Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: (i) an extracorporeal blood machine; an extracorporeal blood circuit coupled operably to the machine, the extracorporeal blood circuit including first and second blood lines, the blood lines configured to be in blood flow communication with a patient; (ii) an electrical loop including first and second electrodes placed in contact with blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit; (iii) a device configured to inject an electrical signal into the blood circuit via the loop; and (iv) a third electrode placed in contact with blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the third electrode configured to enable a change in an electrical value to be measured so that an access disconnection of the extracorporeal blood circuit from the patient can be measured.

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 device and method for detecting complications during an extracorporeal blood treatment are provided. During the dialysis treatment, the dialysance or clearance may be continuously determined at successive points in time based on a measured change in a physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the dialysis liquid, for example, the ion concentration of the dialysis liquid. In the event a significant change in the dialysance or clearance is established, the determination of the recirculation may be effected based on a measured change in a physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the blood. When both a significant change in the determined dialysance as well as in the recirculation occurs, a complication may be assumed with regard to a bad vessel access. Alternatively, a complication may be assumed with regard to the dialyzer.

Abstract: A dialyzer having a hemo-dialyzer and/or a hemo-filter and an extra-corporal blood circulation with which a device for the adding of citrate to the blood is connected upstream and a device for the adding of a substitution solution containing ions to the blood is connected downstream of the hemo-dialyzer and/or of the hemo-filter. Ion concentration in the dialyzate downstream of the hemo-dialyzer and/or of the hemo-filter is detected with respect to the direction of flow of the dialyzate. The concentration of the ion, atom or molecule to be determined is reliably ascertained by preventing the complexing of the ion, atom or molecule, at least during the determination of the concentration, by the addition or withdrawal of a substance.

Abstract: The present invention has as an object to provide a bone metabolism improving agent that improves bone metabolism in a chronic renal failure patient receiving blood purification therapy such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration. An acetic acid- and/or acetate salt-free bone metabolism improving agent that contains citric acid and/or a citrate salt as electrolytes and further contains another/other electrolyte/electrolytes and glucose solely or in combination is provided. A bone metabolism improving agent formulated into a dialysate or a substitution fluid having effects of improving bone metabolism including bone metabolism improvement in adynamic bone disease and especially in bone agenesis is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of blood treatment machines such as hemodialysis machines. The object of this invention is to improve upon a generic blood treatment machine such that a certain individualization of the treatment station with little or no expenditure of materials is made possible in order to make the treatment environment more pleasant for the patient to be treated on the machine. The inventive blood treatment machine (10) therefore includes a control unit (16) that is configured so that image files transmitted and/or indexed via a data interface (15) can be displayed on the display screen (13) of the blood treatment machine during a blood treatment. The present invention also includes an external memory means (20) for connection to the data interface (15) and a combination consisting of the blood treatment machine (10) and the external memory means (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and to a method for determining the dialysis fluid flow rate for an extracorporeal blood treatment device. The dialysis fluid flow rate Qd is determined in accordance with the blood flow rate Qb or the blood flow rate Qb is determined in accordance with the dialysis fluid flow rate Qd, wherein by increasing about a specific value, the increase of a variable characterising the efficiency of the blood treatment, in particular clearance K, does not exceed the specific value. The present invention also relates to a blood treatment device comprising a device for determining the dialysis fluid flow rate or blood flow rate and to a method for operating an extracorporeal blood treatment device. As a result, an optimal dialysis fluid flow rate and/or blood flow rate calculates the requirement in accordance with a high efficiency of the dialysis treatment and in accordance with a reduced consumption of the dialysis liquid.

Abstract: A patient wearable, continuously operating extracorporeal pump apparatus which accesses the patient's arterial venous pressure differential by applying external pressure to a subcutaneous graft that has been cannualized to modulate blood flow through an extracorporeal circuit and to drive the pump for delivering a medicament, such as an anticoagulant, to the site of an intravenous cannula to prevent clogging thereof and also to move a dialysate through a circuit, including a dialyzer and a dialysate rejuvenating cartridge, whereby kidney failure can be treated without recourse to prior art hemodialysis machines found in most treatment facilities. With slight modification, the present invention can be used to remove excess fluids from CHF patients, to remove toxins from the blood in those suffering from liver failure and to facilitate administration of insulin to diabetics and/or glucose to those having hypoglycemia.

