WO2004060449A2 - Systems, methods and apparatuses for pumping cassette-based therapies - Google Patents

Systems, methods and apparatuses for pumping cassette-based therapies Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004060449A2
WO2004060449A2 PCT/US2003/032571 US0332571W WO2004060449A2 WO 2004060449 A2 WO2004060449 A2 WO 2004060449A2 US 0332571 W US0332571 W US 0332571W WO 2004060449 A2 WO2004060449 A2 WO 2004060449A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
pump
cassette
pumping
valve
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/032571
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert W. Childers
Richard Avoy
John Booras
Joseph H. Bowman, Jr.
Paul Grippo
Andrew D. Hopping
David Howard
Jeffrey W. Jerrell
Benjamin A. Kellam
Brian Lauman
Sherwin Shang
David Vescovi
Tahua Yang
Alex Yu
Original Assignee
Baxter International Inc.
Baxter Healthcare S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=32710921&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO2004060449(A2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A. filed Critical Baxter International Inc.
Priority to JP2004564788A priority Critical patent/JP4440786B2/en
Priority to MXPA05006867A priority patent/MXPA05006867A/en
Priority to AU2003277371A priority patent/AU2003277371A1/en
Priority to EP03814606.4A priority patent/EP1585565B2/en
Publication of WO2004060449A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004060449A2/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/28Peritoneal dialysis ; Other peritoneal treatment, e.g. oxygenation
    • A61M1/281Instillation other than by gravity
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/16Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with membranes
    • A61M1/1694Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with membranes with recirculating dialysing liquid
    • A61M1/1696Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with membranes with recirculating dialysing liquid with dialysate regeneration
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/15Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with a cassette forming partially or totally the flow circuit for the treating fluid, e.g. the dialysate fluid circuit or the treating gas circuit
    • A61M1/152Details related to the interface between cassette and machine
    • A61M1/1522Details related to the interface between cassette and machine the interface being evacuated interfaces to enhance contact
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/15Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with a cassette forming partially or totally the flow circuit for the treating fluid, e.g. the dialysate fluid circuit or the treating gas circuit
    • A61M1/154Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with a cassette forming partially or totally the flow circuit for the treating fluid, e.g. the dialysate fluid circuit or the treating gas circuit with sensing means or components thereof
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/15Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with a cassette forming partially or totally the flow circuit for the treating fluid, e.g. the dialysate fluid circuit or the treating gas circuit
    • A61M1/155Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with a cassette forming partially or totally the flow circuit for the treating fluid, e.g. the dialysate fluid circuit or the treating gas circuit with treatment-fluid pumping means or components thereof
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/15Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with a cassette forming partially or totally the flow circuit for the treating fluid, e.g. the dialysate fluid circuit or the treating gas circuit
    • A61M1/156Constructional details of the cassette, e.g. specific details on material or shape
    • A61M1/1561Constructional details of the cassette, e.g. specific details on material or shape at least one cassette surface or portion thereof being flexible, e.g. the cassette having a rigid base portion with preformed channels and being covered with a foil
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/15Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with a cassette forming partially or totally the flow circuit for the treating fluid, e.g. the dialysate fluid circuit or the treating gas circuit
    • A61M1/156Constructional details of the cassette, e.g. specific details on material or shape
    • A61M1/1562Details of incorporated reservoirs
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/15Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with a cassette forming partially or totally the flow circuit for the treating fluid, e.g. the dialysate fluid circuit or the treating gas circuit
    • A61M1/156Constructional details of the cassette, e.g. specific details on material or shape
    • A61M1/1565Details of valves
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/28Peritoneal dialysis ; Other peritoneal treatment, e.g. oxygenation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/28Peritoneal dialysis ; Other peritoneal treatment, e.g. oxygenation
    • A61M1/282Operational modes
    • A61M1/284Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis [CFPD]
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/14Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis
    • A61M1/16Dialysis systems; Artificial kidneys; Blood oxygenators ; Reciprocating systems for treatment of body fluids, e.g. single needle systems for hemofiltration or pheresis with membranes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/12General characteristics of the apparatus with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
    • A61M2205/121General characteristics of the apparatus with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit interface between cassette and base
    • A61M2205/122General characteristics of the apparatus with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit interface between cassette and base using evacuated interfaces to enhance contact

Definitions

  • the present invention provides an actuator assembly that operates with the disposable cassette.
  • the assembly includes a housing that holds both the pump actuators and the valve actuators.
  • the pump/valve manifold eliminates the need for separate valve manifolds. This in turn reduces significantly the amount of tubing and tubing connections that would otherwise have to be made between one or more valve manifolds and a pump actuator housing.
  • the combination pump/valve manifold also conserves space and materials, allowing for a smaller, lighter and more cost effective dialysis machine.
  • a fail safe valve and pump arrangement is provided. The arrangement allows fluid to flow only from the cassette into the machine in the event of a cassette failure. A positive pressure gradient is maintained from the cassette to the machine, generally preventing air from entering the cassette.
  • the method includes loading the cassette into the dialysis machine and, before inflating a sealing bladder, moving one or more pump pistons toward respective pump cavities. This action causes the cassette to shift, if need be, into its proper position. If a resistance to the movement of the piston(s) is detected, the dialysis machine knows that a problem has occurred either with the cassette or the mechanics of the machine and can take action appropriately. The procedure is operable whether the cassette loads horizontally on top of the machine, or vertically on a side of the machine.
  • a bladder inflates and compresses the cassette against an inner surface of the dialysis machine, the pump pistons and valve plungers.
  • the cassette is then ready for use.
  • a sensor is also provided, such as a strain gauge, which monitors the force exerted by the moving pistons on the cassette. If the disposable cassette is out of alignment to the point that alignment cannot be corrected, the sensor detects the undue stress placed on the piston head, sends an error message and de-energizes the pumps.
  • a valve arrangement that allows different fluids to be combined and removed from a medical fluid system.
  • the valve arrangement is operable with a single pump or multiple fluid pumps.
  • the arrangement is described in connection with CFPD but is operable with other types of dialysis, h the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement allows concentrate to be added and ultrafiltrate to be withdrawn from a dialysis fluid in a continuous or semi-continuous manner, without requiring additional fluid pumps.
  • the valve arrangement adds an additional inlet valve and outlet valve for each pump. To this end, each pump operates with a main intake valve that provides on/off control for the inlet flow of dialysate in a continuous loop (CFPD) or from a supply bag (APD).
  • CFPD continuous loop
  • APD supply bag
  • the main valves When the second intake and exhaust valves are open, the main valves are closed and vice versa in an embodiment.
  • the relevant amount of time that the main versus the second valves are open determines how quickly concentrate is added or ultrafiltrate is removed. For instance one pump volume's worth of concentrate can be pumped once every thirty-three pump strokes or once every five hundred pump strokes.
  • the expert system also accounts for a number of parameters inputted by the patient or doctor.
  • the system applies various algorithms to the inputted values to yield the output requirements for the therapy, e.g., overall flow volume, flowrate, therapy time, total concentrate added, etc.
  • the expert system develops a pumping schedule having a number of entries. Each entry directs one or more pump to pull or push from one or more solution or to one or more destinations, respectively.
  • the controller of the system commands the pumps to execute the pumping profile set forth in the schedule.
  • the schedule may represent a portion of the overall therapy, wherein the schedule is cycled a number of times until therapy is complete.
  • the outputs are achieved according to the rules and other limitations, such as fluid pressure level limitations.
  • a port vent for venting air purged from the dialysis fluid is provided.
  • the port vent is integral to the cassette and vents the priming volume as well as air entrained due to pumping and patient exhaust gases.
  • the cassette-based port vent is molded integrally with the rigid portion of the cassette, taking advantage of the fact that the rigid portion is otherwise a molded structure.
  • a filter such as a 0.2 micron filter is then fixed, e.g., bonded, heat sealed, adhered or mechanically fixed, to the port vent.
  • the filter is made of a material, such as PTFE, Gortex or other polymer, which can be bonded, heat sealed, adhered or fixed mechanically.
  • the filter is made of a hydrophobic material.
  • the filter is bonded, heat sealed, adhered or fixed to a bushing that fits onto and is suitably attached to the molded port.
  • an additional air separation chamber for a medical fluid system is provided.
  • the cassette-based port vent provides a first venting mechanism that separates air entrained in the fluid at the point of pumping. After the dialysis fluid leaves the pumping cassette, however, the fluid passes through a heater. The addition of heat releases gas trapped in the solution. This additional released gas must also be purged before the solution enters the patient.
  • the gases vent through a membrane To keep the membrane dry, a series of exhaust values may be employed. To this end, a sump fluid trap may alternatively or additionally be provided.
  • a gas separation device in still another embodiment, includes a series of valves that are operated sequentially.
  • a fluid trap is provided in between the valves. The sequential operation of the valves and trap enables gas but not fluid to escape from the system.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based medical fluid system having fail safe valve and pump actuation.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based medical fluid system having a positive pressure gradient between the cassette fluid pathways and the outlying components of the dialysis machine.
  • Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based medical fluid system having a cassette auto-alignment feature.
  • Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based medical fluid system having a cassette misalignment output and a cassette integrity feature.
  • an advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved material for the flexible membrane of the cassette.
  • an advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette- based medical fluid system having a multiplexing valve arrangement.
  • an advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette- based medical fluid system having an expert fluid pumping management system that uses a knowledge base to derive a pumping schedule after parameters are inputted by a doctor/patient.
  • Still a further advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based integrally formed port vent.
  • Yet a further advantage of the present invention is to provide an air separation chamber downstream of a medical fluid heater.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is to allow the dialysis fluid to purge entrained gas while the fluid is being pumped.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate opposing views of an embodiment of a value and pump actuation assembly having a value/pump housing that houses in combination a valve manifold and a plurality of pump actuators.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve actuator used in the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a surface of the valve/pump housing illustrated in Fig. 1 that remains after a portion of the housing is cutaway, the surface showing vacuum and atmospheric air flow paths.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the opposing side of the valve/pump housing from the side illustrated in Fig. 4, the opposing side showing a plurality of valve plunger cavities.
  • Figs. 10 and 11 are sectioned elevation views of one embodiment of a pneumatically and mechanically actuated valve of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a dialysis hardware machine showing the loading of a disposable cassette and an embodiment of an auto-alignment feature of the present invention.
  • Figs 17 to 20 illustrate an embodiment for a valve arrangement of the present invention allowing multiple fluids to be pumped into and out of the same fluid pump chamber.
  • Fig. 21 is a schematic process flow diagram illustrating various fluid flow connections between a plurality of solutions, a plurality of pumps and a plurality of fluid destinations for an expert pumping system of the present invention.
  • Fig. 22 is a diagram that illustrating schematically the possible states of the fluid pumps for the expert pumping system of the present invention.
  • Figs. 25 and 26 are process flow diagrams illustrating schematically an embodiment of the expert pumping system and method of the present invention.
  • Figs 27 to 29 illustrate various inputs, outputs and algorithms used by the expert pumping system of the present invention to output a fluid flow schedule illustrated in Fig. 30.
  • Fig. 32 is a sectioned elevation view of one embodiment of a air separation chamber using capacitance fluid volume sensing.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates that three pump actuators 32 mount to the valve/pump housing 20, however, alternative embodiments of the present invention may use one pump, two pumps or more than three pumps.
  • Pump actuators 32 in an embodiment are linear motors, such as linear stepper motors made by Hayden Switch and Instrument Inc., Waterbury, CT.
  • Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate that the pump actuators are alternatively springs.
  • the pump actuators could be piston cylinders driven by positive or negative pressure, rotary motors in combination with a rotational to linear motion converter or other type of linear motion producing device.
  • valves 40 also mount to the valve/pump housing 20 as illustrated by Fig. 1.
  • Valves 40 are actuated electrically in an embodiment, however, valves 40 can be pneumatically operated in an alternative embodiment.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates that a valve plunger 42 is operable with each of the valves 40.
  • valve plungers 42 are pressed mechanically against the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette, for instance by a spring. The valve plungers are retracted away from the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette via negative pressure facilitated by valves 40.
