Abstract: A dialysis machine method includes in an embodiment applying a pneumatic closing pressure to a first valve chamber and arranging a compliance chamber to flex and absorb energy from the pneumatic closing pressure so as to tend to prevent the pneumatic closing pressure from opening an existing closure of a second valve chamber.

Abstract: The present invention constitutes dialysate formulations that are suitable for use in preparing dialysate solutions for use in batch and/or proportioning systems and for improving dialysis efficiency by reducing or preventing clotting of the dialysis flow paths. The dialysate chemical formulations for one batch of dialysate comprise an acid concentrate stored in a first vessel, and a citrate-containing bicarbonate concentrate stored in a second vessel. The contents of the first and second vessels are emptied into a dialysate preparation tank and mixed with water to form a batch quantity of dialysate solution. Alternately, a dry acid and/or a dry citrate-containing base concentrates are dissolved separately in measured quantities of water to form liquid concentrates which are then used in conjunction with a proportioning machine to generate on-line a final dialysis solution stream.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polysulfone hemodialyzer with large membrane area that exhibits an unprecedented high dialytic performance over a wide molecular weight range from urea to ?2-microglobulin. There is provided a polysulfone hemodialyzer having a membrane area of >2.4 but ?3.2 m2 and a dialysate rectifying portion with specified broadening at end portion of bundle, the polysulfone hemodialyzer achieves the above object.

Abstract: The arrangement for connection of a medical device, particularly a dialysis device, to a permeate line for the supply of permeate into the device is characterized by an adapter comprising a first supply line section with a terminal coupling member for connection to the water line, a pressure sensor and two successively arranged shut-off valves, and two second supply line sections that branch off from the first supply line member by means of a branching member. Both second supply line sections are connected to two different lines of the device in such a manner that disinfection fluid flows through both second supply line sections in a disinfection process of the device.

Abstract: An artificial kidney that regenerates dialysate includes: a catheter having an inflow lumen and an outflow lumen for communication with a peritoneal cavity of a patient; a fluid circuit in fluid communication with the catheter for circulating dialysate into, through and out of the peritoneal cavity; a pump configured to circulate the dialysate; a cleaning cartridge coupled to the fluid circuit for removing solutes from the dialysate, including a therapeutically effective amount of urea from the dialysate as the dialysate circulates along the fluid circuit; and wherein the fluid circuit is configured to receive a volume of ultrafilterate removed from the patient, such that the pump can mix the ultrafiltrate volume with the dialysate to an increase an overall therapy fluid volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers imprinted by retention solutes, use of same as well as compositions containing same.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for controlling or regulating an ultrafiltration in a dialysis treatment in which blood to be ultrafiltered flows in an extracorporeal blood circulation (109) through a blood chamber (110) of a dialyzer (113), which is divided by a semipermeable membrane (111) into the blood chamber (110) and a dialysis fluid chamber (108), and dialysis fluid in a dialysis fluid circulation (109) flows through the dialysis fluid chamber (108) of the dialyzer (113). The device has a blood pump (115) for creating a blood flow in the extracorporeal blood circulation (112), a dialysis fluid pump (107) for creating a dialysis fluid flow in the dialysis fluid circulation (109), a balancing device (104) for setting up a fluid balance in the dialysis fluid circulation between an inflow (106) and an outflow (105) of the dialysis fluid chamber (113) as a measure of the ultrafiltration, and a regulating unit (101) for regulating the blood pump (115) and/or the dialysis fluid pump (107).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluid movement and volumes of fluid between a subject and a controlled compliant flow path. The controlled compliant flow path has a means for selectively metering in and metering out fluid from the controlled compliant flow path. An extracorporeal flow path is in fluid communication with the controlled compliant flow path across a semi-permeable membrane where the extracorporeal flow path has a first terminal end and a second terminal end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a sodium chloride source and a buffer source such as sodium bicarbonate in a controlled compliant flow path to generate from water a physiologically compatible fluid having a suitable level of a sodium ion and/or a buffer for use in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a conditioning flow path that has at least a salination valve or salination pump, and at least one container has at least one solute in excess of the solubility of that solute. At least one of the solutes is a buffer source or sodium chloride. The conditioning flow path is in fluid communication with a controlled compliant flow path. The conditioning flow path can selectively meter fluid into and out of the controlled compliant flow path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a base module that has at least one segment of a controlled compliant flow path and at least one pair of jumpered ports configured on the base module. One or more components have connections connectable to the jumpered ports of the base module to provide for fluid communication between the segment of the controlled compliant flow path in the base module and a flow path defined by the one or more components. The base module is connected to the one or more components that define a flow path configurable for carrying out in part at least one function performed during any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration or hemofiltration.

