Constituent Removed From Blood And Remainder Returned To Body Patents (Class 604/5.01)
  • Publication number: 20130303960
    Abstract: The interface between nanotechnology and biological systems is used to synthetically replicate the body's vital, innate, immune functions with targeted precision. Through the creation and use of complexed nanodiamonds (or other particles) with capture agents in a flow-through return apparatus or in an analytic/diagnostic tool, the invention provides individualized treatment of blood-borne pathogens and disease spectrums and rapid, individualized diagnostics. The invention can be used, for example, to clear blood-borne pathogens during initial infections prior to tissue sequestration in real time, to decrease overwhelming numbers of bacterial/viral/cytokine load during life threatening infectious conditions, to super sensitize the immune system to a variety of conditions-cancer markers, vaccinates, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Angela Courtney, Abigail Spinner
  • Publication number: 20130303959
    Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous arteriovenous graft system is described. The system includes an arteriovenous graft having an arterial end and an opposite venous end with a first valve device positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft and a second valve device positioned at the venous end of the arteriovenous graft. The system also includes an actuator having an accumulator. The actuator is in communication with both the first valve device and the second valve device and is configured to cause each valve device to open or close simultaneously. The accumulator assists in maintaining a generally constant pressure when the actuator causes each valve device to close.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Cull
  • Patent number: 8580112
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to dialysis systems and related methods. In one aspect of the invention, a dialysis system includes a device configured so that a medical fluid can pass therethrough, and the device is adapted to remove one or more substances from the medical fluid as the medical fluid passes through the device. The dialysis system can also include a sodium control system adapted to alter a sodium concentration of the medical fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Palmer David Updyke, Harold Frederick Sandford, Benjamin Joseph Lipps, Douglas Mark Zatezalo, Michael James Beiriger, James Matthew Mullner
  • Publication number: 20130274642
    Abstract: A dialysis device for operation in multiple modes and for maintaining a known gradient of potassium ion or other electrolyte between the blood of a patient and a dialysate fluid is described. The dialysis device is capable of being used for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and the dialysis device is capable of operation with a dialysate purification unit outside of a clinical setting or with a supply of water that can be supplied in a clinical setting. The dialysis device has a composition sensor containing a potassium-sensitive electrode for measuring a potassium ion concentration in one or more of the patient's blood and the dialysate fluid and an infusate pump operated to adjust a potassium ion concentration in the dialysate fluid based at least in part on data from the composition sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Orhan Soykan, Bryant J. Pudil, Thomas E. Meyer, Linda L. Ruetz, Carl Schu
  • Publication number: 20130274613
    Abstract: A method and a device for recognition of paravasal bleeding upon a supplying of blood to a vascular access via a line and/or upon the removal of blood from a vascular access via a line is provided. A device for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising a device for recognition of paravasal bleeding is also provided. The method and the device are based on the change of arterial pressure in the arterial branch or the venous pressure in the venous branch of the extra-corporeal circuit being registered during the extracorporeal blood treatment. One aspect of the method and the device is that pressure changes that come from a pressure level exhibiting a large difference from a reference value are more strongly considered than those that come from a pressure level that exhibits only a minor difference from the reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130274643
    Abstract: An arterial device, system and method are provided for use with a patient undergoing a cardiac procedure. The system is configured for enabling one or more arterial devices to be accommodated in the aorta of the patient in use of the system, and a perfusion lumen arrangement provides therethrough a target perfusion flow into the aorta having a target perfusion flow rate that is significantly greater than a nominal perfusion flow rate, by an excess perfusion flow rate. A suction lumen arrangement provides therethrough a suction flow out of the aorta at a suction flow rate. The target perfusion flow rate and the suction flow rate may be concurrently and selectively controlled to cause embolic debris that may be present in the aorta to be diverted to the suction inlet, while providing the nominal flow rate to the body circulation of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Eldad TAUB, Nathan SELA, Benny DILMONEY
  • Patent number: 8556843
