Abstract: The present disclosure describes devices useful for microscale fluid purification, separation, and synthesis. Such devices generally comprise a fluid membrane that separates two or more fluids flowing through plural microchannels operatively associated with the membrane. Often, the membrane is a semipermeable membrane, such as might be used with a filtration device, such as a dialyzer. Devices of the present invention can be combined with other microscale devices to make systems. For example, the devices may be coupled with one or more microchemical microfactories, one or more micromixers, one or more microheaters, etc. Examples of devices made according to the present invention included an oxygenator, a dialyzer, microheat exchangers, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a device for detecting a tubing system to be placed in the blood treatment apparatus and a method for detecting a tubing system to be placed in an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. The tubing system is detected on the basis of the dependency of the flow rate Q, at which the fluid is delivered by at least one pump of the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus in a tubing section of the tubing system, on the speed n at which the at least one pump is operated, and on the inner diameter d of the tube of the tubing section. Because the dependency of the flow rate on the pump speed and the tube cross section is known, a conclusion can be drawn as to whether a particular tubing system has been placed in the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention includes a comprehensive replacement fluid system and method for the delivery of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) to extracorporeal blood circuits, wherein the system may include an online clearance monitor (OCM) and a circuit effluent online sensor system (OSS) for the continuous determination of patient plasma content of ultrafilterable solutes.

Abstract: In a device for handling blood in extracorporeal blood circulation that has at least one oxygenator, one heat exchanger, and one blood filter, the inlets and outlets in the oxygenator/heat exchanger unit are embodied such that a blood flow cross section of A?80 mm2, preferably A?120 mm2, is assured. The device can also be operated in an isolated form as a single structural part, which takes on the functions of an oxygenator and a heat exchanger with a blood filter. If a pump is provided in the device, then the pump drive can be removed as needed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to hemodialysis, and more particularly, to a dialyser with improved efficiency of mass transfer across a dialysis membrane utilizing microchannel separation provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment, a dialyzer is provided comprising a plurality of semipermeable membrane sheets and a plurality of flow separators. The membrane sheets and flow are arranged in alternating configuration and coupled into a laminae stack defining a plurality of parallel microchannel layers. Each microchannel layer comprises a plurality of first microchannels and a plurality of second microchannels. The first and second microchannels of each microchannel layer are in fluid communication with each other via one of the plurality of membrane sheets therebetween. The MECS dialyzer is characterized as having a high surface to volume ratio and a high mass transfer coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention is a peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis hybrid-remedy planning method using an index that is shared by both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis and indicates an effect of dialysis. To be specific, the index is M/C(0)/VB, which is obtained by dividing a ratio M/C(0)—where M is a removal amount of a solute for a fixed time period, and C(0) is a concentration of the solute in blood before the dialysis—by a patient's body fluid volume, VB. The present invention is capable of representing the dialysis effect of PD and HD as an integrated sum, and achieving concise and explicit PD and HD hybrid-remedy planning.

