Abstract: An apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis includes a housing; a peritoneal dialysis supply bag supported by and/or located above the housing; a first valve for controlling gravity flow of fresh peritoneal dialysis fluid from the supply bag to a patient; a second valve for controlling gravity flow of used peritoneal dialysis fluid from the patient to a drain; and a pressure sensor positioned and arranged with respect to the gravity flow of fresh peritoneal dialysis fluid or the gravity flow of used peritoneal dialysis fluid to provide a reading used to evaluate a head height pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis includes a housing; a peritoneal dialysis supply bag supported by and/or located above the housing; a first valve for controlling gravity flow of fresh peritoneal dialysis fluid from the supply bag to a patient; a second valve for controlling gravity flow of used peritoneal dialysis fluid from the patient to a drain; and a pressure sensor positioned and arranged with respect to the gravity flow of fresh peritoneal dialysis fluid or the gravity flow of used peritoneal dialysis fluid to provide a reading used to evaluate a head height pressure.

Abstract: A method of performing peritoneal dialysis is provided. The method involves sensing a pressure in a fluid upstream or downstream of a pump chamber and adjusting a planned peritoneal dialysis treatment based on the sensed pressure to avoid an alarm condition. An intra-peritoneal pressure may be sensed and may be related to a head height of a peritoneal dialysis patient relative to a pump actuation. The fill volume to the peritoneal dialysis patient may also be limited due to the sensed pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple chamber container that includes a container body sealed around a peripheral edge and having an outlet. The container also includes a first peel seal having a projecting portion and a second peel seal that isolates the outlet. The second peel seal may also include a projecting portion. The first and second peel seals may be configured to define a symmetrical chamber. The chamber may include an axis of symmetry extending between the first and second projecting portions. The chamber geometry of the container ensures a correct sequential opening of the first and second peel seals.

Abstract: Polymer films having hollow microspheres to simultaneously reduce the coefficient of friction and residue on ignition, and methods of making films and containers from the films. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a film including at least one layer having hollow microspheres mixed within the layer. The microspheres can be in a concentration ranging from about 250 ppm to about 750 ppm within the layer.

Abstract: A tube clamp includes (i) a tube holding portion; (ii) a first arm extending from a first end of the tube holding portion; (iii) a second arm extending from a second end of the tube holding portion, the second armed curved so that a first catch located at a distal end of the second arm can be snap-fitted to the first arm to occlude a first tube extending through the tube holding portion; and (iv) wherein the first arm includes a locking feature configured such that when a second tube clamp is mated with the tube clamp, the locking feature interacts with a second catch of the second tube clamp so that the second tube clamp is prevented from occluding a second tube.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: (i) a fluid cassette including diaphragm operated first and second pump chambers; (ii) a first pressure sensor operable with the first pump chamber; (iii) a second pressure sensor operable with the second pump chamber; and (iv) a to-patient port of the cassette in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers, wherein the first pressure sensor is located between the first pump chamber and the to-patient port and the second pressure sensor is located between the second pump chamber and the to-patient port.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler operable with a disposable cassette, the cassette connected to a patient line, the cassette capable of fluid communication with a catheter having access to a patient's peritoneal cavity, the cycler configured to: (i) convey dialysis fluid to the peritoneal cavity through the patient line and the catheter during a patient fill phase; (ii) allow the dialysis fluid to dwell within the peritoneal cavity during a patient dwell phase; (iii) convey dialysis fluid away from the peritoneal cavity through the patient line and the catheter during a patient drain phase; and (iv) sense, at first and second sensing locations of the disposable cassette via first and second pressure sensors, an intraperitoneal pressure through the catheter to optimize an amount of fluid conveyed during the patient fill phase, so that the peritoneal cavity is not overpressurized during the patient dwell phase.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a removable cassette defining a flexible pump chamber and a pressure sensing area that is fluidly connected to the pump chamber wherein, during operation of the peritoneal dialysis system, peritoneal dialysis fluid is contained in the pump chamber; and a peritoneal dialysis machine configured to secure the removable cassette, peritoneal dialysis machine including (i) a pressure sensor positioned to align with and to contact the pressure sensing area of the removable cassette when the removable cassette is secured to the peritoneal dialysis machine, and (ii) a controller connected to the pressure sensor and adapted to change the operation of the peritoneal dialysis machine in response to changes in pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor and the pressure sensing area are arranged so that the pressure sensor measures a pressure of fluid in a fluid passage between the pump chamber and a patient during operation of the peritoneal dialysis system.

