Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis machine including at least one dialysis fluid pump and a logic implementer configured to (i) receive a plurality of predetermined therapy prescriptions that have been approved remote from the dialysis machine by a doctor/clinician for a particular patient, at least two of the plurality of predetermined therapy prescriptions having different treatment durations, different dialysis fluids or different ultrafiltration removal amounts, (ii) store the plurality of predetermined therapy prescriptions for use in operating the dialysis machine, (iii) cause the stored therapy prescriptions to be presented, (iv) allow a selection of one or more of the presented therapy prescriptions for one or more upcoming treatment, and (v) operate the at least one dialysis fluid pump according to the selected one or more therapy prescriptions.

Abstract: An infusion pump is provided for pumping fluid though an administration set at a constant flow rate. The pump includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid and operates at a pulse frequency, and a controller controls the pulse frequency. Additionally, the pump has one or more sensors configured for measuring at least one characteristic value relating to a status of the infusion pump. The controller is configured for causing the pumping mechanism to operate at a first pulse frequency, and the one or more sensors measure the characteristic value. When the measured characteristic value meets a threshold value, the controller causes the pumping mechanism to operate at a second pulse frequency different from the first pulse frequency.

Abstract: A method of operating a disposable pumping unit includes enabling the disposable pumping unit to be loaded into a peritoneal dialysis hardware unit between a door and a housing of the hardware unit; structuring the disposable pumping unit to have a fluid pump receptacle, the fluid pump receptacle constructed and arranged to extend from both surfaces of the unit so as to fit within a first opening provided in the door and a second opening provided in the housing of the hardware unit; and enabling the disposable pumping unit to be guided into the hardware unit such that the fluid pump receptacle becomes aligned with the opposing first and second openings when the door is closed against the housing.

Abstract: An acoustic line tracing system for tracing a fluid transfer system tubing line includes an acoustic receiver operably connectable to the tubing line and configured to receive the vibratory signal. The acoustic receiver includes a vibration sensor disposed to contact the tubing line and configured for detecting vibration of the surface of the tubing line caused by the vibratory signal, and an indicator producing at least one of an audio and a visual cue when the vibration sensor detects the vibratory signal.

Abstract: A method of operating an infusion pump includes transmitting light through or around a drop of fluid suspended from an end of a drip tube for the infusion pump, the end of the drip tube located in a drip chamber for the infusion pump, wherein the drip tube is configured for connection to a source of the fluid; receiving, using an optical system for the pump, light transmitted through or around the drop; transmitting, to a specially programmed microprocessor and using the optical system, data regarding the received light; and, using the microprocessor to calculate a volume of the drop using the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation comprising fibrinogen and a sulfated polysaccharide as a one component composition or as a kit of parts comprising fibrinogen and sulfated polysaccharide as separated components. The present invention further provides a fibrin clot like structure obtainable by a defined process, a hemostatic patch, a two-component syringe system and various uses of the described preparations, fibrin clot like structures and patches.

Abstract: A dialysis disposable sterilization apparatus includes a connector and a protective cap fitted to the connector. The apparatus also includes a sealing ring provided by one of the protective cap or the connector, the sealing ring forming a seal between the cap and the connector, the seal capable of holding pressure. The apparatus further includes a stabilization rib provided by the connector, the stabilization rib positioned and arranged to (i) tend to prevent the protective cap from vibrating about the sealing ring and (ii) enable a sterilizing gas to flow past the stabilization rib to contact the sealing ring.

Abstract: A drug infusion system includes a first infusion pump including a processor and a user interface in operable communication with the processor, and a second infusion pump, wherein the processor of the first infusion pump (i) enables an operator to make a selection using the user interface, the selection specifying a combination of a plurality of drugs to be delivered to a patient using the first and second infusion pumps, and (ii) commands the first infusion pump to deliver one or more drug of the combination to the patient and the second infusion pump to deliver one or more drug of the combination to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing air from a bag containing articles while the bag is traveling on a moving conveyor belt. A horizontal shaft is disposed in operational relationship to the conveyor belt. A plurality of rings is provided such that each ring has a thickness and a centered opening dimensioned to loosely accommodate the shaft, and also to rotationally oscillate relative to the shaft. Each ring is vertically displaceable relative to the shaft. Each ring independently generally follows a contour defined by the articles to expel air by downwardly depressing an outer surface of the bag under gravity caused by weight of each ring while the bag is carried on the conveyor belt below the rings. A radial distance between the shaft and the ring is greater than a diameter of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hemostatic composite sponge comprising a porous matrix of a biomaterial and a material enhancing the adherence of said sponge to the applied tissue stably associated with at least one surface of said sponge, a method of producing these sponges and their use in hemostasis.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: an enclosure including an actuation surface and a door; a stepper motor housed by the enclosure; a pump head and a solid pump piston structurally linking the pump head to the stepper motor; and a disposable unit accepted by the enclosure, the disposable unit including a flexible membrane attached to a rigid piece, the actuation surface of the enclosure and the disposable unit so configured and arranged that when the stepper motor turns and consequently translates the solid pump piston and the pump head towards the door, the pump head physically contacts and stretches the membrane from a relaxed position to a stretched position, and when the stepper motor turns and consequently translates the solid pump piston and the pump head away from the door, the membrane follows the pump head and transitions from the stretched position to the relaxed position.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions capable of removing excess nitric oxide are provided. The therapeutic compositions include nitronyl nitroxide monoradicals, B12 derivatives, flavonoid derivatives, the like and combinations thereof. The therapeutic compositions can be utilized in a number of suitable applications, such as to prevent or treat intradialytic hypotension during dialysis.

