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.

Abstract: An autonomic nervous activity monitor capable of predicting occurrence of abnormal reaction depending on autonomic nervous activity and used for medical practice and the like is provided. A blood component collecting apparatus 100 carries out frequency analysis to a pattern of heartbeat which is acquired by an ECG 300 from a donor, and calculates a high frequency component value [msec2] defined as an indicator for parasympathetic activity and a ratio value of a low frequency component to the high frequency component defined as an indicator for sympathetic activity to detect a change in these values on a time-series base. When a judgment circuit 204 predicts that abnormal reaction may occur to a donor after blood collection operation is started, a controller 200 controls a pump 9 to decrease a blood drawing or blood returning speed, or, to stop blood drawing or blood returning operation.

Abstract: A method and blood treatment equipment for controlling infusion are described. The equipment comprising: an extracorporeal blood circuit, a pre-infusion line connected to the blood circuit upstream a blood treatment unit, a post-infusion line connected to the blood circuit downstream the blood treatment unit, a waste line connected to an outlet of the treatment unit. A sensor operates on the waste line for sensing at least one fluid parameter and is connected to a control unit which commands a fluid flow through said pre-infusion line and through said post-infusion line. The control unit also determines from values of said fluid parameter at least a corresponding value of an efficiency parameter relating to blood depuration efficiency of the blood treatment unit, and controls the flow rate of at least one of the fluid flows through said infusion lines as a function of the value of the efficiency parameter. A software program for execution by the control unit is also claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology and medicine. More in particular, the invention relates to cross-? structures and the biological role of these cross-? structures. In one embodiment, the invention discloses a method for modulating extracellular protein degradation and/or protein clearance comprising modulating cross-?(beta) structure formation (and/or cross-? structure-mediated activity) of the protein present in the circulation.

Abstract: A description is given of a method of monitoring the operationality of a flow cut-off member for an extracorporeal fluid circuit. Also described is a system for arresting the flow of blood that implements this monitoring method. The system has a flow cut-off member active on a radially deformable length of tube forming part of the circuit, and a unit capable of causing a movement of a movable portion of the cut-off member towards a closed condition. The system detects when the movable portion passes through a first predetermined position and determines the value assumed by a dynamic parameter associated with the motion of the movable portion at the first predetermined position. The system further checks that this value is within a predetermined criterion of acceptability. Lastly, a blood treatment appliance is described that implements the described method and system.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.

Abstract: A method of treating a bodily fluid withdrawn and then returned to a living body. The method involves withdrawing the bodily fluid from the living body and causing the bodily fluid to flow through a treatment system, altering at least the density of the bodily fluid through the action of a second fluid as the bodily fluid flows through the treatment system, sensing at least the density and flow rate of the bodily fluid before the density thereof is altered by the second fluid, sensing at least the density and flow rate of the bodily fluid after the density thereof is altered by the second fluid, sensing at least the density and flow rate of the second fluid, controlling the density and/or flow rate of the second fluid based on the sensed densities and flow rates, and returning the bodily fluid to the living body.

Abstract: It is disclosed a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment in which a flow-inverting device is interposed between a blood treatment unit and a blood pump placed on an artery branch connected with a vascular access of a patient. The flow-inverting device allows the blood flow within the filtering unit to be kept unchanged even following an inverted circulation in the patient-side artery and vein branches controlled by the blood pump.

Abstract: Provided is a blood diagnosis method of providing a diagnostic marker which is general and which contributes to dialysis treatment and evaluation of clinical effects. The method includes a step of collecting blood samples from a dialysis patient before and/or after dialysis and a step of performing a gene diagnosis based on mRNA markers on the collected blood samples. The mRNA markers are previously identified on the basis of correlations between clinical data and mRNA profiles.

Abstract: An adsorbent of high-mobility-group proteins (HMG protein) which can remove HMG protein in body fluid is disclosed. The adsorbent according to the present invention has a water-insoluble carrier on which (a) substance(s) having (a) hydrogen-bondable functional group(s) and/or (a) hydrophobic functional group(s) is(are) immobilized.