Abstract: One or more waste balancing systems may be used in a fluid circulating system for medical use. The fluid circulating system may be part of a blood treatment system for a patient suffering renal failure. A waste balancing system may include a pressure element operable to maintain a constant fluid pressure created by the combined weight of waste removed from a patient and replacement fluid for providing to a patient. Multiple evaluation characteristics or control parameters may be evaluated or controlled for safety and accuracy. At least part of the waste balancing system may be incorporated into a disposable cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising a blood treatment device (2) having a semipermeable membrane (5) which separates a blood chamber (3) from a fluid chamber (4). A used fluid line (7) connects the fluid chamber to a used fluid discharge. A first pump (8) controls the ultrafiltration through the semipermeable membrane. A second pump (9) arranged in the used fluid line downstream of the first pump keeps pressure between the first and the second pump at a constant predetermined value. The invention provides a protection system against any possible pressure change in the used fluid discharge in a hemodialysis or hemo(dia)filtration apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient includes a blood inlet tube leading from a first blood vessel, a blood pump, an anticoagulant reservoir for infusing anticoagulants into the blood, a blood filter including a substrate through which the blood is circulated and filtered, a fluid bag for storing the excess fluid and a blood outlet tube leading to a second blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods 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 invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention 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.

Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative hemoperfusion system and method including a thermal-fused broad-spectrum biocidal iodinated interactive polymer for the treatment of biological contaminants in body fluids. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method utilizes a Triosyn® thermal fused broad-spectrum iodinated interactive polymer, included in a hemoperfusion column, for devitalizing high levels of cell-free microorganisms in whole blood and biological fluids in relation with the characterization of blood cells viability and function post-treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods 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 invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention 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.

Abstract: Arrangement for extracorporeal circulation of blood having a generally uniform flow diameter where the risk for stagnation of blood is avoided or reduced. The arrangement comprises a generally circular cylindrical means for temporary expanding the flow diameter, a means for flow expansion (9). The means for flow expansion (9) is arranged connecting the bloodline (5) and a component (6, 8) for circulation of the blood. The means for flow expansion (9) comprises a first part with a first flow diameter, d1 and a second part downstream the first part with a second flow diameter d2 where d2/d1?1.5. The first part has a length extension L1 and the second part has a length extension L2 where L2/L1?0.5.

Abstract: A method and a device to increase the efficiency of dialysis for the removal from blood of substances that are more or less tightly bound to carriers such as albumin. According to the invention this is accomplished by a simultaneous significant increase of the flow rate of the dialysis fluid and of the area of the membrane that separates the blood from the dialysis fluid, compared to conventional dialysis.

Abstract: A device for removing bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids from blood or plasma in an extracorporeal perfusion system contains, in a housing that can be incorporated into the perfusion system, a hollow fiber material that is suitable for the selective removal of bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids, the device being arranged in such a way that the blood or plasma entering through a first opening of the housing must pass through the hollow fiber material before it leaves through a second opening of the housing and is directed to the rest of the perfusion circuit.

Abstract: The invention refers to method for selectively binding and separating at least one component from whole blood or a body fluid, whereby the blood or body fluid is allowed to pass through a rigid integral separation matrix without being excluded therefrom. The matrix has a porous structure with a pore size raging from 5 micron to 500 micron as well as an active surface ranging from 0.5 cm2 to 10 m2, and the surface is able to bind such components.

