Abstract: A method and system for the extracorporeal treatment of blood to remove fluid from the fluid overloaded patient is disclosed that non-invasively measures osmotic pressure across a filter membrane of a blood filter. The filter is permeable to water and electrolytes, but not to blood protein. The osmotic pressure indicates the protein concentration in the blood. Osmotic pressure is used to detect when hypotension is about to occur in a patient, as a result of excessive blood volume reduction during treatment of the blood. Using the osmotic pressure measurement as a feedback signal, the rate of fluid extraction is automatically controlled to achieve the desired clinical outcome and avoid precipitating a hypotensive crisis in the patient.

Abstract: A method of replacing iron losses during dialysis of patients is accomplished by infusion of a noncolloidal ferric compound, soluble in hemodialysis solutions, during dialysis. A pharmaceutical composition is provided consisting essentially of dialysis solution including a soluble noncolloidial ferric compound, preferably ferric pyrophosphate.

Abstract: Method and device for determining in dialysis treatment the content of waste products in the outgoing dialysis liquid from the dialyzer. Measurement of the concentration of a certain substance or a combination of substances included in the waste products is effected spectrophotometrically directly on the outgoing dialysis liquid from the dialyzer. For that purpose there is provided after the dialyzer in or after the dialysing machine a measuring cell for spectrophotometric measurement. The measurement value obtained is multiplied by the flow of dialysis liquid for determining the content of said substance or said combination of substances in the outgoing dialysis liquid from the dialyzer.

Abstract: Systems and methods balance fluid in a fluid processing procedure during which an outgoing fluid is removed from an individual and an ingoing fluid is supplied to the individual. The systems and methods supply a volume of the outgoing fluid and a volume of the ingoing fluid into a volumetric chamber. The systems and methods discharge a volume of the outgoing fluid and a volume of the ingoing fluid from the volumetric chamber. The systems and methods synchronizes the supply and discharge of fluid to affect a concurrent discharge of the outgoing fluid and ingoing fluid from the volumetric chamber in volumetric balance with a concurrent supply of outgoing fluid and ingoing fluid into the volumetric chamber. The volumetric chamber can include at least one chamber including an interior wall dividing the chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment retains a volume of outgoing fluid. The second compartment retains a volume of ingoing fluid.

Abstract: Fluid replacement systems and methods for use in association with a hemofilter convey an individual's blood through an extracorporeal fluid circuit to the hemofilter to remove waste fluid. The systems and methods convey waste fluid from the hemofilter through a waste line. The systems and methods convey blood from the hemofilter through a blood return line after removal of waste fluid. The systems and methods balance the removal of waste fluid with replacement fluid. The systems and methods can selectively operate in a bolus mode, to increase the volume of replacement fluid supplied to the individual. The systems and methods can also selectively operate in a rinse back mode, during which a volume of replacement fluid circulated into the blood return line, to thereby flush the blood return line.

Abstract: A haemofiltration machine designed to work with a haemofilter comprises two compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane, one compartment having an inlet connected to a withdrawing tube for taking blood from the patient and an outlet connected to a blood return tube, the other having an outlet connected to a tube for removing used liquid.

Abstract: Acid concentrates, and dialysate compositions prepared therefrom, contain citric acid and an effective amount of a buffering agent selected from acetate and/or lactate. The buffering agent allows a physiologically acceptable amount of citrate to maintain the desired pH of the dialysate.

Abstract: A method of supplying ready-to-use dialysis fluid in a machine for extracorporeal blood treatment, is described, said machine having, in addition to a dialyzer, at least one sterile filter divided by a microbe-retaining membrane into a first and second chamber. The temperature and/or conductivity of the dialysis fluid flowing through the sterile filter is monitored. To prevent dialysis fluid whose temperature and/or conductivity does not correspond to a preset temperature and/or conductivity value from flowing out of the second chamber of the sterile filter into the dialyzer after rinsing off the membrane of the sterile filter, the dialysis fluid flowing out of the sterile filter is first removed into the drain through a bypass line until the proper values are established. Only then is the dialyzer connected to the dialysis fluid path. In addition, the invention relates to a machine for extracorporeal blood treatment with a device for supplying ready-to-use dialysis fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the concentration of an ion, atom or molecule bound in a complex. A reliable determination of the concentration of the ion, atom or molecule to be determined is possible in accordance with the invention in that the complexing of the ion, atom or molecule is prevented at least during the determination of the concentration by the addition or withdrawal of a substance.

