Abstract: The disclosure relates to a heater made from a layer of silicone rubber or similar material having one or more embedded heating elements and a conductive plate such as an aluminum plate positioned on a side of the layer of silicone rubber. The heater can be used to heat fluids necessary to generate a peritoneal dialysis fluid or heat peritoneal dialysis fluid prior to infusion into a patient. Systems that have one or more of the heaters of the invention to generate the peritoneal dialysis fluid and to heat the generated peritoneal dialysis fluid are provided.

Abstract: A water purification unit (30) fluidly connectable to a peritoneal dialysis preparator (50/60) and a cycler. The purification unit is connectable to a water source (20) and has a pump for flow of fluid from the unit to a purified water reservoir (40), the reservoir being fluidly connectable to the preparator which has a number of solute containers for dissolution of the solutes; each container being fluidly connectable to a chamber for receiving a solution of the solutes for preparation of a peritoneal dialysis fluid and the chamber being fluidly connectable to the cycler for the delivery and drainage of the peritoneal dialysis fluid to and from a patient. Purified water delivery to the reservoir is controlled by a first pressure sensor (72), and a second pressure sensor (74) between the reservoir and preparator provides a pressure differential between the first and second sensors to control a flow generator (76).

Abstract: In medical apparatus, for example a dialysis machine, a pump in conjunction with a multichambered reservoir is provided. The volume pumped is determined by counting the number of fills of the reservoir made during a pumping phase. A less expensive pump may be used whilst maintaining an accurate determination of the volume pumped.

Abstract: In medical apparatus, for example a dialysis machine, a pump is used to move fluid such as purified water or dialysate. The pump performance is monitored by determining the weight or mass of the fluid being pumped. A less expensive pump may be used whilst maintaining an accurate determination of the volume pumped.

Abstract: A dialysis machine is provided with modules which are separated relative to the other. Communications links are established between the modules. In the event of interference and a drop in quality on one communications link communications are routed via the other communications link. The communications link may be over domestic wiring. A communications method is also described for use in such a medical machine.