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 system or method controls total fluid loss (TFL) in a patient undergoing hemofiltration therapy administered through an extracorporeal circuit by frequently calculating and storing a retrievable value representing TFL. At session start or restart, the value is read to determine whether TFL is out of tolerance, and if so, fluid balance is restored before administering a prescribed therapy. The TFL value is calculated during therapy by measuring fluid added to the circuit and fluid removed from the circuit, and the result is stored as an updated value. If TFL drifts out of tolerance fluid flow rates may be temporarily changed until a desired fluid balance is restored. The system may include a microprocessor based advanced controller receiving the fluid measurements as feedback for regulating substitution fluid and filtrate flow rates, and updating the TFL, value in non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid during an extracorporeal treatment of blood is disclosed. Detection of the supply of replacement fluid upstream or downstream of the dialyser or filter is based on a measurement of the optical or physical density of the blood or of a constituent of blood in the extracorporeal circulation. To detect pre- or post-dilution, the blood flow rate and/or the replacement rate and/or the flow rate of the fluid removed from the blood through the dialyser membrane is altered, and the density of the blood or of the constituent of blood is measured upstream and/or downstream of the dialyser. Additionally, an apparatus for treating blood with an apparatus for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: Blood filtering device (1), comprising: * a filter body (3; 103), having an inlet port (4; 104) for blood to be filtered; * a delivery flexible hose (5; 105) of the blood to be filtered, apt to be connected to said inlet port (4; 104) and to further ducts linked to a circulatory system; * peristaltic pump means (10; 105, 109, 114, 115, 117, 118, 143, 144, 145), wherein a case (16; 116) forms at least one peristaltic pump rotor chamber (13; 114), apt to house inside a portion of said delivery flexible hose (5; 105) for obtaining a peristaltic effect, wherein said case (16; 116) defines means for maintaining said filter body (3; 103) in a working position.

Abstract: A novel system and method for fluid management for accurate continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CWH) in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The fluid management or CWH system is automated and configured for operation as a stand alone unit and can be easily integrated with an ECMO system. The fluid management system is capable of producing either perfect or negative fluid balance between ultrafiltrate removal and replacement fluid delivery. The fluid management system can achieve electrolyte replacement over a range of flow rates needed to care for patients ranging from neonates to adults. Finally, the novel fluid management system preserves patient safety, maintains sterility during operation, is easy to operate, and is compact enough to fit near a patient's bed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling an inflammatory response in a subject. Extracorporeal devices, systems, and methods are provided that alter the functional structure of one or more inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of the subject. The device or system is useful in a method for treating an inflammatory disease or condition in the subject.

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: A method for batch implementation of settings in a renal replacement therapy device including: displaying on a user interface control settings which may be manually selected by an operator; selecting an independent control setting of the plurality of control settings; adjusting the independent control setting to an independent control setting level selected by an operator; temporarily storing the adjusted independent control setting level; automatically adjusting a dependent control setting level based upon the independent control level; displaying the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting, and implementing both the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting to control the device, by actuating a batch setting acceptance operation.

Abstract: In some arrangements, a pump for moving a fluid has one or more pump chambers and one or more flow control valves with diaphragm actuation regions. Motive fluid can activate the diaphragm actuation regions, and a pattern of fluid flow can be controlled by varying the pressure levels of the motive fluid.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling an inflammatory response in a subject. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that alter the functional structure of one or more inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of the subject. The device or system is useful in a method for treating an inflammatory disease or condition in the subject.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: a blood filter; a dialysate pump connected to a dialysate portion of the blood filter; a blood pump connected to a blood portion of the blood filter, the blood pump including a diaphragm that is moved in cycles to pump the blood, the cycles having a flow period and a no-flow period; a patient access device in fluid communication with the blood portion of the blood filter, the no-flow period having a first characteristic of a property when the patient access device is lodged in a patient and a second characteristic of the property when the patient access device is dislodged from the patient; and a logic implementer configured to determine that the patient access device has been dislodged from the patient when the second characteristic of the parameter is detected.

Abstract: A device that allows for serial (time) use of clean blood filters during the use of a heart lung machine. The device is comprised of a series of filters and a switching mechanism that allows the new filter to be placed in the blood flow pathway while at the same time removing the old (previous) filter. A clean filter is always available, and filters for specific components of blood or those able to bind and remove specific biochemicals can be used.

