Abstract: Sorbent regeneration systems for use in dialysis machines are described. Sorbent regeneration cartridges may include a layer of urease, a layer of acid zirconium phosphate, and a layer of sodium zirconium phosphate. An apparatus for conducting dialysis may include a sorbent cartridge, and a dialyzer in fluid communication with the sorbent cartridge, wherein spent dialysate passes from the dialyzer to and through the sorbent cartridge, and wherein the sorbent cartridge comprises a layer of urease, a layer of acid zirconium phosphate, and a layer of sodium zirconium phosphate. The urease may be immobilized to or associated with a carrier.

Abstract: A degassing module that may be used in conjunction with a sorbent regeneration cartridge is described. The degassing module may include an air inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a gas outlet port, first and second channels located in an interior chamber, a port connecting the first and second channels, and a hydrophobic membrane positioned above the second channel. The first channel may be in fluid communication with the air inlet port and the second channel may be in communication with the fluid outlet port. In some embodiments, each of the first and second channels may have a spiral configuration.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient through the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. Preferably, the hemodialysis system includes a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path. Furthermore, the hemodialysis machine includes a blood pump, and a pair of dialysate pumps. A processor controls the flow of blood through the blood flow path, and the processor controls the flow of dialysate through the dialysate flow path. In addition, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of dialysate reduces throughout treatment to maximize the amount of urea removed by the sorbent filter.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient through the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. Preferably, the hemodialysis system includes a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path. Furthermore, the hemodialysis machine includes a blood pump, and a pair of dialysate pumps. A processor controls the flow of blood through the blood flow path, and the processor controls the flow of dialysate through the dialysate flow path. In addition, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of dialysate reduces throughout treatment to maximize the amount of urea removed by the sorbent filter.

Abstract: A degassing module that may be used in conjunction with a sorbent regeneration cartridge is described. The degassing module may include an air inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a gas outlet port, first and second channels located in an interior chamber, a port connecting the first and second channels, and a hydrophobic membrane positioned above the second channel. The first channel may be in fluid communication with the air inlet port and the second channel may be in communication with the fluid outlet port. In some embodiments, each of the first and second channels may have a spiral configuration.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path, a closed loop dialysate flow path, a blood pump, and a pair of dialysate pumps. A processor controls the flow of blood through the blood flow path, and the processor controls the flow of dialysate through the dialysate flow path. In addition, the processor stores a preprogrammed patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of the dialysate through the dialysate flow path reduces throughout the patient's treatment to maximize the amount of urea removed by the sorbent filter. In alternative embodiments, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the dialysate flow rate increases throughout the patient's treatment. In still alternative embodiments, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of the dialysate through the dialysate flow path both increases and decreases throughout the patient's treatment.

Abstract: A degassing module that may be used in conjunction with a sorbent regeneration cartridge is described. The degassing module may include an air inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a gas outlet port, first and second channels located in an interior chamber, a port connecting the first and second channels, and a hydrophobic membrane positioned above the second channel. The first channel may be in fluid communication with the air inlet port and the second channel may be in communication with the fluid outlet port. In some embodiments, each of the first and second channels may have a spiral configuration.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient through the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. Preferably, the hemodialysis system includes a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path. Furthermore, the hemodialysis machine includes a blood pump, and a pair of dialysate pumps. A processor controls the flow of blood through the blood flow path, and the processor controls the flow of dialysate through the dialysate flow path. In addition, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of the dialysate through the dialysate flow path reduces throughout the patient's treatment to maximize the amount of urea removed by the sorbent filter.

Abstract: A degassing module that may be used in conjunction with a sorbent regeneration cartridge is described. The degassing module may include an air inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a gas outlet port, first and second channels located in an interior chamber, a port connecting the first and second channels, and a hydrophobic membrane positioned above the second channel. The first channel may be in fluid communication with the air inlet port and the second channel may be in communication with the fluid outlet port. In some embodiments, each of the first and second channels may have a spiral configuration.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient through the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. Preferably, the hemodialysis system includes a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path. Furthermore, the hemodialysis machine includes a blood pump, and a pair of dialysate pumps. A processor controls the flow of blood through the blood flow path, and the processor controls the flow of dialysate through the dialysate flow path. In addition, the processor stores a patient treatment plan wherein the flow rate of the dialysate through the dialysate flow path reduces throughout the patient's treatment to maximize the amount of urea removed by the sorbent filter.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided comprising a dialyzer, having a dialysate-replenishing system for replenishing minerals of dialysate in the dialyzer, the dialysate-replenishing system includes: a sorbent filter configured to remove ammonia from the dialysate, the sorbent filter having an outlet that outputs the dialysate to a dialysate flow path; a first reagent source containing a first reagent solution; a first pump configured to inject the first reagent solution into the dialysate flow path; a first mixer coupled to the dialysate flow path and downstream of the first pump, the first mixer configured to mix the dialysate with the first reagent solution; a conductivity sensor configured to measure a level of dissolved solids in the dialysate after the first mixer; and a controller configured to adjust a flow rate of the first reagent solution by adjusting the first pump based at least on the level of measured levels.

Abstract: Sorbent regeneration systems for use in dialysis machines are described. Sorbent regeneration cartridges may include a layer of urease, a layer of acid zirconium phosphate, and a layer of sodium zirconium phosphate. An apparatus for conducting dialysis may include a sorbent cartridge, and a dialyzer in fluid communication with the sorbent cartridge, wherein spent dialysate passes from the dialyzer to and through the sorbent cartridge, and wherein the sorbent cartridge comprises a layer of urease, a layer of acid zirconium phosphate, and a layer of sodium zirconium phosphate. The urease may be immobilized to or associated with a carrier.

Abstract: A portable hemodialysis system is provided including a dialyzer, a closed loop blood flow path which transports blood from a patient through the dialyzer and back to the patient, and a closed loop dialysate flow path which transports dialysate through the dialyzer. Preferably, the hemodialysis system comprises a sorbent filter in the dialysate flow path. Furthermore, the hemodialysis system comprises a dialysate quality sensor disposed directly in the dialysate flow path. The dialysate quality sensor is configured to change color based on a pH level, ammonia level, or ammonium level of the dialysate.