  • Valve plungers 42 also define vacuum orifices in an embodiment that enable a vacuum to pull the flexible membrane outward, i.e., to open a fluid flow path in the disposable cassette, when the valve plunger 42 is retracted or pulled inward from the face of plate 30. Plunger 42 is retracted when pneumatic valve 40 is energized, allowing the spring to see negative pressure, compressing the spring. The vacuum alternatively flows around the valve plunger to seal the membrane to the plunger 42.
  • Fig. 3 an embodiment of a pneumatic valve 40 is illustrated. Suitable three port valves are provided by Pneutronics, Inc. of Hollis, NH, Fluid Automation Systems (FAS) of Versoix, Congress, SMC Pneumatics and Lee Corporation.
  • Valve 40 has a housing defining a normally closed or vacuum port 44, a common or plunger port 46 and a normally open or atmospheric air port 48.
  • the common port 46 connects fluidly to a vacuum chamber for operating the valve plunger 42, for example, vacuum chamber 144 illustrated in Fig. 10.
  • Naive/pump housing 20 also defines valve sheeting apertures 68.
  • Naive sheeting apertures 68 communicate fluidly with negative pressure connectors 56 illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • Negative pressure connectors 56 communicate fluidly with a negative pressure source and enable a vacuum to be applied through the orifices of the valve plungers 42 (or around valve plungers 42) to the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette.
  • the negative pressure source (not illustrated) pulls a vacuum through the connectors 56, through the valve sheeting apertures 68 and through the valve plungers 42 to seal the flexible membrane to the valve plungers.
  • valve/pump housing 20 defines, for each fluid pump, a pump sheeting aperture 72.
  • Pump sheeting apertures 72 communicate fluidly with negative pressure inlet connectors 54, which in turn communicate fluidly with a negative pressure source (not illustrated).
  • the negative pressure source pulls a vacuum through connectors 54, through apertures 72, through or around the piston 34 and piston head 36 to seal the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette to the piston head.
  • a plunger spring 70 is illustrated centered about an aperture 66, which in turn is centered in one of the cavities 78.
  • the valve seats and valve plungers fit around spring 70 and sit inside or are supported by cavity 78.
  • Figs. 6 to 8 show the left pump in a refracted position, wherein dialysis fluid is pulled either from a supply (not illustrated) in a batch system, or from the patient (not illustrated), in a regeneration or CFPD type of dialysis system.
  • the pump pulls dialysis fluid from the patient through one or more regeneration device, which contains materials that clean or regenerate the dialysate.
  • additional other materials in addition to those types of materials which can non-selectively remove solutes from the dialysate.
  • the additional other materials include, for example, materials that can selectively remove certain solutes or the like from solution.
  • the additional materials can include a binder or reactive sorbent material capable of selectively removing urea, a binder or reactive sorbent material capable of selectively removing phosphate and/or the like. The use of materials capable of selective removal of solutes, particularly urea, can enhance the cleaning efficiency of the system so that the amount of dialysate necessary for effective treatment is minimized.
  • the cleaning cartridge is coupled to a dialysate loop via a cleaning fluid loop in an embodiment.
  • the cartridge can include three separate layers, such as a layer of carbon, a layer of a phosphate binder and a layer of a urea binder.
  • the cleaning fluid path includes suitable components to control the flow through the loop.
  • the rate of flow of the dialysate through the cleaning fluid loop e.g., the cleaning flow rate, is less than the flow through the main dialysis fluid loop.
  • the vacuum communicates with membrane 96 through chamber 82 of housings 120, 220 and 320. As discussed above in connection with reference numeral 38 of Fig. 2, the vacuum is introduced in an embodiment into chamber 82 through a channel in piston 34 and piston head 36.
  • a further alternative embodiment eliminates the deep vacuum altogether and instead uses an electrically operated linear or rotary/linear actuator 32.
  • Actuator 32 is also illustrated above in connection with Fig. 1.
  • Linear actuator 32 in an embodiment is a linear stepper motor, a rotary stepper motor coupled to a lead or ball screw, a rotary servo motor coupled to a lead or ball screw or other type of electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated linear actuator.
  • Pump actuator 32 couples in an embodiment directly to piston 34 via a coupler 116, which in an embodiment allows for slight misalignment between piston 34 and an output shaft of pump actuator 32.
  • Pump actuator 32 eliminates altogether the need for the vacuum chamber 84, the deep vacuum and the residual shallow vacuum. A shallow vacuum is still required in chamber 82 to pull lower flexible membrane 96 away from rigid portion 92 when piston head 36 retracts away from cassette 90.
  • O-ring 112 is provided between opening 80 in housing 320 and shaft 34 to form in part the enclosed vacuum chamber 82.
  • the pumping membrane film referred to herein with reference numerals 94 and 96 preferably is fabricated from a non-PVC containing, thermoplastic polymeric material and can be of a monolayer structure as shown in Figure 15 or a multiple layer structure as shown in Figure 16.
  • the film can be fabricated using standard thermoplastic processing techniques such as extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion lamination, lamination, blown extrusion, tubular extrusion, cast extrusion or coextrusion, compression molding and thermoforming.
  • Thermoforming is one preferred method for fabricating the film as it is well suited for fabricating the film having an elongation from about 5% to 40% and more preferably from 10%-30%, and most preferably from 20 to 25%.
  • a portion of the film and more preferably a central portion will be domed.
  • the dome will have a diameter of 1.60 inches and a depth of 0.26 inches.
  • the film will have a thickness of less than 15 mils and more preferably less than 12 mils and more preferably from about 11 mils to about 4 mils.
  • Suitable non-PVC containing polymers include polyolefins, ethylene and lower alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene and lower alkyl substituted alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polybutadienes, polyesters, polyamides, and styrene and hydrocarbon copolymers.
  • a blend of polypropylene and ⁇ -olefin copolymers wherein the propylene copolymers can vary by the number of carbons in the ⁇ -olefin.
  • the present invention contemplates blends of propylene and ⁇ -olefin copolymers wherein one copolymer has a 2 carbon ⁇ -olefin and another copolymer has a 4 carbon ⁇ -olefm. It is also possible to use any combination of ⁇ -olefins from 2 to 20 carbons and more preferably from 2 to 8 carbons.
  • High melt strength polypropylenes can also be obtained as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,416,169, which is inco ⁇ orated in its entirety herein by reference and made a part hereof, when a specified organic peroxide (di-2-ethylhexyl peroxydicarbonate) is reacted with a polypropylene under specified conditions, followed by melt-kneading.
  • a specified organic peroxide di-2-ethylhexyl peroxydicarbonate
  • melt-kneading melt-kneading.
  • Such polypropylenes are linear, crystalline polypropylenes having a branching coefficient of substantially 1, and, therefore, has no free end long-chain branching and will have a intrinsic viscosity of from about 2.5 dl/g to 10 dl/g.
  • Suitable homopolymers of ethylene include those having a density of greater than 0.915 g/cc and includes low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE).
  • LDPE low density polyethylene
  • MDPE medium density polyethylene
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • the R group refers to alkyls having from 1 to 17 carbons.
  • lower alkyl acrylates includes but is not limited to methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate and the like.
  • alkyl substituted alkyl acrylates refers to comonomers having the formula set forth in Diagram 2:
  • Ri and R 2 are alkyls having 1-17 carbons and can have the same number of carbons or have a different number of carbons.
  • alkyl substituted alkyl acrylates includes but is not limited to methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, methyl ethacrylate, ethyl ethacrylate, butyl methacrylate, butyl ethacrylate and the like.
  • the low crystallinity, syndiotactic 1,2 polybutadiene will have a melting point temperature measured in accordance with ASTM D 3418 from about 70°C to about 120°C.
  • Suitable resins include those sold by JSR (Japan Synthetic Rubber) under the grade designations: JSR RB 810, JSR RB 820, and JSR RB 830.
  • Suitable polyamides include those that result from a ring-opening reaction of lactams having from 4-12 carbons. This group of polyamides therefore includes nylon 6, nylon 10 and nylon 12. Acceptable polyamides also include aliphatic polyamides resulting from the condensation reaction of di-amines having a carbon number within a range of 2-13, aliphatic polyamides resulting from a condensation reaction of di-acids having a carbon number within a range of 2-13, polyamides resulting from the condensation reaction of dimer fatty acids, and amide containing copolymers. Thus, suitable aliphatic polyamides include, for example, nylon 66, nylon 6,10 and dimer fatty acid polyamides.
  • substituted styrenes include alpha-methylstyrene, beta-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-isopropylstyrene, 2,4- dimethylstyrene, o-chlorostyrene, p-chlorostyrene, o-bromostyrene, 2-chloro-4- methylstyrene, etc. Styrene is the most preferred.
  • the hydrocarbon portion of the styrene and hydrocarbon copolymer includes conjugated dienes. Conjugated dienes which may be utilized are those containing from 4 to about 10 carbon atoms and more generally, from 4 to 6 carbon atoms.
  • the styrene and hydrocarbon copolymers can be block copolymers including di-block, tri-block, multi-block, and star block.
  • diblock copolymers include styrene-butadiene, styrene-isoprene, and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof.
  • triblock polymers include styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, alpha-methylstyrene-butadiene-alpha-methylstyrene, and alpha-methylstyrene-isoprene-alpha-methylstyrene and hydrogenated derivatives thereof.
  • Particularly useful hydrogenated block copolymers are the hydrogenated block copolymers of styrene-isoprene-styrene, such as a styrene-(ethylene/propylene)- styrene block polymer.
  • styrene-isoprene-styrene such as a styrene-(ethylene/propylene)- styrene block polymer.
  • EB 1-butene
  • the conjugated diene employed is isoprene
  • the resulting hydrogenated product resembles a regular copolymer block of ethylene and propylene (EP).
  • the block copolymers of the conjugated diene and the vinyl aromatic compound are grafted with an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid reagent.
  • the carboxylic acid reagents include carboxylic acids per se and their functional derivatives such as anhydrides, imides, metal salts, esters, etc., which are capable of being grafted onto the selectively hydrogenated block copolymer.
  • the grafted polymer will usually contain from about 0.1 to about 20%, and preferably from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the block copolymer and the carboxylic acid reagent of the grafted carboxylic acid.
  • useful monobasic carboxylic acids include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, cinnamic acid, crotonic acid, acrylic anhydride, sodium acrylate, calcium acrylate and magnesium acrylate, etc.
  • dicarboxylic acids and useful derivatives thereof include maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, mesaconic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, monomethyl maleate, monosodium maleate, etc.
  • the styrene and hydrocarbon block copolymer can be modified with an oil such as the oil modified SEBS sold by the Shell Chemical Company under the product designation KRATON G2705.
  • the film extends between a first support and a second support and satisfies one or more of the physical properties set forth above.
  • the pumping film overlies a fluid reservoir and is moveable from a first position to a second position to move fluid through the reservoir.
  • the film is moved between the first and second position in response to a single or a series of periodic impingements of the film by the piston head 36 or valve plungers 42 or the like on a portion of the film not supported.
  • the cassette shown herein is generally rectangular shaped, it could have numerous different shapes such as polygonal, round, elliptical and irregular shaped without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the cassette is preferably fabricated from a thermoplastic polymer and more preferably from a rigid thermoplastic polymer.
  • the cassette is fabricated from a polyolefin such as a homopolymer or copolymer of propylene as described above or a homopolymer or copolymer of a cyclic olefin or a homopolymer or copolymer of a bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon.
  • a polyolefin such as a homopolymer or copolymer of propylene as described above or a homopolymer or copolymer of a cyclic olefin or a homopolymer or copolymer of a bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon.
  • COCs Suitable homopolymer and copolymers of cyclic olefins and bridged polycyclic hydrocarbons and blends thereof can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
  • suitable cyclic olefin monomers are monocyclic compounds having from 5 to about 10 carbons in the ring.
  • the cyclic olefins can selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted cyclopentene, cyclopentadiene, cyclohexene, cyclohexadiene, cycloheptene, cycloheptadiene, cyclooctene, cyclooctadiene.
  • Suitable substituents include lower alkyl, acrylate derivatives and the like.
  • suitable bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon monomers have two or more rings and more preferably contain at least 7 carbons.
  • the rings can be substituted or unsubstituted. Suitable substitutes include lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, vinyl, allyloxy, (meth) acryloxy and the like.
