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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of removing a deleterious substance bound to a protein in blood of a patient by introducing a displacer substance into the blood under conditions in which the displacer substance replaces deleterious substance bound to the protein, thereby resulting in additional unbound deleterious substance in the blood, and removing unbound deleterious substance from the blood by extracorporeal renal replacement treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degassing devices for dialysate circuits. One embodiment has a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing in an annular relationship. A second embodiment comprises a dialysate regeneration system with urease, a dialyzer, and a housing with an external wall, where the external wall is exposed to atmosphere and comprises a material that passes gas but does not pass liquid and where the housing is positioned between the urease and dialyzer.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for removal of contrast from blood. In one aspect, the invention provides a catheter for removal of contrast from the veins that drain the cerebral circulation. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for removing contrast from blood by contacting the blood with a sorbent.

Abstract: An early warning and shutdown system that connects to a fluid loss detection device for dressings at pre-existing port sites, catheter sites, operative sites, ostomy sites, drain sites, line sites such as those utilized in hemodialysis, wound sites, or other areas for which monitoring of fluid or blood loss is medically indicated. The early warning and shutdown system sounds an alarm when the fluid loss detection device senses a loss of fluid, and then compresses a return tube carrying such fluid to stop further fluid loss if the fluid loss continues.

Abstract: A method provides for checking the correct coupling of an adding device to a therapeutic appliance that includes an extracorporeal circuit with which the adding device is connected such that a drug can be introduced into the extracorporeal circuit by the adding device during operation of the therapeutic appliance. The adding device is coupled to the extracorporeal circuit on the suction side of a pump disposed in the extracorporeal circuit, with a portion in the region of negative pressure of the extracorporeal circuit being in connection with a portion of the adding device that is closed with respect to the other parts of the extracorporeal circuit, and with the pressure in the closed portion being varied and measured.

Abstract: An oxygenator combines, in a single structure, a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger, an arterial filter, and a filter frame. Such an oxygenator permits fewer fluid connections and thus may simplify an extracorporeal blood circuit, including a heart-lung machine and a blood reservoir, in which it is used. In some embodiments, the oxygenator may be configured to include multiple purge ports for purging bubbles both before and after filtering the blood.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: A medical connector (18) has a visual signal (67) formed by a colored screen-applied band arranged on a bolt (63). In a correct engaged position of the bolt (63) with an external element, the signal is visible. In an incorrect engaged position, the part of the bolt (63) bearing the signal is lowered, so that the signal is hidden from view, providing an indication of a faulty situation. The medical connector serves to connect the end of a dialysate supply tube to an inlet port of a dialyser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing gas accumulations from a component of an extracorporeal blood circuit, a control device for executing a method according to the present invention, a medical treatment apparatus which comprises at least one control device and/or stands in signal transmission or is connected for signal transmission with it, a digital storage medium, a computer program product as well as a computer program.

Abstract: Hemodialysis dialysis systems are disclosed. Hemodialysis systems of the invention may include a dialysate flow path including a balancing circuit, a mixing circuit, and/or a directing circuit. The circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuits may be at least partially isolated, spatially and/or thermally, from electrical components of the system. A gas supply may be provided in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. The hemodialysis systems may include fluid handling devices, actuated using a control fluid, optionally delivered using a detachable pump. Fluid handling devices may be generally rigid and of a spheroid shape, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into compartments.

Abstract: A circuit for collecting a blood component includes a blood collection device provided with a blood collection needle through which blood is collected from a blood donor, a blood separator in which the blood collected by the above blood collection device is separated, a blood component collection bag in which a predetermined blood component separated by the above blood separator is collected, a blood line in which the blood collection needle is connected to an inlet of the blood separator, a line for removing an initial blood flow, which branches from a first branching portion formed in the blood line, and in which an initial flow of blood collected from the blood donor is removed, and an anticoagulant-injection line that branches from a second branching portion, formed in the line for removing the initial blood flow, and into which an anticoagulant is injected.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus and associated methods are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. An apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulating agents and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits are also disclosed. The invention provides a clotting cascade initiation apparatus including a substantially enclosed sterile containment chamber within which an aliquot of blood fluid, either autologous or from donor sources, can be received and retained. In preferred embodiments, the sterile containment chamber further includes a heparin binding agent which will bind heparin and remove it from the blood fluid. In further embodiments, the containment chamber will also include a procoagulating agent, wherein a clotting cascade can be initiated when the blood fluid is accepted into the sterile containment chamber.

Abstract: A method for extracorporeally administering selected biologic agents that target soluble cytokines and chemokines via immunoapheresis in order to treat patients with a variety of acute or chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease states.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods reduce levels of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators in blood by selective adsorption. The devices, systems, and methods are useful in situations where abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators occur, or during events that do induce or have the potential for inducing abnormal production of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators. The devices, systems, and methods serve to prevent, control, reduce, or alleviate the severity of the inflammatory response and disease states that are associated with abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators.