Abstract: A blood purification method that purifies blood taken from a body by blood dialysis or by hemodiafiltration includes the step of changing an osmotic pressure of the blood to an increasing condition until a blood volume (BV level) attains a standard blood volume, in a former part of a blood purification process and the step of maintaining a standard blood volume and periodically changing the osmotic pressure of the blood in a later part of the blood purification process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of priming or rinse back of an extracorporeal circuit using a dialysis machine comprising a dialysis liquid preparation system. The dialysis machine is used to prepare a saline solution on-line. The extracorporeal circuit is connected to the dialysis machine and primed with the saline solution.

Abstract: A blood purification device capable of performing an ideal blood purification treatment which accounts for blood recirculation is provided. That is, a blood purification device is furnished with a blood circuit containing an arterial blood circuit and a venous blood circuit for circulating blood outside the body, a dialyzer for purifying blood flowing in the blood circuit, hematocrit sensors for measuring the hematocrit value of blood circulating outside the body in the blood circuit, and a recirculation rate derivation means for obtaining a recirculation rate, and further provided with a true value derivation means for obtaining a patient's true hematocrit value based on the recirculation rate obtained by the recirculation rate derivation means.

Abstract: To accomplish isolation and removal of a substance from a vasculature, a catheter is employed to occlude a vessel of the vasculature. The substance is thus isolated in the vasculature and can be removed. In this way, the substance is removed before entering other parts of the circulatory system. This method is applicable to removal of contrast from the coronary sinus shortly after injection of the coronary arteries with the contrast. The method substantially minimizes or avoids renal dysfunction caused by angiographic procedures in which contrast must be injected. Such angiographic procedures are often performed during intervention procedures. This method substantially prevents circulation of the contrast to the kidneys where it could otherwise cause renal dysfunction or failure. The apparatus for implementation of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fitting (1) for a blood circulating circuit (4) of a dialysis machine has a first ans a second mouth (8, 9) for connecting the fitting (1) to a first ans a second portion (2, 3) of the blood circulating circuit (4) respectively; the fitting (1) defining a third portion (10) of the blood circulating circuit (4) by means of a tuby (6) by which to determine the absorption of electromagnetic waved by the blood, and by means of a chamber (7) having a wall (15) movable as a function of the pressure of the blood.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus particularly involving the separation of blood into blood components and the collection of such components are disclosed. In one aspect, an extra-corporeal method for the collection of plasma and red blood cells is provided, wherein the collection of plasma and red blood cells may occur simultaneously or subsequently utilizing the same dual stage blood processing vessel. The flow of blood to the blood processing vessel and return of uncollected blood components may be provided via a single needle, wherein blood is removed from and returned to a donor/patient during alternating blood removal and blood return submodes. Platelet separation and collection options are also described. In either case, prior to red blood cell collection, a set-up phase may be carried out to set a predetermined hematocrit and AC ratio. Replacement fluid delivery may optionally also be provided either substantially continuously during any collection phase(s) and/or in a bolus mode.

Abstract: A device for treating blood by extracorporeal circulation comprising a filter having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a semi-permeable membrane. The device has an arterial line connected to the first chamber of the filter, a venous line issuing from the first chamber of the filter, a channel used for pre-infusion of a substance for regional anticoagulation and linked to the arterial line, a purge channel issuing from the second chamber of the filter, and an air separator on the venous line. The device also includes a line for post-infusion of a solution at least partially re-establishing the ionic equilibrium of the blood downstream of the air separator, the post-infusion line being configured immediately upstream of an air detector.

Abstract: A number of improvements relating to methods and apparatuses for kidney dialysis are disclosed. These include a method providing an apparatus for dialyzing to a consumer, with the apparatus including a controller for controlling a dialysate parameter, a delivery system for delivering the dialysate to a dialysate compartment of a dialyzer, and a user/machine interface having a touch screen to display an indicium corresponding to a parameter pertinent to operation of the apparatus for use in dialysis and to enable a user though touching the indicium to effect a change in the parameter. The method also includes providing supplies that are useable with the apparatus to the consumer.