Abstract: By inserting a protruding portion (8b), which is installed to a center position of a rear end surface (8x) of a fixed body (8), into a hole (4a), which is provided to a center position of an end surface (4x) on a side of a fixed body (8) of a fixed shaft (4) that is connected to a fixed body (3), the fixed bodies (3) and (8) and the fixed shaft (4) are connected. As a result, a sleeve (5) can be removed only by dismantling the fixed body (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of a medical liquid comprising a liquid treatment machine and a cassette insertable therein substantially made of a rigid base body of the cassette with fitted chambers and passages and a foil covering them.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: an extracorporeal blood machine including an extracorporeal blood circuit; an access device enabling the extracorporeal blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second tube connecting members for connecting respectively to first and second tubes of the extracorporeal circuit; first and second electrodes held, at least in part, by the first and second tube connecting members so as to contact blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the first and second electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the extracorporeal blood circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes respectively; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal, the signal used to monitor the access device.

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 includes a comprehensive replacement fluid system and method for the delivery of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) to extracorporeal blood circuits, wherein the system may include an online clearance monitor (OCM) and a circuit effluent online sensor system (OSS) for the continuous determination of patient plasma content of ultrafilterable solutes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating plasma from blood in a separation vessel and further separator the separated plasma into desired plasma proteins in a plasma separator fluidly connected to the separation vessel to receive the separated plasma.

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: A dialysis system includes a dialysis instrument including at least one pump actuator; a disposable cassette operable with the at least one pump actuator; a plurality of supply containers connected fluidly to the disposable cassette; and a cart which includes a rotatable bearing plate onto which the instrument and supply containers are loaded, the bearing plate allowing a patient to turn the instrument and supply containers relative to the cart for selective access to the instrument or the supply containers.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary bypass system utilizing membrane-based reciprocating positive displacement blood pumps (“pod pumps”). In one aspect, the pod pumps are constructed to provide reduced shear forces on the blood being pumped. In another aspect blood flow through the pod pumps can be controlled by a controller using information from pressure sensors in the control chamber of the pod pumps. In another aspect, the pod pumps are included on a disposable unit that can be received and held by a receptacle means on a base unit, the base unit also providing pressurized control fluid to the pod pumps on the disposable unit through the receptacle means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel systems for conducting the filtration of blood using manifolds. The manifolds integrate various sensors and have fluid pathways formed therein to direct fluids from various sources through the requisite blood filtration or ultrafiltration system steps.

Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for extraction that can efficiently extract blood flowing in coronary sinus from coronary artery through coronary vein and has the same operability as catheters used in conventional PCI. The present invention also provides a catheter for extracorporeal circulation that can lessen an introduction number of devices for blood access as little as possible and reduce further the burden to a patient, in addition to the same operability as the catheters used in the conventional PCI. The catheter for extraction is equipped with blood extracting lumen in an inside and equipped with a hub at a proximal end portion, and when a minimum sectional area to a circumferential direction of the blood extracting lumen is referred to as S1 and immersion side length is referred to as L1, an equivalent diameter D1 satisfies the formula defined by D1=(4×S1)/L1 and the equivalent diameter D1 is at 1.80 mm.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling an extra-corporeal blood treatment in a medical device, comprising a blood treatment device (7), an extra-corporeal blood transport line (4), a fluid transport line (3) for a treatment fluid for the blood, at least a sensor adapted to provide a measure (M) correlated to at least a treatment parameter of the extra-corporeal blood treatment and/or of the treatment device (7) in the medical device (1), at least one storage memory (29), and at least a control device (28), operatively connected at least with the storage memory (29) and with the sensor, and configured for receiving the measure (M) from the sensor, correlating the measure (M) with referential data (R) of the treatment device for the treatment parameter provided by the at least one storage memory (29), and correlating the measure (M) with patient historical data (H) for the treatment parameter for obtaining an information representative of the quality of the extra-corporeal blood treatment.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient during renal replacement or other therapies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and includes a distal-facing portion. The distal tip region further includes an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen, includes a distal-facing portion, and is substantially un-staggered with respect to the venous lateral opening. A distal end opening is defined on the distal tip region and is sized to pass a fluid therethrough. In one embodiment, the distal end opening is in fluid communication with a third lumen of the catheter body that can withstand high fluid flow rates associated with power injection of contrast media.

