Abstract: An artificial kidney comprises an exchanger (1) having two compartments (2, 3) separated by a semipermeable membrane (4), a first compartment (2) being connected to a circuit (5, 7) for extracorporeal blood circulation, the second compartment (3) having an outlet for draining waste liquid. Means (22, 25) are provided for controlling the flow rate (Q.sub.A) of a sterile solution containing a substance (A) to be perfused into the circuit (5, 7) for conveying a flow of blood outside the body, which flow rate is controlled as a function of the flow rate (Q.sub.OUT) of waste liquid. This kidney makes it possible to dose a substance such as a medicine, glucose or bicarbonate, accurately into the blood of a patient undergoing treatment by hemofiltration, hemodialysis, or hemodiafiltration.

Abstract: The measurement of blood flow in a dialysis shunt is obtained by injection of an indicator material into a venous line leading from dialysis equipment to the shunt. The blood flow in an arterial line leading from the shunt at a location downstream of the venous line to the dialysis equipment is monitored by an arterial line sensor for the presence of the indicator material. A detector connected to the sensor provides a dilution curve in response to the presence of the indicator material and the blood flow in the shunt is calculated from the area under the dilution curve. The locations of the arterial and venous lines in the shunt can be reversed to obtain a measurement of blood recirculation from the venous line into the arterial line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the quantification of solute removal during hemodialysis. The method relies upon discontinuing the flow of fresh dialysate to the dialyzer and recirculating the dialysate in a closed loop through the dialyzer. Recirculation is continued until a steady state concentration of solute (e.g. urea) in the dialysate is achieved. Analysis of the dialysate by suitable means at this time yields a value equal to the solute concentration in the blood without the need for blood sampling. Normal dialysis is resumed by discontinuing the recirculation and providing fresh dialysate to the dialyzer. Determination of solute concentrations at least at the beginning and end of the dialysis period allows the determination of solute loss and the quantification of dialysis therapy and its on-line prescription.

Abstract: Blood from a patient is treated extracorporeally by any selected one of a plurality of predetermined treatments. Each of the treatments involves the flow of blood from the patient into a primary chamber of a filtration unit, past a semipermeable membrane located in the filtration unit which separates the primary chamber from a secondary chamber of the filtration unit, out the filtration unit and back to the patient. A replacement fluid is selectively and controllably added to the blood, as required for the selected treatment. A secondary fluid is controllably and selectively introduced into the secondary chamber of the filtration unit for controllably collecting material passing across the semipermeable membrane from the blood or for supplying material to pass across the semipermeable membrane into the blood as required for the selected treatment. Materials are removed from the secondary chamber and collected in accordance with the selected treatment.

Abstract: A water-removal control system for dialysis device includes a volume-setting device for setting a planned volume of water to be removed; a rate-setting device for setting a water-removing rate; and a time-display for calculating from the planned volume of water to be removed, set by said volume-setting device, and the water-removing rate set by said rate-setting device, and for displaying the resultant finish time of dialysis treatment. The control system is so designed as to allow the water-removing rate to be changed step by step by operating the rate-setting device during dialysis, and allow the time-display to calculate the finish time of dialysis treatment synchronously with a stepped change of the water-removing rate as well as to display the resultant finish time of dialysis treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved peritoneal dialysis method and system. The system comprises a single catheter that is placed in the patient, a source of dialysate, and a diatyzer in fluid communication with the source of dialysate and the catheter. The system includes a single fluid pump in fluid communication with the source of dialysate and the catheter. The single pump is capable of pumping the dialysate into and out of the patient and back to the source of dialysate. The method includes the steps of placing a single catheter in a peritoneum of the patient, providing a source of dialysate, coupling the source of dialysate in fluid communication with the catheter on a single fluid circuit, pumping the dialysate from the source of dialysate into and out of the peritoneum using a single pump in the single fluid circuit.

Abstract: In a dialysis apparatus having a dialyzer and a single balance chamber, the internal volume of the balance chamber is preferably at most 2/3 of the volume of the dialysis fluid chamber within the dialyzer. As a result, during the dialysis fluid recirculation cycle, at most 2/3 of the volume of fluid within the dialysis fluid chamber will be replaced by fresh dialysis fluid. Preferably, the duration of the recirculation cycle is approximately equal to the duration of the balance chamber filling cycle.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for controlling the balance of fluids during an extracorporeal blood treatment session, according to which treatment, a certain quantity of liquid is withdrawn from the blood which is compensated for by the injection of a substitute liquid into the extracorporeal circuit. A recirculation circuit is provided and pressure is monitored. A pressure deviation within the recirculation circuit reflects a change in the balance between the quantity of liquid withdrawn from the blood and the quantity of liquid injected into the blood, and injection and/or withdrawal rates are altered to obtain a desired balance. The device and method are especially applicable to haemofiltration, haemodiafiltration and plasmapheresis.