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: The invention relates to a method for determining blood volume during extracorporeal blood circulation, which is based on measuring the propagation rate or propagation time of the pulse waves propagating in the extracorporeal circulation system. The invention preferably involves the measurement of the propagation rate or propagation time of the pulse waves generated by the blood pump, which is placed in arterial branch of the blood line. The device for determining blood volume can make use of the pressure sensor, which is placed in the venous branch of the blood line and which is already provided in prior art blood treatment devices. As a result, the amount of equipment required is relatively low.

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: Methods and devices are provided that improve the function of organ support devices, and also provided are improved methods of treating conditions associated with hemodynamic instability.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment machine in which a blood circuit (3) is equipped with an inlet line leading to a filtration unit (2) and with an outlet line (3b) from the filtration unit; a fluid circuit comprises an inlet line (4a) leading to the filtration unit and an outlet line (4b) from the filtration unit so as to allow a fluid taken from a primary container (5) to circulate within the filtration unit, thus enabling the treatment of the patient's blood. There is further an infusion line (6) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit, which is supplied by an auxiliary fluid container (7). The inlet line of the fluid circuit is equipped with at least an infusion branch (8) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit so as to enable the intensive therapy machine to manage therapies with large exchange of fluids.

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: An adsorbent which comprises a water-insoluble carrier and a compound, which is immobilized on said carrier, having a binding affinity for an antibody against ?1-adrenoceptor and/or an antibody against M2 muscarinic receptor exhibits a remarkably large adsorptive capacity.

Abstract: A device and method for selectively controlling the direction of blood flow to and from the patient during hemodialysis is provided. Specifically, the device and method reverse flow between four fluid lines without changing connections between a patient and a hemodialysis machine. Advantageously, the blood is subjected to minimal stresses as it passes through the switching device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for preventing retrograde flow of fluid, e.g., blood products, into a source of sterile substitution fluid (50). The apparatus of the present invention includes a controllable pinch valve member (110) that is placed on a section of a conduit (90) which carries sterile substitution fluid to an extracorporeal circuit (30). In one embodiment, control over the valve member (110) is based on a control unit (120) using fluid pressures that are sensed upstream and downstream of the valve member (110) by upstream sensor (121) and downstream pressure (122) respectively. The valve member (110) is preferably opened only when the upstream pressure is greater than the downstream pressure. This assures that the substitution fluid flows only in a single direction when the pinch valve member (110) completely occludes the conduit (90) when in a closed position. Therefor, blood will not contaminate the sterile fluid by being drawn into the conduit (90) due to pressure differences.

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 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 and method for an extracorporeal blood treatment is described. The device comprising at least one exchanger equipped with at least one first inlet for the blood to be treated, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, an input line for blood to be treated connected to the first inlet of the exchanger, a blood output line (or venous line) connected to the first outlet of the exchanger, at least one treatment unit comprising at least one first fluid inlet and at least one first fluid outlet, the second outlet of the exchanger being in fluid communication with the first inlet of the treatment unit, where the first outlet from the treatment unit is in fluid communication with the input line and the second outlet of the treatment unit is in fluid communication with a first waste liquid discharge line.

Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method to treat an Inflammatory Mediator Related Disease in a mammal, including chronic and acute diseases, include a hemofilter and an adsorptive device. The hemofilter removes ultrafiltrate from a blood stream extracted from the mammal 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.

Abstract: A hemodiafiltration/hemofiltration cartridge is preferably formed of a single cartridge providing multi-stage hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration defined by a first hemodiafiltration stage having first filtering elements and a second hemofiltration stage having second filtering elements. Both stages are contained in a single cartridge. The cartridge can be used in a mid-dilution scheme, a pre-dilution scheme or a post-dilution scheme.

Abstract: An automatic dialyzer for purifying blood brought into contact with a dialysate via a semi-impermeable membrane. The dialyzer includes at least a blood circulating system and a dialysate supply/discharge system, wherein the blood line of the blood circulating system is connected to an overflow line having a reversibly-rotatable blood pump, a blood chamber, and an open/close device for overflowing of liquid from the blood chamber to the outside of the blood line. Liquid supply means is provided to a first bypass line and/or a second bypass line for supplying liquid in both forward and reverse directions to enable regulation of the supply amount of the dialysate for water removing/liquid replenishing. The supply speed of the liquid supply device and the supply speed of the blood pump are regulatable in conjunction with each other. Also provided is a dialyzing method using the automatic dialyzer.

