Inventors:
Gordon M. Greenblatt - Phoenix AZ
International Classification:
A61M 500
Abstract:
An apparatus for rapid infusion of blood or other fluid into a patient provides a pneumatic bladder supported within a housing having a rigid back and two rigid sides attached thereto. A hinged door with a clear, rigid window therein supports on its inner surface one or two unit bags containing fluid, such as centrifuged blood cells and/or saline solution. Closing of the door and locking of a latch presses the unit bag against the pneumatic bladder, which is rapidly inflated by means of a foot pump up to a maximum pressure determined by a relief valve that prevents overinflation of the pneumatic bladder. Opening of an evacuation valve provides nearly instant deflation of the pneumatic bladder, allowing rapid removal of the first unit bag, replacement of it by a full unit bag, and rapid reinflation of the bladder and diffusion of successive unit bags of fluid into the patient.