Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a fluid within a fluid flow path. Such method may comprise flowing fluid through the fluid flow path and past a fixed flow restriction therein. The method may also comprise first sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at a selected location upstream of the flow restriction. The method may also include limiting fluid flow in the fluid flow path upstream of such selected location. The method may further comprise second sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at such selected location after such limiting. Such method includes determining the viscosity of the fluid based, at least in part, on any pressure difference from such first and second sensing.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for medical fluid delivery. Such system may comprise a fluid flow path for communication between a fluid source and a patient. A flow valve is operatively associated with the path and movable between a first position, which allows fluid flow through the path, and a second position, which limits fluid flow through the path. A control module is operatively associated with the valve to move the valve between the first and second positions in response to a measured actual fluid flow rate in the path. Such method may comprise flowing a fluid through a fluid flow path between a portable fluid source and a patient; determining an actual fluid flow rate through the path; and changing the actual fluid flow rate in response to a difference between the actual fluid flow rate and a desired fluid flow rate. Such method may further include a plurality of settings for a desired flow rate according to a sensed pain level of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a fluid within a fluid flow path. Such method may comprise flowing fluid through the fluid flow path and past a fixed flow restriction therein. The method may also comprise first sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at a selected location upstream of the flow restriction. The method may also include limiting fluid flow in the fluid flow path upstream of such selected location. The method may further comprise second sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at such selected location after such limiting. Such method includes determining the viscosity of the fluid based, at least in part, on any pressure difference from such first and second sensing.

Abstract: The present invention includes an ambulatory medical fluid delivery system, which may comprise a fluid flow path for communicating between a source and a patient. The system may also comprise a reusable controller, which may be operable to control fluid flow in the path and include a module interface station, and a disposable fluid flow delivery set, which may include a flow control module adapted to be removably received by the module interface station. Such flow control module may include a flow valve which is operably associated with the path. Such valve may be operably controlled by the reusable controller in response to sensed flow rates of fluid flow in such path. The present invention may alternatively include an ambulatory reusable controller that is provided for use with a disposable medical fluid flow delivery set. The present invention may further alternatively include a differential pressure sensing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a container for placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, structure to induce relative tissue/solution movement, and structure to heat the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.

Abstract: A method for treating fixed biological tissue inhibits calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The method includes placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, inducing relative tissue/solution movement, and heating the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fixed biological tissue to inhibit calcification of the biological tissue following implantation thereof in a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a container for placing the biological tissue in contact with a treatment solution, structure to induce relative tissue/solution movement, and structure to heat the solution. The relative movement may be induced by shaking a container in which the tissue is immersed in the treatment solution, or by stirring the solution within the container. The movement may also be induced by flowing a treatment solution past the tissue to be treated. The tissue may be free to move in the treatment container, or may be restrained from gross movements. The flow may be part of a circulation system having a reservoir, with a heater being provided to heat the treatment solution in the reservoir. Alternatively, a treatment apparatus, including a fluid circulation system if desired, may be enclosed in an incubator.