Abstract: There is provided the use of a low molecular weight thrombin inhibitor for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment by dialysis, particularly haemodialysis, of a patient in need of such treatment, in which the thrombin inhibitor is provided in the dialysing solution, as well as dialysing solutions and concentrates including low molecular weight thrombin inhibitors, such as melagatran.

Abstract: In contrast to the prior art, the essential components of dialyzing liquids are not provided as a dry concentrate or as a genuine solution at the place of dialysis, but as a suspension of undissolved or incompletely dissolved substances, preferably sodium chloride, optionally sodium acetate, in a solution of the remaining components.

Abstract: Method for a continuous recirculating peritoneal dialysis wherein the peritoneal dialysis fluid is infused into a peritoneal cavity of a patient and then, typically on a continuous process basis a portion of the dialysis fluid is sequentially drained from the cavity, cleansed through an extracorpreal dialyzer, and reinfused into the cavity. The dialysis fluid contains as an osmotic agent a substance which does not substantially permeate through pores of hollow fiber membrane of an extracorporeal dialyzer, preferably an osmotic agent having a molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 100,000. The supplemented amount of the osmotic agent is reduced or not needed during the dialysis.

Abstract: An amino acid composition suitable for hemodialysis and a dialysis solution that can be prepared from the amino acid mixture. When the inventive amino acid composition is used for this purpose, the “shrinking men” phenomenon can be prevented. Also provides are a hemodialysis process and apparatus.

Abstract: A method of hemodiafiltration including the steps of supplying a blood inflow, diafiltering the blood inflow using a first non-isosmotic dialysate fluid to provide a partially diafiltered blood outflow, mixing the partially diafiltered blood outflow with a substitution fluid to provide a blood/substitution fluid mixture, and diafiltering the blood/substitution fluid mixture using a second non-isosmotic dialysate fluid.

Abstract: A machine and method for preparing dialysis fluid for a dialysis machine. Fresh water is mixed with one or more dialysis fluid concentrates. The mixture of water and concentrates is conveyed into an equalizing chamber by a proportioning unit at a predetermined flow rate independent of the dialysate flow rate. Metered addition of the concentrates is performed volumetrically and is monitored on the basis of the conductivity of the dialysis fluid, which is measured by conductivity sensors. Because the mixture of water and concentrates is always conveyed at the same flow rate, the composition of the dialysis fluid can be determined with a high accuracy and the proportioning can be performed accurately.

Abstract: A method for washing collected blood uses an inert anticoagulant during collection of the blood. The inert anticoagulant does not interfere with agglomeration of the red blood cells so that gravity sedimentation separation is facilitated. The preferred inert anticoagulant is CPD.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysate concentrate includes a vessel, a controllable valve for regulating water flow to the vessel, a first sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached a lower level, a second sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached an upper level, a controller selectively responsive to one of the sensing devices, and a positionable switch for selecting to which of the sensing devices the controller is responsive.

Abstract: An adsorbent or bradykinin comprising styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer having sulfonic acid groups and a method for adsorbing and removing bradykinin comprising contacting the adsorbent with a fluid containing bradykinin are provided. An adsorber for adsorbing bradykinin in which the adsorbent is charged in a vessel having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A device for oxygenating blood in an extracorporeal circuit includes a first structure suitable to delimit a portion of space-containing capillaries made of microporous membrane. The capillaries convey oxygen and are wet externally by blood flowing through a portion of space between an intake connector, which is connected to a venous line of the extracorporeal circuit, and a delivery connector. The device includes a second structure monolithically connected and contiguous to the first structure. The second structure is suitable to contain blood filtration means that divide the portion of space delimited thereby into a blood distribution chamber, provided with an air vent and connected to the delivery connector of the first structure, and a blood collection chamber provided with a delivery connector connected to the arterial line of the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dialysis, desalting, purification or concentration of proteins. The device includes an upper hollow chamber, a middle detachable air-tight seal and a lower semipermeable membrane sac. The upper and lower parts are connected to each other by one or more apertures situated in the detachable air-tight seal.