Abstract: A regeneration system that has a first regeneration module containing a first chosen regenerative substance; a second regeneration module containing the first chosen regenerative substance; and a first mixing chamber. A first outlet stream of a fluid sequentially exits the first mixing chamber, flows through the first regeneration module in fluid communication with the first chosen regenerative substance and returns to the first mixing chamber, and a second outlet stream of the fluid sequentially exits the first mixing chamber and flows through the second regeneration module in fluid communication with the first chosen regenerative substance.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: A portable dialysis device that can be continuously worn in and/or on the body of a patient, with a blood chamber in which the patient's blood can be received, a hydraulic chamber which can be filled with a hydraulic fluid and which adjoins the blood chamber, an at least partially flexible delivery membrane which is arranged between the hydraulic chamber and the blood chamber and which, when the hydraulic chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid, is movable in the direction of the blood chamber in such a way as to cause a compression of the blood chamber and therefore an ejection of the blood located therein, a pump for controllable filling and/or emptying of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic chamber, such that blood can in this way be conveyed into the blood chamber and/or out of the latter, a filter membrane which is arranged between the blood chamber and the hydraulic chamber and through which waste substances in the blood can be removed to the hydraulic fluid located in the hydraulic chamber, such that t

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of prognosing the survival of a diseased subject, particularly a subject with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as selecting an end-stage renal disease subject for a kidney transplant. The methods involve detecting an elevated amount of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) in a test body sample from the diseased subject. A method of preventing or reducing the risk of death in a CKD subject which involves removing or inactivating MIC-1 present in the blood, plasma or serum of the subject, is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a regenerative dialysis system, in a method for controlling a regenerative dialysis system, and in a controller for a regenerative dialysis system, an embodiment of the system comprises an input pump that pumps fresh dialysate fluid into a dialyzer at an input rate. An output pump pumps used dialysate fluid from the dialyzer at an output rate. An ultrafiltration rate of the system is related to the output rate relative to the input rate. A sorbent cartridge filters the used dialysate fluid to generate the fresh dialysate fluid. A controller controls the ultrafiltration rate of the system in response to a flow rate of the dialysate fluid through the sorbent cartridge.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a fluid is provided. A network of first channels can be separated from a network of second channels by a first membrane. The network of first channels can also be separated from a network of third channels by a second membrane. Fluid containing an analyte can be introduced in the network of first channels. Infusate can be introduced into the network of second channels, and waste-collecting fluid can be introduced into the network of third channels. A pressure gradient can be applied in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the network of first channels, such that the analyte is transported from the network of first channels into the network of third channels through the second membrane.

Abstract: A portable peritoneal dialysis system for a patient includes an inlet port for providing inflow to the patient's peritoneal cavity, an outlet port for providing outflow from the patient's peritoneal cavity, and a volume of dialysate for flow into and out of the patient's peritoneal cavity, thereby removing from the dialysate uremic waste metabolites that have diffused into the dialysate. The portable peritoneal dialysis system also includes a closed liquid flow loop, including a pump, for flowing the dialysate into and out of the patient's peritoneal cavity, and an organic- and phosphate-removing stage, including at least one replaceable cartridge in the closed liquid flow loop, the cartridge containing material for removing organic compounds and phosphate from dialysate removed from the patient's peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A blood based solute monitoring system for measuring at least one blood solute species that has a first recirculation flow path in fluid communication with a dialyzer. The first recirculation flow path is configured to allow a fluid to recirculate through a dialyzer such that the concentration of at least one solute species in the fluid becomes equilibrated to the solute species concentration of the blood in a blood compartment of the dialyzer. The blood solute monitoring system has at least one sensor to measure a fluid characteristic.

Abstract: Permselective asymmetric membranes suitable e.g. for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration of blood, and having improved performance, including improved sieving characteristics, providing enhanced removal of middle molecular weight substances, e.g. inflammatory mediators having a molecular weight between 20 and 40 kDa. The improved sieving characteristics are due to a narrow pore size distribution of the membranes created in the production process. Processes for the preparation of these membranes, devices comprising these membranes, and the use of these membranes in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration of blood, as well as in bioprocessing, plasma fractionation and the preparation of protein solutions.