    Abstract: Methods for treating malaria are provided, the treatment comprising the step of removing malaria-infected red blood cells from the patient's blood. Blood is drawn from the patient's circulatory system and circulated through a blood purification device that selectively eliminates the infected red blood cells from all other blood's components and replaces the cleansed blood back into the patient's circulatory system. A blood purification device, which is useful to perform the therapeutic methods of the invention, is also provided. The device leverages the magnetic properties of the hemozoin contained within the infected red blood cells and comprises one or more separation chambers (4) though which blood flows through a high-gradient magnetic field generated by an array of wires (5) separated from the chambers and not in contact with the patient blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: AccelDx
    Inventors: Alberto Gandini, Roy Weinstein, Ravi-persad Sawh, Drew Parks
  • Publication number: 20130267883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating the blood of a patient, comprising removing water from the blood of patients at a settable water removal rate, wherein the position of the patient is determined and the water removal rate is set, controlled, and/or regulated depending on the determined position of the patient. The invention further relates to an apparatus for treating the blood of a patient, comprising a blood treatment device for removing water from the blood of the patient at a settable water removal rate, wherein position-determining means for determining the position of the patient, wherein the water removal rate is settable, regulatable, and/or controllable depending on the determined position of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Guillermo MEDRANO
  • Patent number: 8551344
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Swift, Barry F. Hecker, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 8535421
    Abstract: A blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the depletion device and the depletion device to the storage bag. The depletion device includes a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; a plurality of hollow fibers or gas-permeable films extending within the receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof. The hollow fibers or gas-permeable films are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: New Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuro Yoshida, Paul J. Vernucci
  • Patent number: 8535258
    Abstract: Hemofiltration systems and methods to treat an Inflammatory Mediator Related Disease in a patients, including chronic and acute diseases, may include a hemofilter and an adsorptive device. The systems and methods may further include one or more therapeutic agents administered to the patient. The hemofilter removes ultrafiltrate from a blood stream extracted from the patient to create a filtered blood stream and an ultrafiltrate stream. The adsorptive device may include one or more adsorbent materials and may be used to adsorb inflammatory mediators from the ultrafiltrate stream received from the hemofilter to create a post adsorption ultrafiltrate stream. The post adsorption ultrafiltrate stream may be selectively combined with the filtered blood stream and together with the filtered blood stream may be returned to the mammal. Other systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Immunocept, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James R. Matson
  • Patent number: 8535521
    Abstract: A hemofiltration system or method removes unwanted molecules from a flow of blood using cascaded first and second hemofilters. Filtration of the blood in first hemofilter raises hemoconcentration of unwanted protein-bound molecules. Combination of a substitution fluid with outflow from the first hemofilter creates a concentration differential between bound and unbound molecules that frees unwanted molecules from protein bonds. Filtration of the combined fluids in a second hemofilter removes the unwanted free molecules. A second substitution fluid may be added to the twice filtered blood fluid for return to a patient. Removal of inflammatory mediators, apoptotic mediators, and certain electrolytes may be effected, and the removal may be optimized by controlling fluid flows and transmembrane pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Publication number: 20130237896
    Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment with a dialyzer which is separated by a semipermeable membrane in to a first and second chamber (29, 30), wherein the first chamber (29) is arrange in a dialysate pathway and the second chamber (30) is connectable to the blood circulation of a patient by means of a blood supply conduit (32) and a blood return conduit (31), an inlet (20) for fresh dialysate, an outlet (30) for spent dialysate, a measuring device (37) arranged in the outlet (36), wherein said measuring device (37) has at least one radiation source consisting of several light sources (1) for electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: B. Braun Avitum AG
    Inventors: Joern Meibaum, Stefan Moll, Alex Castellarnau
  • Patent number: 8529767