Abstract: A set of bottles for containing dialysate chemical formulations, chemical cleaning agents or the like is described. The chemical formulation bottles come in two varieties, sodium bicarbonate and liquid acid formulations, each bottle having a slightly different shape. The different shapes cooperate with a bottle mounting structure in the dialysis machine to insure that bottles are correctly installed on their respective bottle opening mechanism. The bottles also have a detection feature comprising either a raised rim or groove extending around the periphery of the bottle. A sensor assembly in the bottle mounting and opening system detects the detection feature. The detection feature is used by the machine to distinguish between dialysate formulation bottles and chemical cleaning bottles, which do not have the detection feature. The detection feature prevents unintentional installation of the chemical bottle on the opening mechanism for the dialysate chemical formulation bottles.

Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, a dialysate pressurizing line 5, a dialysate pressurizing pump 51 provided in the dialysate pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided in the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing a dialysate into a communication line of the dialysate, the dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for conducting blood treatment procedures. The method includes conducting the treatment procedure such as dialysis at a first efficiency until a limit value is reached, and then altering the first efficiency to a second efficiency until a second limit value has been reached. The method also includes devising a predetermined efficiency profile for the blood treatment procedure, conducting the procedure at a predetermined efficiency until a first limit value is reached, and then altering the efficiency of the blood treatment procedure in accordance with the predetermined efficiency profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dialysis solutions for peritoneal dialysis, containing hydroxyethyl starch as the osmotically-active substance, electrolytes and, optionally, conventional additives, where the hydroxyethyl starch has a molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 150,000, a substitution MS in the range from 0.10 to 0.40, a substitution DS in the range from 0.09 to 0.35 and a substitution ratio C2/C6≧8. With this peritoneal dialysis solution it is possible, with an outstanding ultrafiltration, to maintain a longer dwell time, for example the dialysis solution can be utilized for a period of 12 hours in the CAPD without replacement. In addition, the inventive dialysis solution is also particularly advantageous for patients with residual kidney function. The resorption of the osmotically active substance is clearly diminished and even after a dwell time of 12 hours it amounts to a maximum of 60-70%.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a dialysis machine to determine the volume of a dialysate flow path of the machine including a dialysate preparation tank includes the steps of introducing a known quantity of electrically conductive chemicals into the dialysate preparation tank, filling the dialysate solution flow path with water, mixing the chemicals with water to form a solution, measuring the conductivity of the solution, calculating the system volume (Vsys) according to the relation: Vsys=M/(a1r+b1) where M is the mass in grams of the chemicals, a1 and b1 are a coefficient of linearity and a constant of linearity, respectively, for the chemicals and r is the measured conductivity of the solution.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of chronic volume dependent hypertension is provided wherein a determination is made as to whether there has been a substantial reduction in phosphorylation of the blood-derived protein or renal proximal brush border membrane protein and if such reduction exists concluding that chronic volume dependent hypertension exists in a patient. The method may advantageously be practiced by employing blood serum or blood plasma as the body specimen containing the protein in determining whether a patient has chronic volume dependent hypertension, a cellular component of the blood, such as a blood-derived protein coming from the plasma membrane of lymphocytes. The method may include subsequent therapeutic patient treatment. Related diagnostic apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A hemodialyzer apparatus comprises a reusable dialyzer membrane as well as reusable blood flow path and dialysis flow path units. The apparatus automatically primes itself and makes dialysis solution from dry chemicals, concentrates, and fresh water which is provided to the apparatus. Also, after use, the apparatus automatically prepares cleaning and rinsing solution for the cleaning and rinsing of the dialyzer membrane as well as the dialyzate and blood flow path means, to provide a system which is so simplified in terms of automatic operation that it may be usable for daily dialysis at home.