Abstract: A filtration device includes an ultrafilter having an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and an ultrafiltration membrane separating the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. An inlet line flow connects the inlet chamber to a source of dialysis liquid. Pressure sensors determine pressure values on opposite sides of the membrane, and a controller calculates a transmembrane pressure therefrom and compares the calculated transmembrane pressure with a predetermined threshold value. If the threshold value is reached, the controller emits a threshold signal to either warn an operator or alternatively to automatically divert flow to bypass the ultrafilter.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis systems and methods apply fluid pressure to move liquid. The systems and methods can emulate either a fixed head height condition or different head height conditions, independent of the actual head height differential between the patient's peritoneal cavity and the external liquid source or destination. The systems and methods can also switch between low-relative pressure flow mode when considerations of patient comfort and safety predominate and a high-relative pressure flow mode when considerations of processing speed predominate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter medium for treating a blood material selected from the group consisting of a leukocyte-containing suspension and plasma, comprising a polymeric, porous element having, in a surface portion thereof, a negative charge and having a surface electric charge of not smaller than -30 .mu.eq/g of the polymeric, porous element. The filter medium and an apparatus having the filter medium packed in a casing having an inlet and an outlet, can be advantageously used for treating a blood material, for example, for separating leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension including whole blood, for blood dialysis or for removing undesired proteinous substances and the like from whole blood or plasma by adsorption-filtration, while effectively controlling a concentration of bradykinin (which is causative of anaphylactic reactions) in a treated blood to a level not exceeding 4,000 pg/ml.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus for use in separation and filtration having a removable sterilizable and disposable element which is engagable with a fixed element in the apparatus. When the two elements are engaged, the flow of fluid around a fluid circuit is controlled to optimize separation. The elements contain various conduits and inlet and outlet ports that function to deliver fluid to and from separation and filtration systems such as life support systems.

Abstract: The artificial kidney includes an exchanger having two compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane, the first compartment of which is connected to a circuit for conveying a flow of blood outside the body. A source of treatment liquid is provided, and a control unit selectively connects the source to either the inlet of the second compartment of the exchanger or to the blood circuit as a function of the transmembrane pressure. This kidney provides optimum purification treatment for patients suffering from temporary kidney failure.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. The system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing certain operational instructions to a hemodialysis machine. The hemodialysis machine possesses a programmable memory and a capability of operating according to a time-varying parameter such as variable ultrafiltration. According to the methods, the machine operator enters into the memory a desired time period, a target cumulative value of the time-varying parameter, such as target UF volume, and a proposed time-varying profile of the time-varying parameter that is representable as a plot of coordinates in a region defined by an ordinate of values of the parameter and a time-based abscissa, wherein the plot defines a profile cumulative value of the parameter. If the profile cumulative value is not equal to the target cumulative value, then the proposed time-varying profile is changed along the ordinate so that the profile cumulative value is made equal to the target cumulative value.

Abstract: Systems for performing peritoneal dialysis allow the user to chose from an array of peritoneal dialysis modalities and adjust one or more individual therapy parameters within a selected modality. Still, the systems assure that the selected modality and therapy parameters satisfy preselected composite therapy criteria.

Abstract: A portable artificial kidney in the form of a self-contained unit whose size and shape is such that it is light-weight and relatively small. It can be worn or attached to a patient in such a manner that it will not interfere with normal physical activities. The artificial kidney has a blood plasma separator unit that receives impure whole blood from the body of a patient and it separates a predetermined amount of plasma therefrom and returns the remainder of the blood back to the patients body. The separated plasma is then transmitted through a chemical treatment unit where the contaminated plasma is relieved of uric acid, creatinine, phosphate, and ammonium ions. The detoxified plasma is then transmitted to a water removal unit and then the detoxified plasma is returned to the patients circulatory system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for more efficiently obtaining a highly pure fraction of thrombocytes during density centrifugation of blood, which no longer has to be filtered before infusion into a patient for leukocytes contained therein, in order to prevent immunization of the recipient. The invention is based on a two-stage density separation, wherein in a first stage a separation is made between cells and thrombocyte-rich plasma, and the thrombocyte-rich plasma is not separated into a thrombocyte concentrate and thrombocyte-poor plasm until a second stage. During the first separation, the position of the phase boundary is changed cyclically in the first separation stage. Through alternating the phase boundary in the first stage, it becomes possible for the first time in the second stage to obtain highly pure thrombocyte concentrations with minimally low leukocyte contamination from the transferred thrombocyte-rich plasma without loss of efficiency.