  • the bridged polycyclic hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of those disclosed in the above inco ⁇ orated patents and patent applications. In a preferred form of the invention the polycyclic hydrocarbon is polymerized in an addition reaction in preference to a ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP).
  • Suitable bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon containing polymers are sold by Ticona under the fradename TOP AS, by Nippon Zeon under the fradename ZEONEX and ZEONOR, by Daikyo Gomu Seiko under the tradeanme CZ resin, and by Mitsui Petrochemical Company under the fradename APEL.
  • Suitable comonomers include alpha-olefins having from 3-10 carbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, other cyclic olefins and bridged polycyclic hydrocarbons. It may also be desirable to have pendant groups associated with the above-mentioned homopolymers and copolymers. The pendant groups are for compatibilizing the cyclic olefin containing polymers and the bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon containing polymers with more polar polymers including amine, amide, imide, ester, carboxylic acid and other polar functional groups.
  • Suitable pendant groups include aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, monoethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons, acrylonitriles, vinyl ethers, vinyl esters, vinylamides, vinyl ketones, vinyl halides, epoxides, cyclic esters and cyclic ethers.
  • the monethylencially unsaturated hydrocarbons include alkyl acrylates, and aryl acrylates.
  • the cyclic ester includes maleic anhydride.
  • Suitable two-component blends of the present invention include as a first component of a COC.
  • the COCs can be present in an amount from about 1-99% by weight of the blend, more preferably from about 30-99%), and most preferably from about 35-99 weight percent or any combination or subcombination or ranges therein.
  • the first components has a glass transition temperature of from about 70degree C. to about 130degree C. and more preferably from about 70-1 lOdegree C.
  • the blends further include a second component in an amount by weight of the blend of from about 99-1%, more preferably from about 70-1% and most preferably from about 65-1%.
  • the second component is selected from the group consisting of homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butene, hexene, octene, nonene, decene and styrene.
  • the second component preferably has a density of from about 0.870-0.960 g/cc and more preferably from about 0.910-0.960 g/cc and more preferably from about 0.930-0.960 g/cc.
  • the second component is and ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymer where the alpha-olefin has from 3-10 carbons, more preferably from 4-8 carbons and most preferably 6 carbons. Most preferably the ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymers are obtained using a metallocene catalyst.
  • Suitable three-component blends include as a third component a COC selected from those COCs described above and different from the first component.
  • the second COC will have a glass fransition temperature of higher than about 120 degree C. when the first COC has a glass transition temperature lower than about 120 degree C.
  • the third component is present in an amount by weight of from about 10- 90% by weight of the blend and the first and second components should be present in a ratio of from about 2:1 to about 1:2 respectively of the first component to the second component.
  • random and block copolymers of norbornene and ethylene are selected as the first component of the blend. These norbornene copolymers are described in detail in U.S.
  • the norbornene ethylene copolymer preferably has from at least about 20 mole percent norbornene monomer and more preferably from about 20- 75 mole percent and most preferably from about 30-60 mole percent norbornene monomer or any combination or subcombination of ranges therein.
  • the norbornene ethylene copolymer should have a glass transition temperature of from about 70- 180degree C, more preferably from 70-130degree C. and even more preferably from about 70-100degree C.
  • the second component is preferably an ethylene copolymerized with an alpha- olefin having from 4 to 8 carbons.
  • the ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymers are obtained using metallocene catalysts. Suitable catalyst systems, among others, are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,783,638 and 5,272,236. Suitable ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymers include those sold by Dow Chemical Company under the AFFINITY and ENGAGE fradenames, those sold by Exxon under the EXACT fradename and those sold by Phillips Chemical Company under the fradename MARLEX.
  • the first component of the norbornene/ethylene copolymer can be present from about 1-99% by weight of the blend, more preferably from about 30-99% by weight, and most preferably 35-99% by weight.
  • a second norbornene and ethylene copolymer is added to the two component norbomene-ethylene/ethylene alpha.-olefin blend.
  • the second norbornene ethylene copolymer should have a norbornene monomer content of 30 mole percent or greater and more preferably from about 35-75 mole percent and a glass transition temperature of higher than 120degree C. when the first component has a glass transition temperature of lower than 120degree C.
  • the cassette may be fabricated from the COCs and blends set forth above.
  • the cassette may be fabricated from the COCs by injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming processes or other plastic fabricating techniques. In a preferred form of the invention the cassette is formed by injection molding.
  • the tubing connected to the cassette is compatible with the cassette and is, in a preferred form of the invention, made from a polyolefin and more preferably from a m-ULDPE and even more preferably from a blend of m-ULDPE resins in accordance with commonly assigned United States Patent No. 6,372,848 which is inco ⁇ orated in its entirety herein by reference.
  • the tubing is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and can convey fluid to and from the reservoir.
  • valve and pump arrangement 200 illustrates one possible arrangement for the pumps and valves of the present invention.
  • Figs. 18 to 20 set forth a set of values that illustrate one example of how the valves are sequenced in connection with the valve arrangement 200. Other sets of values are therefore possible.
  • the cassette-based improvements discussed herein are operable with various different types of dialysis therapies, such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
  • peritoneal dialysis for example, the system can be a batch system, a continuous flow system, a tidal flow system and any combination thereof.
  • batch type systems dialysis fluid is pumped through the patient and then to drain.
  • Tidal flow systems are modified batch type systems, wherein instead of pulling all the fluid out of the patient's peritoneal cavity, a portion of the fluid is pulled out more frequently and replaced.
  • Tidal flow systems have properties similar to both batch and continuous therapies.
  • dialysis fluid is pumped to a patient, through one or more filters and regeneration devices back to the patient.
  • Continuous flow systems require typically one or more concentrates to be added to the fluid before the fluid reaches the patient. Also, a roughly equal amount of ultrafiltrate produced by the patient is removed from circulation, so that a total volume of fluid within the loop remains relatively constant.
  • the components described herein can be used likewise in a variable volume CFPD system.
  • a second intake valve 214 is located upsfream of first pump chamber 204.
  • a second exhaust valve 216 is located downstream of first pump chamber 204.
  • a second intake valve 218 is placed upstream of second pump chamber 210.
  • a second exhaust valve 220 is located downstream of second pump chamber 210.
  • regenerated dialysis fluid flows from one or more regeneration device 222, through a first inlet path 226, through first intake valves 202 and 208, to first and second pump chambers 204 and 210, respectively.
  • one or more additives or concentrates 228 flows through a second inlet path 232, through second intake valves 214 and/or 218, into first and second pump chambers 204 and/or 210, respectively.
  • Pumps 204 and 210 in an embodiment alternate so that one pump draws in fluid as the second pump pushes fluid to the patient.
  • dialysis fluid flows from pumps 204 and 210, through first exhaust valves 206 and 212, respectively, through first outlet path 236 to patient 238.
  • fluid can be discharged alternatively from pumps 204 and 210, through second exhaust valves 216 and 220, respectively, through second outlet path 240, to an ultrafiltrate bag 232.
  • fluid flows from patent 238, through a regeneration path 234, to regeneration device 222.
  • the regeneration device 222 and additives 228 are replaced by one or more supply bags 224 and 230.
  • pumps 204 and 210 pull fluid alternatively from supply bag 224, through first inlet line 226 and first intake valves 202 and 208 and/or from supply 230, through second inlet path 232 and second intake valves 214 and 218, respectively.
  • pumps 204 and 210 pump to the patient 238 via first outlet path 236, through first exhaust valves 206 and 212.
  • pumps 204 and/or 210 can pump via second outlet path 240 through second exhaust valves 216 and 220, to a sample bag 240 for example.
  • first outlet path 236 operates as a from patient path and second outlet path 240 flows to drain 232.
  • first outlet path 236 can have multiple lumens to allow flow in both directions simultaneously.
  • second inlet valves 214 and 218 enable intermittent injection of a second fluid, e.g., an additive, to the main dialysis fluid flowing continuously through first inlet path 226.
  • Second exhaust valves 216 and 220 allow for intermittent withdrawal of fluid, e.g., ultrafiltrate, from the main dialysis fluid flowing continuously through first outlet path 236.
  • the second inlet valves 214 and 218 and second outlet valves 216 and 220 enable the additional pumping functions to be accomplished without providing additional pumping chambers. Eliminating additional pumping chambers allows the disposable cassette, and consequently the overall dialysis machine, to be smaller, lighter and less costly. The operation of a machine having a smaller number of pump chambers is also less noisy than a machine with a greater number of pump fluid chambers.
  • Figs. 18 to 20 illustrate one example of the sequencing of pump 204 and 210 and the various valves in connection with arrangement 200 for CFPD.
  • Figure 18 illustrates the cycling of pumps 204 and 210 with respect to the main flow of dialysis fluid from the regeneration devices 222, through first inlet path 226 and first outlet path 236, to patient 238.
  • the main dialysate flow through arrangement 200 is set at a rate of 100 ml/minute.
  • each pump chamber 204 and 210 has a total volume capability of 10 ml.
  • the pump actuators and pistons 34 are operated so that one complete pump cycle (both valves performing a stroke) occurs every 12 seconds.
  • Fig. 18 illustrates the volume of fluid being delivered from the pumps 204 and
  • pump 204 pumps 10 ml of fluid through valve 206 and first exhaust path 236 to patient 238.
  • First exhaust valve 212 operating with pump 210 is closed.
  • 10 ml of dialysis fluid is pumped from the one or more regeneration devices 222, through first inlet path 226, through first intake valve 208, into pump chamber 210.
  • first intake valve 202 is closed.
  • pump 210 discharges fluid obtained during the first six seconds to patient 238.
  • Pump 204 pulls fluid from regeneration device 222 in preparation for pumping to patient 238 in the second pump cycle.
  • first exhaust valve 212 associated with pump 210 is open, while first exhaust valve 206 associated with pump 204 is closed.
  • First intake valve 202 associated with pump chamber 204 is open, while first intake valve 208 associated with pump 210 is closed.
  • pump 210 (P2) delivers 10 ml of fluid to patient 238. The complete cycle is then repeated four more times over a total of one minute, delivering a total of 100 ml of fluid.
  • Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate various possibilities for sequencing the second inlet valves 214 and 218 to add one or more additives 228 and sequencing second exhaust valves 216 and 220 to remove ultrafiltrate 232, respectively.
  • Fig. 19 illustrates the frequency with which pumps 204 and 210 need to pull alternatively from additive 228, through second inlet path 232, through valves 214 and 218 to achieve a particular flowrate of additive. For example, if it is desired to have an additive flowrate of one ml/minute, knowing the pump chamber volume to be a constant 10 ml, a total of one full chamber of dialysate must be pulled through pumps 204 and 210 collectively every ten minutes. This means that each pump will pump one full chamber of dialysis fluid once every twenty minutes.
  • each pump 204 and 210 must pump a chamber full of additive 228 every one hundred strokes to achieve individually one full chamber once every twenty minutes.
  • first intake valve 202 opens ninety-nine consecutive times.
  • Second intake valve 214 opens on the 100th intake stroke.
  • first intake valve 208 opens ninety-nine consecutive times.
  • Valve 218 opens on the 100th intake sfroke.
  • Fig. 19 illustrates the total chamber volume and sfroke sequence for additive flowrates of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 ml min. It should be appreciated, however, that any desired percentage of additive versus dialysis flow can be achieved via the sequencing of second intake valves 214 and 218 with respect to the opening of main inlet valves 202 and 208, respectively.
  • each of the pumps 204 and 210 pumps one full chamber volume of 10 ml of fluid once every one hundred strokes to ultrafiltrate bag 232 (assuming overall flowrate of dialysis flow is 100 ml/minute as shown in Fig. 18).
  • Pumps 204 and 210 pump collectively one chamber volume, e.g., 10 ml of fluid every 10 minutes to achieve an ultrafiltrate flowrate of one ml/minute Accordingly, first exhaust valves 206 and 212 are opened ninety-nine times consecutively. Thereafter, second exhaust valves 216 and 220 are opened upon the 100th stroke.
  • the opening of the second inlet valves 214 and 218 can be spaced apart as desired. For example, when the cycle is one every 100 strokes, opening valves 214 and 218 can be offset by fifty strokes.
