Patents Assigned to Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11738125
    Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating the post-treatment ultrafiltration rate of a patient are provided. A medical device can be configured to determine an estimated post-treatment ultrafiltration rate based on one or more values associated with a patient prepared to undergo treatment with the medical device. The medical device can also be configured to compare the estimated post-treatment ultrafiltration rate with one or more threshold values. The medical device can be configured to have an alert module, which can be activated when the estimated post-treatment ultrafiltration rate exceeds the one or more threshold values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Singer, Shawn Sobelman, Robert Kossmann, Martin Joseph Crnkovich, Roland Levin
  • Patent number: 11738129
    Abstract: A method for operating a dialysis machine to conduct a dialysis treatment on a patient (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis machine) may include transferring dialysate from a first bag, and automatically determining the dialysate from the first bag has completely transferred. After determining the dialysate has completely transferred from the first bag, switching from the first bag to a second bag of dialysate. The method may further include transferring dialysate from the second bag in response to the detection of the completed transfer of the first bag, and automatically determining the dialysate from the second bag has completely transferred. The method may further include determining if the respective first or second bag has completely transferred by comparing a dialysate bag volume transferred to the patient to a detected volume of the respective first or second bag. Systems with dialysis machines for performing such a method are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kulwinder S. Plahey, John A. Biewer
  • Patent number: 11738134
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems for supporting medical fluid bags and related methods. In some implementations, a system includes a curved tray configured to support a medical fluid bag during a medical treatment, the curved tray including a plurality of openings therethrough, a medical fluid collection basin removably coupled to the curved tray and configured to collect medical fluid leaked from the medical fluid bag during the medical treatment, a leak detector coupled to a surface of the medical fluid collection basin and configured to detect fluid as leaked from the medical fluid bag into the medical fluid collection basin, and a control unit configured to receive treatment data related to the medical treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Diego Suarez del Real Pena, Jose Eduardo Pena Martinez, David Yuds, Jonathan Leclerc
  • Patent number: 11727155
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert Leinfellner, Joseph Edwin Inase Manakkil, Paolo Pochendorfer
  • Patent number: 11724082
    Abstract: A male luer connector includes a body having a first end configured to be connected to a fluid line, a second end opposed to the first end, and a body longitudinal axis. The second end is configured to be inserted into and form a luer slip connection with a female luer connector. The male luer connector also includes a locking collar that is connected to the body in a manner such that the locking collar rotates about the longitudinal axis. In some cases, the body second end does not protrude beyond a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis and that includes an end face of the locking collar, and/or when male and female connectors are engaged, the locking collar engages an outer surface of the female fluid line connector and is deformed by the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn E. Jensen, Melvin D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 11717600
    Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a control unit configured to operate in a hybrid automated mode during a PD treatment. A processor in the control unit is configured to engage a pump during a fill phase of the PD cycle. The volume of fluid (e.g., dialysate) transferred to a patient line during the fill phase is monitored. After a dwell period, the pump is disengaged at the start of a drain phase of the PD cycle. Disengaging the pump can include: configuring valves of a disposable cassette to bypass the pump chambers of a disposable cassette; activating a bypass valve to shunt the patient line to a drain line; or moving a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump. The fluid transferred from the patient line to the drain line is monitored during the drain phase of the PD cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kulwinder Plahey, James Peterson
  • Patent number: 11710555
    Abstract: A computer-implemented medical system is provided. The system includes a docking station and a mobile machine. The system is configured to perform operations comprising: receiving, by the mobile machine and from a user, a request to transport the mobile machine to a target location to perform a medical treatment; automatically navigating the mobile machine to the target location; performing, by the mobile machine, the medical treatment on a patient; determining, by the mobile machine, that the medical treatment is completed and the mobile machine is disconnected from the patient; automatically navigating the mobile machine to a stationary docking station of the medical system; and determining that the mobile machine is connected to the docking station through one or more connectors, and in response, receiving, by the mobile machine, at least one of an electrical charge, a refill of one or more supplies, a cleaning, or a drain of waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yuds, Samiullah K. Durrani
  • Publication number: 20230225743
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hemostasis band, comprising a band, preferably made from an elastic material, a pressure focusing element for focusing pressure generated by the band to hold a cannula in place at a cannulation point, wherein the band can be arranged in a loop and the size of the loop formed by the band is adjustable to at least one defined size by means of an external tool, such as a torque driver. Another aspect of the invention relates to a system of a hemostasis band and an external tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicants: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE AG & CO. KGAA, FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Pascal KOPPERSCHMIDT, Min HU, Ralf MUELLER, Pia DANIEL, David HANNES, Karen Granger BUTLER, Nadine KUBAT, Pari DATTA, Ben KUBLER
  • Patent number: 11701459
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and kits are provided for performing hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, and peritoneal dialysis on a portable machine suitable for both clinical and home use. Peritoneal dialysate can be flowed into and out of the peritoneal cavity, and can also be regenerated within the system, without the need for introducing fresh dialysate. Common hardware and software can be utilized for both peritoneal dialysis and other forms of dialysis such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration, allowing for facile transition between different dialysis modes using the same dialysis machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Palmer David Updyke, Barry Fulkerson, Amaury De Leon De Leon, Michelle Bayly
  • Patent number: 11701456
