Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.

Abstract: A method of performing a dialysis treatment includes using a pump and a dialysate supply line to transport peritoneal dialysis fluid, the supply line having a proximal end into which peritoneal dialysis fluid is supplied and from which spend dialysate is withdrawn, and a distal end which is connected to a patient's peritoneal access. The method further includes generating proximal and distal pressure signals using pressure detectors located at both the proximal and distal ends, respectively, of said supply line. During a drain cycle in which spent dialysate is pumped from the patient, the method includes, responsively to the proximal and distal pressure signals, detecting a characteristic of a pressure difference between the distal and proximal ends whose magnitude is determined by a predicted change in dialysate properties, and responsively to the characteristic, generating a signal indicating the change in dialysate properties.

Abstract: Simple-to-use systems, methods, and devices for priming replacement blood treatment devices, for swapping the blood treatment devices out, for replacing swapped-out blood treatment devices, and other related operations are described. In embodiments, a blood treatment device can be primed while a therapy is still running. When the replacement blood treatment device is needed, the therapy can be stopped momentarily (less than a minute) for the rapid and safe swap of the blood treatment device. Blood loss can be minimized. The down time from therapy can be minimized.

Abstract: A pressure measurement pod for blood circuits can include a flexible, moveable, fluid-impermeable diaphragm and can be formed via either a one-shot or a two-shot molding process. A method of manufacturing a pressure measuring device can include providing first and second major mold parts having recesses defining major parts of a housing, and inserting pins in the first and second major mold parts, the pins being shaped to define a flow channel of a molded pressure measuring pod. One of the pins may have a major face that defines an internal surface of a diaphragm. The method may further include closing the first and second major mold parts with the pins therebetween and injection molding a pressure pod housing. Finally, the pressure pod is removed from the mold parts and the pins are withdrawn from the flow channel.

Abstract: Releasable tubing pinch clamps of a generally U-shaped configuration are described. The embodiments include ones that prevent cross-clamping of the tube by various interlocking features on riser portions of the clamp. Methods and molds for making the pinch clamps are also described. For example, a pinch clamp can have a strip that curves so that its ends can be brought together by manually squeezing the strip at its end, which oppose each other as a result of the strip curve. The strip ends have locking edges or surfaces that cause the strip ends to interferingly engage with each other and lock together. The strip also has opposing pinch projections that can pinch a tube.

Abstract: Simple-to-use systems, methods, and devices for priming replacement blood treatment devices, for swapping the blood treatment devices out, for replacing swapped-out blood treatment devices, and other related operations are described. In embodiments, a blood treatment device can be primed while a therapy is still running. When the replacement blood treatment device is needed, the therapy can be stopped momentarily (less than a minute) for the rapid and safe swap of the blood treatment device. Blood loss can be minimized. The down time from therapy can be minimized.

Abstract: A system associated with a medical treatment device for detecting a condition of a patient includes an input device including at least a camera or a microphone. The system also includes a medical treatment device with a controller/classifier and at least one of flow controller, a pump, and/or an alarm output. The controller/classifier has at least a video-image processor or an audio processor configured to recognize a face and a body or to recognize changes in skin color, facial expression, or body position. The controller/classifier may also recognize speech and classify predefined normal and irregular sound patterns, and output state data corresponding thereto. The controller/classifier is connected to apply the state data to the at least one flow controller, pump, and/or alarm output.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes embodiments of fluid couplings that prevent or discourage misconnection of fluid lines. In embodiments, a coupling device may be configured according to lookup table that defines compatible configurations of connectors. The configurations may be based on the presence and absence of interference members at standardized locations on the respective connectors. The interference members may include posts that mechanically interfere with other posts, but can be inserted into holes when two connectors have a compatible configuration.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes embodiments of fluid couplings that prevent or discourage misconnection of fluid lines. In embodiments, a coupling device may have multiple male connectors, female connectors, open ports, butt connectors, and plugs that close off various ports and connectors. The coupling device is mated to a matching coupling device only when all the multiple male and female connectors are properly joined and/or sealed by plugs. If any of the connectors is not properly mated to a corresponding one or not sealed by a plug on the opposite connector, the coupling will leak, since the connectors are joined to a furcating channel.

Abstract: A system associated with a medical treatment device for detecting a condition of a patient includes an input device including at least a camera or a microphone. The system also includes a medical treatment device with a controller/classifier and at least one of flow controller, a pump, and/or an alarm output. The controller/classifier has at least a video-image processor or an audio processor configured to recognize a face and a body or to recognize changes in skin color, facial expression, or body position. The controller/classifier may also recognize speech and classify predefined normal and irregular sound patterns, and output state data corresponding thereto. The controller/classifier is connected to apply the state data to the at least one flow controller, pump, and/or alarm output. The controller/classifier is further adapted to control the at least one flow controller, pump, and/or alarm output responsively to the state data.

Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides both cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis treatment. The system includes a fluid preparation and treatment device with concentrate dilution components connected to a source of purified water and medicament concentrate. The treatment device has at least one mixing container connected via a pump and valves to the sources, the valves and the pump mixing and diluting the concentrate to form a medicament. Conductivity sensors are provided for fluid quality measurement, calibration, error trapping, and fluid characterization.

Abstract: An automatic locking system for a medical treatment device helps to ensure that an assistant is present during treatment of a patient. Among the features disclosed biometric authentication to verify that a trained assistant is present, a presence detector to ensure the assistant is continuously present during treatment, and warning and recovery processes that allow intermittent lapses in the continuous presence of the assistant.

Abstract: According to embodiments, priming systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which allow medical treatment devices which pump fluid to be primed with minimal operator intervention and a high level of convenience. A blood circuit with a filter fitted with one or more air vents on a non-blood compartment is attached to a treatment system and priming fluid pumped slowly through the blood circuit in a loop. The source of fluid may be elevated, or the pumping may generate pressure, such that priming fluid is forced through the membrane of the filter and out the air vent(s). In embodiments, the vents are hydrophobic which prevent fluid from being ejected, so the priming system can run without intervention.

Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides various features including prescription-driven dialysis fluid preparation, an integrated disposable fluid circuit, and sensor capabilities that allow accurate filing and draining control with high safety margins. Features include a peritoneal fluid circuit with a pressure sensor at either end and methods and devices for using the pressure signals. Other features and embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A needle set includes a needle guard with upper and lower jaws each defining a channel and joined at a hinge. Each edge of the jaws is aligned with and spaced from a respective edge of the opposite jaw defining slots alongside walls of the jaws. A winged needle has a cannula, a hub with a pair of wings with a tube connected to the cannula by the hub. The hinge portion has an opening into which the tube is received, and the side walls are spaced apart to permit the hub to be received between the jaws with the wings in the slots. The slots progressively narrow to a first spacing that is narrower than a thickness of each wing at a point thereof, and thereafter expand linearly to a second spacing that is substantially equal to the thickness of the wings.

Abstract: According to embodiments, priming systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which allow medical treatment devices which pump fluid to be primed with minimal operator intervention and a high level of convenience. A blood circuit with a filter fitted with one or more air vents on a non-blood compartment is attached to a treatment system and priming fluid pumped slowly through the blood circuit in a loop. The source of fluid may be elevated, or the pumping may generate pressure, such that priming fluid is forced through the membrane of the filter and out the air vent(s). In embodiments, the vents are hydrophobic which prevent fluid from being ejected, so the priming system can nm without intervention.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes embodiments of fluid couplings that prevent or discourage misconnection of fluid lines. In embodiments, a coupling device may have multiple male connectors, female connectors, open ports, butt connectors, and plugs that close off various ports and connectors. The coupling device is mated to a matching coupling device only when all the multiple male and female connectors are properly joined and/or sealed by plugs. If any of the connectors is not properly mated to a corresponding one or not sealed by a plug on the opposite connector, the coupling will leak, since the connectors are joined to a furcating channel.

Abstract: A pressure measurement pod for blood circuits can include a flexible, moveable, fluid-impermeable diaphragm and can be formed via either a one-shot or a two-shot molding process. A method of manufacturing a pressure measuring device can include providing first and second major mold parts having recesses defining major parts of a housing, and inserting pins in the first and second major mold parts, the pins being shaped to define a flow channel of a molded pressure measuring pod. One of the pins may have a major face that defines an internal surface of a diaphragm. The method may further include closing the first and second major mold parts with the pins therebetween and injection molding a pressure pod housing. Finally, the pressure pod is removed from the mold parts and the pins are withdrawn from the flow channel.

Abstract: Simple-to-use systems, methods, and devices for priming replacement blood treatment devices, for swapping the blood treatment devices out, for replacing swapped-out blood treatment devices, and other related operations are described. In embodiments, a blood treatment device can be primed while a therapy is still running. When the replacement blood treatment device is needed, the therapy can be stopped momentarily (less than a minute) for the rapid and safe swap of the blood treatment device. Blood loss can be minimized. The down time from therapy can be minimized.

Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides both cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis treatment and also continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The system includes a fluid preparation and treatment device with a concentrate dilution components connected to a source of purified water and medicament concentrate. The treatment device has at least one mixing container connected via a pump and valves to the sources, the valves and the pump mixing and diluting the concentrate to form a medicament. An auxiliary port is provided for attaching a CAPD container and for receiving medicament. A controller is programmed to control the fluid preparation and treatment device to implement one or more cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis treatment cycles using medicament from the mixing container and also to control the preparation of additional dialysate at the end of the cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis treatment cycles to dispense additional dialysate through the auxiliary port for use in CAPD.