  • the ultrafiltrate can be pulled through second outlet path 240 via valve 216 and fifty strokes later through valve 220. It should be appreciated from Figs. 19 and 20 that the additive flowrate can be different than the ultrafilfrate flowrates. It may be necessary, however, to make up the total volume flowing through the loop if the removal rate is larger than the additive rate or vice versa.
  • Ultrafiltrate produced by the patient must also be accounted for, for example, by removing ultrafiltrate at a faster rate than that at which concentrate is added.
  • additive 228 and ultrafilfrate 232 are added and removed, respectively, virtually simultaneously by opening, for example, second inlet valve 214 operating in communication with pump 204 while simultaneously opening second exhaust valve 220 operating in communication with pump 210, when pump 204 is in a pull stroke and pump 210 is in a push stroke. This allows additive to be mixed into the system simultaneously with ultrafilfrate being pulled from the system in a way such that the additive is not being removed immediately from the patient loop.
  • pumping order can be reversed so that pump 210 pulls in additive 228, while pump 204 discharges ultrafiltrate to container 232.
  • Partial pump strokes can be used in an embodiment.
  • a positionable pump actuator such as the linear or rotational stepper or servo motor in combination with a rotational to linear converter described above in connection with Fig. 8, it is possible to drive the piston 34 partially during a fill or discharge stroke to pump less than a full pump chamber volume worth of dialysate, additive 228 or ultrafilfrate 232.
  • the additive flowrate and the ultrafiltrate flowrate can be doubled by opening second intake valves 214 and 218, either simultaneously or during the same complete pump cycle or opening second exhaust valves 216 and 220 simultaneously or within the same overall pump cycle, respectively.
  • the total volume of additive 228 and ultrafilfrate 232 is calculated knowing the total volume within fluid pumping changes 204 and 210, the number of strokes that the second intake and exhaust valves are opened over a given period of time, and the percentage of a sfroke employed (partial sfroke or full stroke). As described below in connection with Section VIII, the volume of fluid pumped can alternatively be measured, for example, using a capacitance fluid volume sensor.
  • While arrangement 200 has been illustrated with two pumps, it should be appreciated that the multiplexing flow illustrated in connection with Figs. 17 to 20 is operable with dialysis systems having a single pump or three or more pumps. Further, while alternating pumps 204 and 210 is preferred in one embodiment, both pumps can be pulling fluid and discharging fluid at the same time in an alternative embodiment. Further, where three or more pumps exist, one pump can pull fluid while one or more pumps pulls fluid, pushes fluid or is idle.
  • any of the therapies operable with the cassette-based embodiments of the present invention may employ multiple pumps, such as two, three, four or even more fluid pumps. Also, multiple solutions may be used. Hemodialysis pumps blood and dialysate. CFPD uses a number of different solutions, such as the continuously flowing dialysate, a supply of one or more concentrated additives, ultrafilfrate produced by the patient, as well as others. With APD and tidal flow, the systems may employ a plurality of fluid supply bags operating in parallel. The various therapies also include a multitude of fluid flow destinations.
  • the therapies also pump to an ultrafiltrate container, a drain bag, a sample container, an accumulator or other destination.
  • the therapies yield a complex matrix of fluid flow starting points, fluid pumps and fluid flow destinations.
  • automated systems allow a multitude of input parameters typically to be varied by the patient or doctor.
  • the patient or doctor can for example control the overall therapy time, the fluid flowrate and various dwell periods in connection with batch systems and a concentration of electrolyte or other additives in a CFPD solution, just to name a few. It is very difficult if not impossible therefore to predetermine and store in memory a pumping schedule for each possible combination of parameters selected by the patient and/or doctor.
  • the present invention provides the following expert system and method for determining a pumping schedule "on the fly" after the user inputs values for various parameters.
  • the expert system and method for scheduling the pumping of the dialysis therapy is applicable to any combination of solutions, pumps, and destinations, such as one or more solutions, one or more pumps, and one or more destinations.
  • Fig. 21 illustrates one possibility that includes three solutions, three pumps, and three destinations.
  • Fig. 21 illustrates schematically a hardware configuration for: (i) Solution 1 to Solution 3; (ii) pumps PI to P3; and (iii) Destination 1 to Destination 3.
  • Solution 1 is tabbed as a patient solution, i.e., the solution leaving the patient in CFPD
  • Solution 2 is an accumulator solution
  • Solution 3 is a concentrate solution.
  • Destination 1 is tabbed as a filter or cartridge
  • Destination 2 is the accumulator
  • Destination 3 is an ultrafiltrate container.
  • the CFPD system includes an accumulator in an embodiment that accumulates a portion of the fluid. The accumulator mixes various fluids and chemicals and stabilizes those fluids and chemicals.
  • the accumulator can also be used to provide a sample of the fluid for analysis. Although a single chemical concentration additive is illustrated, the dialysis system, and in particular CFPD, can include many different chemicals and additives. As illustrated, the accumulator is both a solution or source and a destination.
  • the designation of a particular entity as a solution or destination may, in certain instances, be arbitrary, which is allowable as long as the entity is consistently maintained as a solution or destination.
  • the patient could be either a solution as illustrated, wherein a pump pulls the solution from the patient, or a destination (not illustrated), wherein a pump pushes fluid to the patient.
  • the patient could further alternatively be a solution and a destination.
  • the concentration solutions cannot alternatively be arbitrarily assigned as a destination.
  • the ultrafiltrate collection destination cannot otherwise be designated a solution.
  • Fig. 21 illustrates the various fluid pathways existing for one embodiment between the solutions, the pumps and the destinations.
  • Pump 1 can pull from all three solutions but output to only Destination 1. This is a physical limitation set by the fluid pathways in the disposable cassette and/or by external tubing.
  • Pump 2 is connected fluidly to be able to pull fluids from any of the three solutions and to be able to pump to any of the three solutions.
  • Pump 3 can only pull fluid from Solution 1 but can pump out to any of the three destinations. This arrangement is illustrated merely for proposes of describing the expert system of the present invention and can be altered to achieve any desired configuration.
  • the pump includes a . piston head 36 that pulls apart a flexible membrane from a rigid portion of the disposable cassette to pull in fluid and pushes that same membrane towards the rigid portion to push out fluid. Assuming a complete stroke is made (no partial sfroke), the pumps are arranged physically so that the next movement after pulling must be a pushing movement and the next movement after pushing must be a pulling movement.
  • Each of the states is allowed to transition, however, to an idling state, a characteristic desired by the implementers.
  • a pump When a pump is done pulling, it may do nothing, i.e., idle. When a pump finishes pushing, it may also do nothing. When a pump is finished idling, it may idle again. A pump may idle for as long as is desired until transitioning to the next active state based on the previous activity of the state.
  • Fig. 23 sets forth various rules or restrictions that are placed in software to determine, in part, a pumping schedule.
  • the schedule is based on: (i) the rules of Fig. 23; (ii) various inputs by the doctor/patient; (iii) a number of calculations based on the inputs; and (iv) a number of constants set for example by the physical limitations of the system (e.g., pump chamber volume is ten ml.
  • the rules or restrictions serve to provide a basis upon which a microprocessor of the controller of the present invention can make decisions to develop a flow schedule.
  • Rules 1 to 6 codify the physical flow restraints between the solutions, pumps and destinations illustrated in connection with Fig. 21. Fig.
  • Rules 1 to 6 set forth merely examples of rules that might be implemented based on the fluid flow connections.
  • Rules 7 to 13 set forth certain restrictions that are based on the state diagram of
  • Fig. 22 and other restrictions based on the particular therapy employed.
  • Rule 7 in software forbids such a flow from taking place.
  • Rules 8 and 9 set forth similar restrictions.
  • Rules 12 and 13 designate restrictions that simplify the calculations made to generate the flow schedule.
  • Rule 12 specifies that a pump pumps only from one source during any giving pulling stroke.
  • Rule 13 designates that a pump delivers fluid to only a single destination during a pump discharge stroke.
  • One alternative embodiment in Section V does, however, include partial strokes which may or may not involve pumping fluid from more than one source or pumping fluid to more than one destination during a given stroke.
  • the expert system can be modified to include such paprtial strokes; however, certain of the algorithms discussed below would be more complicated.
  • Fig 24 sets forth one outcome from the diagrams and rules of Figs. 21 to 23.
  • Fig. 24 illustrates three function modules 244, 246 and 248 that provide the controller with three options based on Rule 1 illustrated above in Fig. 23. That is, Rule 1 allows pumping to occur from Solution 1, through Pump 1 to Destination 1, as indicated by function module 244; pumping to occur from Solution 1, through Pump 2 to Destination 1, according to function module 246; and pumping to occur from Solution 1, through Pump 3 to Destination 1, as indicated by function module 248.
  • Each of the function modules 244, 246 and 248 also requires that the pumping be maintained within specified pressure limits. The pumping is controlled to occur over a designated period of time, moving the flexible membrane of the cassette at a particular velocity and moving the third under a specified pressure limit.
  • Fig. 24 illusfrates three possible ways to accomplish moving fluid from
  • Solution 1 to Destination 1 e.g., from the patient to the filter.
  • one or more of the function modules 244, 246 and 248 may be eliminated due to other rules, such as rules restricting: (i) pumping from the same solution to two pumps at the same time; (ii) pumping two different solutions using the same pump at the same time; (iii) pumping to two different destinations using the same pump at the same time; or (iv) pumping from two pumps to the same destination at the same time.
  • the schedule at a particular point in time may have to choose one of the three function modules 244, 246 and 248.
  • the controller can choose to pump from Solution 1 to Destination
  • Figs. 25 and 26 illustrate high level process flow diagrams 250 and 260 that show the control of the various pumps prior to and after developing the flow schedule, respectively.
  • Process flow diagram 250 illustrates the generation of the pumping schedule.
  • Process flow diagram 260 illustrates the actuation of the pumping schedule.
  • the patient or doctor supplies values for various input parameters, as indicated by block 254.
  • Input devices, such as devices 184 shown in Fig. 12 can be used for example to select a valve for a parameter from a range of possible valves. Otherwise, the patient or doctor can type or key a value using a touch screen or hand key pad.
  • Fig. 27 illustrates various input parameters 272, such as the sfroke volume (this can alternatively be a constant, e.g., 10 ml, as described above in connection with the multiplexing Section VI).
  • the patient or doctor enters the total therapy time, which as illustrated in Fig. 27 is, for example, 480 minutes.
  • the dialysis fluid flowrate is inputted to be 250 ml minute in the example of Fig. 27.
  • Concentrate is added at a flowrate of 5 ml/minute and ultrafiltrate is removed at a flowrate of 2 ml/minute.
  • the patient or doctor enters the amount of ultrafiltrate that is expected to be generated by the patient, which is 2 ml/minute for example.
  • the patient or doctor also enters a ratio (R) between the dialysate flowing through the main regeneration loop and flowing through an accumulator loop.
  • Fig. 27 merely sets forth examples of inputs.
  • the doctor or patient can make other types of inputs alternatively or additionally.
  • Fig. 28 illustrates various algorithms or formulas used by the expert system of the present invention to generate the outcomes needed, as indicated by block 256, to develop a knowledge-based schedule for pumping.
  • the equations 274 include calculating a cycle time, which is equal to the total therapy time divided by a number of cycles.
  • the schedule outputted is a portion of the total pumping schedule.
  • the schedule is therefore repeated or cycled a number of times to achieve the overall goals of the therapy.
  • Equations 274 also include a stroke time that is a function of the stroke volume and the dialysate flowrate.
  • the system calculates a number of patient pump strokes, which is a function of the cycle time and the sfroke time.
  • An accumulator flowrate is calculated knowing the dialysate flowrate and the ratio R described above in connection with the inputs 272 of Fig. 27.
  • the number of accumulator sfrokes (number indicates to or from, not both) is equal to the cycle time multiplied by the accumulator flowrate, which is divided by the stroke volume.
  • a number of strokes cycles pulling from the concentration source is calculated via the cycle time multiplied by the inputted concenfration flowrate, which is divided by the constant stroke volume.
  • the number of ultrafiltrate sfrokes is a function of the cycle time, the inputted ultrafiltrate removal rate, the inputted concentrate addition flowrate and the sfroke volume. It should be appreciated that additional or alternative equations may be used. Equations 274 of Fig. 28 are illustrated merely to describe the expert system and method of the present invention. Fig.