Abstract: A machine (1) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprises a device (2) for ultrafiltration of a liquid through a semi-permeable membrane (3) of a blood treatment device (4), a first sensor (11) for ultrafiltration rate through the membrane, a second group of sensors (13) for measuring a trans-membrane pressure, an infusion line (16) with an infusion pump (17) and a programmed controller (14) for calculating a maximum infusion rate as a function of the transmembrane pressure. The machine is suitable for kidney failure treatments, such as hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration. In a relatively short time the machine enables a large quantity of corporeal blood to be removed from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the determination and regulation of the concentration of at least one dissolved substance in a fluid circuit, in which the fluid circuit includes at least two partial circuits separated by a filter in a semi-permeable manner, includes a detection unit for determining a concentration difference of at least one first dissolved substance, a determination unit for determining the influence of at least one second dissolved substance which is not identical to the at least one first dissolved substance, and a regulation unit for regulating the concentration of the at least one dissolved substance in the fluid circuit.

Abstract: A device is provided by means of which biomolecules in samples in a volume range from <1 ?l to 500 ?l can be received, treated and stored in a quick, reproducible and loss-free manner as easily, effortlessly and practically as possible, and without any risk of damaging the device. The device includes sample vessels that are configured, in terms of size and shape, as dimensionally and positionally stable capillaries that are open at both ends, the longitudinal walls of which are completely or partially made of a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for performing hemodialysis that include fluid handling systems that provide accurate control over the type and level of hemodialysis being performed. The system includes a first pump for pumping dialysate into a dialyzer and a second pump for pumping dialysate out of the dialyzer. The system also includes a third pump that provides improved control of a level of ultrafiltration, hemodiafiltration, or both.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for monitoring the supply of substitution fluid upstream or downstream of a dialyser or filter arranged in an extracorporeal blood stream. One embodiment provides, for the detection of predilution or postdilution, for measuring the pressure in the blood stream downstream of the dialyser or filter, predilution or postdilution being recognized on the basis of the change in pressure following the shutting off and/or starting up of the substituate pump provided for conveying the substitution fluid. Another embodiment provides for recognizing predilution or postdilution on the basis of the comparison of the oscillating pressure signal attributable to the substituate pump to a characteristic reference signal. The characteristic reference signal to which the pressure signal of the substituate pump is compared is preferably the oscillating pressure signal of a blood pump arranged in the blood stream for conveying the blood upstream of the dialyser or filter.

Abstract: A controller for blood treatment equipment comprising a treatment unit including a semipermeable membrane separating the treatment unit into a first compartment for the circulation of blood and a second compartment for the circulation of a treatment liquid is enclosed. The controller is adapted to receive one or more entries of information measured during the course of a treatment procedure, to calculate from said measured information a value of a significant parameter indicative of the progress of an extracorporeal blood treatment carried out by the equipment. The controller is also adapted to compare the calculated significant parameter to a prescribed reference value for the same parameter and to generate at least one output control signal responsive to said comparison for automatically controlling one or more operations performed by the equipment. Equipment comprising the controller and a control method the controller can be programmed to carry out are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for extracorporeal removal of harmful agents from blood or blood com-Components, comprising full length heparin immobilized on a solid substrate by covalent end point attachment. The present invention also relates to a method for extracorporeal removal of a harmful agent from mammalian blood or blood components. The present invention further relates to a process for covalent end point attachment of full length heparin to a solid substrate.

