 9 and 10, a specified filling level of 50% to 65% is suggested for a flow rate of 100 mL/min; a specified filling level of 65% to 85% is suggested for a flow rate of 275 mL/min; and a specified filling level of between 70% and 85% is suggested for a flow rate of 500 mL/min. Therefore, a specified filling level of 50% to 65% could be used with a flow rate of 100 mL/min, while a specified filling level of between 70% and 85% could be used with flow rates of 275 mL/min or greater. In any embodiment, the specified filling level can be 40% to 65% when the blood flow rate is between 50 mL/min and 200 mL/min; the specified filling level can be between 50% to 75% when the blood flow rate is between 100 mL/min and 275 mL/min; the specified filling level can be between 65% to 85% when the blood flow rate is between 275 mL/min and 500 mL/min; and the specified filling level can be between 70% to 85% when the blood flow rate is 500 mL/min or greater. 
     Experiment 11 
     The residence time of fluid in the venous air capture chambers was also determined by determining the amount of time for all of the dye to pass through the outlet. Results are summarized in Table 3. As shown in Table 3, the residence time varied from between 11 seconds for a 65% filling level at 500 mL/min to about 76 seconds for a 50% filling level at 50 mL/min. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Residence time for Flow Rates and Filling Volumes 
               
               
                 Residence Time 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Flow rate 
                 Filling Level 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 (ml/min) 
                 50% 
                 60% 
                 65% 
                 70% 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 50 
                 76 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 100 
                 N/A 
                 58 
                 54 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 275 
                 N/A 
                 23 
                 27 
                 36 
               
               
                 500 
                 N/A 
                 16 
                 11 
                 17 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Experiment 12 
     In order to ensure air bubbles can be captured by the venous air capture chambers, bubble visualization testing was carried out. Bubble flow was visualized at filling level of 75% and a flow rate starting from 500 ml/min, and then 400 ml/min if bubbles were observed to pass through the fluid outlet, and then 300 ml/min. A ruler was used for measuring bubble size. A picture was taken from video, including the ruler, and then was loaded into the Solidworks. Under 2D, the bubble size was calculated, by compared the bubble&#39;s dimension and ruler&#39;s scale of 1 mm. Very few bubbles were passed through the fluid outlet at a flow rate of 500 ml/min, with no bubble passing at 400 ml/min. The bubble size at 500 ml/min was about 0.89 to 1.06 mm diameter, and about 0.91 to 1.07 mm diameter at 400 ml/min. 
     One skilled in the art will understand that various combinations and/or modifications and variations can be made in the described systems and methods depending upon the specific needs for operation. Moreover features illustrated or described as being part of an aspect of the invention may be used in the aspect of the invention, either alone or in combination.