Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preparation of a medical solution from water and a plurality of concentrates, including at least one acid in gaseous form, comprises the steps of transporting the water from a source through a main conduit and successively adding the plurality of concentrates to the water in the main conduit at a plurality of predetermined points positioned along the main conduit. The apparatus for preparing the medical solution includes a source for supplying the gaseous acid and other concentrates to the plurality of predetermined points along the main conduit, wherein the plurality of predetermined points includes a gas inlet for injecting the acid in gaseous form supplied from the gas source into the main conduit.

Abstract: A combined holder and connector for a dialysis machine for operating and monitoring dialysing devices is disclosed, including a holder pivotable about a holding axis and extending from the dialysis machine for handling of fluid to be processed inside that dialysis machine, the holder including a connector to connect the holder to a fluid coupler so that the fluid can flow between the fluid coupler and the dialysis machine, with the connection axis of the connector being transverse to the holder axis of the holder.

Abstract: A method and medical machine for calibrating a peristaltic pump (36, 39) intended to be used in connection with the medical machine, such as a dialysis machine. The machine comprises an internal fluid flow meter (18, 19). Fluid is introduced into the pump segment (36) and is pumped by the peristaltic pump at a substantially constant rotation rate. Three different inlet pressures are obtained and measured by a pressure meter (16) and the corresponding fluid flow is measured by the internal fluid flow meter (18, 19) for obtaining calibration pair values. A calibration curve is calculated from said pair values by a computer (23) inside the medical machine. The actual fluid flow rate is determined by said computer (23) from said calibration curve based on the actual inlet pressure and the actual revolution rate of the propelling means.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out peritoneal dialysis. The apparatus comprises a weighing device (37) provided with a case (50) for forming an airtight space. A heat bag (38) and, optionally, a discharge bag (42) are positioned in the space, said bags being connected with a catheter for the patient, who is to perform peritoneal dialysis. The apparatus comprises a pump arrangement (57) connected with the case (50) for producing overpressure and underpressure, respectively, in the space inside the case. Valve arrangements (39, 44) are adapted to connect either the discharge bag (42) or the heat bag (38) with the patient's catheter. By providing an underpressure in the case (50). fresh dialysis solution is provided to the heat bag (38) from supply bags, whereupon used dialysis fluid is extracted from a patient to the discharge bag (42).

Abstract: Methods for measuring the flow differential through a dialysis machine are disclosed in which the dialysis machine includes a heat exchanger having a primary side and a secondary side for exchanging heat therebetween. The method includes measuring the temperature differences across the primary and secondary sides of the heat exchanger and calculating the flow differential based upon these measured temperature differences. Apparatus for measuring such a flow differential is also disclosed, as are methods for calibrating that apparatus.

Abstract: System employing a sterile medical solution containing glucose or glucose polymers, for example nutritional solutions or solutions for peritoneal dialysis, whereby the majority of the solution is packed in a first package, while the glucose or the glucose polymers are separately packed in a second package, whereafter the two packages are heat sterilized. The content of the glucose or glucose polymers in the second package is maintained above 10% by weight, preferably above 20% by weight and most preferably in the order of 40% by weight in order to reduce or totally eliminate the breakdown of glucose. The medical solution after sterilization, mixing and diluting to 1.5% glucose content has an absorbency caused by breakdown products from glucose at 228 nm less than 0.35 and preferably in the order of 0.20 or lower. The medical solution is also defined in that after sterilization, mixing and dilution to 1.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of fluids intended for medical use is disclosed, including a water source and at least one cartridge or other vessel containing a solid such as a powder which is to be dissolved in the water for preparation of the desired fluid. The apparatus includes a container such that the water and a powder can be mixed and a concentrate provided in the container, and a recirculation circuit for recirculation of the water or concentrate solution into the container for further mixing of the water and powder to prepare a concentrate having a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of fluids intended for medical use is disclosed, including a source of pure water and at least one cartridge or other vessel containing a powder which is to be dissolved in the water for preparation of the desired fluid. The apparatus includes a container such that the water and a powder or powder concentrate can be mixed and a concentrate provided in the container, and a recirculation circuit for recirculation of the water or concentrate solution into the container for further mixing of the water and powder or powder concentrate to prepare a concentrate having a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of fluids intended for medical use is disclosed, including a source of pure water and at least one cartridge or other vessel containing a powder which is to be dissolved in the water for preparation of the desired fluid. The apparatus includes a container such that the water and a powder or powder concentrate can be mixed and a concentrate provided in the container, and a recirculation circuit for recirculation of the water or concentrate solution into the container for further mixing of the water and powder or powder concentrate to prepare a concentrate having a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: Tube sets are disclosed for peritoneal dialysis including a unitary tubular member having a number of lumens, including at least two lumens, the first for supplying fresh dialysis solution to the patient, and the second for discharging spent dialysis solution from the patient, such that the unitary tubular member can both supply the fresh dialysis solution and discharge the spent dialysis solution and at the same time heat can be transferred therebetween.

