Abstract: The invention provides a system for characterizing an effluent sample from a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The system features a container for enclosing the effluent sample, and optical system, an electrical system, and a processor. The optical system features a light source and a photodetector, the light source emitting a beam of radiation that passes through the container and irradiates the effluent sample, and the photodetector detecting the radiation after it irradiates the effluent sample to generate an optical signal. The electrical system typically features a first pair of electrodes and a second pair electrodes, both attached directly to the container and arranged to measure a capacitance of the effluent sample to generate a capacitance signal. The processor operates an algorithm that collectively processes the optical and capacitance signals to characterize the effluent sample.

Abstract: A method of performing peritoneal dialysis (PD), the method comprising: delivering a PD fluid to the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a PD catheter; dwelling the PD fluid within the peritoneal cavity; and while dwelling the PD fluid, removing a biofilm from the PD catheter wall using a biofilm removing solution. The biofilm removing solution comprises: sodium citrate dihydrate; citric acid anhydrous; sodium lauryl sulfate; and water. In another aspect, a method for decontaminating a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter and removing a biofilm from the PD catheter and a transfer set, the method comprising: providing a biofilm removing solution; transferring the biofilm removing solution into a syringe; connecting the syringe to a transfer set of the PD catheter; and filling the transfer set and the PD catheter with the biofilm removing solution.

Abstract: A method of performing peritoneal dialysis (PD), the method comprising: delivering a PD fluid to the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a PD catheter; dwelling the PD fluid within the peritoneal cavity; and while dwelling the PD fluid, removing a biofilm from the PD catheter wall using a biofilm removing solution. The biofilm removing solution comprises: sodium citrate dihydrate; citric acid anhydrous; sodium lauryl sulfate; and water. In another aspect, a method for decontaminating a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter and removing a biofilm from the PD catheter and a transfer set, the method comprising: providing a biofilm removing solution; transferring the biofilm removing solution into a syringe; connecting the syringe to a transfer set of the PD catheter; and filling the transfer set and the PD catheter with the biofilm removing solution.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a control unit configured to (i) store a sleep state pattern for the patient, (ii) begin a patient drain followed by a patient fill when at least one sensor indicates that the patient is in a deep sleep state, (iii) extend a dwell period if the sleep state pattern indicates that the patient will enter a subsequent deep sleep state within a first time duration after a programmed dwell period, and (iv) shorten the dwell period if the sleep state pattern indicates that the patient will leave the deep sleep state within a second time duration after an end of the programmed dwell period. The system alternatively or additionally assesses or records a stress level of and/or a fluid/caloric intake by the patient and takes actions accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for peritoneal catheter placement are disclosed herein. An example method includes using a puncture device to create an access hole to a patient's peritoneal cavity. The puncture device includes a lumen that enables a guidewire to be inserted into the peritoneal cavity. The puncture device is then replaced with a catheter, which is inserted along the guidewire. A surgical seal is next applied to connect the catheter to adjacent patient muscle tissue. After the guidewire is removed, a tunneling device creates a pathway through fat tissue to anchor the catheter. An end of the tunneling device is aligned with an external piercing device to pierce the patient's skin from the outside, creating a catheter exit hole. An end of the catheter is connected to the tunneling device and pulled through the exit hole, thereby enabling the catheter to be connected to peritoneal dialysis tubing for a treatment.

Abstract: A trocar for peritoneal dialysis is disclosed herein. An example trocar includes a conduit having two or more parallel lumens and a head connected to a first end of the conduit. The head includes two (or more) parallel lumens that are aligned respectively with the parallel conduit lumens and includes at least one of a gasket or a seal for each lumen. The trocar also includes a coupler connected to the head. The coupler includes two (or more) parallel lumens that are aligned respectively with the parallel lumens of the head. The coupler includes a coupling mechanism for each lumen for securing surgical tools in place after insertion into a patient. The trocar may also include an obturator having a shaft that is removably inserted through the coupler, head, and conduit to protrude from a second end of the conduit.

Abstract: A servicing regime for a disposable set of a medical fluid therapy machine is disclosed. In an example, a medical fluid delivery system includes a medical fluid therapy machine operating with a disposable set over multiple treatments to mix for each treatment at least one concentrate with purified water to form a medical fluid. The medical fluid delivery system also includes a sensor configured to measure an accuracy of the medical fluid mixed by the medical fluid therapy machine. The sensor is configured to produce a mixing accuracy output. The medical fluid delivery system further includes a computer programmed to analyze the mixing accuracy output provided by the sensor to determine whether the disposable set needs to be replaced.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes: a medical fluid delivery machine including a component having at least one of associated output data or associated test data; at least one of a (i) component output replacement limit and a component output soft limit for the component or (ii) a component testing replacement limit or a component testing soft limit for the component; and a computer programmed to store at least one of (i) or (ii), and for (i) analyze the output data to provide a first indication of how well the component is performing relative to the component output replacement limit and the component output soft limit, and for (ii) analyze the test data to provide a second indication of how well the at least one component is testing relative to the component testing replacement limit and the component testing soft limit.

Abstract: As deliveries of items containing dangerous goods are made from a vehicle/container, systems update stored information to reflect the reduced number of points of dangerous goods currently on the vehicle/container. Conversely, when the vehicle/container picks up dangerous goods, the systems update the information to reflect the increased number of points of dangerous goods currently on the vehicle/container. The systems identify potential delivery routes, such that the vehicle/container may deliver items containing dangerous goods prior to picking up new items, so as to maintain the total points of dangerous goods on the vehicle/container below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes: a medical fluid delivery machine including a component having at least one of associated output data or associated test data; at least one of a (i) component output replacement limit and a component output soft limit for the component or (ii) a component testing replacement limit or a component testing soft limit for the component; and a computer programmed to store at least one of (i) or (ii), and for (i) analyze the output data to provide a first indication of how well the component is performing relative to the component output replacement limit and the component output soft limit, and for (ii) analyze the test data to provide a second indication of how well the at least one component is testing relative to the component testing replacement limit and the component testing soft limit.

Abstract: The present invention is a climbing hold for removably securing on a mounting surface or a climbing wall. The climbing hold comprises a hold body, a surface conforming member integrated with the hold body, and a fastening means. The surface conforming member is made of a pliable material with physical characteristics that impart tear-resistance, enhanced frictional properties, abrasion-resistance, and elasticity. The hold body is made of a gripping material suitable for climbing. The surface conforming member is positioned to abut the mounting surface. The fastening means is then used for removably mounting the climbing hold on the mounting surface, whereby the surface conforming member deforms and conforms to any unique texture and shape of the mounting surface, which results in a substantial gapless interface between the climbing hold and the mounting surface.