Abstract: A sensing and storage system for fluid balance during dialysis is provided. The sensing and storage system has flow sensors on either side of a dialyzer in a controlled volume dialysate flow path. The sensors are positioned so that no fluid can be added to or removed from the dialysate flow path between the sensors except for that which is added or removed by action of a control pump. The sensing and storage system can have a fluid removal line for the removal of fluid from the dialysate flow loop.

Abstract: An access disconnection system includes an extracorporeal circuit; first and second contacts provided in the extracorporeal circuit; a current source communicating with the first contact and configured to generate a current within fluid flowing through the extracorporeal circuit; and an apparatus positioned to apply a signal at multiple points along a path from the extracorporeal circuit, the signals tending to prevent at least a portion of the current from traveling through a ground path in parallel to the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: A sensing and storage system for fluid balance during dialysis is provided. The sensing and storage system has flow sensors on either side of a dialyzer in a controlled volume dialysate flow path. The sensors are positioned so that no fluid can be added to or removed from the dialysate flow path between the sensors except for that which is added or removed by action of a control pump. The sensing and storage system can have a fluid removal line for the removal of fluid from the dialysate flow loop.

Abstract: A sensing and storage system for fluid balance during dialysis is provided. The sensing and storage system has flow sensors on either side of a dialyzer in a controlled volume dialysate flow path. The sensors are positioned so that no fluid can be added to or removed from the dialysate flow path between the sensors except for that which is added or removed by action of a control pump. The sensing and storage system can have a fluid removal line for the removal of fluid from the dialysate flow loop.

Abstract: A sensing and storage system for fluid balance during dialysis is provided. The sensing and storage system has flow sensors on either side of a dialyzer in a controlled volume dialysate flow path. The sensors are positioned so that no fluid can be added to or removed from the dialysate flow path between the sensors except for that which is added or removed by action of a control pump. The sensing and storage system can have a fluid removal line for the removal of fluid from the dialysate flow loop.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: an extracorporeal blood machine; an arterial line extending from the extracorporeal blood machine; a venous line extending from the extracorporeal blood machine; and an access disconnection circuit for detecting a disconnection of at least one of the arterial or venous lines from a patient, the access disconnection circuit including (i) a signal generation source having first and second signal generation source electrical lines each in electrical communication with blood traveling through one of the arterial or venous lines, (ii) a conductive pathway electrically communicating blood traveling through the arterial line with blood traveling through the venous line, and (iii) a signal processing unit positioned and arranged to process a signal generated by the source to detect the disconnection of the at least one of the arterial and venous lines.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood machine includes a blood circuit; an access device enabling the blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second coupling devices for connecting to first and second tubes of the circuit; first and second electrodes held by the first and second coupling devices to contact blood flowing through the blood circuit, the electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes, wherein at least one of the coupling devices includes a stem portion enabling at least one of the first and second contact members to contact at least one of the first and second electrodes, respectively, on an outer portion of the at least one electrode without disturbing blood flowing through the coupling device; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal.

Abstract: A dialysis system comprising: a blood circuit including a blood pump, a dialyzer, and an air removal apparatus; an arterial line of the blood circuit extending from the blood pump to an arterial access needle; a venous line of the blood circuit extending from the air removal apparatus to a venous access needle; arterial and venous conductive connections placed along the arterial and venous lines, respectively; a first electrical potential source configured to apply a first electrical potential between (i) the arterial and venous conductive connections and (ii) the arterial and venous access needles; and a second electrical potential source configured to apply a second electrical potential between (a) the arterial and venous conductive connections and (b) one of the blood pump, dialyzer or air removal device.