Abstract: In the on-line method of the invention, dialysis liquid which has been produced or prepared by a dialysis machine is taken from the dialyzer at the blood side and pumped, either by means of a blood pump of the machine or by the pump of the dialysis liquid circuit, through the blood tubes, optionally using the filling program specific to the machine. As a result, the extracorporeal blood circulation system need no longer be flushed and filled with a salt solution, which has so far entailed considerable costs.

Abstract: A plasma purification treatment which removes disease ailment causing constituents in the plasma of a patient suffering from diseases caused by those ailment causing constituents in this patient's plasma by plasma exchange made by sampling of plasma from the patient and returning the plasma sampled from the patient and purified by removing the ailment causing constituents to the patient; sampling an appropriate volume of plasma within 12% of the patient's whole circulating blood at the first time and gradually increased volume from the second time on until it reaches a predetermined target volume of plasma exchange, returning the sampled plasma at the previous time and purified.

Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. The system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results.

Abstract: A system is provided for weighing and monitoring flow from multiple fluid sources into a flow system wherein incoming fluid is received in a weighing bag attached to a control system for monitoring the amount of fluid passed through the weighing bag and for preventing admission of air into the flow system. An alarm attached to the weighing bag warns when fluid in the weighing bag is approaching empty, so that the fluid in the weighing bag can be replenished from the fluid source before the weighing bag runs dry. If fluid in the weighing bag is not replenished, the system automatically shuts down.The fluid pump can be absolutely calibrated using the controlled admission of known amounts of fluid into the weighing bag so that the amount of fluid introduced into the flow system through the weighing bag can be calculated automatically.

Abstract: Blood to be purified is passed through a haemofiltration element and a haemodialysis element in cascade and the ultrafiltrate output from the haemofiltration element is passed through a filter such as an activated carbon filter, preferably with uncoated activated carbon. The ultrafiltrate thus purified can then be used as a reinfusion solution to be readministered to the patient.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system has a blood circuit and a hemofiltrate circuit interconnected at a hemofilter and an air collection chamber. If an infusion of sterile fluid to the returning blood is needed during the dialysis treatment, filtrate in the filtrate circuit is pumped back into the blood circuit. This is also done to purge the blood circuit of blood and return it to the patient at the conclusiion of a dialysis treatment. A blood pump in the blood circuit incorporates a flexible vessel in conjunction with pinch valves which self expand in a controlled manner from a compressed condition to fill with blood from the patient in a suction stroke controlled by the patient's blood delivery rate. Compression of the vessel by an external member then forces the blood through the rest of the blood circuit.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for measuring a quantity of liquid extracted from a dialysis liquid circuit, the device having a reservoir means connected to the dialysis liquid circuit for receiving liquid from the dialysis liquid circuit, at least one measurement container for receiving liquid from the reservoir, a flow channel connecting the reservoir with the at least one measurement container for selectively filling the measurement container with liquid from the reservoir, a level detector disposed proximate a predetermined area on the at least one measurement container for detecting the presence of liquid at a predetermined level, and a drain port on the measurement container for receiving a signal from the level detector to empty the contents of the measurement container after the presence of liquid at the predetermined level is detected.

Abstract: A hemodiafiltration system which enables concurrent performance, in a single system, of hemodialysis and hemofiltration includes a dialyzer, consisting of a casing and at least one semipermeable membrane accommodated therein for dialyzing and purifying body fluid such as blood, plasma, etc., through contacting of the body fluid and dialyzate via the semipermeable membrane, and pumps for causing the dialyzate to flow through the dialyzer. A controller repeatedly changes the difference between the inflow amount of the dialyzate into the dialyzer per unit time and the outflow amount of the same from the dialyzer per unit time from a positive value to a negative value and then from negative to positive, whereby the repeated operation of taking or sucking out aqueous component or constituent and accompanying waste molecules from the body fluid followed by infusing or forcing a compensatory amount of dialyzate into the body fluid is made possible.