Abstract: A tube clamp includes (i) a tube holding portion; (ii) a first arm extending from a first end of the tube holding portion; (iii) a second arm extending from a second end of the tube holding portion, the second armed curved so that a first catch located at a distal end of the second arm can be snap-fitted to the first arm to occlude a first tube extending through the tube holding portion; and (iv) wherein the first arm includes a locking feature configured such that when a second tube clamp is mated with the tube clamp, the locking feature interacts with a second catch of the second tube clamp so that the second tube clamp is prevented from occluding a second tube.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a removable cassette defining a flexible pump chamber and a pressure sensing area that is fluidly connected to the pump chamber wherein, during operation of the peritoneal dialysis system, peritoneal dialysis fluid is contained in the pump chamber; and a peritoneal dialysis machine configured to secure the removable cassette, peritoneal dialysis machine including (i) a pressure sensor positioned to align with and to contact the pressure sensing area of the removable cassette when the removable cassette is secured to the peritoneal dialysis machine, and (ii) a controller connected to the pressure sensor and adapted to change the operation of the peritoneal dialysis machine in response to changes in pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor and the pressure sensing area are arranged so that the pressure sensor measures a pressure of fluid in a fluid passage between the pump chamber and a patient during operation of the peritoneal dialysis system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peelable seal for a multi-chambered container including a first edge and a second edge. At least one of the first edge or second edge includes a stress bearing portion and a non-stress bearing portion.

Abstract: A medical fluid valve is provided that includes a housing having an inlet and outlet, a septum located at the inlet, and an arm connected to the housing. The arm can also include a plurality of teeth. When the housing is in a non-accessed position, the plurality of teeth can be positioned to prevent inadvertent access to a container. Furthermore, when the housing is in an accessed position, the plurality of teeth can prevent disconnection.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler operable with a disposable cassette, the cassette connected to a patient line, the cassette capable of fluid communication with a catheter having access to a patient's peritoneal cavity, the cycler configured to: (i) convey dialysis fluid to the peritoneal cavity through the patient line and the catheter during a patient fill phase; (ii) allow the dialysis fluid to dwell within the peritoneal cavity during a patient dwell phase; (iii) convey dialysis fluid away from the peritoneal cavity through the patient line and the catheter during a patient drain phase; and (iv) sense, at first and second sensing locations of the disposable cassette via first and second pressure sensors, an intraperitoneal pressure through the catheter to optimize an amount of fluid conveyed during the patient fill phase, so that the peritoneal cavity is not overpressurized during the patient dwell phase.

Abstract: Multi-chambered containers having individually arranged chambers and methods of using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a multi-chambered container including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. A first peelable seal separates the first and third chambers. The first peelable seal is independently openable by selective application of external pressure to the first chamber. A second peelable seal separates the second and third chambers. The second peelable seal is independently openable by selective application of external pressure to the second chamber. The first chamber is separated from the second chamber by a permanent seal defining a transverse opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peelable seal for a multi-chambered container including a first edge and a second edge. At least one of the first edge or second edge includes a stress bearing portion and a non-stress bearing portion.

Abstract: A formed, filled, and sealed container, access port and method for establishing fluid flow from the container to an administrative set is provided. The container is collapsible and has an inlet and an outlet. A hollow port is sealed to the container and a perforator inside the port pierces and becomes embedded in the container. Solution in the container is withdrawn into the port. A line attached to the port and an administrative set further establishes flow between the container and the administration set. The port may be operated with a single-hand to establish fluid flow from the container to the administrative set. After the perforator is embedded in the container, a lock on the port prevents the perforator from removal from the container. Activation of the lock produces an audible and/or visible notification.

Abstract: A medication port for a flexible container is disclosed. The port is made from one or from two materials. If made from two materials, the parts are integrally joined and cannot be separated without destroying the port. The port is sterilizable by steam or gamma-irradiation, or preferably both. The port is attached to the container by a technique for integral joining, such as molding or ultrasonic welding. The port may also be equipped with a removable, peelable film attached to the housing.

Abstract: Peritoneal Dialysis systems, methods, and catheters are provided for performing peritoneal dialysis therapies. Multiple fluid pathways are provided to a patient's peritoneal cavity for conveying dialysis fluid to and from the patient.

Abstract: Stable single bicarbonate-based solutions are provided. The bicarbonate-based single solution of the present invention includes at least calcium and bicarbonate and is stored or packaged in a sterile manner within a container with a gas barrier. The single solutions of the present invention can remain stable for three months or more. In this regard, the stable and single bicarbonate-based solutions of the present invention can be readily and effectively used during medical therapy, such as dialysis therapy.