Abstract: Bio-affinity material containing at least one biologically active saccharide which is covalently bound via at least one spacer to a cross-linked matrix and that the material is autoclaved. Apparatus for contacting body fluids with the bio-affinity material is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunoassay method in which blood can be measured even without pretreatment by means of a centrifuge etc. In the present invention, antibodies or antigens in a sample are subjected to agglutination reaction with insoluble carriers onto which antigens or antibodies specifically reacting with the antibodies or antigens in the sample have been immobilized and the resulting agglutination mixture is determined for the change in its absorbance or in its scattered light by irradiation with light, wherein said sample is whole blood and the whole blood is forcibly lyzed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrafiltration of blood operating by removing blood from a peripheral blood vessel at a rate of less than two percent of total cardiac output of a patient, extracting fluid at a rate of 0.1 liter to 1.0 liters per hour while retaining cells and proteins in the blood, and returning the concentrated blood to a secondary blood vessel is disclosed. Blood is removed and returned using small gage needles. As a pump circulates blood from the patient, a filter removes ultrafiltrate from the blood using duty cycle or pump control, and a transparent container collects the removed fluid.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for medical instruments for a Renal Replacement Therapy that enables an operator to select and review a series of settings for an extracorporeal pump console and implement the settings in batch manner. The GUI automatically adjusts or recommends dependent settings, e.g. filtration rate, as the user adjusts primary settings, e.g. blood flow rate.

Abstract: A blood testing unit is provided with a closed vessel having an outer vessel body and an inner vessel body, and a reagent layer is accommodated in the closed vessel. Reagents which react with a blood sample are supported on the reagent layer. The closed vessel is comprised such that at least either one of the outer vessel body and the inner vessel body is provided with an aperture, through which air is capable of being introduced from the exterior to the interior of the one vessel body, and the one vessel body is provided with a sealing member for closing the aperture.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for photo-processing of fluids, particularly complex fluids, such as blood products, pharmaceuticals, injectables and vaccines, are provided. The disclosed methods and systems employ non-laser light source(s) to generate monochromatic light energy, preferably in the range of 260 nm to 310 nm, for fluid treatment. Advantageous processing regimens and/or adjunct additives and/or agents may also be used to achieve desired and/or enhanced results, e.g., inactivation of pathogens, bacteria and/or viruses, modulation of immune response, and/or leukoreduction. Particularly preferred embodiments include specific wavelengths, novel temperature control systems and geometric/structural arrangements that provide enhanced processing results and/or efficiencies.

Abstract: A cartridge for treating medical or biological fluid includes a first cap having an inlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality of compartments and a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein each compartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid is adapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality of particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for defoaming blood is described, having a surface which comes into contact with blood, said surface being coated with a defoamer which has a hydrophobic component with lipophobic microdomains.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning mammalian blood for subsequent use in a medical procedure includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system transports a blood charge from a source to the cabinet and a flask is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the flask. An output system is coupled to the flask and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus includes an automated control system operable upon closing the door to lock the door and to then condition the charge, and to then cause the charge to move from the flask to the receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: A method for providing at least partial bypass of the heart to supplement the pumping function of the heart to thereby enable the surgeon to perform various surgical procedures thereon includes providing a circulatory assist system having a portable extracorporeal axial flow pump with a pump housing, a rotating pumping member disposed in the pump housing and inlet and outlet cannulated tubes respectively connected to inlet and outlet ports of the pump housing, accessing the patient's left atrium of the heart with the inlet cannulated tube, accessing the aorta with the outlet cannulated tube, actuating the rotating pumping member to draw oxygenated blood from the left atrium of the heart through the lumen of the inlet cannulated tube and into the inlet port of the pump housing whereby the pumping member imparts mechanical energy to the oxygenated blood passing through the pump housing and directs the oxygenated blood through the outlet port and through the lumen of the outlet cannulated tube to be transferred

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning mammalian blood for subsequent use in a medical procedure includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system transports a blood charge from a source to the cabinet and a flask is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the flask. An output system is coupled to the flask and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus includes an automated control system operable upon closing the door to lock the door and to then condition the charge, and to then cause the charge to move from the flask to the receiver.

