Abstract: A method includes collecting used dialysis fluid in a container and combining the dialysis fluid with an acid to lower the pH value of the used dialysis fluid.

Abstract: A medical system, comprising: a medical machine; and a gateway device configured to communicate with the medical machine to allow access to a network, the gateway device comprising a data allowance and limitation unit that is configured to limit communication between the medical machine and the network when the data allowance and limitation unit is in an open state, wherein the data allowance and limitation unit is placed in the open state when a plannable system event occurs, and wherein, while in the open state, the data allowance and limitation unit is placed in a closed state when an unplanned event occurs, thereby providing less limited communication between the medical machine and the network compared to the open state.

Abstract: A computing system for determining a systematic training strategy for the user is provided. The computing system includes a user device that uses one or more sensors to obtain partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) levels of a user over a period of time. The user device provides previous PO2 levels to a personalized erythropoiesis model generation computing platform. The computing platform obtains individualized user data for the user indicating or more previous hematocrit and/or hemoglobin measurements for the user. The computing platform determines an individualized erythropoiesis model for the user based on the one or more previous hematocrit and/or hemoglobin measurements and the previous PO2 information, and employs the individualized erythropoiesis model to determine predicted hematocrit and/or hemoglobin measurements. The computing platform performs one or more actions based on the one or more predicted hematocrit and/or hemoglobin measurements.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time intradialytic hypotension (IDH) prediction are disclosed. A system obtains historical hemodialysis treatment data that is segmented into sets of machine learning training data based on temporal proximities to IDH events and trains a machine learning model to predict IDH events based on the sets of machine learning training data.

Abstract: An apparatus used in analyzing spent dialysate includes: at least one surface configured to accommodate a dialysate drain bag or drain line in a predetermined position; a light source positioned to emit light through the dialysate drain bag or drain line; and a light sensor positioned to sense light emitted by the light source through the dialysate drain bag or drain line.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to blood flow reversal valves and related systems and methods. In certain aspects of the invention, a blood flow reversal valve includes a first member having a first passage and a second passage, and a second member having a first passage and a second passage. The first and second members are rotatably fixed relative to one another such that the first passage of the first member is aligned with the first passage of the second member and the second passage of the first member is aligned with the second passage of the second member. A flow directing element is disposed in the cavity and is moveable relative to the first and second members between a first position in which the first passage of the first member and the first passage of the second member are fluidly connected and a second position in which the first passage of the first member and the second passage of the second member are fluidly connected.

Abstract: Dialysis systems and methods for operating dialysis machines (e.g., peritoneal dialysis machines) for conducting dialysis treatments are disclosed. The dialysis system may include a dialysis machine for transferring dialysate to a patient from a dialysate source. The dialysate may flow from the dialysate source through a cartridge or cassette (e.g., a disposable cartridge or cassette) positionable within the dialysis machine. The cassette includes a fluid flow channel. The dialysis machine includes a heating chamber for in-line heating of the dialysate in the fluid flow channel. The fluid flow channel is arranged and configured to provide turbulent flow of the dialysate through the fluid flow channel to provide increased heat transfer from the heating chamber to the dialysate.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment device and a method are provided for removing a secondary membrane formed on a semipermeable membrane of a dialyzer during an extracorporeal blood treatment. The extracorporeal blood treatment device operates in a first operating mode in which a dialysate outlet valve is open such that dialysate flows through a dialyzer feed line, through a dialysate chamber, and into and through a dialyzer discharge line. The extracorporeal blood treatment device operates in a second operating mode to remove the secondary membrane from the semipermeable membrane. During the second operating mode, the dialysate outlet valve is closed for a duration of time such that dialysate is prevented from flowing through the dialyzer discharge line. A backflush procedure results wherein a volume of dialysate passes from the dialysate chamber through the semipermeable membrane and into the blood chamber.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments may provide a software tool that enables a software designer to derive a color from a reference color. The software designer may specify changes in color characteristics that are to be applied to the reference color to derive the desired color. The user interface may be provided to allow the software designer to enter information regarding the reference color and the desired changes in color characteristics. The user interface may display the reference color and that resulting desired color so that the software designer may get a visual appreciation for the difference in the colors. The software tool of the exemplary embodiments may also include a color palette generator. The color palette generator may generate a palette of colors from a reference color.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes include a home dialysis machine and a home gateway device in communication with a cloud-based application via a connected health system. The gateway device has voice recognition capabilities. A user can provide spoken information to the gateway device, and the gateway device can cause one or more actions to be performed. The gateway device may cause a dialysis function to be performed by the dialysis machine, or data to be input into the dialysis machine. The gateway device can also communicate with one or more other systems (e.g., remote systems) via the cloud-based application. In some examples, the cloud-based application can communicate with an order management system to allow the user to order medical supplies (e.g., for use with the dialysis machine) via the gateway device. The gateway device can provide two-way conversational capability (e.g., back and forth communication) between the user and the gateway device.