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 batch of dialysate solution is made from a mixture of bicarbonate formulation and a liquid acid formulation. The liquid acid formulation is introduced into a dialysate tank and then removed from the tank and stored elsewhere, such as in an ultrafiltration tank, where it is diluted with a few litres of water. The dialysate tank is then filled with water and the bicarbonate formulation is added to the dialysate tank. The bicarbonate formulation is mixed and dissolved by circulation in a closed loop, with the liquid acid formulation kept separate. When the bicarbonate solution has been prepared, the liquid acid solution and the bicarbonate solution are mixed together and stored in the dialysate preparation tank. An additional quantity of dilution water is introduced into the dialysate system to bring the final conductivity down to the desired range. The excess dialysate solution can be used for several purposes, such as an endotoxin flush of the blood tubing set or a dialyzer clearance test.

Abstract: A dialysis system and method for removing toxic matter from the large intestine comprises an input tube, an output tube concentric with the input tube, both of which tubes are to be inserted in the large intestine an input pressure pump connected to deliver filtrate solution from an input container to the input tube, and an output suction pump connected to the output tube to remove filtrate solution. Pressure gauges control the input and output pumps so that an input pressure level of 75 mm Hg is not exceeded, and so that the output suction pump is disabled unless the input pressure level exceeds 45 mm Hg. A filtrate solution composition comprising a vasodilator of niacin, a high molecular weight protein in the form of casein, a mineral constituents and other components is also provided. The composition may be formed of electrolytes, buffers and a high molecular weight osmotic agent. The system and method may be adapted to treat shock.

Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing gases from a container used to prepare concentrates of a powder in water are disclosed including a supply conduit for supplying water to the container, a removal conduit for removing the concentrate from the container, a pump including a negative pressure side, an evacuation conduit for connecting the negative pressure side of the pump with the container, an actuatable valve disposed in the evacuation conduit whereby upon actuation the actuatable valve connects the container with the negative pressure side of the pump, an indicator for indicating when the container includes a predetermined amount of the gases, and a control mechanism for actuating the valve in response to the indicator to eliminate the gases from the container.

Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for automatic dialysis using a dialysis unit which, in service, is connected to a patient undergoing a dialysis treatment, including the phases of acquiring allowed values of input parameters and desired values of patient parameters, acquiring actual values of the patient parameters, the patient parameters including the relative variation in blood volume (BV) and the weight loss (WL), acquiring actual values of machine parameters including the weight loss rate (WLR) and the conductivity of the (CD) dialysis fluid, and controlling the operation of the dialysis unit using controlled values of the machine parameters to make the patient parameters take on the desired values.

Abstract: A method for withdrawing priming fluid from the extracorporeal circuit of a dialysis machine is described which substantially prevents return of the priming fluid back to the patient. In accordance with the method, priming fluid is drawn from the extracorporeal circuit through the dialyzer membrane and into the dialysate circuit. Blood is introduced into the extracorporeal circuit as the priming fluid is withdrawn through the dialyzer. Withdrawal of the priming fluid may be accomplished by pumping the blood pump in the forward direction at a first rate and operating a pump in the dialysate circuit at a second rate. Valves in the dialysate circuit are operated such that the pump in the dialysate circuit draws priming fluid across the dialyzer membrane into the dialysate circuit, and thereby prevents the priming fluid from being returned to the patient.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the final conductivity of a batch of dialysate to bring the conductivity down to a desired level is described. The batch of dialysate is prepared by mixing excess quantities (e.g., 5%) of dialysate solution chemicals with water to form a solution with a conductivity greater than that required for the particular batch. A measurement of the dialysate solution is taken. A precise volume of water is added to the dialysate solution to dilute the dialysate to the proper level. The precise volume of water is calculated from a known or estimated total system, the desired conductivity level and the actual conductivity. The resulting diluted dialysate is at the desired conductivity level. Excess dialysate which may be present in the dialysate circuit or associated tanks is then flushed to a drain. In a hemodialysis embodiment, the excess dialysate may be flushed through the dialyzer into the blood lines to rinse any pyrogens from the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the effect of dialysis treatments are disclosed in which a fraction of the used dialysis fluid is extracted downstream of the dialyzer for analysis of at least one substance such as urea, and in which the fraction of dialysis fluid is extracted through a branch conduit containing a pump. In accordance with this method, the total amount of used dialysis fluid is measured and the concentration of that substance in the extracted fraction is measured, and the total amount of that substance removed from the patient can then be calculated from these values. This invention is preferably intended for use in connection with hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration.