Abstract: The device for controlling the amount of removed water by ultrafiltration can eliminate the scaling error completely by the use of the diaphragms in the scaling mechanism, and thus, the water elimination precision can be improved.

Abstract: A method and a device for ultrafiltration during hemodialysis are described in which ultrafiltrate fluid, before removal from the dialysis circuit, is passed through a balancing device, which is also used as ultrafiltrate pump. For this purpose, a controller controls and actuates inlet, outlet, and dialyzer valves, in such a way that a desired amount of ultrafiltrate, corresponding to the filling volume of a balancing chamber or a multiple thereof, is introduced to the discharge through the balancing chamber. In order to carry out continuous ultrafiltration during hemodialysis, a predetermined amount of air is introduced to the dialysis fluid flow circuit through an air separator and is then pumped off during hemodialysis so that a corresponding amount of ultrafiltrate is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which is designed to be used as a cleaning agent and oil dispersant. The composition has a number of active ingredients mixed with water. The solution provides for the use of such active ingredients as sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, ethoxylated nonylphenol, lauric acid diethanolamide, diethanolamine and propylene glycol. Preferred compositions contain the following ingredients mixed in an aqueous base: from 0.02% to 2.25% by total weight of sodium lauryl sulfate, from 0.02% to 1.95% by total weight of cocamidopropyl betaine, from 0.002% to 0.25% by total weight of ethoxylated nonylphenol, from 0.04% to 4.25% of lauric acid diethanolamide, from 0.02% to 1.85% by total weight of diethanolamine and from 0.02% to 1.85% by total weight of propylene glycol.

Abstract: The device for controlling the amount of removed water by ultrafiltration can eliminate the scaling error completely by the use of the diaphragms in the scaling mechanism, and thus, the water elimination precision can be improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for fractionating a cell suspension, which comprises a casing having a substantially columnar space in the interior, which is substantially closed to the space outside the casing, a liquid-treating chamber in the casing adapted to be filled with a cell suspension passing through this liquid-treating chamber, a separating membrane having a separating wall surface inside the casing and disposed to separate and cause a cell component to pass through the separating membrane, a rotary body rotatably arranged in the liquid-treating chamber, a driving mechanism for rotating and driving the rotary body, a cell suspension introduction path, a treated liquid discharge path, and a separated component discharge path.

Abstract: Measuring and controlling dialysate flow to a dialyzer in hemodialysis by sensing the flow by an electric signal generating device and using this signal to indicate a differential between a preselected flow and an actual flow, and valving the flow according to this differential. The indication may be visual, and the signal can be used to automate the valving action.

Abstract: A dialysis system operates to supply dialysate to a dialyzer from a feed chamber in response to a reduction in the volume of the feed chamber, and to recover used dialysate which is flowed out from the dialyzer into a recovery chamber in response to an increase in the volume of the recovery chamber. The increase in the volume of the recovery chamber is greater in magnitude than the magnitude of a reduction in the volume of the feed chamber, with a difference therebetween being effective to control the amount of ultrafiltration. At least two sets of feed chambers and recovery chambers may be provided, and a supply of the dialysate from the other feed chamber may be initiated before the supply from one of the feed chambers is completed, thus allowing the dialysate to be continuously supplied to the dialyzer.

Abstract: The apparatus for hemodialysis and hemofiltration comprises an extracorporeal blood circuit comprising a dialyzer and/or filter arrangement. For determining the fluid withdrawal per unit time and the total amount of fluid withdrawn flow sensors in conjunction with an evaluating unit are inserted into the blood circuit upstream and downstream of the dialyzer or filter arrangement. The flow measurement is by the ultrasonic Doppler principle and for obtaining high accuracy the sensors comprise measuring inserts belonging to the blood tubing system and having special means for defined coupling-in and coupling-out and precise conduction of the ultrasonic waves. Apart from the measurement, means are provided for regulating the net fluid withdrawal.