Abstract: A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal.

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

Abstract: 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: A system for removing undesirable material from vessels and from chambers within the heart is provided. The system includes a suction cannula for removing the undesirable material from a site of interest within a patient. A filter device may be provided for capturing the undesirable material and removing it from the fluid flow. The system also includes pump for generating the necessary suction force through the suction cannula to dislodge the undesirable material from the site of interest and for generating a sufficient driving force to direct the fluid flow downstream within the system. The system further includes a reinfusion cannula for introducing fluid removed from the site of interest back into a patient. A method for removing undesirable material from vessels and from heart chambers is also provided.

Abstract: A medical apparatus (1) comprises a user interface (30), a number of sensors (16,27,21,22,29) and a control system (18) programmed for displaying on the user interface screen (31) a number of indicia (37), each relating to a corresponding parameter and comprising an indicium border (45) delimiting an indicium selection area (45a); the control system allows selection of an indicium for identifying the parameter a user intends to modify, allows setting of a new set value for the selected parameter; the control system also receives from the sensors (29) a measure of the actual value for the parameter and displays on the indicium selection area (45a) of the indicium both the actual value and the set value for the same parameter. The programming software for the control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for continuously measuring osmotic pressure of blood flowing through an extracorporeal blood circuit including: a blood passage further comprising a withdrawal blood passage connectable to a blood vessel in a patient and an infusion blood passage connectable to a blood vessel in a patient; a filter further comprising a filtrate chamber, a blood chamber and a permeable membrane separating the filtrate chamber and blood chamber, wherein the blood chamber is in fluid communication with the blood passage; a pressure sensor measuring a pressure difference between the filtrate chambers and the blood chamber, and a controller receiving a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, determining an osmotic pressure across the permeable membrane of the filter, and adjusting a rate of removal of fluid from blood in the filter if the determined osmotic pressure level varies from a predetermined osmotic pressure setting.

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: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed that permit the use of hyperperfusion, or regional hyperperfusion to targeted areas by the use of an arterial and/or venous access system which allows repeatable, transcutaneous insertion without any need for repeat anesthesia. The systems, methods and devices use various combinations of catheters and/or balloons. Furthermore, systems, methods, and devices are disclosed that permit drugs or other treatment products to be delivered using hyperperfusion, or regional hyperperfusion, to targeted areas by the use of arterial and venous access system and associated catheters and balloons which allow repeatable, transcutaneous insertion without any need for repeat anesthesia.

Abstract: In some arrangements, a pump for moving a fluid has one or more pump chambers and one or more flow control valves with diaphragm actuation regions. Motive fluid can activate the diaphragm actuation regions, and a pattern of fluid flow can be controlled by varying the pressure levels of the motive fluid.

Abstract: A kidney failure therapy system includes: (a) a dilaysate supply; (b) at least one valve actuator; (c) at least one pump actuator; and (d) a disposable unit including first and second flexible sheets sealed together for form: (i) at least one flow path configured to be placed in fluid communication with the dilaysate supply; and operable with the at least one valve actuator; and (ii) at least one pumping portion configured to operate with the at least one pump actuator.

Abstract: A method for maintaining clear passageways in an extracorporeal blood flow system. The method comprises intermittently providing one or more anti-clotting agents to a passageway of the extracorporeal blood flow system. Also disclosed is an extracorporeal blood flow system. The system comprises a passageway, and a device operatively connected to provide one or more anti-clotting agents to a least a portion of said passageway.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for performing a renal replacement therapy is provided. In one embodiment, two small high flux dialyzers are connected in series. A restriction is placed between the two dialyzers in the dialysate flow path. The restriction is variable and adjustable in one preferred embodiment. The restriction builds a positive pressure in the venous dialyzer, causing a high degree of intentional backfiltration. That backfiltration causes a significant flow of dialysate through the high flux venous membrane directly into the patient's blood. That backfiltered solution is subsequently ultrafiltered from the patient from the arterial dialyzer. The diffusion of dialysate into the venous filter and removal of dialysate from the arterial dialyzer causes a convective transport of toxins from the patient. Additionally, the dialysate that does not diffuse directly into the patient but instead flows across the membranes of both dialyzers provides a diffusive clearance of waste products.