  • Outputs 276 are based on or are applied to the entire therapy or are otherwise constant throughout the entire therapy.
  • Outputs 278 are based on or applicable to a single cycle. For example, assuming the desired number of cycles is 48 (schedule repeated 48 times) and the total therapy time is 480 minutes, the time for each cycle is ten minutes. The outputs 276 are based on the total therapy time of 480 minutes in the illustrated embodiment, while outputs 278 are based on a cycle time of 10 minutes.
  • the recirculation stroke number of 12,000 is the total number of times any of the three pumps (three pumps collectively) pump from the patient.
  • the number 4,000 represents the number of sfrokes that the three pumps make collectively to the accumulator.
  • the pumps pump collectively another 4,000 strokes from the accumulator.
  • the pumps in combination pmnp from the one or more concentration sources a total of 240 times over the therapy.
  • the pumps in combination pump to the ultrafilfrate container a total of 336 times during the therapy.
  • the difference in volume produced by the from concentrate and to ultrafiltrate strokes is due, at least in part, to a volume of ultrafiltrate produced by the patient.
  • the outputs 278 are based on the ten minute cycle and cover approximately l/48th of the time of the outputs 276, which cover the entire 480 minute therapy time.
  • the final two outputs 278 set forth the number of strokes (248) to Destination 1, i.e., to the cartridge or filter.
  • the last illustrated number (338) is the total number of fill strokes over the 10 minutes, which is a combination of the 250 patient strokes, the 83 from accumulator strokes and the five strokes from concentrate.
  • the expert system uses the calculated outcomes, the rules, the state diagram and the function modules set forth above to produce a pumping schedule, as indicated by block 258.
  • the controller uses the schedule to control X number of pumps, for Y number of solutions and Z number of destinations, wherein X, Y and Z can each be one or greater.
  • a portion of a sample schedule is illustrated in Fig. 30. Based on the information provided above, knowing that a stroke time is 2.4 seconds and each cycle lasts 10 minutes, the schedule 280 has two hundred fifty entries 282.
  • Schedule 280 includes a column for each of the solutions discussed above in connection with Fig. 21, namely, the patient solution, the accumulator solution, and the concentrate solution.
  • Schedule 280 includes a column for each of the destinations discussed above in connection with Fig. 21, namely, the cartridge or filter, the accumulator and the ultrafiltrate container.
  • Pump 2 makes one complete sfroke pulling fluid from the patient
  • Pump 1 makes one complete stroke pulling fluid from the concentration
  • Pump 3 makes one complete stroke pushing fluid to the ultrafiltrate container.
  • the pumps maintain a different profile.
  • less than all three of the pumps are activated. Any percentage of the pumps can be activated in any of the entries 282.
  • Schedule 280 allows other rules to be implemented.
  • the schedule can apportion equal pumping sfrokes for each pump over the total therapy or over a cycle, so that the pumps wear approximately evenly.
  • Other rules may be implemented to rest a pump after a particular number of strokes, so that the pump can, for example, purge air or perform any necessary resetting function.
  • the controller After generating the pumping schedule as indicated by block 258, the controller implements the pump schedule to achieve the desired flowrates and the desired overall fluid pumping volumes as indicated by process flow diagram 260 of Fig. 26.
  • the system finds the next entry 282 of the pumping schedule as indicated by blocks 262. At the start of therapy or the start of a cycle within the therapy, the next entry is the first entry 282.
  • the previous entry may have been the last entry. Otherwise, if the previous entry is not the last entry of the particular cycle table, the system performs the pumping state, e.g., pulling, idling, or pushing, for each of the three pumps, as indicated by block 266. Afterward, the system returns to block 262 and the current cycle is carried out until the schedule reaches the end, as indicated by diamond 268. When the cycle reaches its end, the system determines whether the schedule is repeated or not. As discussed above, the schedule represents one cycle of a plurality of cycles, e.g., ten cycles. If another cycle is required to complete the therapy as determined in connection with diamond 268, the entire sequence of process flow diagram 260 is repeated. If the total number of cycles has been completed as determined in connection with diamond 268, the therapy is ended, as indicated by oval 270.
  • the schedule represents one cycle of a plurality of cycles, e.g., ten cycles. If another cycle is required to complete the therapy as determined in connection with diamond 268, the entire sequence of process flow diagram
  • the disposable cassettes described herein include a vent port having a venting membrane.
  • the membranes vent the priming volume (air existing in tubes before the start of therapy) and gasses generated during therapy.
  • the cassette is provided with an air sensor, for example, a capacitance fluid sensor described below, which detects when air or other gases enter the system.
  • the controller of the system (not illustrated) vents the air or gases through a vent, such as vent 285 or 295.
  • the cassette has a portion shown above as reference numbers 92, 162 and 192, which are made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material as described above (referred collectively as rigid portion).
  • Rigid portions 92, 162 and 192 define a plurality of holes or apertures 284 and slots 286.
  • Apertures 284 operate, via one of the flexible membranes, with valve plungers 42 in an embodiment.
  • Slots 286 form fluid or gas pathways when enclosed by the membranes 94 and 96. Certain slots lead to a venting port, such as port vents 285, 295, 297 and 299.
  • the slots 286 communicate fluidly in an embodiment with a patient fluid line, a regeneration device for CFPD, a fluid supply for APD or other therapy component.
  • Port vents 285, 295, 297 and 299 are operable with each of the therapies described herein.
  • Vents 285 and 295 include an extension that is formed integrally with the rigid portion 92, 162 or 192 of the associated disposable cassette. Vents 285 and 295 extend from sidewall 288. Vents 297 and 299 include apertures that are formed integrally with the rigid portion of the cassette. Port vent 297 for example is formed in sidewall 288 of the rigid portion.
  • the upper flexible membrane has been removed from the rigid portion to illustrate the holes 284, slots 286 and to better see Vent 299. Lower flexible membrane 96 is illustrated, adhered or sealed to the rigid portion.
  • Port vent 285 includes a flared port 292 that extends integrally from sidewall 288.
  • the flared port 292 is also formed.
  • Port 292 defines a hole that communicates fluidly with a hole defined by sidewall 288, the port hole and sidewall hole in turn communicating fluidly with one of the slots or fluid pathways 286.
  • port 292 is shown having a conical or flared shape, it should be appreciated that port 292 includes any suitable shape, such as a straight cylindrical shape, hose barbed shape or other shape that lends itself to being coupled to the filter 290.
  • Filter 290 is disposed on and supported by integral port 292 via any suitable method, such as adhering, heat sealing, mechanically attaching and any combination thereof, for coupling filter 290 to port 292.
  • filter 290 is or includes a hydrophobic membrane.
  • One suitable hydrophobic membrane is made by Millipore, 80 Ashby Road, Bedford, MA 01730.
  • the filter is made from a material such as polytetrafluorethylene ("PTFE”), Teflon, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), polyvinylidene, a polyamide, Gortex and any combination of these.
  • PTFE polytetrafluorethylene
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • the filter has a pore size of between zero and one micron, and in one preferred embodiment about .2 micron.
  • a pore size of .2 micron is suitable to vent the priming volume and exhaust gases generated during therapy.
  • Alternative port vent 295 also includes an integrally formed flared port 296 that can alternatively be any of the shapes described above for port 292. Any of the embodiments for the filter 290 can also be used with port vent 295.
  • the filter 290 is bonded, sealed or mechanically connected to a bushing 294.
  • the bushing 294 can be a section of tubing or pipe of the same or different material as rigid portion 92, 162 and 192 and consequently of the same or different material as port 296.
  • Bushing 294 is adhered, sealed or mechanically attached to integral port 296.
  • bushing 294 is removably attached to port 296, e.g., via mating threads.
  • Vents 297 and 299 do not include an integrally formed port, such as ports 292 and 296. Instead, a feature of rigid portion 92, 162, 192 defines an opening sized to house a filter 290.
  • sidewall 288 defines an aperture into or onto which filter 290 is filled. Filter 290 can be attached to sidewall 288 via any of the methods discussed above.
  • a separate collar or cover (not illustrated) can be provided for additional support.
  • Vent 297 is disposed vertically. Vent 299 is disposed horizontally on or within a shape or feature defined by the rigid portion.
  • the shape or feature is formed integrally as a hole 284 or slot 286.
  • the hole or slot houses or supports filter 290 of vent 299 via any of the methods of attachment described above.
  • upper flexible membrane 94 can seal around or to an outer portion of filter 290 to provide additional mounting support for vent 299.
  • one or more pumps is connected fluidly to one or more solution supplies and one or more solution destinations.
  • the pumping of the fluid may inadvertently entrain air within the fluid.
  • ultrafiltrate produced by the patient may contain various off-gases from the peritoneal cavity.
  • the filter 290 is made of a hydrophobic material, i.e., one that allows air but not fluid escape therefrom, the port vents 285 and 295 can communicate directly with a fluid pathway, such as via one of the slots 286.
  • the filter 290 holds the pressure of the fluid pump. If the filter is not capable of separating air from fluid, the port vents 285 and 295 are alternatively connected to air flow lines that contain vent gases but not fluid.
  • Such air flow lines can be achieved for example via fluid sumps and chambers that collect fluid at the bottom and collect air or other gases at the top.
  • One such chamber is shown below in connection with Fig. 32.
  • slots 286 that communicate with ports 292 and 296 of vents 285 and 295, respectively, and directly with vents 297 and 299 are alternatively air vent slots 286 rather than fluid pathways.
  • FIG. 32 one embodiment of an air separation chamber 300 having a capacitance fluid volume sensor is illustrated.
  • the capacitance sensor is also discussed in connection with a fluid pump in patent application entitled, "Capacitance Fluid Volume Measurement,” Serial Number 10/054,487, filed on January 22, 2002, inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • the capacitance sensor in operation with the fluid pump enables air entrained in the medial fluid to be sensed and expelled at the time of pumping.
  • the pumping cassette-based air separation chamber operates with the cassette-based port vents 285, 295, 297 or 299 described in Section VII.
  • the pumping cassette-based air separation chamber fluid is placed typically upstream of a fluid heater.
  • the cassette also defines a fluid heating path that receives fluid from one or more of the pumps.
  • the pump or cassette-based air separation chamber is not able to remove air introduced into the fluid due to heating because the chamber operates upstream of the heater.
  • Air separation chamber 300 is therefore placed downstream of the heater, e.g., downstream of the cassette, in one embodiment and removes air entrained in the medial fluid due to heating.
  • the fluid leaving chamber 300 is pumped via a patient line to the patient.
  • Both the pump-based separation chamber and the chamber 300 of Fig. 32 are operable while the system pumps fluid and do not require the system to stop to purge gas. It should be appreciated, however, that air separation chamber 300 is operable with medial fluid systems, such as dialysis systems, either upsfream, downstream or upstream and downsfream from the fluid heater.
  • the capacitance sensor uses capacitance measurement techniques to determine the volume of a fluid, including air, inside of a chamber. As the volume of the fluid changes, a sensed voltage that is proportional to the change in capacitance changes. Therefore, the sensor can determine whether the chamber is, for example, empty, an eighth full, quarter full, half full, full, or any other percent full of fluid or air. Each of these measurements can be made accurately, for example, at least on the order of the accuracy achieved by known gravimetric scales or pressure/volume measurements.
  • the capacitance sensor is simple, non-invasive, inexpensive and accurate.
  • the capacitance between the plates changes proportionally according to the function 1 / (R x V), wherein R is a known resistance and V is the voltage measured across the capacitor plates.
  • the dielectric constant k of medical fluid or dialysate 302 is much higher than that of air or gas 304. As more air becomes trapped inside chamber 300, the overall dielectric changes from a higher dielectric dialysate to a lower dielectric air due to the increasing amount of air between conductive plates 306 and 308.
  • Capacitance plates 306 and 308 are disposed inside an insulative or dielectric housing 310 in an embodiment. The conductive plates 306 and 308 are located closer to an inner surface of housing 310 than an outer surface of the housing.
  • housing 310 of chamber 300 fills with medical fluid or air, the overall capacitance changes, i.e., increases or decreases, respectively.
  • the sensor generates a high impedance potential across the active and grounded capacitor plates 306 and 308, respectively.
