Methods and systems for high-throughput blood component collection

Abstract

Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for controlling a soft cassette assembly of an apheresis machine, the system comprising:
 at least one processor; and   at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to
 receive at least one signal from at least one sensor of the soft cassette assembly; 
 actuate at least one valve of the soft cassette assembly based on the at least one signal received from the at least one sensor; and 
 actuate at least one pump based on the at least one signal received from the at least one sensor. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of an air detection sensor, a fluid sensor, or a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve comprises a fluid control valve configured to prevent fluid flow through the soft cassette assembly when closed and configured to allow fluid flow through the soft cassette assembly when open. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuating the at least one valve of the soft cassette assembly includes actuating the at least one valve to a closed position to redirect fluid from a first fluid path to a second fluid path of the soft cassette assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the first fluid path is through a direct flow lumen of the soft cassette assembly and the second fluid path is a fluid flow bypass path of the soft cassette assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pump is a draw pump, a return pump, or an anticoagulant pump of the apheresis machine. 
     
     
         7 . A system for controlling a centrifuge of an apheresis machine, the system comprising:
 at least one processor; and   at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to
 receive at least one signal from at least one sensor of the centrifuge; 
 actuate a motor of the centrifuge to rotate the centrifuge at a desired speed setting; and 
 actuate a brake of the centrifuge based on the at least one signal received from the at least one sensor. 
   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the processor is further configured to cause the system to set a pressure of a pressure cuff configured to be placed around a donor's arm during operation of the apheresis machine. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the processor is further configured to cause the system to actuate a strobe light of the apheresis machine. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the strobe light is configured to flash at a periodicity in synchronicity with a rate of spin of the centrifuge. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the processor is further configured to cause the system to adjust at least one of a frequency of flashing of the strobe light or an intensity of light of the strobe light. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of an air detection sensor, a fluid sensor, or a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         13 . A system for controlling an apheresis machine, the system comprising:
 a soft cassette assembly system including
 at least one first processor; and 
 at least one first memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one first processor, cause the soft cassette assembly system to
 receive at least one signal from at least one cassette sensor, 
 actuate at least one valve of the soft cassette assembly based on the at least one signal received from the at least one cassette sensor, and 
 actuate at least one pump based on the at least one signal received from the at least one cassette sensor, and 
 
   a centrifuge system including
 at least one second processor; and 
 at least one second memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the centrifuge system to
 receive at least one signal from at least one centrifuge sensor, 
 actuate a motor of the centrifuge to rotate the centrifuge at a desired speed setting, and 
 actuate a brake of the centrifuge based on the at least one signal received from the at least one centrifuge sensor, and 
 
   wherein the soft cassette assembly system and the centrifuge system are configured to communicate.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the soft cassette assembly system and the centrifuge system are configured to communicate wirelessly or through a wired connection. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one cassette sensor and the at least one centrifuge sensor comprise at least one of an air detection sensor, a fluid sensor, or a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one valve comprises a fluid control valve configured to prevent fluid flow through the soft cassette assembly when closed and configured to allow fluid flow through the soft cassette assembly when open. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the actuating the at least one valve of the soft cassette assembly includes actuating the at least one valve to a closed position to redirect fluid from a first fluid path to a second fluid path of the soft cassette assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the second processor is further configured to cause the centrifuge system to set a pressure of a pressure cuff configured to be placed around a donor's arm during operation of the apheresis machine. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the second processor is further configured to cause the centrifuge system to actuate a strobe light of the apheresis machine. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the second processor is further configured to cause the centrifuge system to adjust at least one of a frequency of flashing of the strobe light or an intensity of light of the strobe light.