Abstract: A method of using tube sets for peritoneal dialysis. The Tube sets for peritoneal dialysis include a unitary tubular member having a number of lumens, including at least two lumens, the first for supplying fresh dialysis solution to the patient, and the second for discharging spent dialysis solution from the patient, such that the unitary tubular member can both supply the fresh dialysis solution and discharge the spent dialysis solution and at the same time heat can be transferred therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring fluid flow through a conduit including a measuring electrode and a ground electrode disposed in the conduit and connected to form an electrolytic cell, so that a voltage can be applied between the electrodes in order to cleanse deposits from the measuring electrode, and gases generated during the cleansing step can then be dissipated. Methods for measuring the fluid flow in such a manner are also described herein.

Abstract: Systems for controlling medical treatment procedures such a dialysis are disclosed, including a fluid flow inlet for feeding a treatment fluid to a medical treatment device such as a dialyzer, a fluid flow outflow path for withdrawing contaminated fluid from the medical device, a diversion channel for diverting a fluid flowing in the fluid flow inlet path from a point in that path upstream of the medical treatment device in order to bypass the medical treatment device, and a solvent supply, a cartridge containing a cleaning composition, and a connector for connecting the cartridge to the solvent supply and to the fluid flow inlet path, so that solvent can be mixed with the cleaning composition in the cartridge, and the mixture can be passed through the fluid of inlet path in order to clean the fluid flow in the path when the diversion channel diverts the fluid past the medical treatment device. Methods for controlling the flow of treatment fluids through medical treatment devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Salt compositions which have been discolored during sterilization by means of radioactive radiation such as gamma and/or beta irradiation of the type which causes such discoloration are substantially restored to the original color by treatments disclosed herein. Methods for restoring the original color of such salts, including heating to specified temperatures for specified periods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dialysis system and method is based upon a comparison of the value of a parameter being measured of the dialysis liquid after the dialyzer with a set value of the corresponding parameter being controlled before the dialyzer. Based upon this comparison, a measure of the dialysis performed is obtained, and with the assistance of this measured value, as well as the knowledge of other factors, for example, adjusted values relevant for the analysis, conditions of the patient's blood can be determined theoretically and thereby controlled.

Abstract: A control panel for regulating plural parameters is provided with plural displays, each associated with one parameter. A single manually moveable knob is provided for entering a manually variable signal. Individual actuators such as push buttons are disposed adjacent each of the display means. The control panel is arranged to interpret the variable signal provided by the maneuvering element or knob as a new value for a control constant associated with a particular parameter depending upon which push button is actuated. The operator may select a particular parameter for resetting by pressing the button adjacent the display for that particular parameter. The panel simplifies setting of plural parameters in complex control systems such as the control system for a hemodialysis apparatus. The control system may incorporate plural microprocessors.

Abstract: Autotransfusion apparatus is disclosed for employing a patient's blood as a source for providing a transfusion, and which can also supply anticoagulant and diluting solution to the blood collected from a patient. The apparatus including a cardiotomy reservoir for collecting the patient's blood, a blood filter for separating a filtrate from the blood, a blood retention bag for retaining the treated blood and from which the blood can be returned to the patient by gravity.

Abstract: A blood filtering system includes a check valve for preventing fluid back-flow, coupled between a peristaltic pump and a pressure equalizer, the valve including a tubular container having an inlet and an outlet, two elongated plastic films in the container extending from the inlet facing each other, joined at their peripheries, with a hole in an end of one film proximate the container outlet. Fluid may flow from the inlet through the films to the outlet; but, back-flow is prevented by collapse of the films.

Abstract: Coupling components are disclosed for coupling together tubes and the like including male and female coupling components. The female coupling component described herein includes inner and outer tubular sections, and the inner tubular section includes an orifice having a size adapted to frictionally engage a male coupling component inserted therein. The outer tubular section is adapted to frictionally engage the outer surface of the inner tubular section, and the outer tubular section is substantially rigid, while the inner tubular section is substantially flexible as compared to the outer tubular section, so that axial movement of the outer tubular section when it is being coupled to the male coupling component carries the inner tubular section therewith.