Errors in flow and pressure related to the arterial filter purge line.

The purge line is a necessary component on arterial filters, although its presence may affect the amount of flow reaching the patient as well as the pump outlet pressure in the extracorporeal circuit. In-vitro and clinical studies conducted to investigate these effects with a commonly used purge line showed that at flows less than 1.5 L/min, rates for pediatric or infant patients, the purge line diverts as much as 40% of the intended pump flow away from the patient.

New roller pump disposable provides safety and simplifies occlusion setting.

A new disposable insert for the arterial roller pump, the Better-Header, provides safety and functionality beyond what standard tubing provides. It automatically limits pump outlet pressure to a level determined by the user and provides a self-contained, simple means to set pump occlusion. The Better-Header consists of a Starling-like pressure relief valve connected across standard header tubing.