Abstract: A low flow blood chamber for optically monitoring blood flowing through extracorporeal tubing has a flat elongated blood flow cavity but preserves the circular viewing area of conventional blood chambers. The blood chamber provides consistent, mixed flow through the blood cavity even at low blood flow rates, e.g. 10 to 500 ml/min., while maintaining certain dimensional characteristics of conventional blood chambers.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes (i) blood tubing; (ii) a peristaltic blood pump contacting the blood tubing to pump blood through the blood tubing; (iii) a dialyzer in fluid communication with the blood tubing; (iv) first and second peristaltic dialysate pumps; (v) a dialysate heater; (vi) a plurality of pinch valves; and (vii) a cassette including a rigid structure, a heating portion, first and second dialysate pumping tubes, and a plurality of incoming tubes, the rigid structure when the cassette is mounted for operation orienting (a) the heating portion adjacent to the dialysate heater so that dialysate can be heated by the dialysate heater, (b) the first and second dialysate pumping tubes adjacent to the first and second peristaltic dialysate pumps, and (c) the plurality of incoming tubes adjacent to the plurality of pinch valves to enable the tubes to be individually closed by the pinch valves.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods reduce levels of proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators in blood by selective adsorption. The devices, systems, and methods are useful in situations where abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators occur, or during events that do induce or have the potential for inducing abnormal production of proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators. The devices, systems, and methods serve to prevent, control, reduce, or alleviate the severity of the inflammatory response and disease states that are associated with abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus includes a blood circuit having arterial and venous blood circuits, a blood pump, a blood purifying device, an indicator applying device that applies a predetermined indicator to the blood flowing extracorporeally through the blood circuit, a detecting device that detects the indicator applied by the indicator applying device, an arithmetic device that calculates, based on the indicator detected by the detecting device, a recirculation rate, and a calculating device that calculates an ideal extracorporeally circulating blood flow that results in the recirculation rate being no more than a predetermined value when the recirculation rate calculated by the arithmetic device is greater than the predetermined value. The recirculation rate is a proportion of a recirculated blood flow, which is reintroduced to the patient from the venous blood circuit and directed again to the arterial blood circuit, relative to an extracorporeally circulating blood flow.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood therapy control unit housing has a first and second manually mounted panels and spring loaded components configured for releasably engaging and tensioning the said panels against a side of said housing. The first and second panels have arch-shaped tubing segments mounted on the interior side of said respective panels. Each of the tubing segments are held in operational engagement with a different peristaltic pump rotor by the panel engaging and tensioning components.

Abstract: A method of improving the blood compatibility of a blood-contacting surface includes immobilizing carbonic anhydrase on the surface, wherein the surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the surface based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase.

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a first return lumen, a plurality of withdrawal lumens, a first clamping member and a plurality of intake extension tubes. Each intake extension tube communicates with an intake lumen of the catheter to provide fluid communication with the respective intake lumens. The intake extension tubes are positioned in a stacked arrangement, and the clamping member has a plurality of posts to receive the stacked tubes to limit lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: This patent application relates generally to processing devices in the medical device area.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject for treatment of a disease or condition in the vertebrate subject. An implantable device is provided which includes a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one first reservoir in communication with at least one lumen; one or more energy sources configured to provide energy to elicit one or more signal responses associated with one or more labels that bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of the vertebrate subject; one or more sensors configured to detect the one or more signal responses associated with one or more labeled target components; and one or more reactive components in communication with the at least one lumen for release responsive to the one or more sensors.

Abstract: An oxygenator combines, in a single structure, a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger and an arterial filter. Such an oxygenator permits fewer fluid connections and thus may simplify an extracorporeal blood circuit, including a heart-lung machine and a blood reservoir, in which it is used. In some cases, the oxygenator may be configured to include multiple purge ports for purging bubbles both before and after filtering the blood.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes an automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machine including a logic implementer and a wireless interface receiver. The system also includes at least one of a scale or a blood pressure monitor including a wireless interface transmitter. The scale or blood pressure monitor is operable to send at least one of patient blood pressure data and patient weight data wirelessly, respectively, to the wireless interface receiver. The logic implementer is configured to store the patient blood pressure data or patient weight data. A server computer is configured to communicate with the logic implementer to receive the stored at least one patient blood pressure data and patient weight data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment device comprising a treatment unit and a device for controlling the treatment unit for preparing and carrying out the blood treatment. The blood treatment device also comprises an internal communication unit for communicating with an external communication unit. In order to the prepare the device blood treatment, the patient sends an initiation code by means of an external communication unit to the internal communication device. Routines required for preparing the blood treatment are then started. One main advantage is that the patient, for example during home dialysis, does not need to be present when the device is preparing for dialysis and the dialysis preparation can be started when the patient thinks of returning home in time for the beginning of the preparation phase.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling or modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject. Devices and systems are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to fluid flow into the at least one lumen; at least one first reservoir disposed within the body and configured to include one or more bifunctional tags, wherein the one or more bifunctional tags are configured to selectively bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; and at least one second reservoir disposed in the at least one treatment region and configured to include one or more reactive components, wherein the one or more reactive components are configured to sequester the one or more bifunctional tags when bound to the one or more target components.