    Abstract: The method according to the invention and the apparatus according to the invention are characterized in that the substitution rate QS is modified by a predefined amount upstream or downstream of the dialyzer or filter while the flow rate QFM of the liquid withdrawn through the dialyzer membrane is modified. The blood volume RBV(t) or a variable correlated with the blood volume, e.g. the hematocrit Hct(t), is determined before and after modifying the substitution rate or the flow rate of the liquid withdrawn through the dialyzer or filter membrane in order to calculate fistula recirculation RA. In addition, the total recirculation R is determined. The percentage of fistula recirculation (RA) and/or cardiopulmonary recirculation (RCP) relative to the total recirculation is calculated from the determined fistula recirculation (RA) and the sum R of fistula recirculation (RA) and cardiopulmonary recirculation (RCP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8529486
    Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Patent number: 8529490
    Abstract: An access disconnection method for a machine employing a blood circuit, the blood circuit having a machine segment and a patient access segment, the method comprising: injecting an electrical signal into the blood circuit between the machine segment and the patient access segment; attempting to cause the electrical signal to flow through only the patient access segment and to bypass the machine segment; and measuring the signal in the patient access segment and determining that an access disconnection event has occurred upon a threshold change in the measured signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Ramesh Wariar, James Han, George Lamberson, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thore Falkvall
  • Patent number: 8529487
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for priming an extracorporeal blood circuit, in which the patient end of an arterial line (79) is connected to a first discharge port (61), and the patient end of a venous line (87) is connected to a second discharge port (62). The two discharge ports are connected to a used dialysate line which connects a dialyser (33) to a drain. The arterial and venous lines are filled with a priming fluid, while the air contained in the arterial and venous lines is evacuated partly through the first discharge port and partly through the second discharge port. Two check valves (65, 66) prevent flow from the used dialysate line towards the two discharge ports. The invention reduces the risk of errors on the part of an operator readying the priming configuration, as well as the risk of contamination of the extracorporeal circuit during the priming phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Massimo Fava, Mauro Suffritti, Alessandro Scaglione
  • Patent number: 8523798
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring recirculation of blood in a catheter designed for implantation in a human is described. In one variation, the system comprises an artificial circulatory system and an ultrasonic detection device for measuring and comparing the density of a circulated blood simulant with a later introduced bolus saline. The system may be configured to simulate a human heart by providing the flow, pressure and dimensions of a typical human heart. In addition to simulating the circulatory system of a normal human heart, the system may also be configured to simulate particular negative conditions of a patient, such as stenotic condition, which would affect the recirculation measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Bard Access Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Attilio E. Difiore
  • Publication number: 20130226065
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the determination of removed uremic substances from an extracorporeal blood circulation and for an adjustment of flow controlled according to this data. The method according to the invention is used for the optimization of the consumption as well as the use of a volume of dialysate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: B. Braun Avitum AG
    Inventors: Henrik Wolff, Stefan Moll
  • Patent number: 8518258
    Abstract: A hemodialysis machine or hemodiafiltration machine is provided that may be used directly for sampling for the connection to a hemodialyzer or for providing replacement fluid, as is required for regular microbiological testing. The machine does not require any additional components or any complex hygiene measures to prevent secondary contamination. By connecting an inventive sterile sampling set, samples can easily be taken. Closing elements and pumping mechanisms are controlled by a control unit as part of a sampling control program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Balschat, Reiner Spickermann, Josef Winter
  • Patent number: 8518326
    Abstract: A method may include obtaining information representing at least one of a concentration of carbon dioxide in a patient's blood, a concentration of oxygen in the patient's blood or a pH value of the patient's blood. The method may also include setting an initial carbon dioxide tension in a membrane oxygenator of an extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system based on the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Ken M. Brady, Robert A. Baruch
  • Patent number: 8518259
