Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080203023 | LAST-CHANCE QUALITY CHECK AND/OR AIR/PATHOGEN FILTGER FOR INFUSION SYSTEMS - Blood treatment system and method for high rate hemofiltration ensures against pyrogenic patient reaction by providing various mechanisms for filtering replacement fluid to remove endotoxins and other safety features including detecting incorrect fluid administration. | 08-28-2008 |
20080214979 | Methods and Apparatus For Leak Detection in Blood Processing Systems - A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access. | 09-04-2008 |
20080228087 | PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A pressure measurement device isolates liquid, such as blood, from an intermediate fluid, such as air, by means of a diaphragm. The diaphragm is arranged between first and second chambers of respective first and second shells of a pressure pod body. The first shell has first and second ports, which are connected to the first chamber. The second shell has a measurement port with a connector in communication with the second chamber. A pressure transducer with a mating connector is directly connected to the measurement port connector to minimize the sealed volume between the diaphragm and the pressure transducer. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228125 | Methods and Devices for Rendering Different Types of Patient Access Devices Compatible with Different Types of Tubing Sets - In general, this invention relates to methods and devices for introducing and/or draining fluids into and/or from a patient's body. Methods and devices are provided for rendering conventional tubing sets, or fluid flow sets, which are normally coupleable with only specific complementary patient access devices, compatible with other access devices also. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, methods and devices are provided which render conventional extracorporeal tubing sets to be interchangeably connectable with other specific transcutaneous catheters. In yet another aspect of the invention, non-conventional tubing sets and corresponding non-conventional access devices for use in hemodialysis, or hemofiltration, are provided such that specific tubing sets and access devices can be used interchangeably. | 09-18-2008 |
20080230450 | Filtration System for Preparation of Fluids for Medical Applications - Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of water for various uses including blood treatment are described. In embodiments, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through various filtration elements from a fluid source to a treatment fluid container The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. Methods and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described. Advantages of creating a multitreatment batch include the fact that the burden of treatment preparation can be reduced and the timing of the preparation of the batch can be independent of the treatment time. As described, there are various trade-offs and concerns with this approach which are addressed by the inventive embodiments. | 09-25-2008 |
20080306426 | Blood flow control in a blood treatment device - 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. | 12-11-2008 |
20090012442 | Registration of fluid circuit components in a blood treatment device - 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. | 01-08-2009 |
20090211975 | Batch Filtration System for Preparation of Sterile Fluid for Renal Replacement Therapy - A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration. | 08-27-2009 |
20090222671 | SAFETY FEATURES FOR MEDICAL DEVICES REQUIRING ASSISTANCE AND SUPERVISION - An automatic locking system for a medical treatment device helps to ensure that an assistant is present during treatment of a patient. Among the features disclosed biometric authentication to verify that a trained assistant is present, a presence detector to ensure the assistant is continuously present during treatment, and warning and recovery processes that allow intermittent lapses in the continuous presence of the assistant. | 09-03-2009 |
20090236027 | Blood Treatment Filter and Method of Manufacturing - A configuration of a blood microtubular filter/dializer used in many kinds of renal replacement therapy systems is disclosed which may allow a straight thin-walled tube to be used for a majority of the structure of the housing and other benefits disclosed. | 09-24-2009 |
20100016777 | WASTE BALANCING FOR EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD TREATMENT SYSTEMS - 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. | 01-21-2010 |
20100022938 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDLING AIR AND/OR FLUSHING FLUIDS IN A FLUID CIRCUIT - Systems and methods handle air and rinsing fluid during fluid processing. The systems and methods eliminate air from a fluid processing system prior to, during, and after use. The systems and methods provide a connector assembly for establishing fluid flow from a fluid source. The connector assembly has discrete first and second passages that prevent communication between the fluid in first passage and the fluid in the second passage. Prior to system use, the connector assembly may be utilized in a priming function to remove residual air from a fluid circuit prior to use. The connector assembly may also be utilized after use to perform a rinse-back function. | 01-28-2010 |
20100096311 | BLOOD TREATMENT DIALYZER/FILTER DESIGN TO TRAP ENTRAINED AIR IN A FLUID CIRCUIT - A modification in the configuration of the blood microtubular filter/dializer used in many kinds of renal replacement therapy systems can provide highly a effective mechanism for removing air from the blood circuit of such systems. In embodiments, for example, the invention takes advantage of the slow flow rate that usually occurs where blood exits the microtubules into a header area of the filter to provide a settling area and, preferably, a air relief mechanism. | 04-22-2010 |
20100228177 | BATCH FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF STERILE FLUID FOR RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY - A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228231 | FLUID LINE CONNECTOR SAFETY DEVICE - The present application describes devices that use various features to prevent the disconnection of connectors used in medical treatments. For example embodiments prevent disconnection of luer connectors that are incompletely mated. | 09-09-2010 |