Abstract: Methods and devices for selectively removing an agent from a physiological site, e.g., a physiological efferent fluid collection site, are provided. Aspects of the invention include fluid removal (e.g., aspiration) devices having a fluid removal element and a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of the fluid removal element. The flow modulator is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into the fluid removal element. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including the selective removal of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents from a variety of different physiological sites.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface allowing a patient to program a treatment including at least one patient fill performed by the dialysate pump, at least one dwell, and at least one drain performed by the dialysate pump; and the GUI further programmed to provide an alert when it is time to begin the treatment so as to complete the at least one patient fill, dwell and drain by a prescribed time.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a blood fluid removal session for a patient in need thereof; monitoring a cardiovascular parameter of the patient; determining whether the indicator of the cardiovascular state crosses a predetermined threshold; and altering a parameter of the blood fluid removal session if the indicator is determined have crossed the threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus for treating blood outside the human body, with a view to improving the operation of the apparatus, the apparatus including a semi-permeable membrane carrying out an exchange of solutes, referred to as dialysis, and of liquid, referred to as ultrafiltration, with the blood, the method including at least one iteration of the following steps: determination of a so-called instantaneous value, of an ultrafiltration coefficient corresponding to the ratio of an ultrafiltration flow rate to a difference in pressure, the so-called transmembrane pressure, on either side of the semi-permeable membrane, comparison of the instantaneous value with at least one previously determined characteristic value; and control of the treatment apparatus to reach a maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient, the control including a variation of the ultrafiltration flow rate up to a value corresponding to the maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient.

Abstract: A switch comprises a rotating switch member which provides fluid communication in three modes; infusion, recirculation and priming The switch is located between the oxygenator and drug bag and the cardioplegia pump raceway. The switch has three channels molded into the rotating manifold which either direct blood and cardioplegia into the coronary arteries of the patient or into a recirculation line. When the switch is rotated into the recirculation line, a hose is in fluid connection through the switch and connects the recirculation line with the pump blood and drug inlet lines thereby allowing cooling of the cardioplegic mixture during the time between infusions.

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system with a ratiometric model determines hematocrit values for a hemodialysis patient, from which hemoglobin values for the patient are estimated. The ratiometric model is calibrated, normally against a cell counter, using blood from a blood bank. The blood from a blood bank is preserved in a long term preservative which is typically different than that found in clinical settings. The hematocrit value determined by the ratiometric model is scaled by scaling factor so that the estimated hemoglobin level output from the monitor consistently matches that measured in a clinical setting. The hematocrit scaling factor is substantially about 1.033 when the patient's blood sample is stored in a short term preservative ethylene diamine tetra acetic, and is substantially about 1.06 when the hematocrit is measured in the blood sample without preservative being added to the blood sample. The hemoglobin value can also be adjusted for altitude.

Abstract: A dialysis system instrument includes a dialysis instrument, a disposable pumping and valving cassette apparatus operable with pumping and valving actuators of the dialysis instrument, the disposable cassette including an electronic cell and electronics associated with the electronic cell, the electronics configured to determine an electrical property of a solution flowing through the electronic cell of the disposable apparatus.

Abstract: Artificial kidney for gradual, and at least semi-continuous, blood treatment, wherein a blood stream is fed from a body of a living human or animal being into the artificial kidney, where anticoagulation is first effected, blood cells and molecules of large and medium molecular weight, such as proteins, are then primarily separated from plasma and fed back to the blood stream, regulating a water and salt balance by diverting excess plasma water and further removing from the blood stream, plasma or plasma water accumulated and toxic substances, by removal of specific electrolytes and waste products and wherein purified or partially purified plasma and plasma water is being carried back to the blood tract of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling blood withdrawal and infusion flow rate with the use of a pressure controller. The pressure controller uses pressure targets based upon occlusion limits that are calculated as a function of flow. The controller has the ability to switch from controlling withdrawal pressure to controlling infusion pressure based upon the detection of an occlusion. The controller distinguishes between partial and total occlusions of the withdrawal vein providing blood access. Depending on the nature of occlusion, the controller limits or temporarily reverses blood flow and, thus, prevents withdrawal vessel collapse or reverses blood flow to quickly infuse blood into the vessel without participation from operator.