    Abstract: An apparatus for de-aering, oxygenating and controlling a temperature of blood in an extracorporeal blood circuit. The apparatus includes a housing, a manifold body, a heat exchanger, and an oxygenator. A blood inlet tangentially directs blood into a first chamber of the housing. The manifold body is disposed in a second chamber, and includes a core and a plurality of vanes that define channels. The heat exchanger is arranged around the manifold body, and the oxygenator around the heat exchanger. The channels are open to the heat exchanger. An established blood flow path includes rotational flow within the first chamber to separate air from the blood, generally longitudinal flow from the first chamber and along the channels, and generally radial flow through the heat exchanger and the oxygenator. With this construction, gross air removal occurs prior to the blood passing through the heat exchanger and oxygenator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Cloutier, Robert Olsen, Stephen Roller, Chris Plott, Al McLevish, Ming Li, Michael Laxen, John Knoll, Gregory Hake
  • Patent number: 8517969
    Abstract: A liquid collection bag is used as a part of an extracorporeal circuit and is connected via a tube to a storage container containing a priming solution. The collection container collects the priming solution from the storage container by a pressure differential between the pressure inside the collection container and the pressure inside the storage container. The liquid collection container is a flexible bag body having a partition part dividing the inside of the bag body into a first space and a second space. In addition, a communication part communicates the first space with the second space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norikazu Ishida, Hidetaka Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8517967
    Abstract: The present invention provides modified platelets having a reduced platelet clearance and methods for reducing platelet clearance. Also provided are compositions for the preservation of platelets. The invention also provides methods for making a pharmaceutical composition containing the modified platelets and for administering the pharmaceutical composition to a mammal to mediate hemostasis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Rosiello, Henrik Clausen
  • Publication number: 20130206693
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for supporting an operator in operating a medical device, comprising a signaling device (2, 20, 26, 9) for signaling a necessary operation of a component to be operated of the medical device, preferably by emitting a signal from the component to be operated and/or by orienting a signal onto the component to be operated. The invention further relates to a method for supporting an operator in operating a medical device, comprising the signaling of a necessary operation of a component to be operated of the medical device by emitting a signal from the component to be operated and/or by orienting a signal onto the component to be operated. Further, the invention relates to a single-use item for a medical device, preferably a single-use item for the medical device, with a component to be operated by an operator, wherein the component to be operated comprises a signaling device for emitting an optical, acoustical, and/or haptical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin THYS
  • Patent number: 8506512
    Abstract: A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Angio Dynamics
    Inventors: Lishan Aklog, Michael Glennon
  • Patent number: 8506511
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood circuit including: a withdrawal conduit connectable to a coronary withdrawal catheter; a withdrawal pump connectable to the withdrawal conduit, wherein a pumping rate of the withdrawal pump determines a blood withdrawal rate from the coronary withdrawal catheter; a filter having an input connected to the withdrawal conduit and a blood output connected to an infusion conduit and a filtrate output connected to a filtrate conduit; a filtrate measurement device to determine an amount of filtrate removed from the blood in the filter; a fluid supplementation conduit providing a blood replacement fluid to at least one of the withdrawal conduit, filter and infusion conduit; a supplementation pump connectable to the fluid supplementation conduit, wherein a pumping rate of the supplementation pump determines a rate at which the blood replacement fluid flows into the blood flowing through the blood circuit, and a controller regulating the pumping rate of the supplementation pump such that the rat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro UF Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Bernard, John J. O'Mahony, Andrew V. Halpert, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Patent number: 8501918
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology. The method involves the removal of immune system inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptor from the circulation of the mammal, thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner(s) such as TNF? muteins capable of binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor(s) from the biological fluids. Particularly useful in the invention is an absorbent matrix composed of an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner, such as a TNF? mutein, capable of specifically binding to a targeted immune system inhibitor such as soluble TNF receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cytologic, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Douglas Howell
  • Publication number: 20130197417