Abstract: An artificial kidney includes measurement structure for measuring at least one physical characteristic of a fresh dialysis liquid and of used liquid. The measurement structure are disposed in a line portion common to a branch circuit to the feeder line of fresh dialysis liquid and to a branch circuit to the discharge line for the used liquid. Occluding structure permit the liquid to circulate exclusively in one or the other branch circuit. Due to this arrangement, it is possible to obtain the value of the physical characteristics of a patient's blood by calculation as frequently as desired, and to adjust the operation of the kidney permanently to a therapeutic objective set by the physician.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the sodium clearance of a dialyzer. Dialysate containing sodium ions is circulated through the dialysate side of the dialyzer. Water is continuously circulated through the blood side of the dialyzer, the water being single passed through the blood side of the dialyzer. Measurements of the conductivity of the dialysate are made prior to the dialysate entering the dialyzer, and measurements of the conductivity of the dialysate are made after the dialysate has passed through the dialyzer. The clearance of the sodium ions by the dialyzer is calculated from the measurements of conductivity. The measurements of conductivity of the dialysate after passing through the dialyzer becomes substantially constant as the dialysate and water are circulated through the dialyzer. The sodium clearance corresponds to urea clearance of the dialyzer, since the two molecules are approximately the same size.

Abstract: A loading platform and chemical addition system are described for a machine that prepares a batch of dialysate. The loading platform is in fluid communication with a dialysate preparation tank, and receives chemical vessels that contain a batch quantity of dialysate chemicals. The chemicals are released from the vessels automatically and fall onto a shelf in the loading platform. Nozzles and spray equipment are provided for insuring the complete release of the chemicals from the vessels and their dispersion into the tank. Novel mixing techniques are implemented in the tank to insure complete mixing of the dialysate solution and prevention of settling of dialysate solution at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: In the method for the preparation of bicarbonate-containing hemodialysis fluids of individually adaptable compositions according to specific therapeutic requirements of patients a combination of a quantitatively greatly predominating basic concentrate of uniform standard composition is applied in conjunction with an individually selected additional or individual concentrate. The basic concentrate, mainly consisting of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, supplies to the dialysis fluid a sodium concentration at or slightly below the lower limit of the physiological range, whereas the individual concentrate supplies the complementary concentration of sodium up to an individually selected physiological level as well as salts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium and also glucose in individually adapted concentrations. The individual concentrate is a 120- to 250-fold liquid concentrate, resulting in an easy to handle quantity of typically one liter for one dialysis treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bag to accommodate solid or fluid concentrate which is used to prepare dialysis fluid using a dialysis machine. The bag consists of a bag body and at least one opening, whereby the opening is sealingly surrounded by a plug component (220). In the coupled state with a second plug component (210), the plug component (220) forms a flow connection with the interior of the bag. The plug component also has coupling means (276, 278) which are suitable to be connected with a second complementary plug component (210), which is disposed on the dialysis machine. By means of the plug connector, in the coupled state, a first flow path is formed from the dialysis machine to the interior of the bag and a second flow path is formed back from the interior of the bag to the dialysis machine.

