FIG. 1 is an image displaying the basic layout of a modified cell saver configuration with a cleansing unit that functions in order to inactivate pathogens in plasma and white blood cells.

An illustration of the drawing is for the purpose of describing selected version of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In view of the aforementioned problem(s), the present invention improves upon current autotransfusion processes with a modified cell saver configuration that purifies and inactivates pathogens present in a patient’s plasma and white blood cells. Post blood fractionation or washing, the contents in the waste reservoir bag are mixed with riboflavin (vitamin B2) and exposed to C-UV xenon gas light, using xenon gas that is more intense and environment friendly than a Hg based.

The washing bowl begins the fractionation process with a centrifuge that rotates the patient’s blood in one direction to separate the blood’s fluid components by weight. As this occurs the pump drives some or all of the remaining blood from the collection reservoir into the washing bowl. The pump forces the blood in the washing bowl with rotational force opposite to that of the centrifuge in the washing bowl. This counteractive force separates the blood’s fluid components by weight.

When the washing bowl is sufficiently filled with red blood cells, the wash phase begins as a wash solution is pumped into the washing bowl. The wash phase separates the plasma and white blood cells that are then sent to a cleansing unit after passing through a filter comprising an effective pore size of one micron. Once the wash phase is complete, the newly washed red blood cells are sent into a reinfusion bag via tubing and a pump that is controlled with a valve.

Inside the cleansing unit, the plasma and white blood cells are mixed with riboflavin. This mixture is then photosensitized as it is exposed to C-UV light generated by a xenon lamp/led. The mixture is exposed to a minimum of 2540 J (254 nm) for about 5-10 minutes. The exposure is approximative as time may vary based on the type of pathogen found and the quantity of the fluid. Riboflavin activated by C-UV light will cause a chemical change in nucleic acids. Although, the pathogenic DNA (bacteria, viruses, etc.) will lose the ability to replicate after photosensitized C-UV light exposure, the presence of the antigens on the surface of pathogens might stimulate production of the antibodies. The outcome of this embodiment will significantly decrease virulency of the blood pathogens and possibly will trigger production of the antibodies. After eventual implementation of the device, further study will be required on the subject: “Artificially acquired active immunity” through C-UV light application.