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling an inflammatory response in a subject. Extracorporeal devices, systems, and methods are provided that alter the functional structure of one or more inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of the subject. The device or system is useful in a method for treating an inflammatory disease or condition in the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SEARETE LLC
    Inventor: SEARETE LLC
  • Patent number: 8496874
    Abstract: An integrated centrifugal blood pump-oxygenator (1) which has a housing (2) with a top (3) having a blood inlet (4), a blood outlet (5) and a gas inlet (6), and a bottom (7) having a rotational body (8) being rotatably arranged in a rotor-housing (9) of the bottom (7). The integrated centrifugal blood pump-oxygenator (1) further has an oxygenator membrane (10) provided in an interior (11) of the housing (2), wherein in the operation state oxygen (12) is transferred from the gas inlet (6) through the oxygenator membrane (10) to a gas outlet (13) and blood (14) is brought in direct contact with the oxygenator membrane (10) by pumping the blood (14) with the rotational body (8) from the blood inlet (4) to the blood outlet (5). The rotational body (8) is magnetically journalled in a contact-free manner with respect to the rotor-housing (9). There is an extracorporeal life support system (1000), and a method of de-bubbling and priming a extracorporeal life support system (1000).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Thoratec LLC
    Inventors: Barry N. Gellman, Andrew Koert, Zhongjun Wu, Juntao Zhang, Bartley P. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8496606
    Abstract: A membraneless separation device can be applied to a variety of treatments, such as the ultrafiltration of blood for a patient with end stage renal disease. An ultrafiltration device can include a membraneless separation device, which separates an incoming blood flow into a substantially cytoplasmic body-free plasma flow and remaining fraction, and a dialysate-free second stage, which selectively removes excess fluid, toxins and other substances from the plasma flow and returns the processed plasma to the membraneless separation device. A treatment protocol can include ultrafiltering blood of a patient using the ultrafiltration device and performing a secondary treatment on the blood of the patient at a reduced frequency compared to the ultrafiltering. The membraneless separation device can also be applied to treatment, analysis, and/or exchange of plasma from blood, or combined with conventional dialyzers to perform dialysis on a cytoplasmic body-free plasma fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Ilan K. Reich, Stanley Cortell
  • Patent number: 8496807
    Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus includes a dialysis device, a detecting device, an evaluation device and a memory device. The dialysis device dialyzes and ultrafiltrates blood of a patient according to an ultrafiltration volume based on an estimated dry weight while performing hemodialysis treatment on the blood circulating extracorporeally. The detecting device obtains time series data by measuring a parameter related to concentration of the blood circulating extracorporeally at a plurality of points in time series in a process of the hemodialysis treatment by the dialysis device. The evaluation device evaluates appropriateness of the hemodialysis treatment by evaluating whether the estimated dry weight approximates to a dry weight after the hemodialysis treatment by the dialysis device. The memory device stores a plurality of time series data when the hemodialysis treatment is evaluated to be appropriate by the evaluation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Mori, Masahiro Toyoda
  • Patent number: 8491516
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed 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 embodiments 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Nina C. Shapley, Zhongliang Tang
  • Patent number: 8491561
    Abstract: Methods and materials for making an apparatus which duplicates the functionality of a physiological system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Eli Weinberg, Brian K. Orrick, Eleanor M. Pritchard, Edward J. Barnard, Nicholas J. Krebs, Theodore Marentis, Joseph P. Vacanti, Mohammad Reza Kaazempur-Mofrad
  • Patent number: 8491517
    Abstract: Methods and devices for providing dialysis treatment are provided. The device includes a resin bed including zirconium phosphate, zirconium oxide, and urease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Sujatha Karoor, Brian Donovan, Ton That Hai, Mari Katada, Luis Lu, Leo Martis, Stavroula Morti, Salim Mujais, Paul J. Sanders, Paul J. Soltys, Rahul Tandon
  • Patent number: 8485998
    Abstract: A blood treatment system including a computer with a program library containing data sets for the functional processes of blood treatment apparatus. The computer is used to generate data sets with the aid of a catalog of questions to be responded to interactively. In this manner, data sets can be generated corresponding to the individual requirements. The selecting of a data set can also be performed corresponding to the individual needs of the users and patients, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: B. Braun Avitum AG
    Inventors: Stefan Moll, Gerhard Bock, Sándor Dolgos
