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Abstract

A self contained portable apparatus for the rapid warming and infusion of massive amounts of a parenteral fluid into a patient under conditions where time is of the essence. The apparatus comprises a portable cabinet, a parenteral fluid supply system, a fluid warming system, and apparatus monitoring and failure warning systems. The portable cabinet has a rectangular shaped enclosure which houses portions of the fluid supply and warming systems and the monitoring and failure warning systems. Extending upwardly from the top of the rectangular enclosure is a vertical support member which carries upper and lower horizontal crossmembers. The upper crossmember carries a plurality of disposable parenteral fluid bags and their respective pressure cuffs which surround the bags. Serially connected to the fluid bags are, drip chambers for monitoring the flow of each fluid bag, a confluence chamber for combining the separate flows from the drip chambers into a unitary flow, a portion of a warm water heat exchanger for raising the temperature of the parenteral fluid, a filter for removing foreign particles and other debris from the parenteral fluid, and a bubble trap and eliminator for removing air from the parenteral fluid. The portion of the fluid supply system through which the parenteral fluid flows is disposable and may be supplied assembled and pre-charged to reduce the time for placing the apparatus in use. The fluid warming system is a dual heat system, having a primary heating element for maintaining the apparatus in a stand-by condition when the apparatus is not in use and a secondary heating element for raising the temperature of the parenteral fluid to the desired temperature while the apparatus is in use. Unique quick connect/disconnect means are provided for replacing the filter during the resuscitation of a patient and coupling the water side of the heat exchanger to the apparatus. Means are provided for simulating failure of the parenteral fluid supply and warming systems to test the condition of the systems.

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First Claim