Abstract: The present invention has as an object to provide a bone metabolism improving agent that improves bone metabolism in a chronic renal failure patient receiving blood purification therapy such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration. An acetic acid- and/or acetate salt-free bone metabolism improving agent that contains citric acid and/or a citrate salt as electrolytes and further contains another/other electrolyte/electrolytes and glucose solely or in combination is provided. A bone metabolism improving agent formulated into a dialysate or a substitution fluid having effects of improving bone metabolism including bone metabolism improvement in adynamic bone disease and especially in bone agenesis is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a concentration of total chlorine in dialysis water are provided. The system comprises a main unit housing a KI/water sample chamber and a sodium sulfate chamber. A first electrode pair bridges the two chambers and generates tri-iodide proportional to the amount of total chlorine in the water sample. A second electrode pair in contact with fluid in the KI/water sample detects an amount of tri-iodide generated by the first electrode pair. The system is suitable for use in connection with, or for incorporation into, a water purification system for generating dialysis fluid, and may include a display that alerts the user to stop or prevent a hemodialysis treatment if the total chlorine level exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A bioartificial kidney equivalent and a process for producing the bioartificial kidney equivalent. The hybrid bioartificial kidney comprises human proximal and distal renal tubule cells grown on particular synthetic membranes.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting recirculation for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus and an apparatus with a device for detecting recirculation are based on targeted haemodilution by administration of a substituate bolus, causing a pressure change in venous and arterial branches of the extracorporeal circuit due to a viscosity change of flowing fluid. Recirculation is detected based on detection of the pressure change. The device includes a control unit cooperating with a device for conveying blood and a device for supplying substituate. The control unit provides an operating mode for detecting recirculation, in which blood flow rate is reduced during administration of a substituate bolus. With simultaneous substituate bolus administration and reduction of blood flow rate, the composition of fluid flow is optimised for detection of recirculation, so that fairly large pressure changes result in venous and arterial branches, thereby improving sensitivity and reliability of the measurement method.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system including (i) a dialyzer, (ii) a blood circuit including a blood pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer, (iii) a dialysate circuit including a dialysate circulation pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer, the dialysate circuit further including a sorbent cartridge for cleaning used dialysate, (iv) a dialysate reservoir, (v) a reservoir pump in fluid communication with the dialysate circuit and the dialysate reservoir, (vi) a supply of concentrate for reconstituting dialysate in the dialysate circuit, and (vii) wherein the hemodialysis system is configured to electronically weigh the dialysate reservoir and the supply of concentrate.

Abstract: A washer press apparatus for washing and dewatering a wide range of solids concentrations of pulp in liquid suspensions includes multiple distinct displacement wash zones about a drum with multiple nips.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing for the automatic instrument-based rapid reprocessing of an intact extracorporeal circuit for use in hemodialysis. The system includes a manifold with connectors for engaging a dialyzer as well as venous and arterial blood lines. The manifold is adapted to be moved from a dialysis machine to a reuse instrument without removing the dialyzer and associated blood lines. The system allows for reprocessing of the extracorporeal circuit wherein prior to the next treatment, there is no residual chemical disinfectant requiring testing, the extracorporeal circuit is pre-primed, the levels in the bubble traps are set, and all of the required quality assurance tests are performed and recorded.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for reducing the level of hepcidin in a body fluid from a subject, comprising a) providing a nucleic acid molecule capable of binding to hepcidin, and b) bringing the nucleic acid molecule into contact with a body fluid under conditions that allow for the binding of hepcidin to the nucleic acid molecule, thereby forming a complex of hepcidin and the nucleic acid molecule, and c) removing the complex from the body fluid or removing the hepcidin from the body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high cut-off hemodialysis membranes for the treatment of chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients, with the potential to improve long-term survival of these patients by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, through down-regulation of monocyte activation in the blood. Monocytes are the major circulating blood cells involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease. High cut-off hemodialysis in chronic dialysis patients results in a sustained decrease in expression of monocyte cell-surface proteins that direct the movement of these cells from the blood to the walls of blood vessels, where they promote the progression of arterial disease (atherosclerosis) that leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD); heart disease, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: A method of predicting serum potassium concentrations in a patient during hemodialysis includes measuring serum potassium concentrations of the patient over a hemodialysis treatment session time and an ultrafiltration rate calculated by a difference between pre- and post-dialytic body weight of the patient during an initial hemodialysis treatment session divided by a total treatment time of the treatment session and estimating a potassium mobilization clearance and a pre-dialysis distribution volume of potassium for the patient. Serum potassium concentrations of the patient can then be predicted at any time during any hemodialysis treatment session with the estimated potassium mobilization clearance and pre-dialysis distribution volume of potassium of the patient.

Abstract: A continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) device is provided that weighs between 2 and 10 pounds. The CRRT device can be portable, mobile or completely worn on the person of the patient. Blood and dialysate are each pumped in a pulsed or pulsatile manner through a dialyzer such that a significant portion of the peak pulse of the blood flow coincides with a significant portion of a low pulse portion of the dialysate flow. An differential pressure between a dialysate inlet of the dialyzer and the blood inlet of the dialyzer periodically changes from a high differential pressure of between 70 and 120 mmHg for a first time period and a low differential pressure of between ?10 and 10 mmHg for a first time period and a low differential pressure of between ?10 and 10 mmHg for a second time period. The frequency of the high and low differential pressure cycle is between about 0.5 and 4 Hz.