Abstract: Biology and medicine for cleaning biological fluids. A system for correcting a biological fluid includes a sealed container for a magnetically operated absorbent (MOA), a sealed chamber for mixing the absorbent with a biological fluid and for the absorbent precipitation therefrom, and a sealed filtering unit. The chamber and container are embodied so that they can modify the volumes thereof, have a common interchamber partition-wall fixed to the bottom and are interconnected through a passage embodied in the wall. The other sidewalls of the chambers have corrugations which form bellows. Lids of the chambers are pivotally connected so that they are pivotable around the pivot axis. The MOA container is arranged inside the absorber-mixing chamber and embodied as a bellow. An inlet connection is simultaneously connected to the inside cavities of the absorber-mixing chamber and to the container thereof.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient includes a blood inlet tube leading from a first blood vessel, a blood pump, an anticoagulant reservoir for infusing anticoagulants into the blood, a blood filter including a substrate through which the blood is circulated and filtered, a fluid bag for storing the excess fluid and a blood outlet tube leading to a second blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for detecting the entry of air in a fluid system, in particular in an extracorporeal blood circuit of a blood treatment device comprising an arterial branch leading to the blood treatment unit and a venous branch leading from said blood treatment unit. Periodic fluctuations in the fluid system, in particular in the arterial tube, are measured upstream of the blood pump arranged in said arterial tube. The measured periodic pressure signal is analyzed spectrally in a system of functions, in particular a system of orthogonal functions, for example sine and cosine functions and the entry of air is deduced if at least one of the coefficients of the functions exceeds or falls below predefined threshold values.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods 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 invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for treating severe bacterial infections, such as septicemia, using an extracorporeal adsorption container. The device has a solid support disposed and confined within the container and a binding means associated with the solid support that is specific for affixing an infecting bacterium that is causing the severe peripheral bacterial infection and/or bacterial toxins from the bacterium. By passing the infected blood through the container. at least a portion of the infecting bacterium and/or bacterial toxins are removed. The treated blood is returned to the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood circuit having a controller comprising the steps of: withdrawing the blood from a withdrawal blood vessel in a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, treating the blood in the circuit and infusing the treated blood into the patient; detecting an occlusion which at least partially blocks the withdrawal or infusion of the blood; reducing the blood flow rate and the rate of filtration in response to the occlusion, and further prompting the patient to move his arm in an effort to alleviate the occlusion.

Abstract: A method of reducing pathogens in blood by exposure to a nitric oxide containing gas in an extracorporeal circuitry is provided. The method includes: obtaining blood from a mammal or a blood source, separating the blood into plasma and blood cells, exposing the plasma to nitric oxide containing gas, combining the exposed plasma with the blood cells, reducing nitric oxide content in the recombined blood, and returning the blood to the mammal or blood source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.

Abstract: Circulating free lambda and kappa free light chains in blood play a role in the pathogenesis of acute renal failure due to myeloma. Coupled plasma filtration and adsorption allows separation of plasma from blood and treatment of the plasma through a cartridge containing a sorbent or resin material, such as hydrophobic divinylbenzene styrenic resins having an average bead diameter of 75 microns, an average pore diameter of 30 nm, and a surface area of 700 m2/g. Lambda and kappa free light chain concentrations progressively decrease during coupled plasma filtration and adsorption treatment resulting in significant reductions by the end of the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood. The replacement fluid may include pharmaceutical grade balanced salt solution containing albumin and/or other target receptor molecules and/or other physiological molecules in a sufficient concentration to adequately replenish ongoing losses.

Abstract: A blood circuit assembly for a dialysis unit may include an organizing tray, a pair of pneumatic pumps mounted to the organizing tray for circulating blood received from a patient through a circuit including a dialyzer unit and returned to the patient, an air trap mounted to the organizing tray arranged to remove air from blood circulating in the circuit, a pair of dialyzer connections arranged to connect to the inlet and outlet of a dialyzer unit, and a pair of blood line connectors, one inlet blood line connector for receiving blood from the patient and providing blood to the pneumatic pumps and the other outlet blood line connector for returning blood to the patient.