    Abstract: A dialysis system (e.g., a hemodialysis (HD) system) can be designed to operate in alternative environments, such as disaster relief settings or underdeveloped regions. The dialysis system can include a solar panel for generating electricity to power the dialysis machine and an atmospheric water generator for extracting water from ambient air. The extracted water can be used to generate dialysate and saline on-site. One or more of the components of the dialysis machine can be discrete components that are configured to facilitate fast shipping and simple on-site assembly (e.g., at a remote location). In some implementations, the discrete components may be configured to be attached to an existing dialysis system (e.g., a dialysis system designed for operation in a traditional environment) to permit the dialysis system to operate in an alternative environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Caluya, Martin Joseph Crnkovich, Bert D. Egley, David Charles Griffith, Jr., Roland Levin, Houssein Nasseri, Kulwinder S. Plahey, David Yuds
  • Patent number: 11694577
    Abstract: A prosthetic abdomen for peritoneal dialysis training is provided. The prosthetic abdomen is in the form of a belt having an inner layer of material, an outer layer of material, and a pouch formed between the inner layer of material and the outer layer of material. A belt fastener is provided at one or both ends of the belt. The outer layer of material has an inner surface partially defining the pouch, and an outer surface having a skin tone color. The positioning of the belt and skin tone color can be selected to mimic the actual peritoneum of a patient. The pouch is expandable to hold a bag of liquid having a volume of at least 1000 milliliters (ml). A method of training a patient to carry out a peritoneal dialysis self-treatment, using the prosthetic abdomen, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Sloat, Mary Vasseur Finn
  • Patent number: 11690940
    Abstract: A method of preserving a sorbent device of a dialysis system, the method comprising—after administering a first dialysis treatment at the dialysis system and before administering a second dialysis treatment at the dialysis system—circulating a fluid through the sorbent device to prevent matter within the sorbent device from solidifying and circulating the fluid through a filter coupled to an outlet of the sorbent device to remove contaminants from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yuds, Rachel Bartels, Karsten Fischer
  • Patent number: 11686425
    Abstract: A mechanical lift includes a housing defining a series of vertical adjustment notches, an adjustment block disposed within the housing, a hook extending from the adjustment block and configured to support a hanging load, a stopper supported by the adjustment block and movable between retracted and extended positions, and a spring disposed within the housing and exerting an upward force against the adjustment block to mechanically lift the adjustment block and the hook extending therefrom from a first vertical position at a first notch of the series of vertical adjustment notches to a second notch of the series of vertical adjustment notches when the stopper is in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the stopper is disengaged from the housing. In the extended position, the stopper is engaged with a selected notch to lock a vertical position of the adjustment block and the hook extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Diego Suarez del Real Pena, Irving Uziel Hernandez, Orestes Soto Ramirez
  • Patent number: 11688514
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to remote control of dialysis machines. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a request for a network connection from a dialysis machine and establishing the network connection with the dialysis machine. The method also includes receiving, from a client device, a request to access the dialysis machine, authorizing the client device to access the dialysis machine, receiving, from the dialysis machine, information pertaining to an operation of the dialysis machine, and providing, to the client device, the received information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Aiyuan Wang, Martin Joseph Crnkovich, Fei Wang, Sue-Jane Lee, David Yuds, Hak Kan Leung, Jeffrey Tarn
  • Patent number: 11679184
    Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a pressure sensor mounted at a proximal end of a patient line made of a distensible material that provides PD solution to a patient through a catheter. During treatment, an occlusion can occur at different locations in the patient line and/or the catheter. When an incremental volume of additional solution is provided to the patient line while the occlusion is present, a change in pressure results. The change in pressure depends on dimensions and a distensibility of a non-occluded portion of the patient line. If the change in pressure, the incremental volume, properties related to the distensibility of the patient line, and some of the dimensions of the patient line are known, a location of the occlusion can be inferred. An occlusion type can be inferred based on the location of the occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: William Scott Crawford, Robert Matthew Ohline
  • Patent number: 11666745
    Abstract: In one aspect, a valve includes a valve body rotatable about a central axis of the valve body, an interior channel adjacent the valve body for permitting a fluid to flow through an axial opening of the interior channel, and a plug within the interior channel that is movable between a first axial position at the axial opening and a second axial position spaced apart from the axial opening. In the first axial position, the plug closes the axial opening to prevent the fluid from flowing through the axial opening in a first direction and to prevent the fluid from flowing through the axial opening in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. In the second axial position, the plug permits the fluid to flow through the axial opening into the interior channel in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon F. Moss, Bert D. Egley
  • Patent number: 11654220
    Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a patient line that provides dialysate solution to a patient and removes effluent dialysate from the patient through a catheter. During a drain phase of a PD treatment, an occlusion can occur at different locations in the patient line and/or catheter. A pressure sensor can detect a change in pressure of the fluid at the proximal end of the patient line to infer a potential occlusion in the patient line. Prior to setting an alarm to alert the patient of the blockage in the patient line, operating parameters of the PD machine can be changed to attempt to correct the issue. In an embodiment, the pump mechanism can be cycled at a reduced speed or a reduced rate in order to confirm the occlusion or attempt to alleviate the low fluid flow condition before the alarm is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kulwinder S. Plahey, Jie Zhu
  • Patent number: D985769
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Diego Suarez del Real Pena, Jose Eduardo Pena Martinez, Irving Uziel Hernandez Gomez
  • Patent number: D989296
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Diego Suarez del Real Pena, Jorge Alberto Perez Robles, Irving Uziel Hernandez Gomez
  • Patent number: D989952
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Diego Suarez del Real Pena, Jorge Alberto Perez Robles, Irving Uziel Hernandez Gomez