Abstract: The instant invention encompasses a catheter, comprising: a first expandable occlusion device and a second expandable occlusion device, expandable beyond a wall of the catheter, the first occlusion device and the second occlusion device spaced along the catheter for generating an occluded segment of the blood vessel between the first occlusion device and the second occlusion device when the first occlusion device and the second occlusion device are expanded, a lumen or catheter for removing uncontaminated blood from a location up-stream of a first expandable occlusion device; a lumen or catheter for reintroducing the uncontaminated blood into a subject downstream from the second expandable occlusion device; apparati encompassing the above technology; and methods of use incorporating same.

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

Abstract: A blood treatment machine has a housing and a blood treatment module to hold components of an extracorporeal blood circulation. The machine simplifies access to a securing means for securing objects, in particular containers such as bags containing medicinal fluids, that is attached to a rod-shaped means attached to the blood treatment machine. Vertical and horizontal directions are defined by the orientation of the housing during the use of the blood treatment machine. The rod-shaped means has at least one first section and a second section, whereby the axial extent in the second section runs in a different direction than in the first section. In another embodiment, the rod-shaped means has a cropped course.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an operator in operating a medical device, comprising a signaling device 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. 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. 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.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling or modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject. Devices and systems are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to fluid flow into the at least one lumen; at least one first reservoir disposed within the body and configured to include one or more bifunctional tags, wherein the one or more bifunctional tags are configured to selectively bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; and at least one second reservoir disposed in the at least one treatment region and configured to include one or more reactive components, wherein the one or more reactive components are configured to sequester the one or more bifunctional tags when bound to the one or more target components.

Abstract: A cell sorting apparatus includes an extracorporeal circulation system 10 for sampling blood from a subject and circulating the blood outside a body; a cell measuring section 20 for supplying measurement light to cells contained in the blood to optically measure cell information on the physical quantity relating to the volume of the cell itself or a nucleus of the cell; and a cell separating section 30 for separating cells with reference to the cell information measured. The cell separating section 30 separates cells, based on the cell information measured by the cell measuring section 20 and a sorting condition set for sorting a specific type of cell such as a cancer cell, the cells satisfying the sorting condition, and returns the other cells into the body via the extracorporeal circulation system 10. Thus, a cell sorting apparatus can be realized which is capable of suitably sorting a target cell from the cells in blood.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration device and method for the removal of excess fluid in hypervolemic patients and/or removal of toxins in the blood including for patients suffering from either renal or cardiovascular disease is disclosed. An embodiment of the device includes a housing containing multiple large bore hollow fiber membranes which are connected to the patient's vascular system via a connecting element comprising bifurcated fluid pathway elements to physiologically channel the blood flow either to or from each hollow fiber membrane of the device, a channel to direct the fluid removed by the device to a suitable collection container or the patient's bladder, and controls that control excessive removal of the water from the patient. Devices can be either worn extracorporeally or surgically implanted in order to allow for continuous fluid removal with ambulatory freedom.

Abstract: A fluid loss detection device for dressings at pre-existing port sites, catheter sites, operative sites, ostomy sites, drain sites, line sites such as those utilized in hemodialysis, wound sites, or other areas for which monitoring of fluid or blood loss is medically indicated. The detection device includes a patch having a primary loop circuit and an early warning alarm circuit loop. In one embodiment, closure of the early warning alarm circuit loop activates an alarm. The alarm may be connected directly to the patch and sound locally or may be activated remotely via radio transmission. The alarm may alternatively cause a medical device such as a hemodialysis system to shut down.

Abstract: A process for detoxifying the blood of a patient in need thereof involves: collecting albumin from human plasma and/or plasma fractions; diafiltration of a mixture containing the collected albumin; stabilizing the resulting diafiltered albumin mixture with sodium chloride and an amino acid in the absence of any added fatty acid; pasteurizing the stabilized albumin mixture; diafiltering the pasteurized mixture to remove, among other things, stabilizers; and detoxifying the blood of the patient by administering the resulting albumin to the patient. In one embodiment, the amino acid stabilizing agent is acetyl tryptophan. The resulting albumin has at least about 80% albumin binding capacity relative to natural plasma albumin, and is storage stable for about 30 months at 30° C.

Abstract: A multi-part substitution infusion fluid for an extracorporeal blood treatment and methods for using same are provided. Generally, the multi-part substitution fluid comprises a first solution composed of electrolytes but without divalent cations and a second solution comprising divalent cations. Another embodiment includes a third solution comprising a matching citrate/citric acid anticoagulant. The described methods of using the multi-part substitution infusion fluids significantly reduce risks associated with various extracorporeal blood treatments.