Abstract: A renal treatment fluid priming method includes priming an extracorporeal circuit connected to a patient with a physiologically compatible fluid, the extracorporeal circuit including an arterial line, a venous line and blood compartment of a blood filter; and pumping from a renal treatment fluid line in communication with the blood filter (i) pulling blood from the patient through the arterial line to flush the physiologically compatible fluid through the arterial line and the blood filter compartment into the renal treatment fluid line and (ii) pulling blood from the patient through the venous line to flush the physiologically compatible fluid through the venous line and the blood filter compartment into the renal treatment fluid line, such that a greater volume of blood is pulled from the patient via (i) and (ii) than a volume of the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: A dialysis machine includes a dialysis instrument having a pump actuator and first and second valve actuators, and a disposable cassette operable with the dialysis instrument, the disposable cassette including a pump portion operable with the pump actuator, first and second valve chambers operable with the first and second valve actuators, the first and second valve chambers communicating fluidly with each other, at least the first valve chamber communicating fluidly with a compliance chamber, the compliance chamber negating a first backpressure due to a pneumatic closing pressure used to close the first valve chamber to help to ensure the pneumatic pressure applied to the first valve chamber will close the first valve chamber against a second backpressure from an existing closure of the second valve chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring a blood constituent in blood for an extracorporeal blood treatment device, comprising a dialyzer or a filter, and a hose line system comprising hose lines that are pervious to electromagnetic radiation. The kinetics of a liquid flowing at a measuring site in one of the hose lines of the hose line system is varied by varying the flow properties of the liquid in the hose line at the measuring site, particularly by stopping a blood pump arranged in the hose line and/or by closing a shut-off member in the hose line. The invention analyzes the intensity of the light entering the hose line at the measuring site and the light exiting the hose line at the measuring site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing a ?-amyloid concentration in blood. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for reducing a ?-amyloid concentration in blood, comprising the steps of; removing blood out of a body, passing the blood that is removed through a hollow fiber membrane, and returning the blood that is passed through into the body, wherein the blood containing a ?-amyloid-albumin complex is passed through the hollow fiber membrane to allow ?-amyloid to adsorb to the hollow fiber membrane so that the ?-amyloid concentration in blood is reduced.

Abstract: A cassette is described for holding circuit components used with a hemodialysis machine.

Abstract: A dialysis device comprising a prescriber interface and a programming means configured to allow, via the prescriber interface, input of a set of therapeutic objectives and a treatment plan and a re-evaluation means configured to, as a function of the therapeutic objectives and the treatment plan, suggest at least one treatment option comprising a set of settings of a treatment session to achieve said set of therapeutic objectives.

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, and a programmed controller (14) for calculating a maximum ultrafiltration 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: A renal failure therapy method includes causing therapy fluid to flow to a renal failure therapy filter, directing at least twenty-five percent of the therapy fluid to the renal failure therapy filter to perform conductive clearance, and using the renal therapy failure filter to cause at least a substantial amount of the remaining therapy fluid to perform diffusive clearance.

Abstract: A dialysate regeneration chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the dialysate regeneration chamber may include a toxin trap configured to selectively trap toxins and repel select cations.

Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.

Abstract: Dry acid-concentrate compositions comprising citrate and their use in preparing dialysate compositions and in performing hemodialysis is disclosed.

Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.

Abstract: The present invention is a peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis hybrid-remedy planning method using an index that is shared by both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis and indicates an effect of dialysis. To be specific, the index is M/C(0)/VB, which is obtained by dividing a ratio M/C(0)—where M is a removal amount of a solute for a fixed time period, and C(0) is a concentration of the solute in blood before the dialysis—by a patient's body fluid volume, VB. The present invention is capable of representing the dialysis effect of PD and HD as an integrated sum, achieving concise and explicit PD and HD hybrid-remedy planning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.

Abstract: A medical apparatus (1) comprises a user interface (30), a number of sensors (16,27,21,22,29) and a control system (18) programmed for displaying on the user interface screen (31) a number of indicia (37), each relating to a corresponding parameter and comprising an indicium border (45) delimiting an indicium selection area (45a); the control system allows selection of an indicium for identifying the parameter a user intends to modify, allows setting of a new set value for the selected parameter; the control system also receives from the sensors (29) a measure of the actual value for the parameter and displays on the indicium selection area (45a) of the indicium both the actual value and the set value for the same parameter. The programming software for the control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern systems and methods of preparing dialysate for use in a home dialysis system that is compact and light-weight relative to existing systems and consumes relatively low amounts of energy. The method includes coupling a household water stream to a dialysis system; filtering the water stream; heating the water stream to at least about 138 degrees Celsius in a non-batch process to produce a heated water stream; maintaining the heated water stream at or above at least about 138 degrees Celsius for at least about two seconds; cooling the heated water stream to produce a cooled water stream; ultrafiltering the cooled water stream; and mixing dialysate components into the cooled water stream in a non-batch process.