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: A method of alerting medical personnel of a problem during hemodialysis includes providing an active, fail-to-safe site sensor for a fistula needle at an access site during hemodialysis; and automatically alerting medical personnel of a problem during hemodialysis using the active, fail-to-safe site sensor during at least the following: failing of the active, fail-to-safe site sensor; insufficient powering to the active, fail-to-safe site sensor; partial fistula needle dislodging from the access site; and complete needle dislodging from the access site.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for the control of body fluid flow in the extracorporeal treatment of body fluid. Body fluid flow through on of a body fluid flow circuit (10, 50, 60, 100 or 250) is controlled by alternating applying vacuum pressure and positive pressure to the circuit through a pumping chamber (30, 51, 66, 102, or 200) coordinated with flow control valves (40, 42, 44, 62, 114, 116, 118, and 120) to effect a net downstream flow of body fluid through the circuit.

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: Apparatus for carrying out therapeutic apheresis includes a filter device for being implanted in a blood vessel for carrying out in-vivo plasma separation having one or more elongated hollow tubes and a plurality of elongated hollow microporous fibers capable of separating plasma from whole blood at pressure and blood flow within a patient's vein, a multiple lumen catheter secured to the proximal end of the filter device having one or more lumens in fluid communication with the interior of said one or more hollow tubes and a plasma return lumen, and therapeutic apheresis apparatus for removing and/or separating selected disease-related components from the separated plasma and means for directing plasma between said catheter and the selective component removal apparatus.

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: Methods and devices for providing dialysis treatment are provided. The device includes a resin bed including zirconium phosphate, zirconium oxide, and urease.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatuses for medical fluid delivery systems that employ a pumping cassette. In particular, the present invention provides systems, methods and apparatuses for cassette-based dialysis therapies including hemodialysis, hemofiltration, APD (including tidal modalities) and CFPD. The embodiments described include a combined pump/valve housing, a fail safe pump/valve arrangement, a cassette auto-alignment feature, a pumping membrane material, a multiplexing valve arrangement, an expert fluid pumping management system, an integral port vent and an in-line air separation chamber and combinations of each of these.

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: 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 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: Systems and methods relating to dialysis therapy, particularly continuous flow dialysis therapy, are provided. The present invention includes a single closed fluid path along which a minimal amount of therapy fluid including dialysate is fed into, continuously circulated and cleaned such that a therapeutic effective amount of solutes, excess water and the like can be removed from the patient connected to the closed fluid loop during treatment.

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 dialysis machine is provided with a dialysate circuit, a blood circuit and a filter having a dialysate compartment connected to the dialysate circuit, a blood compartment connected to the blood circuit, and a semi-permeable membrane to separate the dialysate compartment from the blood compartment. A method for filling and washing the filter includes the recirculation of a physiological saline in the dialysate circuit and the transfer of the physiological saline from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit through the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: An object is to provide a blood component collection system capable of collecting a desired blood component of high quality. A blood component collection system 1 comprises a centrifugal separator 20 centrifuging blood into a plurality of components, first line 21 for feeding the blood to the centrifugal separator 20, a second line 22 for releasing the blood component from the centrifugal separator 20, a temporary reservoir bag 26? for temporarily reserving the platelet concentrate, a leukoreduction filter 261 for separating and reducing leukocyte from the platelet concentrate, and a platelet collection bag 26 for reserving the platelet concentrate having passed through the leukoreduction filter 261.

Abstract: In the apparatus and method for monitoring a vascular access (6) of an extracorporeal circuit (5; 10) of a patient, a control and calculation unit (17) varies a flow rate of a blood pump (9) predisposed to cause blood to circulate in the extracorporeal circuit. The control and calculation unit receives the pressure values in the blood withdrawal line (5) and the blood return line (10) from two pressure sensors (8, 12); the pressure values are a series of different values of the blood flow rate. The control and calculation unit processes the data gathered by means of a mathematical model which describes the variation of pressure in the vascular access as a function of the flow rate, in order to determine the blood flow rate in the vascular access. The invention detects the presence and location of a stenosis at the vascular access of a patient subjected to a hemodialysis treatment.