Abstract: A renal treatment fluid priming method includes priming an extracorporeal circuit connected to a patient with a physiologically compatible fluid, the extracorporeal circuit including an arterial line, a venous line and blood compartment of a blood filter; and pumping from a renal treatment fluid line in communication with the blood filter (i) pulling blood from the patient through the arterial line to flush the physiologically compatible fluid through the arterial line and the blood filter compartment into the renal treatment fluid line and (ii) pulling blood from the patient through the venous line to flush the physiologically compatible fluid through the venous line and the blood filter compartment into the renal treatment fluid line, such that a greater volume of blood is pulled from the patient via (i) and (ii) than a volume of the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for using a hemofilter to treat IMRD, hepatic failure, exogenous intoxication and other conditions associated with toxins in a patient's blood. One treatment includes the use of a very large pore hemofilter to remove target complex molecules and/or target molecules from a patient's blood and to infuse a replacement fluid into the patient's blood to maintain a prescribed albumin concentration in the patient's blood.

Abstract: A description is given of a gas separation device for a physiological fluid, comprising a containing body (6) having at least a first inlet aperture (7) for a physiological fluid, positioned with a tangential direction of access, at least one outlet aperture (9) for the said fluid, spaced apart from the said inlet aperture, and a guide element (17) housed within the said body. The guide element (17) has a continuous active surface (15) designed to contact and guide the said fluid and delimits, together with the containing body (6), a first annular chamber (20) into which the first inlet aperture (7) opens directly.

Abstract: A blood detection system is used to detect blood in a patient undergoing an extracorporeal blood therapy, such as hemodialysis or apheresis. The blood detection system uses a digital video device, which may be a camera, such as a standard digital video camera, a low light camera, an infrared camera, or a night vision camera. The digital image is sent to a computer with image processing and pattern recognition software. The software is used to detect whether a pool of blood is forming at the access site. The system is able to detect a pool of blood atop the access site, such as when a leak or a dislodgement of a needle occurs. The system is also able to detect pooling of blood under the skin, as a result, for instance, infiltration of an arteriovenous fistula.

Abstract: A switch valve for use in an extracorporeal blood flow circuit comprises a valve housing having a chamber, four openings communicating with the chamber, and a valve member located in the valve chamber. A first opening is to be connected to a patient via an arterial cannula, a second opening is to be connected to a patient via an venous cannula, a third opening is to be connected to a first inlet/oulet of a blood treatment device, and a fourth opening is to be connected to a second inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device. The valve member is movable within the valve housing to fluidly connect the first opening to either the third or the fourth opening and to fluidly connect the second opening to either the third or the fourth opening. The width of the valve member is smaller than a peripheral dimension of the openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to characterization of a dialyzer's capacity to accomplish a dialysis clearance of a patient, and strategies for improving the efficiency of a dialysis treatment of the patient The invention involves determining a whole body clearance ratio (420) for a dialysis treatment of a patient (410). The whole body clearance ratio expresses how well the patient responds to a potential cleaning capacity of a dialyzer, which is used to perform the treatment.

Abstract: Method for in-vivo plasmapheresis utilizing a plurality of elongated hollow microporous filter fibers periodically interrupt diffusion of blood plasma from a patient, and, for a selected time, directing backflush fluid into the fibers at a pressure and interval sufficient to cleanse the fiber pores, after which plasma diffusion is resumed. The backflush fluid, preferably a normal saline solution, may contain an anticoagulant such as heparin, citrate or NO donor in suitable concentration for systemic anti-coagulation or for treating the fiber for thromboresistance.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems, including a variety of systems and methods that would make hemodialysis more efficient, easier, and/or more affordable. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to new fluid circuits for fluid flow. In one set of embodiments, a hemodialysis system may include a blood flow path and a dialysate flow path, where the dialysate flow path includes one or more of a balancing circuit, a mixing circuit, and/or a directing circuit. Preparation of dialysate by the preparation circuit, in some instances, may be decoupled from patient dialysis. In some cases, the circuits are defined, at least partially, within one or more cassettes, optionally interconnected with conduits, pumps, or the like. In one embodiment, the fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be at least partially isolated, spatially and/or thermally, from electrical components of the hemodialysis system.