  • Patent number: 8480899
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of dialysis for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid, especially blood or blood plasma, which contains at least one means for solubilizing protein-binding substances to be removed into the biological fluid and/or dialysis fluid, and to a process for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hepa Wash GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Kreymann
  • Patent number: 8480606
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. Such bubbles are generated, along with particulate matter, in an extracorporeal circulatory bypass system by the pump, oxygenator and other components. Current filters are inefficient at removing small bubbles that can cause neurological defects and renal and other organ failures in the patient. An active filter apparatus and method is disclosed that forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter. The filter comprises an axially elongate cylindrical shell with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a gas outlet. A motor driven impeller spins the blood within the shell and forces the gas toward the center by centripetal force, utilizing the buoyancy effects of the bubbles in blood, whereby the bubbles can be bled off at the center of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Indian Wells Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Wieting, Jay A. Lenker
  • Patent number: 8475398
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing method using a blood circuit comprising a pair of blood passages attached to opposite flow ends of a blood treatment device and said blood circuit is mounted on a blood pump console, the method includes: withdrawing blood from a vascular system of a human patient and drawing the blood into the blood circuit; pumping the withdrawn blood through one of the pair of blood passages using a first blood pump of the console and into the blood treatment device; pumping the treated blood from the treatment device through the other of the pair of blood passages using a second blood pump of the console; infusing the treated blood from the other blood passage and into the vascular system of the patient, and periodically reversing a flow direction of blood through the pair of blood passages and blood treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro uf Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John O'Mahony
  • Patent number: 8475399
    Abstract: The present application discloses a portable dialysis system for conducting a dialysis treatment. The portable dialysis system has a controller unit that includes a display, a scale, a bar code reader, and a memory storing a plurality of programmatic instructions. Upon execution, the instructions generate a first graphical user interface, a second graphical user interface, and a third graphical user interface for presentation on the display. The first graphical user interface displays each additive required for use in the dialysis treatment. The second graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to scanning using the bar code scanner. The third graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to measurement using the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Neil Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 8470180
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
  • Patent number: 8454548
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting plasma reduced platelets potentially suspended in a synthetic solution from a donor. Whole blood is drawn from the donor and introduced into a separation chamber. Platelets are extracted from the separation chamber into a container, using, for example, surge (with anticoagulated plasma or a synthetic solution) or push methodologies. The remaining blood components in the separation chamber are returned back to the donor. The steps of drawing whole blood and introducing the whole blood into the separation chamber, extracting platelets from the separation chamber into the container, and returning the remaining components in the chamber back to the donor are repeated. The sequestered platelets in the container are reintroduced into the separation chamber, whereupon a plasma reduced platelet product is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Ohashi, Etienne Pagès, Dominique Uhlmann, Pascal Maillard, Michael Ragusa
  • Patent number: 8454549
    Abstract: A pumping system for assisting a patient's heart includes a blood pump disposed outside the patient's body and having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet cannula is configured for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient, and in fluid communication with the blood pump inlet to provide blood to the blood pump. An outlet perfusion cannula is configured for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient, and in fluid communication with the blood pump outlet to provide blood to the patient's vascular system. A control system is provided to control the blood pump and includes at least two control units for redundant control of the blood pump. Each control unit includes a watchdog for monitoring the control unit. A variation of the pumping system includes a bidirectional cannula for insertion percutaneously into the vascular system of the patient and to extend into the patient's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: CardiacAssist, Inc.
