| abstract |
An extracorporeal blood circuit is disclosed for withdrawing, filtering and returning blood from peripheral blood vessels. The blood passage in the circuit extends through a withdrawal tube connected to a catheter in a peripheral vein, a filter, one or more pressure sensors and return tube also connected to a catheter in a peripheral vein (which may or may not be the same vein as used for the withdrawal tube). The blood passage is air free, and has smooth passage walls which promoted continuous and uniform flow of the blood through the circuit. |