Apparatus for concentrating a liquid containing non-ultrafiltrable elements

Claim 1

Apparatus for concentrating a serous effusion said apparatus comprising in combination: a. a chamber; b. a membrane within the said chamber separating said chamber into first and second compartments and preventing the passage of large molecules therethrough; c. an inlet to said first compartment; d. a concentrate outlet from said first compartment and an ultrafiltrate outlet from the second compartment; e. a device for withdrawing fluid from a patient; f. a particle filter and a bubble trap connected to the concentrate outlet; g. a means for reinjection of concentrate into the living creature; h. a pump with reduced intake suction interconnecting the fluid withdrawing device and the inlet to said chamber, for producing a pressure differential across the membrane in response to the resistance presented by the membrane to flow of ultrafiltrate therethrough; i. a hydraulic resistance connected between said concentrate outlet and said particle filter and bubble trap; and j. mechanical means to support the membrane in order to allow desired transmembrane pressure.