Abstract: The present teachings include optical systems and methods for detection of peritonitis in early stages for patients undergoing a peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. An initial measurement of optical extinction of effluent fluid may be stored as a baseline value for a patient, e.g., to compensate for color, density, and similar optical factors related to the specific patient's physiology. Optical extinction through the effluent may be periodically measured over the course of a PD treatment, and extinction of signal relative to the baseline is analyzed, primarily for early indicators of potential peritonitis. The system may be externally connected to an effluent conduit, e.g., via a clip. A technique of ratioing an optical signal through effluent to a reference optical signal for measurements may provide high sensitivity while filtering out significant noise, enabling early detection of infection. Alerts of potential infection may be provided to the patient, caregiver, and/or medical team.

Abstract: The present teachings may generally include a first fluid connector that includes a first body having a first central cavity that defines a first fluid pathway and a first seal within the first central cavity. The first seal includes a pair of first interfacing elements positioned adjacent one another at a distal end of the first seal and a first opening configured to remain sealed closed when the first interfacing elements are adjacent, and the first opening opens when the first interfacing elements are separated. The first connector is configured to fluidly connect to a second connector by engaging the first interfacing elements and with a pair of second interfacing elements of the second connector, thereby causing both pairs of first and second interfacing elements to separate causing the opening of first opening and second opening.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches methods and systems for determining membrane transport parameters of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient, and updating a (PD) prescription of the patient based on one or more of the membrane transport parameters. The methods include withdrawing a plurality of samples of PD effluent from the patient's peritoneal cavity periodically during one or more dwell phases of one or more PD treatment cycles. The method further includes obtaining sensor measurements of the samples of PD effluent, determining one or more peritoneal membrane transport parameters based on the sensor measurements, and updating the patient's PD prescription, to be used for a later peritoneal dialysis treatment, based on the one or more peritoneal membrane transport parameters.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems for peritoneal dialysis (PD) effluent sampling and measurement, which are compatible with all types of PD treatment, and would enable more frequent assessment so a patient's PD prescription can be updated routinely. The methods include withdrawing a plurality of samples of PD effluent from the patient's peritoneal cavity periodically during the dwell phase of a PD treatment cycle. The method further includes obtaining sensor measurements of the samples of PD effluent. The method may return each PD effluent sample to the patient's peritoneal cavity after the measurement. Alternatively, the PD effluent samples may be stored in a container without returning them to the patient's peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A method of reducing cross-contamination on a wafer, the method including removing the wafer from an electroplating solution, rinsing the wafer with an acid, wherein the acid contacts residual electroplating solution on the wafer and forms a rinsate, and removing the rinsate from the wafer. Further, a method of removing cross-contamination on a wafer, the method including rinsing the wafer with a methane sulfonic acid (MSA) mixture, where the MSA mixture contacts residual electroplating solution on the wafer and forms a rinsate and removing the rinsate from the wafer.

Abstract: A device for detecting potential health issues includes a retinal scanner configured to capture retinal data of the user, a blood pressure sensor configured to capture blood pressure data of the user, an alert module configured to alert the user of a potential health risk, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the retinal scanner, the blood pressure sensor, and the alert module.

Abstract: A thermal protection system configured for use with a dialysate container or bag in a dialysis system is disclosed. The thermal protection system being configured so that when the dialysate container is subjected to a temperature greater than a predetermined temperature such as, when the dialysate container is heated within a microwave oven, the thermal protection system is configured to (i) prevent the flow of dialysate from the bag, (ii) indicate that the dialysate container has been subjected to a temperature greater than the predetermined temperature, or (iii) a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the thermal protection system is a circular hollow ring positioned within an exit port of the bag, the ring melting upon reaching the predetermined temperature to block the flow of dialysate. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the thermal protection system may be a thermally sensitive dye configured to change color upon being subjected to the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A thermal protection system configured for use with a dialysate container or bag in a dialysis system is disclosed. The thermal protection system being configured so that when the dialysate container is subjected to a temperature greater than a predetermined temperature such as, when the dialysate container is heated within a microwave oven, the thermal protection system is configured to (i) prevent the flow of dialysate from the bag, (ii) indicate that the dialysate container has been subjected to a temperature greater than the predetermined temperature, or (iii) a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the thermal protection system is a circular hollow ring positioned within an exit port of the bag, the ring melting upon reaching the predetermined temperature to block the flow of dialysate. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the thermal protection system may be a thermally sensitive dye configured to change color upon being subjected to the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A delivery robot is provided for the delivery of home dialysis supplies to a home dwelling of a home dialysis patient. The delivery robot can be an autonomous delivery robot. The delivery robot can have an outdoor set of wheels or other traction devices, and an indoor set of wheels or other traction devices. The delivery robot can be configured to switch between an outdoor configuration for traversing an outdoor surface, and an indoor configuration for traversing an inside surface, inside the home of the home dialysis patient. A network is also provided and can include a robot delivery vehicle, a warehouse, a remote computer within the patient's home, or a combination thereof. Methods of delivering home dialysis supplies are also provided that utilize the delivery robot and network.