Abstract: A pumping system 10 provides a physiological pulsatile flow and includes controller 121, a pump drive head 50 coupled to a motor 12 and a fluid housing 52 having at least one port 60. The port 60 includes a ball valve retainer region 69, a valve seat 73, and an occluder ball 71 disposed in the ball valve retainer region 69. During operation, the motor 12 forces the fluid in and out the fluid housing 52 and causes the occluder ball 71 to move from a first position whereby the fluid cannot pass through the port 60, to a second position whereby the fluid moves annular to and generally around the occluder ball 71. This movement creates a slight flow reversal that “breaks up” any blood clots that may form. The pumping system may be used as part of a cardiopulmonary bypass system, a ventricular assist device (VAD) and/or a heart pump.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for eliminating HIV in human blood and a device for treating AIDS with non-pharmacotherapy. The method includes (1) pumping the blood containing HIV virus into a soft thin plastic tube while adding air through a T-tube at a definite frequency so that the blood is evenly divided into very small blood droplets (2) introducing the small blood droplets into a screw-shaped quartz tube and exposing the quartz tube under a definite dosage of radiation to kill the HIV virus in the blood droplets is (3) collecting the treated blood in a storage bottle. Results show that after the HIV infected blood is divided into very small blood droplets and is irradiated with a definite dosage of ultraviolet (253.7 nm) for 90 seconds, more than 92% HIV loads in the blood is eliminated, while the lymphocyte (CD4+), erythrocyte, leucocyte and haemoglobin remain almost unchanged.

Abstract: A filter device has a housing in the shape of a tubular section, with at least two chambers separated from one another by membranes, and with at least one connection for each flow chamber. The device has two filter caps, with one of each of the filter caps being located on each of the two end regions of the housing, and connected directly or indirectly thereto. All connections for the flow chambers are positioned on the tubular section in order to avoid tolerance variations that frequently occur during installation of the filter device.

Abstract: A disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit employed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery performs gas exchange, heat transfer, and microemboli filtering functions in a way as to conserve volume, to reduce setup and change out times, to eliminate a blood reservoir, and to substantially reduce blood-air interface. Blood from the patient or prime solution is routed through an air removal device that is equipped with air sensors for detection of air. An active air removal controller removes detected air from blood in the air removal device. A disposable circuit support module is used to mount the components of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit in close proximity and in a desirable spatial relationship to optimize priming and use of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit. A reusable circuit holder supports the disposable circuit support module in relation to a prime solution source, the active air removal controller and other components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and treating septicemia in patient blood is provided. The extracorporeal system includes an antimicrobial device to inactivate at least 99% of bloodborne microorganisms, a hemoconcentrator/filtration unit to remove approximately 50–75% of target molecules from the patient blood and a filter unit to remove target molecules from patient blood from the sieved plasma filtrate. Target molecules are produced by microorganisms, as well as by the patient's cells. These molecules include endotoxins from Gram negative bacteria, exotoxins from Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, as well as RAP protein mediator from Staphylococcus aureus, and cell mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, interleukin 6, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and bradykinin.

Abstract: A disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit employed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery performs gas exchange, heat transfer, and microemboli filtering functions in a way as to conserve volume, to reduce setup and change out times, to eliminate a venous blood reservoir, and to substantially reduce blood-air interface. Blood from the patient or prime solution is routed through an air removal device that is equipped with air sensors for detection of air. An active air removal controller removes detected air from blood in the air removal device. A disposable circuit support module is used to mount the components of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit in close proximity and in a desirable spatial relationship to optimize priming and use of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit. A reusable circuit holder supports the disposable circuit support module in relation to a prime solution source, the active air removal controller and other components.