  • the high impedance potential is indicative of an amount of fluid, such as dialysate or air, in housing 310.
  • Housing 310 is made from an inert, medically safe electrically insulative material, such as polytetrafluorathelene ("PTFE”), Teflon, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvihydrochloride (“PVC”), polyvinylidene, a polyimide and any combination of these.
  • PTFE polytetrafluorathelene
  • PVC polyvihydrochloride
  • a capacitance sensing circuit (not illustrated) amplifies the high impedance signal to produce a low impedance potential.
  • the low impedance potential is also fed back to a guard plate 312, which protects the sensitive signal from being effected by outside electrical influences.
  • the amplified potential is converted to a digital signal and fed to a system processor (not illustrated), where it is filtered, converted and/or summed.
  • a video monitor 176 (Fig. 12) provides visually a volume and/or a flowrate indication to a patient or operator in an embodiment. Additionally, the processor controls one or more pumps and or valves of the system, for example, to terminate dialysate flow upon reaching a predetermined overall volume or to shut off flow if a particular amount of air is sensed.
  • the housing 310 of chamber 300 forms a clamshell with first and second portions corresponding to conductive plates 306 and 308. Spherical, cubical, rectangular or other shapes are possible for housing 310.
  • the portions of housing 310 form a rigid, fixed volume, clamshell shape. The portions can be formed integrally together or fixedly or removably sealed together.
  • Housing 310 defines inlet and outlet ports 314 and 316, respectively.
  • Inlet port 314 enables medical fluid 302, for example, dialysate, to enter the chamber 300
  • outlet port 316 enables medical fluid 302 to exit chamber 300.
  • outlet port 316 resides at the bottom of housing 310 of chamber 300 to allow the heavier medical fluid 302 to separate from any air 304 entrained therein.
  • the air 304 as illustrated tends to collect towards the top of housing 310.
  • inlet port 314 and outlet port 316 can be located at different areas of housing 310 and have various orientations with respect to one another.
  • Inlet ports 314 and 316 can have any configuration known to those of skill in the art for connecting sealingly to inlet tube 318 and outlet tube 320, respectively.
  • Ports 314 and 316 can be a straight tube (as illustrated), angular tube, hose barb, compression fitting, threaded or other configuration.
  • Inlet and outlet ports can be of the same size or sized differently and be sized for a standard size inner tube diameter of tubes 318 and 320. Tubes 318 and 320 run to various places in accordance with the particular therapy.
  • a baffle 322 is provided inside housing 310 and near inlet 314 to deflect incoming fluid 302 upward or away from outlet port 316. Baffle 322 facilitates and enhances the separation of air 304 from fluid 302. Baffle 322 reduces the likelihood that air will exit through outlet port 316. Baffle 322 tends to direct air or gas bubbles upward so that the bubbles have to change direction to exit outlet port 316. Baffle 322 can be formed integrally with housing 310 or be attached via a medically safe adhesive, via an attachment mechanism, heat sealed, sonically sealed or attached via methods otherwise known to those in the art. Baffle 322 can have any desired shape and be configured to fit the shape of housing 310. In an alternative embodiment, multiple baffles 322 are provided. A second one or more baffle 334 can be suitable placed near vent port 324 to help stop fluid from exiting housing 310.
  • Housing 310 defines air venting port 324 in an embodiment.
  • any of the ports 314, 316 and 324 are separate pieces that attach in a suitable manner to housing 310.
  • Air vent port 324 can be of a same or different size as inlet and outlet ports 314 and 316 and can have any of the configurations described above in connection with ports 314 and 316 for sealing to air vent tube 326.
  • Vent tube 326 connects in an embodiment to various flow control and fluid control devices.
  • One or more valves 328 are connected fluidly with vent tube 326.
  • valves 328 are solenoid or electrically operated valves, which are opened or closed by the system processor based on a signal produced via capacitance plates 306 and 308.
  • One or more of valves 328 can alternatively be operated manually.
  • a sump or fluid trap 330 is provided additionally in an embodiment upstream, between or downstream of values 328 to collect any fluid that escapes through vent port 324.
  • An additional solenoid or manual valve 328 is provided downsfream of sump 330 in an embodiment to allow the sump or fluid trap to drain.
  • a venting membrane 332 is placed at the end of vent tube 326. Venting membrane 332 can be of any type known to those of skill in the art.
  • venting membrane 332 is a hydrophobic membrane that enables air 304 but not fluid 302 to escape from venting tube 326.
  • valves 328 and sump 330 may keep moisture from contacting membrane 332 sufficiently that membrane 332 is designed for contact with gas only, hi one embodiment, air or gas 304 can escape from chamber 300 through membrane 332 but cannot enter chamber 300 through membrane 332.
  • Membrane 332 can be made of any of the materials described above for the filter 290 of Fig. 31.
  • the capacitance sensor In operation, the capacitance sensor generates a signal or voltage proportional to or indicative of the amount of fluid 302 or air 304 within the housing 310 of chamber 300.
  • the processor opens one or more valves 328 to allow the gas or air 304 to discharge or be purged from the housing 310 of chamber 300.
  • the processor closes the one or more valves 328. This cycle is repeated throughout the medical delivery, e.g., dialysis therapy.
  • the system enters an alarm condition, wherein fluid pumping stops until a safe fluid level is reached.
  • multiple capacitance sensors i.e., multiple sets of plates 306, 308 and 312 are used.
  • the sensors produce collectively an output indicative of an amount of fluid 302 or air 304, which is used to open or close valves 328.
  • the valves 328 are controlled via the collective signal as described above.
  • an air separation device 400 is provided.
  • Device 400 includes two valves 328 operating in series with a fluid trap 330 placed between valves 328. Device 400 does not require the remainder of chamber 300.
  • the controller (not illustrated) commands valves 328 at certain points in time to open sequentially, out of phase, so that any fluid that escapes with the volume of gas flowing between the valves can flow to frap 330.
  • the pressure of fluid 302 pressurizes air or gas 304 trapped between valves 328.
  • Outer valve 328, adjacent to membrane 332, is opened to relieve pressure between the valves 328 and allow the excess gas to escape.
  • Membrane 332 is optional.
  • Valve 328 downstream of fluid frap 330 is provided to allow fluid to drain automatically.
  • Device 400 like chamber 300, can operate while the fluid pumps are in operation and does not require the pumps to be shut down intermittently.
  • Device 400 can be cassette-based in an embodiment and placed upstream and/or downstream of the fluid heater.

Description

S P E C I F I C A T I O N
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
"SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PUMPING CASSETTE- BASED THERAPIES"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to medical fluid systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods of performing cassette-based dialysis and devices related thereto.
Due to various causes, a person's renal system can fail. Renal failure produces several physiological derangements. The balance of water, minerals and the excretion of daily metabolic load is no longer possible and toxic end products of nitrogen metabolism (urea, creatinine, uric acid, and others) can accumulate in blood and tissues.
Kidney failure and reduced kidney function have been treated with dialysis. Dialysis removes waste, toxins and excess water from the body that would otherwise have been removed by normal functioning kidneys. Dialysis treatment for replacement of kidney functions is critical to many people because the treatment is life saving.
Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are two types of dialysis therapies used commonly to treat loss of kidney function. Hemodialysis treatment utilizes the patient's blood to remove waste, toxins and excess water from the patient. The patient is connected to a hemodialysis machine and the patient's blood is pumped through the machine. Catheters are inserted into the patient's veins and arteries so that blood can flow to and from the hemodialysis machine. The blood passes through a dialyzer of the machine, which removes waste, toxins and excess water from the blood. The cleaned blood is returned to the patient. A large amount of dialysate, for example about 120 liters, is consumed to dialyze the blood during a single hemodialysis therapy. Hemodialysis treatment lasts several hours and is generally performed in a treatment center about three or four times per week. Peritoneal dialysis uses a dialysis solution or "dialysate", which is infused into a patient's peritoneal cavity via a catheter. The dialysate contacts the peritoneal membrane of the peritoneal cavity. Waste, toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream, through the peritoneal membrane and into the dialysate due to diffusion and osmosis, i.e., an osmotic gradient occurs across the membrane. The spent dialysate is drained from the patient, removing waste, toxins and excess water from the patient. This cycle is repeated.
There are various types of peritoneal dialysis therapies, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis ("CAPD"), automated peritoneal dialysis ("APD"), including tidal flow APD and continuous flow peritoneal dialysis ("CFPD"). CAPD is a manual dialysis treatment. The patient connects manually an implanted catheter to a drain, allowing spent dialysate fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity. The patient then connects the catheter to a bag of fresh dialysate, infusing fresh dialysate through the catheter and into the patient. The patient disconnects the catheter from the fresh dialysate bag and allows the dialysate to dwell within the peritoneal cavity, wherein the transfer of waste, toxins and excess water takes place. After a dwell period, the patient repeats the manual dialysis procedure, for example, four times per day, each treatment lasting about an hour. Manual peritoneal dialysis requires a significant amount of time and effort from the patient, leaving ample room for improvement.
Automated peritoneal dialysis ("APD") is similar to CAPD in that the dialysis treatment includes drain, fill, and dwell cycles. APD machines, however, perform the cycles automatically, typically while the patient sleeps. APD machines free patients from having to manually perform the treatment cycles and from having to transport supplies during the day. APD machines connect fluidly to an implanted catheter, to a source or bag of fresh dialysate and to a fluid drain. APD machines pump fresh dialysate from the dialysate source, through the catheter, into the patient's peritoneal cavity and allow the dialysate to dwell within the cavity and the transfer of waste, toxins and excess water to take place. APD machines pump spent dialysate from the peritoneal cavity, though the catheter, to the drain. As with the manual process, several drain, fill and dwell cycles occur during APD. A "last fill" occurs at the end of CAPD and APD, which remains in the peritoneal cavity of the patient until the next treatment.
Both CAPD and APD are batch type systems that send spent dialysis fluid to a drain. Tidal flow systems are modified batch systems. With tidal flow, instead of removing all the fluid from the patient over a longer period of time, a portion of the fluid is removed and replaced after smaller increments of time.
Continuous flow or CFPD systems clean or regenerate spent dialysate instead of discarding it. The systems flow fluid into or out of the patient, through a loop. Dialysate flows into the peritoneal cavity through one catheter lumen and out another catheter lumen. The fluid exiting the patient passes through a reconstitution device that removes waste from the dialysate, e.g., via a urea removal column that employs urease to enzymatically convert urea into ammonia. The ammonia is then removed from the dialysate by adsorption prior to reintroduction of the dialysate into the peritoneal cavity. Additional sensors are employed to monitor the removal of ammonia. CFPD systems are more complicated typically than batch systems.
Hemodialysis, APD (including tidal flow) and CFPD systems can employ a pumping cassette. The pumping cassette typically includes a flexible membrane that is moved mechanically to push and pull dialysis fluid out of and into, respectively, the cassette. Certain known systems include flexible sheeting on one side of the cassette, while others include sheeting on both sides of the cassette. Positive and/or negative pressure can be used to operate the pumping cassettes.
One problem with the pumping cassettes is leakage. If the flexible membranes experience a pinhole or tear, fluid and air can move from one side of the membrane to the other. Movement of fluid from inside the cassette to the inner workings of the machine can damage the machine. Movement of air from the machine into the cassette can compromise the sterility of the fluid pathways defined by the cassette. There are detection systems that determine when fluid leaks from the cassette to the machine. It is more difficult, however, to detect fluid leaking into the cassette. Another problem with cassette-based pumping occurs when the cassette is loaded improperly into the machine. Proper alignment is important because portions of the flexible membrane must match corresponding machine portions, e.g., pump and valve actuators. Improper loading can lead to undue mechanical stress being placed on the cassette, harming potentially the cassette and/or the actuator. Improper cassette loading will also likely degrade or prohibit performance of the system.
A further dilemma, especially in CFPD, is the coordination of multiple fluid delivery. Cassette-based peritoneal pumping systems that administer fluids continuously to patients are required to withdraw fluid (ultrafiltrate) from and add fluid (concentrate) to a continuously flowing dialysis fluid loop. The additional fluids have typically necessitated additional dedicated pumps, which make the cassette and dialysis machine larger and noisier. Scheduling the operation of multiple pumps also presents a challenge to system implementers.
