Abstract: A method for priming a hemodialyzer is disclosed. Hemodialyzer comprises a dialysate compartment, a blood compartment, and a dialysis membrane separating the dialysate and blood compartments. The method comprises the steps of delivering a liquid to a dialysate inlet of the dialysate compartment at a first volumetric delivery rate, passing the liquid through the dialysate compartment from the dialysate inlet to a dialysate outlet of the hemodialyzer and delivering the liquid from the dialysate outlet at a second volumetric delivery rate that is less than the first volumetric delivery rate so as to cause a net flow of the liquid from the dialysate compartment to the blood compartment through the dialysis membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for stabilizing bicarbonate-based solutions for peritoneal dialysis or hemofiltration. The bicarbonate-based solutions of the present invention are formulated and stored in at least two parts—an alkaline bicarbonate concentrate and an acidic concentrate. The alkaline bicarbonate concentrate is adjusted to have a pH of about 8.6 to 10.0. The acidic concentrate is adjusted to have a stable, acidic pH ranging from about 1.0 to 3.0. Upon mixing, although some variation in the pH of the mixed bicarbonate solution exists, the inventors have discovered that with the appropriate selection of the parameters of the concentrates, the pH of the mixed solution is always within an acceptable physiological range.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis solution comprising as osmotic agents approximately 2.0 to about 6.0% (w/v) maltodextrins and approximately 0.25 to about 2.0% (w/v) amino acids. The peritoneal dialysis solution will also include other components such as sodium, chloride, lactate, bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium.

Abstract: A steam sterilizable monolayer medical tubing comprising a blend of a melt strength enhancing agent of a homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene having free-end long chain branches of propylene units, a melt flow index of greater than 10 and in an amount of 1-10% by weight and a second component selected from the group of (i) a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene and (ii) a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene to which has been grafted, an alpha, beta-olenfically unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid reagent.

Abstract: A sterile disposable hemodiafiltration set to be connected to a dialysis machine includes a dialyzer with an extracorporeal blood path and a dialysis liquid supply line which can be connected to the dialyzer. The hemodiafiltration set includes a sterilized unit consisting of a hose connection with a sterile filter therein wherein the hose connection is arranged for connection at one end thereof to the extracorporeal path via a separate pump and provided with a three-way joint at the other end thereof for connection of the latter end between the dialysis liquid supply line and the dialyzer.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, inter alia, a composition useful for producing a homogeneous, semipermeable membrane, the composition comprising (1) a polysulfone compound, (2) a solvent, such as sulfolane, antypyrine, &dgr;-valerolactam, diethyl phthalate, and mixtures thereof, and (3) a non-solvent, such as poly(ethylene glycol), di(ethylene glycol), tri(ethylene glycol), glycerol, and mixtures thereof. Another aspect of this invention discloses methods for fabricating semipermeable membranes by homogeneously mixing the composition of the polysulfone compound, solvent, and non-solvent, melting the composition, and melt-spinning the molten composition. Another aspect of the present invention includes homogeneous, melt-spun, semipermeable membranes useful for liquid separation processes, such as, but not limited to, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, dialysis, and reverse osmosis.

Abstract: A dual-filled twin bag, a packaging including the twin bag, and a method for forming the packaged twin bags are provided. Each of two bags, a solution bag (10) and a drain bag (12) for a system used for a peritoneal dialysis procedure, are filled, at least partially, with a solution (14). A tubing set (16) connects the two filled bags (10,12) and may also be filled with solution (14) which is added to the bags (10,12) and the tubing set (16) during the manufacturing process. The tubing set (16) is sandwiched between the solution bag (10) and the drain bag (12) and subsequently packaged in an overpouch (24). The method for forming the package including the bags filled with solution is simplified and the overall package size is reduced due to the sandwiched tubing set (16) between the solution bags (10,12) and the provision of solution in both bags (10,12).

Abstract: A portable pump apparatus for use in CAPD is provided as well as a method for providing CAPD to a patient. The portable pump apparatus for CAPD has a housing containing a pump, and a power supply, preferably a rechargeable battery, connected to the housing and electrically connected to drive the pump. A control knob on the housing is constructed and arranged to adjust the speed of the pump. A cover is mounted to the housing to enclose the pump. The cover has an inlet port and an outlet port to securely hold a tube thereunder. The portable pump apparatus for CAPD further has a display for providing drainage information and a clip so that the apparatus can be worn by a patient.

Abstract: Dialysis machine for alternatively hospital care and self-care having a touch screen (16) which can be adjusted universally and to a desired vertical position on the dialysis machine and can be locked in the desired adjusted position. As a consequence thereof, the touch screen can be arrested in a position in relation to the position of the person controlling the dialysis machine which allows the touch screen to be comfortably reached irrespective of the position of said person.