Abstract: A disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit employed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery performs gas exchange, heat transfer, and microemboli filtering functions in a way as to conserve volume, to reduce setup and change out times, to eliminate a venous blood reservoir, and to substantially reduce blood-air interface. Blood from the patient or prime solution is routed through an air removal device that is equipped with air sensors for detection of air. An active air removal controller removes detected air from blood in the air removal device. A disposable circuit support module is used to mount the components of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit in close proximity and in a desirable spatial relationship to optimize priming and use of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit. A reusable circuit holder supports the disposable circuit support module in relation to a prime solution source, the active air removal controller and other components.

Abstract: A disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit employed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery performs gas exchange, heat transfer, and microemboli filtering functions in a way as to conserve volume, to reduce setup and change out times, to eliminate a venous blood reservoir, and to substantially reduce blood-air interface. Blood from the patient or prime solution is routed through an air removal device that is equipped with air sensors for detection of air. An active air removal controller removes detected air from blood in the air removal device. A disposable circuit support module is used to mount the components of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit in close proximity and in a desirable spatial relationship to optimize priming and use of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit. A reusable circuit holder supports the disposable circuit support module in relation to a prime solution source, the active air removal controller and other components.

Abstract: A method and system for the extracorporeal treatment of blood to remove fluid from the fluid overloaded patient is disclosed that non-invasively measures an oxygen level in the venous blood. The oxygen blood level is used to detect when hypotension is about to occur in a patient. The oxygen level measurements are used as feedback signals. These feedback signals are applied to automatically control the rate of fluid extraction to achieve the desired clinical outcome and avoid precipitating a hypotensive crisis in the patient.

Abstract: A portable micro-organism inactivation system comprising: a casing mounting, a UV radiation source, a pump, and releasable tube support for supporting an elongate tube to define a flow path extending therethrough which is substantially free of substantial discontinuities are provided by the present invention. The elongate tube has a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion has a UV-transparent wall. The first portion extends in close proximity to the UV radiation source within an irradiation zone thereof while the second portion is interfaced with the pump for pumping of fluid through the system so that substantially the whole of said individual fluid unit is exposed to a similar micro-organism inactivating level of UV-irradiation, while minimizing damage to the desired components thereof. The invention also provides a method of micro-organism inactivation in a fluid using a system of the invention.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the blood flow QF in a vascular access (F) during an extracorporeal blood treatment is described, where the blood enters the blood treatment unit (3) of the blood treatment machine through an arterial branch (19) of an extracorporeal circulation loop (2) which is in fluid connection with the vascular access at an arterial connection. The blood is returned through a venous branch (21) of the extracorporeal circulation, which is in fluid connection with the vascular access at a venous connection (13). The blood flow in the vascular access is determined by measuring the pressure part, pven, in the arterial and/or venous branch of the extracorporeal circulation when the vascular access is open and interrupted, while the extracorporeal blood flow QB is varied. Then the fistula flow QF is determined from the measured values for the arterial and/or venous pressure while the vascular access is open and interrupted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a fluid, e.g., physiologic saline; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply; and an outlet coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which the gas diffuses to create a gas-supersaturated fluid, which is removed via the outlet. The removed gas-supersaturated fluid mixes with blood within a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly to form oxygenated blood for delivery to a patient. Alternately, the blood may be provided by a pump to a high pressure hollow fiber or other type membrane oxygenator within which oxygen diffuses across the membrane(s) and into the blood to form oxygenated blood, again for delivery to a patient or other site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracorporeal processing of blood or other body fluid for the treatment of conditions, such as sepsis, autoimmune disease, or toxemia related to kidney failure, liver failure, or drug overdose are provided. In an extracorporeal treatment system, a fraction of a body fluid is passed into a treatment fluid, at least a portion of which is then passed through a sorbent suspension reactor for treatment by a sorbent suspension. The treatment fluid circuit can be maintained at a fixed volume, which enables accurate fluid balance between the patient and the extracorporeal circuit. Some or all of the treatment fluid, optionally also containing nutrients and/or therapeutic agents, is returned to the patient. In a peritoneal dialysis system, dialysate is passed into a patient's peritoneal cavity, recovered from the cavity, passed through a sorbent suspension reactor in accordance with the invention, and returned to the cavity.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling a fluid separation system, preferably a blood apheresis system having a leukocyte reduction chamber. The method utilizes a three-level alarm system. A first-level alarm condition is triggered in response to a pressure drop in the system to less than or equal to a specified system pressure and pauses fluid flow in at least a portion of the system. A second-level alarm condition is triggered in response to a specified number of said pressure drops within a specified period and reduces the flow rate of the fluid in the system. The alarm conditions may also trigger a visible and/or audible alarm. These alarm levels permit flow through the leukocyte reduction chamber to continue when the pressure drop is caused by a non-serious, self-resolving or easily-correctable condition such as misalignment of system components.