Abstract: A disposable fluid circuit kit for extracorporeal blood treatment systems that supply replacement fluid to a patient is described. The circuit has a blood portion that carries blood and subjects it to some treatment, such as dialysis or hemofiltration. A portion carries filtrate or dialysate. A replacement fluid portion that carries fluid used to compensate for fluid loss is connectable to a supply of replacement fluid. a sterilizing filter in the replacement fluid portion sterilizes the replacement fluid before introduction into the patient acting as a guard against touch contamination of the connected replacement fluid container. Preferably, the filter has a pore size effective to eliminate pyrogens.

Abstract: The present invention regards the use of hemofilters for the removal of bacterial toxins (lipopolysaccharides) from the blood, said hemofilters comprising a solid support to which cyclodextrins are covalently bonded. The solid support can be a fabric or non-woven fabric or a polymeric resin obtained by means of cross-linking of the cyclodextrins with appropriate cross-linking agents, for example epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: A control deck and system for controlling and driving blood fluids through an extracorporeal blood circuit kit. In one aspect, the invention is a deck having an improved mechanism for securing a cassette in place during treatment operations. The improved deck comprises catches for slidably receiving tabs of the cassette and one or more rotating clamps for locking and securing the cassette in a loaded position. In another aspect the invention is a system for controlling and driving blood fluids having infrared communication abilities to transmit and receive real time data. In still another aspect, the invention is a system for controlling and driving blood fluids having an upright tower design that reduces the footprint of the system. In this embodiment, a centrifuge chamber is positioned in an upper portion of the system while the control deck and photoactivation chamber are located in a base portion of the system.

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 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) 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 an antibody, capable of specifically binding to the targeted immune system inhibitor.

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 an apparatus and method for simultaneous extrarenal blood purification therapy and respiration support therapy. The apparatus includes a CO2 removing means having a first inlet for receiving a flow of blood for CO2 removal and a first outlet for expelling blood deprived of CO2. The apparatus also includes filtering means having a first inlet for receiving the flow of blood, a first outlet for expelling purified blood, and at least one drain channel. The drain channel directs a diluting liquid obtained from the blood expelled during purification of the blood. The drain channel is directly connected to the first inlet of the CO2 removing means to supply the diluting liquid to the CO2 removing means without submitting the diluting liquid to any filtering treatment during passage along the drain channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials, coatings, apparatus, and methods for removing radiocontrast agent from a patient. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, molecular imprinting technologies are utilized to create a safe, predictable and reliable medium for removal of nephrotoxic contrast agent from body fluids of a patient, such as the bloodstream. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, the contrast agent can be removed without mechanical filtering or any other mechanically damaging technique affecting the blood matrix. The molecularly imprinted medium (MIM) can be used to extract the contrast agent from the blood either intra- or extracorporeally.

Abstract: A method for renal replacement therapy includes priming a fluid circuit and recirculating the sterile fluid during priming to permit gas to float out of the sterile fluid into a fluid reservoir. The fluid is preferably either warmed during circulation or vibrated to promote the removal of gas.

Abstract: Methods for treating glomerular basement membrane disease such as Alport syndrome involving matrix metalloproteinase-12 are disclosed. Treatment may be affected, for example, by administering matrix metalloproteinase-12 inhibitors, by administering CCR2 receptor inhibitors, or by administering MCP-1 inhibitors. Matrix metalloproteinase formation is affected by the CCR2 receptor, which is stimulated by the MCP-1 chemokine.

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: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for determining blood flow rate in a vessel which communicates blood between two locations of a patient, the system comprising: a conduit in fluid communication with the vessel; at least one sensor in communication with the vessel for determining differential blood pressure (? P) between two or more locations within the vessel; and a processor operably connected to the at least one sensor for processing the ? P to obtain blood flow rate within the vessel. A method for determining blood flow rate in a vessel which communicates blood between two locations of a patient, the method comprising: diverting blood from the vessel at a diversion point to obtain a flow of diverted blood in a conduit; determining differential blood pressure (? P) of the diverted blood through the conduit; and processing the ? P to obtain blood flow rate within the vessel.