Charles E Whitlock

US Patent:

43099920, Jan 12, 1982

Filed:

Jul 11, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/167507

Inventors:

Michael J. Dodak - San Clemente CA
Charles R. Whitlock - Granada Hills CA

International Classification:

B01D 2700

US Classification:

128213A

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for removing living microorganisms from fluid to be introduced in vivo, wherein the fluid is passed through a filter comprising a tubular passage having a plurality of filter elements coated with a microbicidal material, e. g. , silver. In one embodiment, the filter element is hermetically sealed until attached by the patient to the external end of a cannula or other body-penetrating apparatus. In addition, an embodiment is disclosed wherein the filter is integral with the external portion of the cannula or other body-penetrating apparatus and has a removable top for removing and replacing spent filter elements, which may be done under sterile hospital conditions and the top re-sealed in place. A further embodiment is in the form of an auxiliary filter element which may be placed on the external end of the body-penetrating apparatus in a medically sterile environment, e. g. , a hospital or doctor's office, and adapted to be attached to the discharge of a filter element when self-applied by a patient, in order to remove any microorganisms collected in the self-applied filter, downstream of the microbicidal filter elements, between uses of the self-applied filter by the patient.