Abstract: In a pretreatment instrument and a pretreatment method of saliva, used for identification and quantitation of Streptococcus mutans in saliva by the immunochromatographic method utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, the instrument includes a swab and a mixing container for saliva and a treatment liquid, the swab having a stick and a soft synthetic resin-made sponge capable of absorbing a predetermined amount or more of saliva, and the mixing container being made of a transparent or translucent soft synthetic resin and comprising a bag-like portion formed integrally with and continuously to a constricted portion as the end of a tapering introduction portion having an opening thoroughly larger than the sponge, wherein the constricted portion and the bag-like portion have elasticity such that the sponge can be squashed by a finger pressure in a state that the sponge is inserted therein; the constricted portion has a width such that a pressure can be applied by fingers and has a shape such that when the sponge i

Abstract: The present invention provides automated peritoneal dialysis systems, methods of operating the systems and devices for performing same. A typical therapy performed by the present invention begins by draining dialysis solution that is already in the patient's peritoneal cavity. The system pumps fresh dialysate from one of a plurality of supply bags, through an in-line heater to the patient's peritoneal cavity. After a dwell period, the spent dialysate in the cavity is pumped out of the patient to a drain or other disposal means. The system then pumps fresh dialysate from the supply bags to the patient and the procedure is repeated as defined in the therapy protocol. The system can pump a last bag of dialysate to the peritoneal cavity for an extended dwell, such as a daytime dwell.

Abstract: A method and system for use in the course of extracorporeal blood flow, e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass, dialysis, and angioplasty procedures, in order to reduce or minimize inflammation, excessive bleeding, and other undesirable side effects. The system can include one or more automated blood parameter sensor modules and one or more blood parameter regulating modules. The system is particularly well suited to monitor and/or regulate blood parameters that include blood analytes (e.g., biomolecules, drugs or metabolites) as well as blood functions (e.g., clotting time, fibrinolytic activity, immune response). The system is particularly well suited for use in the management of clotting (e.g., heparing/protamine) and bleeding (e.g., aprotinin).

Abstract: A method for emptying a blood circuit of an apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood after interrupting a treatment session. The apparatus has a blood treatment device with first and second compartments separated by a semi permeable membrane, an arterial pipe connected to an inlet of the first compartment, a venous pipe connected to an outlet of the first compartment and a second end, and a used liquid circuit having a drain pipe connected to an outlet of the second compartment. The method involves the closing of the blood circuit on itself. The blood circuit includes the arterial pipe, the first compartment of the blood treatment apparatus, and the venous pipe, in order to form a closed loop circuit after the arterial and venous pipes have been disconnected from the vascular system of the patient. The blood circuit contains a liquid, which is transferred from the closed loop circuit into the used liquid circuit.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A device for treating a fluid-like sample, in particular whole blood, with treatment fluid. The device comprises a tubular container with a first piston and a second piston, with a piston gap between them in which the treatment fluid is located in the initial position. The device further comprises an inlet port to which a capillary can be connected and an outlet port to which a filter can be connected.