Abstract: In one embodiment an automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machine includes: at least one pump; a logic implementer storing a plurality of therapy prescriptions by which to operate the at least one pump, each therapy prescription pre-approved for a particular patient; and an input device operating with the logic implementer to allow the patient to select one of the therapy prescriptions for a particular therapy. In another embodiment, the input device operating with the logic implementer allows a doctor/clinician to select or approve one of the therapy prescriptions to be run on the APD machine. In a further embodiment, the logic implementer is programmed to select or suggest one of the therapy prescriptions to be run on the is APD machine.

Abstract: The scope of the invention is to apply an electric current or to use a kind of iontophoresis system with the hemodialysis cartridge and system (the proposed method is also applicable to peritoneal dialysis or other similar methods) to remove unwanted molecules from blood, plasma or serum or other body fluids and to increase the effectiveness of the process. This cartridge can be used for patients with uremia and cartridge fixed to the conventional hemodialysis machine and additionally the electric current applied to the electrodes placed in to the cartridge or electrode connectors placed to the conventional cartridge. When the system activated, the molecules in the blood or other body fluid migrates to the hemodialysis solution. Charged ions or uncharged molecules move together with electroosmotic flow. The sterilized electrodes preferably made by Ag/AgCl to prevent pH changing effect. Other apparatus can also be used for providing an electropotential gradient.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes devices useful for microscale fluid purification, separation, and synthesis devices. Generally, such devices comprise a fluid membrane that separates two or more fluids flowing through plural microchannels operatively associated with the membrane. The fluids can both be liquids, gases, or a liquid and a gas, such as may be used for gas absorption into a liquid. Often, the membrane is a semipermeable membrane, such as might be used with a filtration device, such as a dialyzer. Devices of the present invention can be combined with other microscale devices to make systems. For example, the devices may be coupled with one or more microchemical microfactories, one or more micromixers, one or more microheaters; etc. Examples of devices made according to the present invention included an oxygenator, a dialzyer, microheat exchangers, etc. Particular materials had to be developed for use with certain embodiments of the device disclosed herein.

Abstract: A container for use with a hemodialysis apparatus having a vent structure is described. The vent structure is porous, and allows air in the container to vent when the container is being filled with fluid, but expands when the vent structure becomes wet, when filling is complete, thereby closing off the pores and inhibiting (e.g., preventing) fluid from flowing through the vent structure, and reentry of air into the container. The vent structure can also include a micro-porous membrane.

Abstract: An extracorporeal circuit for removing toxins from the blood and plasma volume control in patients suffering from sepsis and renal failure. The extracorporeal circuit disclosed herein comprises a plasma filter, a toxin removal device and optionally a hemofilter that minimizes electrolyte and protein depletion from the treated plasma while effectively removing both free and protein-bound toxins. The toxin removal device comprises adsorbent materials selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, ion exchange resins and non-ionic exchange resins and the adsorbent materials are coated with albumin. Also provided are associated methods for treating patients suffering from sepsis and renal failure using the disclosed extracorporeal circuit and toxin removal device.

Abstract: A kidney failure therapy system includes: (a) a dilaysate supply; (b) at least one valve actuator; (c) at least one pump actuator; and (d) a disposable unit including first and second flexible sheets sealed together for form: (i) at least one flow path configured to be placed in fluid communication with the dilaysate supply; and operable with the at least one valve actuator; and (ii) at least one pumping portion configured to operate with the at least one pump actuator.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymer composition suited to forming a dialysis membrane includes a matrix material and at least one xanthone. The composition may be formed into a membrane for inserting into a dialyzer filter whereby free radicals in the fluid are removed by the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.