Abstract: An access disconnection method for a machine employing a blood circuit, the blood circuit having a machine segment and a patient access segment, the method comprising: injecting an electrical signal into the blood circuit between the machine segment and the patient access segment; attempting to cause the electrical signal to flow through only the patient access segment and to bypass the machine segment; and measuring the signal in the patient access segment and determining that an access disconnection event has occurred upon a threshold change in the measured signal.

Abstract: The invention further relates to an apparatus and method for monitoring a peristaltic hose pump, in particular a peristaltic hose pump of an extracorporeal blood treatment device. The power consumed by the pump and/or the pressure in the tubing segment upstream or downstream of the pump is/are measured during operation of the pump and test signals I1(t), I2(t) which are associated with the individual displacement members are determined. The power or pressure signals associated with the individual displacement members significantly differ from each other during abnormal operation of the hose pump, but no significant differences can be recognized during normal operation of the pump.

Abstract: A blood set comprises an arterial line having a patient end provided with a multiport connector (14) having first port (15) connected to a blood transport tube (13), a second port (16) bearing a male luer connector for connecting to a vascular access device (17), and a third port (18) connected to a service tube (20) terminating with female luer connector (23) for connection with a priming liquid supply line. The blood set operates rapidly and with a small risk of contamination for the patient.

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: A haemodialysis device having an emergency activating function is provided. In order to avoid critical drops in blood pressure during a dialysis treatment, the emergency activating function makes it possible for the operating staff to initiate with a single control function a blood pressure measurement and a delivery of substance into the patient's blood in the event of a hypotensive episode and at the same time to have the introduction of these measures by the haemodialyser confirmed clearly through a display having an outward appearance different from that displayed during normal operations. In addition, further automatically introduced process steps can be provided. The emergency activating function speeds up the implementation of the measures to be introduced and, at the same time prevents incorrect operation and makes it possible for the operating staff to attend directly to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing extracorporeal blood circulation and oxygenation control include seven-stage de-airing of blood to provide automated cardiopulmonary replacement to sustain patient life during a medical procedure comprising repairing or replacing the heart valve in a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing extracorporeal blood circulation and oxygenation control include multi-stage de-airing of blood to provide automated cardiopulmonary replacement to sustain patient life during a medical procedure such as cardiopulonary bypass graft surgery, keyhole cardiopulonary bypass graft surgery, percutaneous angioplasty, percutaneous stent placement, and percutaneous etherectomy.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus includes: a blood treatment unit, a pair of fluid pumps and a pair of blood pumps. The blood treatment unit is configured to receive untreated blood and fresh blood treatment fluid, and emit treated blood and used blood treatment fluid. The fluid pumps are configured to pass blood treatment fluid through the blood treatment unit. The blood pumps are configured to extract untreated blood from a blood source, pass extracted blood through the blood treatment unit and deliver treated blood to a target vessel. Flow measurement device which determines at least one blood flow parameter reflecting an average flow in relation to the blood treatment unit during a well-defined period of operation of the apparatus, for example while completing one operation cycle.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus, including a blood treatment unit configured to receive untreated blood and fresh blood treatment fluid, and emit treated blood and used blood treatment fluid, a pair of fluid pumps configured to pass blood treatment fluid through the blood treatment unit, a pair of blood pumps configured to extract untreated blood from a blood source, pass extracted blood through the blood treatment unit and deliver treated blood to a target vessel, each blood pump including a pump chamber and a flexible member separating the pumping chamber into a first blood accumulating container and a second working fluid accumulating container where the flexible member is configured to vary a volume relationship between the first and the second accumulation containers.

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: 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 alternatingly 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: The invention relates to an integrated blood treatment module (1) comprising a support element (4) and a fluid distribution circuitry associated thereto; the distribution circuitry comprises at least a blood line (44), a portion of which is secured to the support element and defines with the latter at least a U-shaped tube length (44a) designed to cooperate, when in use, with a respective pump (3a). There are then further fluid lines (45, 48, 50, 51) fastened to the support element and defining each at least a U-shaped tube length (45a, 48a, 50a, 51a) with respect to said element and each designed to cooperate, when in use, with a respective pump (3b, 3c, 3d, 3e). The support element has a first zone (274) in which the portion of the blood line is secured, and at least a second zone (275) opposite said first zone, to which all the corresponding further tube lengths are fastened.