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

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the extracorporeal treatment of blood by utilizing a peripherally inserted dual lumen catheter assembly for the continuous removal and return of blood for renal replacement treatment, in particularly, treatment of congestive heart failure and fluid overload by ultrafiltration. A catheter is inserted in a peripheral vein and maneuvered upward through the vascular system to access the reservoir of blood in the large or great veins for continuous blood withdrawal and treatment. Air-tight connectors are incorporated in the catheter assembly to overcome the untoward effects of negative pressure in blood withdrawal.

Abstract: A dialysis machine comprises: means for calculating (60) a filtration factor (FF) as a function of the ultrafiltration rate (UFR) and of a plasma flow rate (Qp); first comparison means (65) for comparing the filtration factor (FF) with a limit value of admissibility; and signaling means (70) for generating a signal (A) indicating the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Venous reservoirs are interposed between the patient and the arterial pump and serve to remove air bubbles and provide compliance that accommodates variations in the volume of blood circulating in the extracorporeal circuit during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The invention is a reservoir that incorporates automated means to remove air bubbles from the venous line prior to the blood entering the arterial blood pump. In another form, the reservoir includes means that handles foam prior to the blood entering the blood pump. In yet another form, the invention is means that improve air removal in a soft shell venous reservoir. These features are applicable to CPB circuits using gravity drainage or vacuum assisted venous drainage.

Abstract: A device and method for increasing the safety of an extracorporeal blood treatment machine are based on monitoring transmembrane pressure. The transmembrane pressure measured by a measuring device during the treatment is compared with an upper limit transmembrane pressure L1 and a lower limit transmembrane pressure L2 which define a monitoring window. If the transmembrane pressure is outside this monitoring window, an alarm is triggered by an alarm device. The monitoring window is shifted as a function of the ultrafiltration rate. To determine the window limits, the transmembrane pressure is established after a change in the ultrafiltration rate is calculated. Thereafter, the window limits are determined on the basis of the expected transmembrane pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a placental blood collection line including a collection bag (1) in fluid communication with at least one collection needle (4, 5) via a first tube (2) associated with an inlet orifice (3) of the bag (1), said line further including a bag (6) containing a rinsing solution and which is connected to or is organized to be connected to said first tube (2) via a second tube (7). The invention also relates to a method of collecting placental 10 blood by using such a line.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning mammalian blood for subsequent use in a medical procedure includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system transports a blood charge from a source to the cabinet and a flask is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the flask. An output system is coupled to the flask and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus includes an automated control system operable upon closing the door to lock the door and to then condition the charge, and to then cause the charge to move from the flask to the receiver.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus for treating a patient with liver and/or kidney disease. In one embodiment a liver dialysis apparatus comprises an artificial liver. The artificial liver comprises a blood compartment, a vegetable protein compartment, and a clear dialysis compartment. In another embodiment the liver dialysis apparatus comprises cartridge made up of at least one layer of vegetable protein. In a further embodiment of the invention a dialysate regeneration device is provided which comprises at least one layer of vegetable protein. The vegetable protein is preferably a soy protein. The soy protein may be unmodified soy protein with urease enzyme activity, modified soy protein with or without urease activity, alone or in combination.

Abstract: A combination mass transfer and pump apparatus, which in a single step actively mixes a first mass and a second mass and simultaneously pumps one of the first mass and the second mass through the apparatus. The combination mass transfer and pump apparatus substantially comprises a housing and at least one distributor element having a plurality of selectively fluid-permeable membrane elements wherein the at least one distributor element is agitated within the second mass such that the first mass diffuses across the selectively fluid-permeable membrane elements, mixing with the second mass, and in the same step the second mass is pumped through the housing.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a device for organizing a number of tubes extending from a unit of a medical fluid system is provided. The organizing device includes a body having a number of openings that each can removably receive an end of one of the number of tubes.