Abstract: A haemodialysis device having an emergency activating function is provided. In order to avoid critical drops in blood pressure during a dialysis treatment, the emergency activating function makes it possible for the operating staff to initiate with a single control function a blood pressure measurement and a delivery of substance into the patient's blood in the event of a hypotensive episode and at the same time to have the introduction of these measures by the haemodialyser confirmed clearly through a display having an outward appearance different from that displayed during normal operations. In addition, further automatically introduced process steps can be provided. The emergency activating function speeds up the implementation of the measures to be introduced and, at the same time prevents incorrect operation and makes it possible for the operating staff to attend directly to the patient.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymer composition which includes a matrix material and at least one of an isoflavone and a flavone at least partially dispersed in the matrix material is suited to use in a membrane for hemodialysis and other in vivo and in vitro applications.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface connected to the enclosure and configured to display a parameter associated with the dialysate pump; and a projector configured to project the parameter onto a surface external from the enclosure so as to allow a patient to readily view the parameter.

Abstract: The invention provides container systems, kits and methods for peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. Such a system, for example, includes a first compartment that contains a PD osmotic agent and a second compartment that contains a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. The invention provides, in other aspects, such systems, kits and methods that provide protective structure which inhibits breaking of a seal prior between the second compartment and an outlet of the system, prior to breaking of a seal between the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A method and a hemodialysis machine provide for at least partial emptying of an extracorporeal blood circulation after patient blood in the circulation has been returned to the patient via an infusion liquid which displaces the blood. The method includes emptying at least a blood chamber of a hemodialyzer subdivided by a semipermeable membrane into the blood chamber and a dialysis fluid chamber without additionally connecting an arterial blood line and a venous blood line of the circulation to one another. The arterial blood line is actively or passively aerated at a first point and the venous blood line is actively or passively aerated at a second point. The infusion liquid is emptied through the membrane into the dialysis fluid chamber and then via a dialysis fluid discharge line. The method is operable by a control program that runs automatically without requiring any manual input after activation of the program.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a logic implementer configured to: (i) accept at least one therapy target input; (ii) accept at least one patient transport characteristic input; (iii) accept at least one solution input; (iv) accept at least one fluid volume input; (v) accept at least one therapy time input, at least one of the inputs (ii) to (v) including an input range; and (vi) generate each therapy regimen using the inputs of (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), including each of the possibilities within the at least one input range, that satisfy the at least one therapy target input.

Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.

Abstract: A system comprising a blood circuit including a membrane arranged in a blood filter (7) in which blood is in contact with a first side of said membrane; and a dialysis circuit in which a dialysis fluid is in contact with the other side of the membrane for exchange of substances and ions through the membrane as well as water. The dialysis fluid is circulated from a dialysis compartment and through a RO filter (9). The permeate fluid, i.e. water is returned to the dialysis compartment. The retentate fluid from the RO filter (9) passes through a separation filter (13). The retentate fluid is returned to the dialysis compartment and the permeate fluid is removed from the dialysis circuit as a waste fluid to a receptacle (19). The retentate fluid is concentrated in the RO filter in a ration of at least 3:1.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes at least one pneumatic valve, a pneumatic pump in fluid communication with the pneumatic valve, a pneumatic line communicating with an inlet and an outlet of the pneumatic pump, a flow restrictor placed in the pneumatic line, and a logic implementer. The logic implementer is programmed to operate the pneumatic valve to either (i) communicate the pneumatic outlet with the pneumatic inlet of the pneumatic pump through the flow restrictor and the pneumatic line, or (ii) communicate the outlet of the pneumatic pump with a component of the dialysis system.

Abstract: A method for determining or predicting the adequacy parameters that will be achieved at the end of a kidney substitution treatment during said kidney substitution treatment wherein the kidney substitution treatment is provided by a machine, which has an extracorporeal blood system pumping the patient blood through the blood chamber of a dialyzer, wherein the dialyzing fluid collects the waste products from the patient after flowing through the dialyzing fluid chamber of the dialyzer and wherein a device able to measure a adequacy parameter is coupled with the kidney substitution treatment machine and wherein the slope of a preferable linear guideline for the adequacy parameter is compared to the slope of the delivered adequacy parameter and if the slope of both are equal a linearization is performed to determine or predict the adequacy parameter at the end of the kidney substitution treatment.