Another problem associated with cassette-based pumping is the entrapment of air or other gas into the fluid pathways. Air can enter the system via leaking connections, improper priming, faulty tubing and faulty cassettes. Patient therapy also produces various gases that enter the system. Cassette-based pumps are designed to pump fluid, not gas. Moreover, the removal and delivery of fluid from and to the patient needs to be monitored and controlled. Air and gases upset volume measurement systems that assume no air or gas exists in the fluid pathways. Air and gases can also be uncomfortable for the patient and impede proper waste removal.
It is desirable to remove air and gas from the dialysis fluid before the fluid enters the patient. To this end, cassettes-based systems have been provided with air or gas vents. A need continues however to provide for more economical venting systems. Further, prior to infusion, the dialysis fluid solution is heated to body temperature, releasing gas from the solution. Known vents do not vent air or gas due to fluid heating. It is also desirable to have a method for detecting air and fluid, so that the volume of both can measured, detecting air for purging and detecting fluid for ensuring proper therapy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general, the present invention relates to medical fluid delivery systems that employ a pumping cassette. In particular, the present invention provides systems, methods and apparatuses for cassette-based dialysis therapies including hemodialysis,
CAPD, APD (including tidal modalities) and CFPD, as these therapies have been described above.
In one embodiment, the systems, methods and apparatuses of the present invention are used with CFPD. The CFPD therapy includes, generally, a fluid circuit or loop connected to a patient, allowing dialysate or other suitable therapy fluid to be circulated into, through and out of the patient's peritoneal cavity to remove a therapeutic effective amount of excess water and solutes, such as uremic toxins, urea, creatinine and the like.
In an embodiment, the dialysate is continuously circulated along the fluid loop multiple times prior to discharge. The volume of dialysate consumed is minimized with respect to batch systems. The circulation can take the form of a single pass or multiple passes. One single pass system operable with the cassette-based systems, methods and apparatuses of the present invention is described in document Serial No. 60/397,045. One multiple pass system operable with the cassette-based systems, methods and apparatuses of the present invention is described in document Serial No. 60/397,268.
As discussed above, the present invention is not limited to CFPD. One APD system operable with the cassette-based systems, methods and apparatuses of the present invention is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/155,603, entitled, "Automated Dialysis System" the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. With these types of dialysis systems in mind, some of the various embodiments of the present invention are hereafter summarized.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an actuator assembly that operates with the disposable cassette. The assembly includes a housing that holds both the pump actuators and the valve actuators. The pump/valve manifold eliminates the need for separate valve manifolds. This in turn reduces significantly the amount of tubing and tubing connections that would otherwise have to be made between one or more valve manifolds and a pump actuator housing. The combination pump/valve manifold also conserves space and materials, allowing for a smaller, lighter and more cost effective dialysis machine. In another embodiment of the present invention, a fail safe valve and pump arrangement is provided. The arrangement allows fluid to flow only from the cassette into the machine in the event of a cassette failure. A positive pressure gradient is maintained from the cassette to the machine, generally preventing air from entering the cassette. The arrangement also ensures that all valves close in the event of a system failure or power failure, preventing fluid from mixing across fluid pathways in the cassette. The arrangement includes a disposable cassette operable with one or more diaphragm pump chambers, one or more diaphragm valve seats and one or more fluid pathways. The cassette is constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid body portion (referred to collectively herein as "rigid portion") having flexible sheeting sealed to one or both sides of the portion. The cassette with sheeting is mated with at least one pump and at least one valve driver mechamsm, creating an interconnected fluidics system.
During operation, a vacuum is normally maintained between the cassette sheeting and the pump/valve driver interface wherever a pump, valve, or fluid pathway is created. This creates a positive pressure gradient from the cassette to the components of the dialysis machine. The valve plungers press the sheeting against the rigid portion of the cassette, closing the valves unless a vacuum (or pressure) is provided to mechanisms that retract the valve plungers.
The pump actuators may be configured to extend, retract or hold position in the event of system failure and include a piston having a piston head. The piston head pushes against a flexible membrane of the disposable cassette to dispel fluid from the cassette. Various actuators are provided to move the piston heads. One actuator, for example, includes a first or deep vacuum that draws the piston head away from the cassette and a second shallow vacuum that pulls the membrane away from the cassette, causing dialysis fluid to enter the cassette. In an embodiment, a spring cavity is located on the end of the piston opposite the piston head. The spring cavity houses a spring, which when the deep vacuum is not present, pushes the piston, piston head and cassette sheet into the rigid portion of the cassette. When the deep vacuum is applied, the deep vacuum overcomes the compression resistance of the spring and compresses the spring. To separate the deep and shallow vacuums, a rolling diaphragm is sealed to the pump piston and the walls of the spring housing. The rolling diaphragm includes enough take-up material to allow the piston to move back and forth. To ensure that the take-up material of the diaphragm rolls or moves properly, a shallow vacuum is left in the spring housing (i.e., in place of the deep vacuum) when the deep vacuum is removed. The shallow vacuum is not strong enough to overcome the compression resistance of the spring but is strong enough to keep the rolling diaphragm from inverting due to the shallow vacuum maintained around the piston head that seals the membrane to the piston head. Alternatively, multiple rolling diaphragms are used, with atmospheric air applied between the diaphragms.
One alternative valve actuator replaces the diaphragm with a piston-cylinder, which is activated via negative or positive pressure. Another alternative valve actuator replaces the diaphragm, spring and deep vacuum altogether with an electrically operated actuator, such as a stepper motor (linear or rotary), servo motor or other type of linear actuator. A shallow vacuum is still applied to seal the cassette membrane to the piston head.
A fail safe valve is also provided, which makes use of the deep and shallow vacuum in an embodiment. The valve utilizes a spring and negative pressure to operate a valve plunger that contacts the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette. The valve also seals to a moveable diaphragm that separates different vacuums. A deep vacuum is applied to compress the spring, moving the valve plunger away from the cassette. A shallow vacuum is applied to the opposite side of the diaphragm from the spring housing and causes the flexible membrane of the cassette to move with the valve plunger. The shallow vacuum also aids the spring to push the plunger against the flexible membrane, increasing the valve sealing force. The deep vacuum is strong enough therefore to overcome the spring's compression resistance and the shallow vacuum. In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus for automatically aligning the disposable cassette within the machine is provided. The procedure attempts to correct smaller misalignments, sends an error for larger misalignments, helps to ensure cassette quality and provides cassette integrity testing.
The method includes loading the cassette into the dialysis machine and, before inflating a sealing bladder, moving one or more pump pistons toward respective pump cavities. This action causes the cassette to shift, if need be, into its proper position. If a resistance to the movement of the piston(s) is detected, the dialysis machine knows that a problem has occurred either with the cassette or the mechanics of the machine and can take action appropriately. The procedure is operable whether the cassette loads horizontally on top of the machine, or vertically on a side of the machine.
After the alignment procedure takes place, a bladder inflates and compresses the cassette against an inner surface of the dialysis machine, the pump pistons and valve plungers. The cassette is then ready for use. A sensor is also provided, such as a strain gauge, which monitors the force exerted by the moving pistons on the cassette. If the disposable cassette is out of alignment to the point that alignment cannot be corrected, the sensor detects the undue stress placed on the piston head, sends an error message and de-energizes the pumps.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a material for the flexible membrane is provided. The material is fabricated from a non-PVC containing, thermoplastic polymeric material and can be of a monolayer structure or a multiple layer structure. The film can be fabricated using standard thermoplastic processing techniques such as extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion lamination, lamination, blown extrusion, tubular extrusion, cast extrusion or coextrusion, compression molding and thermoforming.
In still a further embodiment of the present invention, a valve arrangement is provided that allows different fluids to be combined and removed from a medical fluid system. The valve arrangement is operable with a single pump or multiple fluid pumps. The arrangement is described in connection with CFPD but is operable with other types of dialysis, h the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement allows concentrate to be added and ultrafiltrate to be withdrawn from a dialysis fluid in a continuous or semi-continuous manner, without requiring additional fluid pumps. The valve arrangement adds an additional inlet valve and outlet valve for each pump. To this end, each pump operates with a main intake valve that provides on/off control for the inlet flow of dialysate in a continuous loop (CFPD) or from a supply bag (APD). A second intake valve operates in parallel with the main intake valve and provides on off control for a concentrate or additive (CFPD) or parallel dialysate supply (APD). Each pump operates with a main exhaust valve that provides on/off control for the outlet flow of dialysate, e.g., to the patient. A second exhaust valve operates in parallel with the main outlet valve and provides on/off control for, e.g., the removal of ultrafiltrate from the dialysis fluid.
When the second intake and exhaust valves are open, the main valves are closed and vice versa in an embodiment. The relevant amount of time that the main versus the second valves are open determines how quickly concentrate is added or ultrafiltrate is removed. For instance one pump volume's worth of concentrate can be pumped once every thirty-three pump strokes or once every five hundred pump strokes.
In one implementation, a pair of multiplexed pumps is provided, yielding alternating and virtually continuous flow of fluid to the patient. In this implementation, a number of variations arise. For example, the secondary intake valves or the secondary exhaust valves can be open simultaneously, doubling concentrate intake or ultrafiltrate removal. Still further, partial fills can be employed via the second valves by only partially moving the pump piston.
In still a further embodiment of the present invention, an expert system and method for scheduling the pumping of one or more solutions, via one or more pumps and to one or more destinations is provided. The system and method are illustrated with respect to CFPD but are also applicable to APD and hemodialysis. The expert system uses a set of rules. The rules are derived from physical limitations, e.g., fluid flow connections and pumping state limitations. The rules are also derived from therapy limitations, e.g., it is undesirable to pump concentrate directly to ultrafiltrate collection, and arbitrary limitations, e.g., no partial pump strokes.
The expert system also accounts for a number of parameters inputted by the patient or doctor. The system applies various algorithms to the inputted values to yield the output requirements for the therapy, e.g., overall flow volume, flowrate, therapy time, total concentrate added, etc. Using the outputs and the rules or restrictions, the expert system develops a pumping schedule having a number of entries. Each entry directs one or more pump to pull or push from one or more solution or to one or more destinations, respectively. The controller of the system commands the pumps to execute the pumping profile set forth in the schedule. The schedule may represent a portion of the overall therapy, wherein the schedule is cycled a number of times until therapy is complete. In the end, the outputs are achieved according to the rules and other limitations, such as fluid pressure level limitations.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a port vent for venting air purged from the dialysis fluid is provided. The port vent is integral to the cassette and vents the priming volume as well as air entrained due to pumping and patient exhaust gases. The cassette-based port vent is molded integrally with the rigid portion of the cassette, taking advantage of the fact that the rigid portion is otherwise a molded structure. A filter, such as a 0.2 micron filter is then fixed, e.g., bonded, heat sealed, adhered or mechanically fixed, to the port vent. The filter is made of a material, such as PTFE, Gortex or other polymer, which can be bonded, heat sealed, adhered or fixed mechanically. In an embodiment, the filter is made of a hydrophobic material. Alternatively, the filter is bonded, heat sealed, adhered or fixed to a bushing that fits onto and is suitably attached to the molded port.
Moreover, in an embodiment an additional air separation chamber for a medical fluid system is provided. The cassette-based port vent provides a first venting mechanism that separates air entrained in the fluid at the point of pumping. After the dialysis fluid leaves the pumping cassette, however, the fluid passes through a heater. The addition of heat releases gas trapped in the solution. This additional released gas must also be purged before the solution enters the patient.
The additional gas separation chamber is located downstream from the fluid heater. The heat released gas rises to and is trapped at the top of the chamber, while the heated fluid passes through the bottom of the chamber. The chamber houses one or more capacitive sensors that detect the amount of gas in the chamber. When the amount reaches a predetermined level, one or more exhaust valve opens and allows the gas to vent.
The gases vent through a membrane. To keep the membrane dry, a series of exhaust values may be employed. To this end, a sump fluid trap may alternatively or additionally be provided.
In still another embodiment, a gas separation device is provided that includes a series of valves that are operated sequentially. A fluid trap is provided in between the valves. The sequential operation of the valves and trap enables gas but not fluid to escape from the system.