Abstract: A balance device for use in conjunction with a continuous fluid filter exchange system includes a balance beam stand, and a pair of beams pivotally mounted on the stand at respective levels above and below the filter. A source of substitution fluid for the exchange system is suspended from the upper beam while a reservoir for filtrate from the system is suspended from the lower beam. A supply tube devoid of pumps is provided for introducing substitution fluid from the source into the system, and a filtrate tube devoid of pumps is provided for conducting filtrate from the system to the reservoir. Automatic control means is provided on the stand for controlling the flow of fluid into the system as a function of the amount of filtrate collected in the reservoir, and the control means is mechanically coupled to the beams. The device further includes automatic shut-off for terminating the flow of filtrate to the reservoir when the source of substitution fluid becomes empty.

Abstract: A device for measuring the quantity of ultrafiltrate eliminated during a dialysis treatment. The device comprises two vessels of a known capacity wherein the ultrafiltrate coming from a pump is alternately received and then discharged by means of valves. The device further comprises two level measuring sensors which each emit a signal each time the ultrafiltrate attains a predetermined level in the corresponding vessel. Such sensors are connected to a processing and count control mechanism for analyzing the above-mentioned signals and for establishing the quantity of ultrafiltrate eliminated by the pump.

Abstract: A method and a system of pumping a first and a second liquid in an artificial kidney in substantially equal quantities at a substantially constant flow. The system includes a main pump having complementary main chambers, and first and second auxiliary pumps each having complementary auxiliary chambers. The pumps are reciprocated in unison and the system further includes a unique configuration of intake and discharge lines and associated control valves which provide a constant and equal flow of first and second liquid into and out of the artificial kidney during reciprocation of the pumps in both directions.

Abstract: The ultra-filtration in a hemodialysis operation is controlled by a control apparatus which is connected to a balancing device (1) and to a dosing device (9) to form a closed loop control circuit for the metered supply of dialysis concentrate into the balancing device and for the metered supply of fresh dialysis solution into the dialyzer. The closed loop control circuit controls the alternating supply of fresh dialysis solution into one chamber of a balancing device and the withdrawal of used-up dialysis solution from the other chamber of the balancing device. The closed loop control circuit also controls a pump for the metered withdrawal of used-up dialysis solution out of the dialysis circulatory system. The dosing device operates as a proportionality device to produce fresh dialysis solution from water and dialysis concentrate whereby the concentrate is dosed and the dialysis solution is also dosed or metered.

Abstract: An open, volumetrically regulated patient fluid management system and method are disclosed. Fresh fluid is metered into a patient fluid exchange unit by a first metering device and spent fluid is drawn out by a pump. A back pressure regulator is provided across the pump to maintain its output pressure at a constant value. To the output of the pump are connected a second metering device and an open drain circuit. The second metering device meters out of the patient fluid exchange unit a predetermined quantity of spent fluid. The open drain circuit drains any fluid pumped by the pump, but not removed by the second metering device, to a drain open to atmospheric pressure. When the dialysis unit is deenergized, fluid in the dialyzer returns rapidly to atmospheric pressure by virtue of the open path through the open drain circuit, pump and back pressure regulator to the dialyzer.

Abstract: A system for withdrawing a predetermined volume of fluid from a patient comprises a filter assembly which is connected in line for fluid communication between an artery and a vein of the patient. A pump having a fluid chamber is connected in fluid communication with a filtrate port of the filter. Operation of the pump causes the withdrawal of fluid from the filter and into the pump chamber at a preselected volumetric rate. Periodically, the pump is cycled to expel the withdrawn fluid from the pump chamber. The system further comprises a fluid collection device for collecting the expelled fluids and may include means for replenishing fluids to the patient.

Abstract: Artificial kidney comprises a hemodialyzer connected in a dialysis liquid circuit which is in the form of a loop the volume of which is essentially invariable. The circuit is open to the atmosphere and comprises a circulating pump arranged upstream of the hemodialyzer. Means are provided for drawing off and measuring, outside the said circuit, amounts of liquid equal to the amounts of ultrafiltrate which it is desired to remove from a patient's blood stream. A variable hydraulic resistance is provided downstream of the hemodialyzer and comprises a float, the resistance being operative to keep the dialysis liquid at an essentially constant level in the circuit in order automatically to regulate the pressure of the dialysis liquid in the hemodialyzer.

Abstract: A graduated container (1) is connected both to a filtering compartment (10) of a dialyzer (9) and to the dialysis liquid circuit (8); the connection between the graduated container and the dialyzing liquid circuit being made through a chamber (2) into which extends a tube (6) connected to the dialyzing liquid circuit (8).

