Blood set priming method and apparatus

Abstract

An extracorporeal blood set may be primed with physiological solution for use in a blood transporting process such as hemodialysis. The set comprises tubing having a patient connector on an end thereof, and a first branch tube in connection with a source of the solution. The branch tube connects with the set between the ends of the set. The branch tube also connects with further branch tubing, having a second connector which is capable of sealing connection with the patient connector. The method comprises the steps of connecting the patient connector and the second connector to form a closed loop of tubing. One then passes the solution from the source in flow through the first branch tube and further branch tubing to fill them and the set tubing with the solution. One then disconnects the patient connector for subsequent connection with the vascular system of a patient.

1 . A blood set for use in an extracorporeal blood transporting process, which set comprises: 
 set tubing having two ends;    a patient connector on one of said ends;    a first branch tube for connection with a source of physiological solution, said first branch tube connecting with said set tubing between the ends thereof;    a second branch tube;    a second connector communicating via said second branch tube in branching relation with said first branch tube, said second connector adapted for removable, sealed connection with the patient connector whereby said set comprises a closed loop of tubing when said second connector is in removable sealed connection with the patient connector;    said set tubing carrying a length of roller pump tubing as an integral part thereof;    said first branch tube connecting with the set tubing at a position adjacent to one end of the roller pump tubing;    a degassing chamber carried in communication with the set tubing between the ends of the set; and    said first branch tube connecting with said set tubing at a position between said patient connector and said degassing chamber.    
     
     
         2 . A blood set as defined in  claim 1 , in which said first branch tube is permanently and integrally connected to said set.  
     
     
         3 . A blood set as defined in  claim 1 , in which a clamp is carried by said second branch tube.