20110106047 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR PARALLEL CONTROL OF INFUSION DEVICE - A tubing set is disclosed that includes a first line having first and second ends, a bag spike at the first end configured for connection to a source of infusate, and a connector at the second end configured for connection to a blood line. The first line can have a pumping portion for engagement with an infusate pump. The tubing set can also include a second line having first and second ends, the second line first end being attached to the first line between the first line pumping portion and the first line second end and the second line second end being configured for connection to the first line between the first line first end and the first line pumping portion. The tubing set can further include a check valve located in the second line, the check valve having a predetermined cracking pressure of at least 200 mm Hg. The second line second end can be configured for connection to the first line by a dual lumen spike such that when a container is connected to the dual lumen spike, a bypass loop is formed that permits a flow from a second end side of the pumping portion to the first end side of the pumping portion. The first line can include a spike septum at the first end thereof. | 05-05-2011 |
20110126714 | BLOOD TREATMENT DIALYZER/FILTER FOR PERMITTING GAS REMOVAL - A configuration of a blood microtubular filter/dialyzer used in many kinds of renal replacement therapy systems can provide a highly effective mechanism for removing air from the blood circuit of such systems. Air is removed from an outlet header space of the filter avoiding the need for a bubble trap or settling chamber such as a drip chamber. | 06-02-2011 |
20110218475 | Methods and Apparatus for Leak Detection in Blood Processing Systems - A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close to the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access. | 09-08-2011 |
20110240547 | TUBING SET FOR RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY - A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration. | 10-06-2011 |
20110295207 | SAFE NEEDLE METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS - A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis. | 12-01-2011 |
20120116321 | NEEDLE SET WITH SEPARABLE LINE TO REDUCE SHARPS WASTE - A sharp medical device is attached to a flexible element by a base of the sharp device. The base has a portion with a score line defining a position of predictable failure such that the base can be broken by applying a breaking moment at the score line to permit a user to separate the sharp device and the flexible element cleanly at the position of predictable failure. Various other embodiments are included, which disclose a similar effect. | 05-10-2012 |
20120194335 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINE ERROR DETECTION BY COMBINING MULTIPLE SENSOR INPUTS - One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives. | 08-02-2012 |
20120214337 | FLUID LINE SAFETY DEVICE - A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection. | 08-23-2012 |
20120305481 | BATCH FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF STERILE FLUID FOR RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY - A first connector of a connector assembly of a sterile batch container can be unsealed. The connector assembly can be attached to a filling port of the sterile batch container and can have a sterile filter arranged between the filling port and the first connector. The first connector can be coupled so as to receive produced purified water. A transmembrane pressure can be monitored across the sterile filter while flowing the purified water through the connector assembly into the sterile batch container so as to provide a sterile fluid stored therein. The connector assembly can be detached from the filling port of the sterile batch container. After the detaching, the sterile batch container can be coupled to the blood treatment system. In response to a change in the transmembrane pressure exceeding a predefined level, an alarm signal can be generated. | 12-06-2012 |
20130012914 | WASTE BALANCING FOR EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD TREATMENT SYSTEMS - 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. | 01-10-2013 |
20130032537 | LAST-CHANCE QUALITY CHECK AND/OR AIR/PATHOGEN FILTER FOR INFUSION SYSTEMS - Blood treatment system and method for high rate hemofiltration ensures against pyrogenic patient reaction by providing various mechanisms for filtering replacement fluid to remove endotoxins and other safety features including detecting incorrect fluid administration. | 02-07-2013 |
20130069778 | SAFETY FEATURES FOR MEDICAL DEVICES REQUIRING ASSISTANCE AND SUPERVISION - An automatic locking system for a medical treatment device helps to ensure that an assistant is present during treatment of a patient. Among the features disclosed biometric authentication to verify that a trained assistant is present, a presence detector to ensure the assistant is continuously present during treatment, and warning and recovery processes that allow intermittent lapses in the continuous presence of the assistant. | 03-21-2013 |
20130180339 | PRESSURE SENSING METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS - A pressure measuring device has tubing with an inline “pillow” portion that is more flexible than the tubing portion. The pillow portion may be created by heating a portion of a length of medical tubing and forcing air into the heated portion to expand, and thin, its walls. The tubing and pillow portion may be used in a negatively pressurized portion of a blood circuit such as an arterial return line. An assembly of interleaved support members adhesively bonded to the pillow portion holds the pillow portion in an expanded state even under negative pressure. Further, when the pillow portion tries to collapse, the interleaved support members compress a strain gauge to provide a pressure signal corresponding to the negative pressure exerted by the fluid therewithin. | 07-18-2013 |