Abstract: The present teachings may generally include a first fluid connector that includes a first body having a first central cavity that defines a first fluid pathway and a first seal within the first central cavity. The first seal includes a pair of first interfacing elements positioned adjacent one another at a distal end of the first seal and a first opening configured to remain sealed closed when the first interfacing elements are adjacent, and the first opening opens when the first interfacing elements are separated. The first connector is configured to fluidly connect to a second connector by engaging the first interfacing elements and with a pair of second interfacing elements of the second connector, thereby causing both pairs of first and second interfacing elements to separate causing the opening of first opening and second opening.

Abstract: Dialysis systems for operating dialysis machines (e.g., peritoneal dialysis machines) for conducting dialysis treatments are disclosed. The dialysis system may include a spent dialysate container for receiving spent dialysate from a patient. In use, the spent dialysate containers are arranged and configured to provide one or more mechanical advantages to ease disposal of the spent dialysate. For example, the spent dialysate container may receive the spent dialysate from the patient and enable the patient or caregiver to dispose of the spent dialysate without requiring the patient or caregiver to lift bags of spent dialysate or incorporate lengthy drain lines. The spent dialysate container may include a reservoir to receive the spent dialysate, wheels to enable the patient or caregiver to transport the reservoir, mechanisms to facilitate disposal of the spent dialysate from the reservoir, a nozzle to dispose of the spent dialysate, and/or a disinfectant to disinfect the drain.

Abstract: A blood treatment machine includes a patient comfort feedback mechanism configured to be adjusted by a patient to indicate comfort levels of the patient. The machine is configured to adjust one or more treatment parameters based on the patient feedback.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a dialysis machine, may have multiple features and components that must be checked and attached prior to a treatment, and operators often lay tubing and other components on a surface after removing them from packaging. The system described herein provides a sterile work platform that is integrated with the medical device. In an example, the platform may be moveably coupled to the medical device. In a first position, the platform is positioned within or against the medical device, and, in a second position, the platform is extended from the medical device and disposed in a horizontal position. After the platform is extended to the second position, a surface of the platform is sterile and suitable to maintain aseptic technique for tubing and components placed on the platform. An information screen may be integrated into the platform and that provides information to an operator.

Abstract: A delivery robot is provided for the delivery of home dialysis supplies to a home dwelling of a home dialysis patient. The delivery robot can be an autonomous delivery robot. The delivery robot can have an outdoor set of wheels or other traction devices, and an indoor set of wheels or other traction devices. The delivery robot can be configured to switch between an outdoor configuration for traversing an outdoor surface, and an indoor configuration for traversing an inside surface, inside the home of the home dialysis patient. A network is also provided and can include a robot delivery vehicle, a warehouse, a remote computer within the patient's home, or a combination thereof. Methods of delivering home dialysis supplies are also provided that utilize the delivery robot and network.

Abstract: A device for detecting potential health issues includes a retinal scanner configured to capture retinal data of the user, a blood pressure sensor configured to capture blood pressure data of the user, an alert module configured to alert the user of a potential health risk, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the retinal scanner, the blood pressure sensor, and the alert module.

Abstract: A thermal protection system configured for use with a dialysate container or bag in a dialysis system is disclosed. The thermal protection system being configured so that when the dialysate container is subjected to a temperature greater than a predetermined temperature such as, when the dialysate container is heated within a microwave oven, the thermal protection system is configured to (i) prevent the flow of dialysate from the bag, (ii) indicate that the dialysate container has been subjected to a temperature greater than the predetermined temperature, or (iii) a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the thermal protection system is a circular hollow ring positioned within an exit port of the bag, the ring melting upon reaching the predetermined temperature to block the flow of dialysate. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the thermal protection system may be a thermally sensitive dye configured to change color upon being subjected to the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A device for detecting potential health issues includes a retinal scanner configured to capture retinal data of the user, a blood pressure sensor configured to capture blood pressure data of the user, an alert module configured to alert the user of a potential health risk, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the retinal scanner, the blood pressure sensor, and the alert module.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a blood treatment system including a blood treatment machine, a dialyzer configured to be coupled to the blood treatment machine, a blood line having a first end configured to be connected to the dialyzer and a second end configured to be connected to a needle for insertion into a patient, and one or more sensors operable to transmit, to the blood treatment machine, data related to tension along the blood line. The blood treatment machine is configured to take action in response to the data received from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a dialysis machine, may have multiple features and components that must be checked and attached prior to a treatment, and operators often lay tubing and other components on a surface after removing them from packaging. The system described herein provides a sterile work platform that is integrated with the medical device. In an example, the platform may be moveably coupled to the medical device. In a first position, the platform is positioned within or against the medical device, and, in a second position, the platform is extended from the medical device and disposed in a horizontal position. After the platform is extended to the second position, a surface of the platform is sterile and suitable to maintain aseptic technique for tubing and components placed on the platform. An information screen may be integrated into the platform and that provides information to an operator.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a blood treatment system including a blood treatment machine, a dialyzer configured to be coupled to the blood treatment machine, a blood line having a first end configured to be connected to the dialyzer and a second end configured to be connected to a needle for insertion into a patient, and one or more sensors operable to transmit, to the blood treatment machine, data related to tension along the blood line. The blood treatment machine is configured to take action in response to the data received from the one or more sensors.