Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system is illustrated of the continuous flow type which includes a reverse osmosis unit which prepares sterilized and filtered water for mixing with a sterilized dialysate in a dialysis production unit. The process includes proportioning water, dialysis concentrate, and dextrose to provide a dialysis fluid which is then heated and sterilized. The fluid may be accumulated in a reservoir which accumulates a desired amount of dialysis fluid as measured by a load cell which measures the weight of the fluid. The dialysis process may be used with a single or double catheter. A desired amount of fluid is delivered to the peritoneal cavity as measured by the load cell, and a desired amount of fluid is drained from the cavity as measured by a load cell into a drain reservoir so that a desired amount of peritoneal dialysis fluid is maintained in the cavity during dialysis.

Abstract: A dialysis reuse system for cleansing, sterilizing and testing a hemodialysis machine and its associated dialyzer and blood tubing set. The reuse control device automatically controls either the selected reuse cycle or dialyzer test cycle as desired. In the reuse cycle a proper solution of bleach, rinse water and formaldehyde disinfectant is flushed through the system for a prearranged time period and in proper sequence to completely cleanse and disinfect the entire dialysis system including the dialyzer and blood lines. At the end of the cycle, the system is isolated, leaving the disinfectant solution intact within the system to prevent bacteria growth and contamination. In the dialyzer test cycle, a dialyzer clearance test is automatically performed using the associated hemodialysis machine to test the condition of the dialyzer membrane prior to patient treatment.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for measuring the ultrafiltration rate in an artificial kidney. The system comprises a flow rate meter connected with the outlet of the dialyzer, means for placing the flow control system in bypass so that the dialysate flow is diverted around the dialyzer, and means for maintaining the static pressure of dialysate in the dialyzer during bypass at a value equal to the average of the dynamic pressure prior to bypass. The flow rate indicated by the meter during the bypass interval is equal to the rate of ultrafiltrate flow through the dialyzing medium. Preferably, the pressure in the dialyzer during bypass is maintained by a negative pressure regulating means which responds to the average value of dialysate pressure in the dialyzer during both the run and bypass operations.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there is provided an extracorporeal blood circulation system including a drip chamber having a blood inlet in its top and a blood outlet in its bottom, such chamber during operation containing blood in its bottom portion and air in its top portion, an air passage communicating with the top of the chamber, an air pump communicating with the atmosphere and with the passage for pumping air through the passage from the chamber into the atmosphere and from the atmosphere into the chamber, and means for selectively actuating the pump to either pump air into or out of the chamber.