20130228505 | FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF FLUIDS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of purified water and medicaments for various uses including blood treatment are described. Methods, devices, and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described. For example, a medicament fluid circuit can include a container with an interior chamber. The container can have a fluid filling port and a fluid extraction port. Both ports can be connected to the interior chamber. The filling port can have two sterilizing filters, each of which has a membrane. The sterilizing filters can be connected in series the membranes are separated by a distance of at least 0.5 cm. A first of the sterilizing filters can have a sealed inlet. The fluid extraction port can be sealed. | 09-05-2013 |
20130264250 | BATCH FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF STERILE FLUID FOR RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY - A first connector of a connector assembly of a sterile batch container can be unsealed. The connector assembly can be attached to a filling port of the sterile batch container and can have a sterile filter arranged between the filling port and the first connector. The first connector can be coupled so as to receive produced purified water. A transmembrane pressure can be monitored across the sterile filter while flowing the purified water through the connector assembly into the sterile batch container so as to provide a sterile fluid stored therein. The connector assembly can be detached from the filling port of the sterile batch container. After the detaching, the sterile batch container can be coupled to the blood treatment system. In response to a change in the transmembrane pressure exceeding a predefined level, an alarm signal can be generated. | 10-10-2013 |
20130281799 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINE ERROR DETECTION BY COMBINING MULTIPLE SENSOR INPUTS - One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives. | 10-24-2013 |
20130283891 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LEAK DETECTION IN BLOOD PROCESSING SYSTEMS - A flow reversing device for performing blood treatment can include a flow reversing actuator. The flow reversing actuator can receive and engage a disposable tubing set with multiple branches that form forward and reverse blood flow paths respectively when blood the flow reversing actuator is selectively changed between forward and reverse configurations. The shape of the tubing can be such that during forward operation, dead regions of non-flowing blood are defined. The flow reversing actuator can have a controller configured to operate generally in forward mode. At first times, the controller can cause the flow reversing actuator to clear the dead regions. At second times, the controller can cause the flow reversing actuator to test for leaks by reversing the flow of blood for a period of time sufficient to cause air to be drawn into the tubing set and conveyed to an air sensor. | 10-31-2013 |
20130304025 | SAFE NEEDLE METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS - A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis. | 11-14-2013 |
20140018727 | PERITONEAL DIALYSIS SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS - An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides various features including prescription-driven dialysis fluid preparation, an integrated disposable fluid circuit, and sensor capabilities that allow accurate filing and draining control with high safety margins. Features include a peritoneal fluid circuit with a pressure sensor at either end and methods and devices for using the pressure signals. Other features and embodiments are disclosed. | 01-16-2014 |
20140035273 | FLUID LINE SAFETY DEVICE - A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection. | 02-06-2014 |
20140076058 | PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - A pressure measurement system for use in blood circuits comprised of a pressure sensing pod and a force measurement device. The pressure sensing pod can include a flexible, moveable, fluid-impermeable diaphragm and can be formed via either a one-shot or a two-shot molding process. A mechanical engagement member of the force measurement device engages with a mechanical engagement feature of the diaphragm, and the engagement member is operative to move in concert with movement of the engagement feature of the diaphragm based on pressure variations with the pressure sensing pod. The force measurement device generates and outputs to a processor a signal based on detected force associated with movement of the engagement member. | 03-20-2014 |
20140191501 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR COUPLING FLUID LINES - The disclosed subject matter includes embodiments of fluid couplings that prevent or discourage misconnection of fluid lines. A coupling device includes multiple male and female connectors that are joined to a common line. The coupling device is mated to a matching coupling device only when all the multiple male and female connectors are property joined. If any of the connectors is not property mated to a corresponding one, the coupling will leak. The coupling devices are made unique by providing an arrangement the connectors, number of connectors, shape of connectors or arrangement of interfering connector parts that ensure that any attempt to improperly couple two fluid lines will result in the incomplete mating of one or more of the connectors and thereby cause leakage of the fluid, failure of the coupling to engage, or otherwise cause the attempt to connect to fail. | 07-10-2014 |
20140238909 | BATCH FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF STERILE FLUID FOR RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY - A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration. | 08-28-2014 |
20140319035 | MEDICAL DEVICE LEAK SENSING DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - Features for protecting against leaks in a fluid circuit are disclosed. In a first embodiment, a fluid circuit is housed by another fluid circuit that is configured to capture and convey leaks to leak detector. In a second embodiment, a first indicator of a leak is used to trigger confirmation by blood flow reversal and air detection in the blood circuit. | 10-30-2014 |