Abstract: The dialysis equipment has a dialysate path connectable to a dialysate source 1, and contains a feed pump 6, a dialyzer 10, and a controlled suction pump 13. During the operative phase, this dialysate path is traversed by the dialysate with a constant negative pressure being maintained in the dialysate chamber 101 of the dialyzer 10 relative to the blood chamber 102. In a subsequent measuring phase, the dialysate path is cut off from the dialysate source 1 and from a drain 15 via a valve device 2, 14. The same negative pressure is maintained in the dialysate chamber 101 as in the operative phase. The ultrafiltrate passing from the blood chamber 102 into the dialysate chamber 101 during the measuring phase causes the filling of a volume measuring device 5.

Abstract: Hemodialysis ultrafiltration apparatus comprises a hemodialyzer, a supply line for supplying fresh dialysate to the hemodialyzer. A drain line is provided for removing spent dialysate from the hemodialyzer. The dialyzer is adapted to be connected to a patient so that the patient's blood may be supplied to and removed from the hemodialyzer. A weighing mechanism allows a fixed amount of fresh dialysate, by weight, to flow through the hemodialyzer. Spent dialysate emerging from the hemodialyzer is then weighed by the weighing device to determine the weight differential therebetween to monitor and control the amount and rate of ultrafiltrate removed from blood in the hemodialyzer.A method of hemodialytic ultrafiltration is carried out substantially in accordance with the above-described apparatus.

Abstract: Hemodialysis ultrafiltration apparatus comprises a dialyzer. A closed circuit is provided for supplying fresh dialysate to and for removing spent dialysate from the dialyzer. Blood is supplied to and removed from the dialyzer. The closed circuit for supplying fresh dialysate and removing spent dialysate is apportioned into below mean dialyzer blood pressure and above atmospheric pressure sections, with the dialyzer being positioned in the below mean dialyzer blood pressure section. A mechanism is provided for controlling the pressure of fresh dialysate introduced into the below mean dialyzer blood pressure section to substantially match the pressure on the dialysate side of the dialyzer. A mechanism is provided for controlling the above atmospheric pressure portion of the spent dialysate circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing water from blood, advantageously by the single-needle method, in which by means of an air-operated bellows pump blood is sucked into an expandable pump chamber and thereafter water is forced into a hemofilter and collected in an ultrafiltrate measuring chamber to which a collecting bag is connected. The inlet and the outlet of the ultrafiltrate measuring chamber to which a collecting bag is connected. The inlet and the outlet of the ultrafiltrate measuring chamber can be opened and closed by clamps controlled in opposite phase and the amount of ultrafiltrate collected in the ultrafiltrate measuring chamber can be controlled and determined. The ultrafiltrate measuring chamber is divided by a hose-like wall into two chamber portions, one chamber portion receiving filtrate and the other chamber portion being adapted in a preferred embodiment to receive infusion solution. Thus, the infusion solution can be proportioned and supplied to the patient in volume equivalent manner.

Abstract: Hemodialysis device (10) with a control apparatus (74) and a line (52) which is connected to a valve arrangement (50) downstream of the suction pump (20) and to a dialyzing liquid source (16). The dialyzing liquid source (16) has a volume measuring apparatus (54, 58) with which the ultrafiltrate generated by the suction pump (20) can be determined in the recirculation circuit. The ultrafiltration rate thereby established serves to control the suction pump (20) with the aid of the control apparatus (74), in some cases the transmembrane pressure being determined with the aid of the pressure gauges (62, 66) and from which the current ultrafiltration coefficient can be measured. Furthermore, the hemodialysis device (10) has a safe possibility of feeding disinfectant concentrate into the recirculation circuit downstream of the dialyzer (12).

Abstract: There is provided an improved system for controlling ultrafiltration in hemodialysis which is independent of the membrane used in the dialyzer. A load cell measures the instantaneous amounts of fluid in a reservoir which receives fluids from the dialyzer and feeds this information into an electronic controller which has been programmed for the desired ultrafiltration. The controller generates an error signal and controls a negative pressure control valve which, in turn, determines the rate and thus amount of ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out separation of plasma from whole blood, in which whole blood is passed through a filtration membrane means of a material suitable for separating plasma from whole blood and having a pore size from 0.1 to 0.6 microns at positive pressure differential across the membrane in a range up to just below 50 mm Hg. This provides an increased flow as compared to the flow obtained with higher pressures.