Abstract: A mixing system, apparatus and/or method. Pathogen reduction of and/or mixing storage solutions into blood or blood components are useful purposes for these. Squeezing or clapping devices may be used to activate the mixing process, as may rotational devices or laterally movable, rotational and/or orbital devices. Constriction elements may also be used to create useful vortex mixing actions. Photoradiation may be provided while the components continue to be mixed together for pathogen reduction of blood or blood components.

Abstract: A device for treating blood in an extracorporeal circuit comprising a venous blood reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, and a hemoconcentrator having a first inlet connector for the blood to be treated, a second outlet connector for the outflow of concentrated blood, and a third outlet connector for the outflow of the ultrafiltered liquid, wherein the hemoconcentrator is disposed within the venous blood reservoir and the hemoconcentrator and the venous blood reservoir are integrated into a single monolithic assembly, and wherein the hemoconcentrator comprises an enclosure containing structure suitable to concentrate blood.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for red blood collection and filtration is provided wherein a red blood cell collection assembly provides for leukoreduction filtration concurrent with or soon after the red blood cell separation and collection procedure. Such procedures involve filtering the separated red blood cells in a diluted state after and/or prior to flushing the filter with storage solution. Storage solution may thus be passed through the leukoreduction filter before, with and/or after the RBCs have been filtered therethrough. The red blood cell collection, filtration and storage assembly is preferably preconnected to a blood component separation disposable assembly, including, for example, a centrifuge vessel and a blood removal/return assembly for removing blood from a donor, passing the blood to the centrifuge vessel for separation of the blood into components for collection and providing for filtration of the separated red blood cell component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of microorganisms in fluids or on surfaces. Preferably the fluids contain blood or blood products and comprise biologically active proteins. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of a photosensitizer to a fluid and exposing the fluid to photoradiation sufficient to activate the photosensitizer whereby microorganisms are inactivated.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment system comprises an ECB station with an ECB unit, such as a dialysis machine. Via a web server and a browser, the ECB station communicates with a data net to which external browsers and external web servers are connected. Thus, settings and maintenance operations may be performed on the ECB unit from a remote location. On the other hand, patient-related, machine-related or drug-related data or statistical data or consumption-related data can be transmitted from the ECB station to a remote location. The communication between a user interface, e.g., a touch screen, and the ECB unit is done via the internal browser. Thus, the user interface has access to the data net. The ECB unit receives all data, information and instructions via the web server. Thereby, data of different sources can be processed in the same format and be given different authorizations.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a dialysis system is provided. The dialysis system includes a display device and a web browser and web server embedded in the dialysis system. The browser and the server operate with the display device to display a number of dialysis therapy set-up procedure screens that require operator input, and to display a number of dialysis treatment screens that graphically illustrate the progress of at least one step in the dialysis therapy in at least substantially real time.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing blood in an extracorporeal circuit with automatic flow control is provided in which error conditions are sensed and system operation is modulated responsive to the error conditions. The apparatus includes an extracorporeal blood processing system, at least one sensor that senses the presence or absence of gas or monitors venous pressure, and a controller operably coupled to the blood processing system to selectively reduce pump speed or to reconfigure flow paths within the blood processing system responsive to the sensor output.

Abstract: A method for the removal of cholesterol, triglycerides and other lipids from animal plasma, serum or other suitable blood fractions, as a discontinuous flow system, the method comprising withdrawing blood from a subject, separating the required fraction from the blood and mixing with a solvent mixture which extracts the lipids from the fraction, after which the delipidated fraction is recombined with the blood cells and returned to the subject, wherein the solvent extraction step is carried out separately and remote from the subject. The delipidated fraction is washed with a second solvent before being recombined with the blood cells. To ensure that the delipidated fraction is free from all extraction solvent, the fraction is mixed with an absorbent specific for the solvent that is being removed. The preferred absorbent is a macroporous polymeric bead contained in the pores of a sintered glass or plastic sphere, the being capable of absorbing organic molecules from an aqueous solution.