Abstract: An improved conductivity based servo-proportioning system for hemodialysis machines. The servo-proportioning system calculates the actual conductivity contributions of the individual chemical components of the concentrate being utilized, to determine the conductivity set points. If an Acidified and Bicarb operation is being performed, then the servo-proportioning system calculates a conductivity set point at both an intermediate and final stage of the servo-proportioning system. If only acetate is being performed, then only the acetate individual chemical components are calculated. If the Na and/or Bicarb concentrations are to be varied, then the conductivity is calculated for the changed Na and/or Bicarb concentrations.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided to effect solution exchange particularly for a patient requiring peritoneal dialysis. The system includes a device (1) that is portable and particularly adaptable for patients requiring a night time exchange or an additional exchange. The device (1) includes an operator-touch control panel (10) operatively connected to a pouch (26) with an incorporated heater (12). The pouch (26) holds a solution bag (18) and may be selectively opened and closed by a cover (28). A drain tray (30) holds a drain bag (20) and has a scale (14) incorporated therein. The pouch (26) is connected to the control panel (10) by an upper arm (38), and the drain tray (30) is connected to the control panel (10) by a lower arm (42). The device (1) may be collapsed by releasing the upper arm (38) and the lower arm (42) such that the system (1) lays in a substantially flat arrangement when not in use.

Abstract: An improved peritoneal dialysis method and system is provided. The method utilizes a tidal oscillating pulse peritoneal dialysis system. To this end, a system for providing peritoneal dialysis to a patient is provided. The system comprises a single catheter that is placed in the patient, a reservoir of dialysate having a volume greater than or equal to three liters, and a single pump for pumping the dialysate from the reservoir into and out of the patient.

Abstract: A system, a method and administration lines are provided for self-priming of a solution delivery system. The administration lines are arranged such that resultant forces acting on the lines create different forces applied on each lumen resulting in solution flowing in one of the lumen undergoing a higher isostatic pressure. The lumens forming the administration line may be formed from concentric tubings or formed from separate tubings extending varied lengths into the solution container. As a result, automatic priming of the administration line and the solution delivery system is provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating renal failure patients are provided. Pursuant to the present invention, a renal failure patient is provided with an intravenous or dialysis solution that includes a therapeutically effective amount of L-carnosine. In part, the L-carnosine will prevent the renal failure patient from developing L-carnosine deficiency.

Abstract: A dual-filled twin bag, a packaging including the twin bag, and a method for forming the packaged twin bags are provided. Each of two bags, a solution bag (10) and a drain bag (12) for a system used for a peritoneal dialysis procedure, are filled, at least partially, with a solution (14). A tubing set (16) connects the two filled bags (10,12) and may also be filled with solution (14) which is added to the bags (10,12) and the tubing set (16) during the manufacturing process. The tubing set (16) is sandwiched between the solution bag (10) and the drain bag (12) and subsequently packaged in an overpouch (24). The method for forming the package including the bags filled with solution is simplified and the overall package size is reduced due to the sandwiched tubing set (16) between the solution bags (10,12) and the provision of solution in both bags (10,12).

Abstract: A portable pump apparatus for use in CAPD is provided as well as a method for providing CAPD to a patient. The portable pump apparatus for CAPD has a housing containing a pump, and a power supply, preferably a rechargeable battery, connected to the housing and electrically connected to drive the pump. A control knob on the housing is constructed and arranged to adjust the speed of the pump. A cover is mounted to the housing to enclose the pump. The cover has an inlet port and an outlet port to securely hold a tube thereunder. The portable pump apparatus for CAPD further has a display for providing drainage information and a clip so that the apparatus can be worn by a patient.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating renal failure patients are provided. Pursuant to the present invention, a renal failure patient is provided with an intravenous or dialysis solution that includes a therapeutically effective amount of L-carnosine. In part, the L-carnosine will prevent the renal failure patient from developing L-carnosine deficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peritoneal dialysis solution that contains atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a derivative of ANP, an analogue of ANP, a substance that binds ANP to clearance receptors or a substance that promotes ANP synthesis, which results in an increased net ultrafiltration and increased sodium clearance experienced in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis solutions are specially formulated for use during and immediately after an episode of peritonitis. The solutions include one or more additives to minimize the injury and physiological effects that peritonitis can cause. One additive is a mixture of amino acids sufficient to maintain a positive nitrogen balance, at least one of the amino acids being present in a dipeptide form. Another additive is a compound that scavenges free radicals generated by peritoneal macrophages activated by the peritonitis. Another additive is chondroitin sulfate that changes the permeability of the peritoneal membrane during subsequent dialysis using solutions free of chondroitin sulfate. Another additive is the degradation products of hyaluronic acid to enhance the regeneration of the peritoneal mesothelium without fibrosis.