    Inventors: Zafiris G. Zafirelis, John C. Marous, III, Yih-Choung Yu, Kirk A. Lehmann, Greg A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8449487
    Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus (1) comprising a degassing unit (15) receiving gas-containing fluid and supplying degassed fluid to a fluid chamber (3) of a blood treatment unit (2). The degassing unit has a gas separator (16), a degassing pump (18) to circulate fluid in a degassing line (12), a flow restrictor (17) for reducing the pressure in the degassing line (12), an absolute pressure sensor (19), and a control unit (20) designed to control the speed of said degassing pump from the absolute pressure signal emitted by the pressure sensor. The apparatus comprises a dialysis machine provided with a device for preparing on-line a dialysis liquid from water and concentrates. The apparatus achieves an accurate and reliable regulation of a desired concentration of gas in the dialysis liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Roy Hovland, Anders Wallenborg
  • Patent number: 8444586
    Abstract: A device for degassing gas bubbles out of a liquid comprises a housing having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and a gas bubble outlet. The housing includes a spiral wall defining a spiral flow path for the liquid and a hydrophobic membrane above the spiral wall and between the spiral wall and the gas bubble outlet. The spiral wall forces inward liquid entering the housing through the inlet into a spiral flow along the spiral flow path, and causes an upward flow of the gas bubbles toward the hydrophobic membrane. A method for degassing gas bubbles out of a liquid, e.g., blood, e.g., during hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration, and use of such a degassing device in an extracorporeal circuit for degassing gas bubbles out of liquid, e.g., blood, e.g., during hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Christof Beck
  • Patent number: 8444585
    Abstract: A blood access device includes (i) a first layer, a bottom surface of the first layer including (a) an adhesive or (b) a hook and loop material for securing the first layer to a patient, a first conductive attachment material located at a top surface of the first layer; (ii) a first conductor contacting the first conductive attachment material; (iii) a second layer, a second conductive attachment material located at a bottom surface of the second layer, the first and second conductive attachment materials configured to be releasably secured to each other; (iv) a second conductor contacting the second conductive attachment material; and (v) a blood vessel access member carried by the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Karl H. Cazzini
  • Patent number: 8444620
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Barry F. Hecker
  • Patent number: 8439858
    Abstract: An arterial line blood filter for use in extracorporeal blood circuits during heart bypass surgery has, among other components, a housing with a cap portion, a base portion, and a generally cylindrical wall portion. The blood filter has a filter element disposed within the housing. An inlet is positioned at an upward angle with respect to the housing and includes an opening in the generally cylindrical wall portion in fluid communication with the inlet chamber. In some embodiments the position of the inlet limits the pressure drop and prime volume of the filter. According to one embodiment, the cap portion has an upwardly sloping inner surface and there is a vent in the cap portion. The inner surface of the cap portion can have a projection proximate the vent configured to limit immobilization of gaseous microemboli within the inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor C. Huang, Alford L. McLevish, Joseph L. Kalscheuer, Roderick E. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 8430832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices to treat and/or prevent inflammatory conditions within a subject and to related methods. More particularly, the invention relates to systems, devices, and related methods that sequester leukocytes and/or platelets and then inhibit their inflammatory action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of Michigan, CytoPherx, Inc.
    Inventors: H. David Humes, Deborah Buffington
  • Patent number: 8425838
    Abstract: A filter member used in an oxygenator is constructed to provide improved contact with a hollow fiber membrane bundle and to capture bubbles contained in blood. The filter member possesses elasticity at least in the circumferential direction to allow the inner circumference of the filter member to be increased from a natural non-expanded state prior to placement on the hollow fiber membrane bundle to an expanded state in which the inner circumference of the filter member is increased when placed on the hollow fiber membrane bundle. The filter member is constructed to satisfy the condition 0.5?L2/L1<1, wherein L1 represents the outer circumference of the hollow fiber membrane bundle and L2 represents the inner circumference of the filter member in the natural non-expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Mizoguchi, Eiji Kato