Abstract: This disclosure relates to dialysis systems and methods. In some implementations, a dialysis system includes a dialysis machine with a fluid line and a drain line, a blood line set configured to be connected to the dialysis machine, and a drain apparatus coupled to the dialysis machine. The drain apparatus includes a chamber configured to receive an end of a patient line of the blood line set, an inlet line, an outlet line, and a valve. The inlet line has a first end configured to be coupled to the chamber and a second end configured to be coupled to the fluid line of the dialysis machine. The outlet line has a first end configured to be coupled to the chamber and a second end configured to be coupled to the drain line of the dialysis machine. The valve is configured to control flow of fluid through the outlet line.

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: Methods to treat anemia are provided whereby an erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA) and an iron supplement are administered by a wearable device, based on patient parameters sensed by the wearable device. The method can involve monitoring patient parameters and dosing an ESA and an iron supplement in real-time, via the wearable device.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a dialysis machine (such as a hemodialysis machine) with proximity and motion sensors used to control simple functions of the dialysis machine through contactless interfacing that would otherwise normally be handled with glove changes. The sensors may be used to perform the same functions as using the touch screen display or the control panel of the dialysis machine. In an implementation, one or more of the sensors may be a proximity sensor that receives short-range wireless signals from a credential device of an operator, and one or more of the sensors may be a motion sensor enabling the operator to move a hand or foot near the sensor to enable contactless interfacing with the dialysis machine.

Abstract: A device that allows for patient identification comprising a housing, a biometric sensor, coupled to the housing. the biometric sensor is configured to detect a biometric feature of a patient. The device further comprises a signal transmitter configured to transmit data related to the detected biometric feature to a medical treatment machine for carrying out a medical treatment on the patient. The patient identification device is configured to be secured to the patient during the dialysis treatment.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to dialysis systems and methods. In some implementations, a dialysis system includes a dialysis machine with a fluid line and a drain line, a blood line set configured to be connected to the dialysis machine, and a drain apparatus coupled to the dialysis machine. The drain apparatus includes a chamber configured to receive an end of a patient line of the blood line set, an inlet line, an outlet line, and a valve. The inlet line has a first end configured to be coupled to the chamber and a second end configured to be coupled to the fluid line of the dialysis machine. The outlet line has a first end configured to be coupled to the chamber and a second end configured to be coupled to the drain line of the dialysis machine. The valve is configured to control flow of fluid through the outlet line.

Abstract: A detector assembly configured for use in a dialysis (e.g., a hemodialysis) system is disclosed herein. The detector assembly including a wetness detector configured to detect blood, fluid, a leak, etc. The detector assembly being operatively coupled to, and more preferably, including an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Thus arranged, the detector assembly is configured to measure, read, obtain, provide, etc. additional information or data during a dialysis treatment, which information or data can be transmitted and/or used to, for example, provide greater insight into the system and/or to make better decisions. In one embodiment, the detector assembly can be used to determine when and how a patient is moving and feed that information back to the dialysis machine. In use, the information or data can be used in combination with other information to make an improved determination as to the requirement for an alert and/or stoppage of the dialysis treatment.

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: Systems and methods are described for adapting dialysis solution bags between different modalities of dialysis treatment. Specifically, for example, the system described herein enables an automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) patient to use APD bags from their existing stock for a manual exchange treatment, such as a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment, thereby providing that the APD patient no longer needs to retain manual exchange bags and sets in the event of an emergency or other situation requiring the performing of manual dialysis exchanges.

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: 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: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a device that can be powered or charged via ultrasonic energy conducted from another device via a fluid connection. In particular, disclosed herein is a pressure sensor for use with an automatic peritoneal dialysis (APD) cycler wherein power is transferred from the APD cycler to the sensor via ultrasonic wave transmitted through a dialysate fluid. A piezoelectric transducer is used in the device to convert the kinetic energy of the ultrasonic waves in to electrical energy that can be used to power the device or charge a power storage element within the device.

Abstract: Liquid level detectors may include a pump for drawing liquid from a reservoir, a channel fluidically coupling the pump to the reservoir, and a J-tube connected to an end of the channel within the reservoir. The J-tube may include a first tube section and a second tube section extending along the first tube section. Perforations may extend between the first tube section and the second tube section. A pressure sensor may be positioned and configured to sense a pressure of liquid drawn from the reservoir through the J-tube and the channel and to sense pressure drops when a liquid level in the reservoir passes the respective perforations. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A leak detector is provided that is incorporated into the wheels of a moveable medical device and/or cart or cabinet therefor. By incorporating a leak detector into the wheels themselves of the movable medical device, the leak detector, despite movement of the medical device, is suitably located to locate leaks with respect to the medical device at all times and requires no additional setup. The leak detector can further be tested by and interface with the moveable medical device to ensure the leak detector is in working condition and provide a convenient interface for a user. Additionally, by using this technology on each of the multiple wheels of a moveable medical device, the detectable area may be bigger than a leak detector at only one location.

Abstract: Detailed herein are systems, methods, and devices configured for detecting symptoms of depression in a home dialysis patient. These systems, methods, and device may be embodied in a home dialysis system. The home dialysis system may be configured to carry out a home dialysis treatment on a patient. During the home dialysis treatment, the home dialysis system may be configured to detect one or more symptoms of depression and to generate a medical alert based on the detected one or more symptoms.

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.

Abstract: A dialysis machine comprising: a power supply for providing power to the dialysis machine, the power supply including a power supply cable that includes a first ground wire electrically connected to a first ground prong; and a hydraulics system for making dialysate, supplying the dialysate to a dialysate circuit, and draining spent dialysate from the dialysate circuit, the hydraulics system including a hydraulics grounding cable that includes a second ground wire electrically connected to a second ground prong.

Abstract: Medical devices and peripheral devices can be configured to wirelessly communicate with each other and other devices through a connection between the devices. Peripheral devices may include weight scales, blood pressure monitors and/or other medical components that may be used in connection with measuring patient information related to a medical treatment by a medical device, such as a dialysis treatment performed by a dialysis machine. A medical function/data transfer device according to the system described herein may include multi-function capabilities to provide for a medical monitoring or treatment function as well as a data transfer function for transferring data between interconnected medical devices.