Abstract: A dialysis system comprising: a dialysis machine; a communication module configured to communicate using a short-range wireless technology protocol; data storage configured to store data corresponding to identities of one or more short-range wireless devices; and a processor configured to: identify presence of a short-range wireless device; and cause the dialysis machine to carry out an action when one or both of i) the presence of the short-range wireless device is identified, and ii) the presence of the short-range wireless device is no longer identified.

Abstract: In one aspect, a dialysis fluid cassette includes an inlet fluid line, multiple outlet fluid lines, and a valve including an actuation feature by which the valve can be rotated to fluidly communicate the inlet fluid line with a selected fluid line of the multiple outlet fluid lines.

Abstract: A pill case and medication reminder system is provided. A pill case and a reminder system are in data transfer communication with one another. The system can also include a global positioning system, an accelerometer, or both. A pill case compartment is configured to hold a medication. The pill case has a sensor or sensor array configured to detect the amount of medication in the pill case. A pill case processor is configured to generate a data signal pertaining to the amount of medication in the pill case. The system can generate medication reminders, for example, pertaining to refilling a subscription or taking medication with food. The pill case can include or connect to a phone case for a smartphone, or can be integrated into a smartwatch.

Abstract: A method including automatically performing at least one integrity test on a dialysis machine after powering on the dialysis machine, wherein the at least one integrity test is selected from the group consisting of a battery test, a dialysate conductivity test, and a dialysate temperature test. The method also includes presenting, on a display of the dialysis machine, a first set of instructions for priming the dialysis machine after completing the at least one integrity test.

Abstract: A drip chamber is provided that includes a hollow body and a nucleation column extending into the interior of the hollow body or formed on the inner surface of a drip chamber sidewall. The nucleation column can be formed with, or treated by a treatment to include, microfeatures or other surface properties that provide nucleation sites for the nucleation and amalgamation of microbubbles. The drip chamber can include a bubble catcher in the bottom of the hollow body and the nucleation column can extend from the bubble catcher into the interior of the hollow body. Methods of making such drip chambers are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic abdomen for peritoneal dialysis training is provided. The prosthetic abdomen has an inner layer of material and an outer layer of material. The outer layer of material has an outer surface having a skin tone color. An opening is formed through the outer layer. A tube extends through the opening. A bag of liquid is in fluid communication with the tube extending through the opening.

Abstract: Computer code embedded in an electronic component (e.g., a processor, a sensor, etc.) of a medical device, such as a dialysis machine, can be authenticated by comparing a metadata signature derived from the computer code of the electronic component to a key derived from a pre-authenticated code associated with the electronic component. The metadata signature can be derived by running an error-check/error-correct algorithm (e.g., SHA256) on the computer code of the electronic component. A use of the metadata signature enables detection of any unauthorized changes to the computer code as compared to the pre-authenticated code.

Abstract: A home dialysis machine network is provided that includes a home dialysis machine and one or more walk-up service centers. The walk-up service center can be equipped with a diagnostic tool, parts, or supplies for the home dialysis machine. Methods of maintaining a home dialysis machine are also provided as are service centers equipped with a transportation service or office, a diagnostics department, an education and training department, a consultation department, an exercise and spa department, an entertainment department, a sales department, a repair shop, a new technologies department, a pharmacy, and a doctor's office.

Abstract: A bag closure and a container system incorporating the bag closure, are provided. The container system can be used for preparing and holding medical liquids such as peritoneal dialysis solutions. The bag closure can be in the form of an assembly of a bag connector made of a first material, and a nozzle made of a different material. By using two different materials, bonding of the bag closure to a bag of a first material and to a tube of a second, different material, can be facilitated. Alternatively, the bag closure can be of a one-piece, monolithic construction made from a singular material. Methods of making the bag closure and the container system are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to symmetric tubing clamps for blood treatment systems and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a tubing clamp includes a resilient body that has symmetry with respect to a first plane with a normal along a longitudinal axis of the resilient body, the resilient body comprising a sidewall defining an opening such that a tubing is arrangeable through the opening along the longitudinal axis of the resilient body; first and second snap-fit features configured to engage with each other when the resilient body is compressed along a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a protrusion configured to constrict the tubing when the resilient body is compressed along the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.