Abstract: A fluid preparation apparatus for a renal failure treatment is disclosed. In an example, the fluid preparation apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive water from a water source and a fluid line fluidly connected to the inlet. The apparatus also includes a pump fluidly connected to the fluid line. The pump is configured to pump concentrate from a concentrate container to mix with the water to form a fluid mixture. The apparatus further includes a sensor configured to measure a composition characteristic of the fluid mixture. Additionally, the apparatus includes a controller operably coupled to the pump, the sensor, and a valve. The controller is configured to receive a composition characteristic value from the sensor, and cause the valve to route the fluid mixture for the renal failure treatment when the composition characteristic value indicates that the fluid mixture is suitable for the renal failure treatment.

Abstract: A system for monitoring water quality for dialysis, dialysis fluids, and body fluids treated by dialysis fluids, is disclosed. The system uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors for detecting impurities in input water or dialysis fluid, and in the prepared dialysate. These sensors may also be used to monitor and check the blood of the patient being treated. These sensors include ion-selective sensors, for ions such as ammonium or calcium, and also include amperometric array sensors, suitable for ions from chlorine or chloramines, e.g., chloride. These sensors assist in the monitoring of water supplies from a city water main or well. The sensors may be used in conjunction with systems for preparing dialysate solutions from water for use at home or elsewhere.

Abstract: A system for monitoring water quality for dialysis, dialysis fluids, and body fluids treated by dialysis fluids, is disclosed. The system uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors for detecting impurities in input water or dialysis fluid, and in the prepared dialysate. These sensors may also be used to monitor and check the blood of the patient being treated. These sensors include ion-selective sensors, for ions such as ammonium or calcium, and also include amperometric array sensors, suitable for ions from chlorine or chloramines, e.g., chloride. These sensors assist in the monitoring of water supplies from a city water main or well. The sensors may be used in conjunction with systems for preparing dialysate solutions from water for use at home or elsewhere.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline, are provided. In one embodiment, the assurance device includes a clamshell having two halves that open rotatably about at least one hinge. The assurance device includes a male luer portion that pressure seals to the male luer portion of the bloodline connector. The bloodline male luer portion of the device extends to a female luer portion, which is lined with a compressible material that conforms around any industrial catheter/fistula needle connector when the assurance device is closed about the mated connectors. Once the assurance device is closed, this prevents axial movement of the bloodline connector relative to the assurance device.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline, are provided. In one embodiment, the assurance device includes a clamshell having two halves that open rotatably about at least one hinge. The assurance device includes a male luer portion that pressure seals to the male luer portion of the bloodline connector. The bloodline male luer portion of the device extends to a female luer portion, which is lined with a compressible material that conforms around any industrial catheter/fistula needle connector when the assurance device is closed about the mated connectors. Once the assurance device is closed, this prevents axial movement of the bloodline connector relative to the assurance device.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline, are provided. A first embodiment of the assurance device is configured for use with a bloodline connector having locking clips which are biased slightly outwardly from the bloodline connector. The first embodiment of the assurance device includes clamshell halves that open rotatably about at least one hinge. The first embodiment of the assurance device includes an upper, threaded portion and a lower housing portion. The interior wall of the upper portion defines a plurality of barbs configured to engage with distal or moveable ends of the locking clips. Each locking clip is biased slightly outwardly to enable the distal or moveable end of the locking clip to fit between two respective barbs.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline, are provided. One embodiment includes internal and external clamshells. Internal clamshell halves pressure seal to the bloodline connector, and form outwardly extending barbs. The external clamshell opens rotatably about at least one hinge and includes inwardly facing threads that catch the outer barbs of the internal clamshell. After a user connects the catheter or fistula needle to the bloodline, the user closes the internal clamshell about the bloodline connector. Then, the user closes the external clamshell about the internal clamshell, causing the inwardly facing barbs of the external clamshell to engage the outwardly facing barbs of the internal clamshell. Such engagement prevents axial movement of the bloodline connector relative to the external clamshell.