Abstract: An access disconnection method for a machine employing a blood circuit, the blood circuit having a machine segment and a patient access segment, the method comprising: injecting an electrical signal into the blood circuit between the machine segment and the patient access segment; attempting to cause the electrical signal to flow through only the patient access segment and to bypass the machine segment; and measuring the signal in the patient access segment and determining that an access disconnection event has occurred upon a threshold change in the measured signal.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood machine includes a blood circuit; an access device enabling the blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second coupling devices for connecting to first and second tubes of the circuit; first and second electrodes held by the first and second coupling devices to contact blood flowing through the blood circuit, the electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes, wherein at least one of the coupling devices includes a stem portion enabling at least one of the first and second contact members to contact at least one of the first and second electrodes, respectively, on an outer portion of the at least one electrode without disturbing blood flowing through the coupling device; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: an extracorporeal blood machine including an extracorporeal blood circuit; an access device enabling the extracorporeal blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second tube connecting members for connecting respectively to first and second tubes of the extracorporeal circuit; first and second electrodes held, at least in part, by the first and second tube connecting members so as to contact blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the first and second electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the extracorporeal blood circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes respectively; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal, the signal used to monitor the access device.

Abstract: An access disconnection method for a machine employing a blood circuit, the blood circuit having a machine segment and a patient access segment, the method comprising: injecting an electrical signal into the blood circuit between the machine segment and the patient access segment; attempting to cause the electrical signal to flow through only the patient access segment and to bypass the machine segment; and measuring the signal in the patient access segment and determining that an access disconnection event has occurred upon a threshold change in the measured signal.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods for detecting access disconnection are provided. In one embodiment, a medical fluid system includes (i) a medical fluid machine and (ii) a device operable with the medical fluid machine, the device configured to provide electrical contact with a medical fluid, the device including (a) a tube used during dialysis therapy through which the medical fluid can flow, and (b) a conductive element configured to self-sealingly pierce the tube, the conductive element having a first portion exposed to the medical fluid and a second portion external to the tube.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: an extracorporeal blood machine including an extracorporeal blood circuit; an access device enabling the extracorporeal blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second tube connecting members for connecting respectively to first and second tubes of the extracorporeal circuit; first and second electrodes held, at least in part, by the first and second tube connecting members so as to contact blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the first and second electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the extracorporeal blood circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes respectively; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal, the signal used to monitor the access device.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: (i) an extracorporeal blood machine; an extracorporeal blood circuit coupled operably to the machine, the extracorporeal blood circuit including first and second blood lines, the blood lines configured to be in blood flow communication with a patient; (ii) an electrical loop including first and second electrodes placed in contact with blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit; (iii) a device configured to inject an electrical signal into the blood circuit via the loop; and (iv) a third electrode placed in contact with blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the third electrode configured to enable a change in an electrical value to be measured so that an access disconnection of the extracorporeal blood circuit from the patient can be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting dislodgement of a needle inserted into a patient includes a sensor for detecting wetness due to blood and a sensor holder to secure the sensor to the patient such that the sensor detects wetness due to blood loss from the patient upon dislodgement of the needle. Methods and apparatuses for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling blood loss from a patient due to needle dislodgement are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods for detecting access disconnection are provided. The present invention includes electrical contacts in fluid and electrical communication with a fluid passing between a patient and a medical system during therapy. In this regard, the present invention can use a direct-contact measurement to detect access disconnection, such as dislodgment of an access device from the patient through which fluid can flow during therapy including, for example, medication delivery, dialysis therapy and the like.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods for detecting access disconnection during medical therapy are provided. The present invention includes an electric circuit coupled to, for example, a blood circuit used during dialysis therapy. The electric circuit can inject an electrical signal into the blood circuit such that changes in an electrical value in response to access disconnection, such as needle drop-out or catheter drop-out, can be effectively detected.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods for detecting access disconnection are provided. The present invention includes electrical contacts in fluid and electrical communication with a fluid passing between a patient and a medical system during therapy. In this regard, the present invention can use a direct-contact measurement to detect access disconnection, such as dislodgment of an access device from the patient through which fluid can flow during therapy including, for example, medication delivery, dialysis therapy and the like.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods for detecting access disconnection are provided. The present invention includes electrical contacts in fluid and electrical communication with a fluid passing between a patient and a medical system during therapy. In this regard, the present invention can use a direct-contact measurement to detect access disconnection, such as dislodgment of an access device from the patient through which fluid can flow during therapy including, for example, medication delivery, dialysis therapy and the like.