Abstract: A dialysis system is disclosed including an autoconnection mechanism. The autoconnection mechanism in an embodiment is configured such that (i) a tip protector remover is translated in a first direction towards a plurality of supply line connectors, (ii) the tip protector remover is locked to each of a plurality of supply line tip protectors connected to the plurality of supply line connectors, (iii) the tip protector remover is translated in a second direction away from the plurality of supply line connectors to remove the plurality of supply line tip protectors from the supply line connectors, the tip protector remover is translated in a third direction different from the first and second directions, and (v) solution line connectors are translated towards the supply line connectors to connect each of the solution line connectors to one of the supply line connectors.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for therapeutic administration of pyrophosphate for phosphate repletion may be in either liquid or solid form and may be usable as or usable for preparing a hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis solution containing a pyrophosphate compound present in an amount that provides a concentration in the dialysis solution equivalent to an inorganic phosphorus concentration of at least 0.5 mg per deciliter.

Abstract: A dialysis unit includes both an inlet for guiding dialysis fluid in a direction of flow to a dialyser membrane and an outlet for discharging dialysate from the dialyser membrane. A heat pump configured to exchange thermal energy between a heat reservoir and the dialysis fluid in the inlet is coupled to the inlet.

Abstract: A pore diffusion type flat membrane separation apparatus X including a plurality of flat membranes 7 and a plurality of flat plate-like supports 1 arranged alternately with each other, each flat membrane 7 defining a plurality of pores and configured to separate a predetermined dispersed substance contained in a solution by a pore diffusion technique, each flat plate-like support 1 having a flow conduit 2 on one or both faces thereof. A ratio between a spatial volume of the flow conduit 2 and a membrane area of the flat membrane 7 is set from 0.04 to 0.4 cm. The flat plate-like support 1 includes, in at least two positions in a lateral face thereof water conduits 3 in communication with the flow conduit 2, so that flow directions of the solution in the flow conduits 2 of upper and lower flat plate-like supports 1 across the flat membrane 7 may be substantially same directions. The flat plate-like support 1 and the flat membrane 7 can be assembled with and disassembled from each other.

Abstract: A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blood treatment system includes: (i) a dialysate circuit; (ii) a blood filter in fluid communication with the dialysate circuit; and (iii) an extracorporeal circuit in fluid communication with the blood filter, the extracorporeal circuit including a blood pump, a downstream line from the blood pump, an upstream line to the blood pump, a first patient access line, a second patient access line, a first valve arrangement fluidly communicating the first and second patient access lines to the downstream line, and a second valve arrangement fluidly communicating the first and second patient access lines to the upstream line.

Abstract: An apparatus for extra-corporeal blood treatment and a method of presetting an initial mode of treatment in the opening phase of an extra-corporeal blood treatment are controlled based on the opening phase of a haemodiafiltration, in which particularly fast removal of electrolytes such as potassium or of urea occurs. The apparatus has a control and computing unit for presetting an initial mode of treatment, in which over a preset interval of time, substituate is fed to the extra-corporeal blood circuit, dialysis fluid is not fed through the dialyser and instead only ultrafiltrate is withdrawn from the dialyser and, on expiry of the preset interval of time, dialysis fluid is fed through the dialyser. Alternatively, dialysis fluid is provided during the preset interval of time through the dialyser at a dialysis fluid flow rate that is smaller than the dialysis fluid flow rate after the preset interval of time has elapsed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a semipermeable hollow fiber membrane having an outer wall surface, an inner wall surface and an interior lumen extending along the length thereof and having the selective layer on the outer wall surface with a surface roughness below 10 nm. According to the invention the membrane has the smallest pore size on the outer wall surface, and has an outer wall surface which is smooth, continuous and homogeneous in a nanoscopic scale and four to five distinct layers of different pore size and density. Further the present invention concerns a process for manufacturing thereof and the use thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing non-invasive fluid volume or fluid weight monitoring to facilitate mixing of therapeutic fluid components during the preparation of therapeutic fluid for dialysis is described. A therapeutic fluid source is provided in cooperative engagement with a weight measuring device which monitors the fluid volume or fluid weight of the therapeutic fluid in the therapeutic fluid source. Peristaltic pumps are configured to pump therapeutic fluid between a conventional dialyzer and the therapeutic fluid source. The weight measuring device is engaged by a control scheme programmed to operate the pumps. The control scheme includes a feedback loop from the weight measuring device to the pumps to facilitate control of the transmembrane pressure at the dialyzer without measuring TMP. System and methods for priming, ultrafiltration and backflush are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to dialysis systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a dialysis system includes a device configured so that a medical fluid can pass therethrough, and the device is adapted to remove one or more substances from the medical fluid as the medical fluid passes through the device. The dialysis system can also include a sodium control system adapted to alter a sodium concentration of the medical fluid.