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: A blood purification apparatus includes a blood circuit, a blood purifying device, a driving device, an air bubble detection device, and a connection condition evaluation device. The blood circuit is provided with arterial and venous blood circuits, to which needles are attached at ends thereof. The blood purifying device is connected between the arterial and venous circuits. In a blood purifying treatment after a priming operation, the driving device drives the blood in the arterial blood circuit in a forward direction, and drives the blood in the venous blood circuit in a reverse direction. The air bubble detection device detects air bubbles in a liquid flowing in the arterial and venous blood circuits. The connection condition evaluation device evaluates connection conditions of the needles to the ends of the arterial and venous blood circuits based on the detection by the air bubble detection device.

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: A dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid disposable configured to hold and transport a dialysis fluid; an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid disposable; and a dialysis instrument operable to pump dialysis fluid through the dialysis fluid disposable, the instrument including a vibrator configured to vibrate the air separation chamber to separate air from the dialysis fluid traveling through the chamber.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes a first fluid heater, a second fluid heater, a supplemental power source and a logic implementer.

Abstract: A switch valve for use in an extracorporeal blood flow circuit comprises a valve housing having a chamber, four openings communicating with the chamber, and a valve member located in the valve chamber. A first opening is to be connected to a patient via an arterial cannula, a second opening is to be connected to a patient via an venous cannula, a third opening is to be connected to a first inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device, and a fourth opening is to be connected to a second inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device. The valve member is movable within the valve housing to fluidly connect the first opening to either the third or the fourth opening and to fluidly connect the second opening to either the third or the fourth opening. The width of the valve member is smaller than a peripheral dimension of the openings.

Abstract: A dialysate fluid circulation apparatus includes a dialyzer, a first housing and a second housing. The first housing contains material capable of releasing sodium into dialysate fluid flowing through the first housing. The second housing contains material capable of binding sodium ions from dialysate fluid flowing through the second housing. Hydraulic conduit sections are configured to extend between the dialyzer, the first housing, and the second housing to connect the dialyzer with the housings in a primary flow path for dialysate fluid to flow from the dialyzer to the first housing, from the first housing to the second housing, and from the second housing back to the dialyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the treatment of the blood in a Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, using a machine which comprises: —connecting means from and to respective blood vessels of a patient; —blood processing means comprising a pump; —means for adding drugs or other therapeutic substances to the blood being treated; —means for feeding refill liquid into the blood; —blood filtration means, cascade-connected to one another by relative conduits, said conduits and said connecting means defining a blood path; wherein the blood to be treated passes through an oxygenating device which comprises an oxygenating membrane and is located upstream from said blood filtration means and downstream from said blood processing means, so that the blood is treated by said oxygenating membrane without the intake pressure along the portion upstream from the blood pump; and wherein the blood is pumped downstream from the connecting means to the oxygenating device at a flow rate of about 280-300 ml

Abstract: A vent assembly is described for use in an extracorporeal fluid unit. A vent structure adjacent to a micro-porous membrane forms the assembly. The vent structure is porous, but expands when the vent structure becomes wet, thereby closing off the pores and inhibiting (e.g., preventing) fluid from flowing through the vent structure. The vent structure also protects the membrane from becoming wet, such as from condensation.

Abstract: A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having a side-hinged, inclined door for enclosing a disposable cassette that seals tightly shut using air pressure which imposes a safety interlock, a cassette with its inlet/outlet tube exclusively along the lower edge so that the connected lines can hang straight, a circumferential channel defined in the cassette, and a pneumatic system for sealing the membranes of both the pump chamber diaphragms and the pressure sensor diaphragms in the cassette to the respective mating pistons and pressure sensors in the cycler. In addition a system for draining patient line fluid to an empty solution bag is disclosed.