Abstract: A granular to fine-granular dry mix powder (an artificial kidney perfusion component A of uniform composition) for use in the preparation of an artificial kidney perfusion fluid for bicarbonate dialysis and a method of producing the same.A granular to fine-granular Composition A comprising granules each comprised of a plurality of NaCl grains carrying KCl, CaCl.sub.2, MgCl.sub.2 and sodium acetate adhered to the surface of each grain.NaCl, KCl CaCl.sub.2, MgCl.sub.2 and sodium acetate are mixed in the presence of not less than 10 weight parts of water based on 100 weight parts of sodium acetate and the resultant mixture is heated at not less than 50.degree. C. to bring the sodium acetate into a transiently molten state and mixing acetic acid with the same mixture.

Abstract: A system and method using same are provided for determining the optimum operating conditions of a dialysis process that yields the highest whole body dialysis clearance. The system varies a parameter that effects dialysis efficiency during part of a dialysis run. The system then measures a metabolite concentration in an outflow dialysate. The system develops a metabolite concentration profile as a function of the varied parameter. Based on these measurements, the system correlates the metabolite concentration measurements to determine the optimum parameter setting that yields the maximum metabolite concentration.

Abstract: A device for the extemporaneous and continuous preparation of a solution for dialysis by the dissolution of several substances in powder form in water. The device includes a number of independent cartridges each containing a salt of a substance necessary for the preparation of the dialyzate, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A method of preparing TPN solutions, which is particularly well adaptable to computerized control, has been developed. These methods can assist the pharmacist or physician in the preparation of three-in-one TPN solutions containing lipid, dextrose and amino acids. The method includes a series of criteria for concentrations of lipid, dextrose, amino acids, and ions as well as eliminating the possibility of certain deleterious interactions.

Abstract: An improved chemical treatment system for hemodialysis machines, which includes a first three way valve which has a normally open position in the dialysis and rinsing modes of the hemodialysis machine. The valve in the normally open position couples a source of water through the valve to the bicarbonate pump for rinsing purposes before and after dialysis and the chemical treatment modes of the hemodialysis machine. In the chemical treatment mode of the hemodialysis machine the valve is switched to couple a source of treatment chemical through the valve to the bicarbonate pump. The chemical treatment system includes a second valve, which if in the normally open position, then only the bicarbonate portion and associated downstream portions will be chemically treated. In the closed position, the chemical will be switched to also flow through the whole hemodialysis machine from the water inlet to provide for a half or total system chemical treatment cycle.

Abstract: A plasma purification treatment which removes disease ailment causing constituents in the plasma of a patient suffering from diseases caused by those ailment causing constituents in this patient's plasma by plasma exchange made by sampling of plasma from the patient and returning the plasma sampled from the patient and purified by removing the ailment causing constituents to the patient; sampling an appropriate volume of plasma within 12% of the patient's whole circulating blood at the first time and gradually increased volume from the second time on until it reaches a predetermined target volume of plasma exchange, returning the sampled plasma at the previous time and purified.

Abstract: A system is provided for weighing and monitoring flow from multiple fluid sources into a flow system wherein incoming fluid is received in a weighing bag attached to a control system for monitoring the amount of fluid passed through the weighing bag and for preventing admission of air into the flow system. An alarm attached to the weighing bag warns when fluid in the weighing bag is approaching empty, so that the fluid in the weighing bag can be replenished from the fluid source before the weighing bag runs dry. If fluid in the weighing bag is not replenished, the system automatically shuts down.The fluid pump can be absolutely calibrated using the controlled admission of known amounts of fluid into the weighing bag so that the amount of fluid introduced into the flow system through the weighing bag can be calculated automatically.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for transforming a sterile pyrogen-free liquid into a substitution liquid using an exchanger. The method includes the steps of flowing first and second liquids over opposite sides of a semipermeable membrane, the first liquid being sterile and pyrogen-free. Both liquids contain at least some electrolytes of blood including at least a buffer agent or a precursor of a buffer agent. At least some of the electrolytes have different concentrations in the two liquids. When purifying blood by hemodiafiltration, this method has the particular advantage that, rather than discarding the second liquid, it can be used for hemodiafiltration.