Abstract: Bone hemostat compositions, and methods for their use and manufacture are provided. Exemplary hemostatic compositions include polymeric components such as random and non-random copolymers, natural polymers, ceramics, reactive group polymers, and combinations thereof. Bone compositions may be used during surgical procedures, and may be applied to bone to inhibit or prevent bleeding from bone.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: a plurality of automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machines; and a server computer in communication with the APD machines, the APD machines programmed to inform the server computer of how much dialysate is consumed over a first delivery period, the server computer configured to use the amounts consumed to determine dialysate delivery amounts for the plurality of APD machines for a second delivery period.

Abstract: A dialysis bag is provided, including a first layer of film and a second layer of film each having a closed end and an opposite outlet end, the layers sealed together about corresponding peripheral edges to define a bag chamber. An outlet assembly is sealingly disposed at the corresponding outlet ends and has a tubular administrative outlet with an inlet and is in fluid communication with the bag chamber. A dimple is formed in at least one of the layers adjacent to the inlet for preventing occlusion as a fluid level decreases in the bag.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes an extracorporeal circuit, a dialysis fluid circuit including first and second balance chambers, a fresh dialysis fluid pump in fluid communication with first and second fresh compartments of the first and second balance chambers, respectively. The first and second fresh compartments are in fluid communication with a fresh dialysate fluid inlet of the dialyzer, and a used dialysis fluid pump is in fluid communication with first and second spent compartments of the first and second balance chambers, respectively. The system is configured to run a blood rinseback sequence in which (i) at least one of the fresh used dialysis fluid pumps is operated to pump dialysis fluid through the dialyzer and into the extracorporeal circuit and (ii) the blood pump is operated to push blood back to a patient connected to the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for use with an infusion tube including: at least one light source for emitting at least two of first, second, or third spectrums of light; an optics system including a single lens for receiving and transmitting at least two of the first spectrum light transmitted through a first portion of the chamber, the second spectrum light transmitted through a second portion of the chamber, or the third spectrum light transmitted through a third portion of the chamber. The system includes a sensor receiving the at least two of the spectrums from the lens and generating and transmitting data characterizing the at least two of the spectrums. The system includes a memory element storing computer readable instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to generate, using the data, at least two of first, second, or third images of the first, second, and third portions, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis having integrated electrodialysis and electrodeionization capabilities are provided. In an embodiment, the dialysis system includes a carbon source, a urease source, an ED/EDI unit. The carbon source, urease source, and/or the ED/EDI unit can be in the form of removable cartridges.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: a dialysis fluid pump receptacle actuated by a dialysis fluid pump actuator; a dialysis fluid line; a blood filter in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid pump receptacle via the dialysis fluid line; an extracorporeal circuit; a blood pump receptacle actuated by a blood pump actuator and in fluid communication with the blood filter via the extracorporeal circuit; and a control unit that (i) in a first treatment pumps peritoneal dialysis fluid through the dialysis fluid pump receptacle, the dialysis fluid line, the blood filter, the extracorporeal circuit and the blood pump receptacle to the patient's peritoneum operating the dialysis fluid pump actuator and the blood pump actuator at a first pressure, and (ii) in a second treatment pumps blood through the extracorporeal circuit, the blood pump receptacle and the blood filter operating the blood pump actuator at a second, different pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting a Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (“CCPD”) therapy to minimize the potential for excess intra-peritoneal volume. The adjustments are made at the end of the drain, just prior to the next fill. The adjustments short the next fill, if necessary, to limit the intra-peritoneal volume, add a cycle, if necessary, to use all of the available dialysis solution and will average the remaining dwell time to maximize the therapeutic benefit of the therapy in the allotted time. In another embodiment, a tidal therapy using trended patient UF data is provided.