In consideration of the embodiments described herein, it is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a cassette actuator assembly that houses both the pump and valve actuators.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based medical fluid system having fail safe valve and pump actuation. A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based medical fluid system having a positive pressure gradient between the cassette fluid pathways and the outlying components of the dialysis machine.
Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based medical fluid system having a cassette auto-alignment feature.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based medical fluid system having a cassette misalignment output and a cassette integrity feature.
Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved material for the flexible membrane of the cassette.
Still further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette- based medical fluid system having a multiplexing valve arrangement.
Further still, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette- based medical fluid system having an expert fluid pumping management system that uses a knowledge base to derive a pumping schedule after parameters are inputted by a doctor/patient.
Still a further advantage of the present invention is to provide a cassette-based integrally formed port vent.
Yet a further advantage of the present invention is to provide an air separation chamber downstream of a medical fluid heater.
Moreover, a further advantage of the present invention is to allow the dialysis fluid to purge entrained gas while the fluid is being pumped.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Invention and the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate opposing views of an embodiment of a value and pump actuation assembly having a value/pump housing that houses in combination a valve manifold and a plurality of pump actuators. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve actuator used in the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a surface of the valve/pump housing illustrated in Fig. 1 that remains after a portion of the housing is cutaway, the surface showing vacuum and atmospheric air flow paths.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the opposing side of the valve/pump housing from the side illustrated in Fig. 4, the opposing side showing a plurality of valve plunger cavities.
Fig. 6 is a sectioned elevation view of mechanically and pneumatically operated pumps of the present invention shown in combination with a fluid pumping cassette. Fig. 7 is a sectioned elevation view of another embodiment of mechanically and pneumatically operated pumps of the present invention shown in combination with a fluid pumping cassette.
Fig. 8 is a sectioned elevation view of electrically operated pumps of the present invention connected operably to a fluid pumping cassette. Fig. 9 is a sectioned elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of a pneumatically and mechanically operated pump of the present invention.
Figs. 10 and 11 are sectioned elevation views of one embodiment of a pneumatically and mechanically actuated valve of the present invention.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a dialysis hardware machine showing the loading of a disposable cassette and an embodiment of an auto-alignment feature of the present invention.
Figs. 13 and 14 are sectioned elevation views taken through lines XIII - XIII and XrV-XIN, respectively, in Fig. 12 illustrating the cassette auto-alignment feature of the present invention. Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate various embodiments of an improved membrane pumping material of the present invention.
Figs 17 to 20 illustrate an embodiment for a valve arrangement of the present invention allowing multiple fluids to be pumped into and out of the same fluid pump chamber. Fig. 21 is a schematic process flow diagram illustrating various fluid flow connections between a plurality of solutions, a plurality of pumps and a plurality of fluid destinations for an expert pumping system of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a diagram that illustrating schematically the possible states of the fluid pumps for the expert pumping system of the present invention.
Fig. 23 is a sample list of software rules implemented to control the flow for the expert pumping system of the present invention. Fig. 24 shows schematic diagrams illustrating pumping modules that are part of the outcome of the fluid flow connections of Fig. 21, a state diagram of Fig. 22 and the software rules implemented in Fig. 23.
Figs. 25 and 26 are process flow diagrams illustrating schematically an embodiment of the expert pumping system and method of the present invention. Figs 27 to 29 illustrate various inputs, outputs and algorithms used by the expert pumping system of the present invention to output a fluid flow schedule illustrated in Fig. 30.
Fig. 30 is a table showing a portion of a fluid flow schedule of the expert pumping system and method of the present invention, the schedule organizing the flow of fluid from various pumps to achieve desired flow rates and volumes of various fluids to various destinations over a desired period of time.
Fig. 31 is a cutaway perspective view of a rigid portion of a disposable cassette showing various embodiments for a port vent of the present invention.
Fig. 32 is a sectioned elevation view of one embodiment of a air separation chamber using capacitance fluid volume sensing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to cassette based medical fluid delivery systems. In particular, the present invention provides various improvements to the cassette and components operating with the cassette, in fluid communication with the cassette or in connection with managing the flow of fluids through the cassette in complex systems having a multitude of fluid sources, a multitude of fluid pumps and a multitude of fluid destinations. These improvements are particularly well suited therefore for CFPD, which is typically more complex than other forms of dialysis treatment. It is expressly contemplated however that the embodiments set forth are not limited to CFPD and are operable with APD (including tidal flow systems), hemodialysis, hemofilfration and any combination thereof. I. Combined Pump and Valve Housing
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figs. 1 to 5, a combination valve manifold and pump housing assembly 10 is illustrated. Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate that assembly 10 includes a number of components, including a valve/pump housing 20, a number of intermediate plates 24 and 26 and a front plate 30. Assembly 10 in other embodiments can have less or more than four components depending upon the complexity of the medical fluid system, for example, depending on the number and type of pumps and the number and type of fluid valves.
The assembly 10 is housed inside of an automated peritoneal dialysis machine, wherein the valve/pump housing 20 and the components mounted to the housing face inward towards the center of the machine. The front plate 30 faces upward and outward toward the disposable cassette (see Fig. 12 showing machine 100 and cassette 150). A number of bolts or other type of fastening devices 22 hold housing 20, intermediate plates 24 and 26 and front plate 30 together. Mounting devices 22 can also bolt assembly 10 to the dialysis machine in an embodiment.
A gasket may also be placed between any mating component, such as between the valve/pump housing 20 and intermediate plate 24, between intermediate plates 24 and 26 and/or between intermediate plate 26 and front plate 30. As illustrated below in connection with Figs. 6, 7 and 9 to 11, one or more vacuum chambers are used in various embodiments in connection with the valves and the pumps of the present invention. A portion of the vacuum chambers is defined by apertures collectively made by one or more or all of the housing 20 and plates 24, 26 and 30, requiring an airtight seal between these components. In an embodiment, a negative pressure of about-2 to -20 psig. and preferably about -6 psig. to about -10 psig. is applied within the vacuum chambers. The gaskets between components 20, 24, 26 and 30 are selected and sized to withstand this level of vacuum.
Fig. 1 illustrates that three pump actuators 32 mount to the valve/pump housing 20, however, alternative embodiments of the present invention may use one pump, two pumps or more than three pumps. Pump actuators 32 in an embodiment are linear motors, such as linear stepper motors made by Hayden Switch and Instrument Inc., Waterbury, CT. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate that the pump actuators are alternatively springs. In further alternative embodiments, the pump actuators could be piston cylinders driven by positive or negative pressure, rotary motors in combination with a rotational to linear motion converter or other type of linear motion producing device.
As illustrated below, and as seen in Fig. 2 on front plate 30, the output of the pump actuator is a pump piston 34 having a pump piston head 36. Pump actuator 32 pulls piston heads 36 back from the face of front plate 30 towards valve/pump housing 20, pulling via a vacuum a flexible membrane of the disposable cassette (not shown), which in turn pulls dialysis fluid into the cassette. Pump actuators 32 push piston 34 and piston head 36 outward from the face of front plate 30, pushing on the flexible membrane in towards a rigid portion of the cassette to dispel fluid from the cassette. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the piston head 36 is in a retracted or pulled back position for the outer two pumps and is in a pushed forward position for the middle pump.
The pistons 34 and piston heads 36 each define a vacuum channel 38 in an embodiment. Vacuum channels 38 allow a vacuum applied beneath front plate 30 to communicate fluidly through the piston 34 and piston head 36 with the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette. Alternatively, the vacuum extends around the piston head 36, which is disposed in a vacuum chamber, to seal the membrane to piston head 36.
A plurality of valves 40 also mount to the valve/pump housing 20 as illustrated by Fig. 1. Valves 40 are actuated electrically in an embodiment, however, valves 40 can be pneumatically operated in an alternative embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates that a valve plunger 42 is operable with each of the valves 40. As illustrated in more detail below in connection with Figs. 10 and 11, valve plungers 42 are pressed mechanically against the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette, for instance by a spring. The valve plungers are retracted away from the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette via negative pressure facilitated by valves 40.
Valve plungers 42 also define vacuum orifices in an embodiment that enable a vacuum to pull the flexible membrane outward, i.e., to open a fluid flow path in the disposable cassette, when the valve plunger 42 is retracted or pulled inward from the face of plate 30. Plunger 42 is retracted when pneumatic valve 40 is energized, allowing the spring to see negative pressure, compressing the spring. The vacuum alternatively flows around the valve plunger to seal the membrane to the plunger 42. Referring now to Fig. 3, an embodiment of a pneumatic valve 40 is illustrated. Suitable three port valves are provided by Pneutronics, Inc. of Hollis, NH, Fluid Automation Systems (FAS) of Versoix, Suisse, SMC Pneumatics and Lee Corporation. Valve 40 has a housing defining a normally closed or vacuum port 44, a common or plunger port 46 and a normally open or atmospheric air port 48. The common port 46 connects fluidly to a vacuum chamber for operating the valve plunger 42, for example, vacuum chamber 144 illustrated in Fig. 10.
In an embodiment, an open fluid flow path exists when no voltage is supplied to electrical lines V+ and V- between the atmospheric air port 48 and the plunger port 46. Pneumatic valve 40 is therefore normally open between ports 46 and 48. When a voltage is placed across electrical lines V+ and V-, a solenoid within valve 40 is energized so that the fluid path across 46 and 48 is closed and so that a fluid pathway opens between vacuum port 44 and plunger port 46.
With valve 40, a fluid pathway in the cassette is opened when a voltage is applied to lines V+ and V-, for example, +-5 NDC or +-24NDC. Upon energizing, a vacuum supply evacuates air from a chamber defined by plunger port 46, an aperture defined by valve/pump housing 20, mating apertures in plates 24, 26 and 30, to activate a valve plunger 42 fitted within the vacuum chamber. A separate vacuum pulls the cassette membrane outward from the disposable cassette when the valve plunger 42 is retracted.
When the voltage is removed from electrical lines N+ and N-, the solenoid returns to its normal state. Atmospheric air is drawn into the vacuum chamber through ports 48 and 46, allowing a valve spring to push the valve plunger against the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette, closing the associated fluid pathway The valve springs are sized appropriately to provide the desired amount of sealing pressure. The spring force in an embodiment is between 0 and 10 lbs., and in one preferred embodiment about two to six lbs.
Fig. 1 illustrates that a plurality of different types of fluid connectors are attached to valve/pump housing 20. Connectors can be any type of tubing or piping connectors known to those of skill in the art, such as hose barbs, nut and ferrule type connectors, threaded connectors, quick disconnect type connectors, etc. Connectors 50 connect to negative pressure supply tubes that run to a source of negative pressure (not illustrated). Negative pressure connectors 50 connect fluidly to negative pressure supply channel 60 defined by surface 64 of housing 20 as illustrated in Fig. 4.
A plurality of atmospheric air inlet connectors 52 are also mounted to valve/pump housing 20. Atmospheric air connectors 52 attach to tubes that connect fluidly to one or more air filters. The filtered air runs through connectors 52 to an atmospheric air supply channel 62 defined by the valve/pump housing 20 illustrated in Fig. 4. Negative supply channel 60 feeds each of the vacuum ports 44 of the valve 40 (Fig. 3), while atmospheric air supply channel 62 feeds each of the atmospheric air ports 48 of the pneumatic valve 40. In an embodiment, to evenly distribute the vacuum, a negative pressure connector 50 is placed near each of the ends of the negative pressure channel 60, while the atmospheric air inlet connectors 52 are spaced suitably apart along the atmospheric air supply channel 62.
Fig. 1 illustrates that valve/pump housing 20 defines or is attached in an airtight manner to a raised bridge 58. Valves 40 and various ones of the connectors 50 and 52 mount to raised bridge 58. Raised bridge 58 allows the valve 40 to sit slightly above channels 60 and 62, so that ports 44 and 48 of the valve 40, respectively, can extend into channels 60 and 62. A suitable gasket may be placed about channels 60 and 62 between the surface 64 (Fig. 4) of housing 20 and bridge 58. Otherwise, bridge 58 is formed integrally with housing 20 or is permanently attached, e.g., welded, to housing 20.
Fig. 4 illustrates housing 20 with the bridge 58 removed, exposing channels 60 and 62 defined in surface 64. Removing bridge 58 also exposes various apertures defined by housing 20. For example, housing 20 defines a plunger aperture 66 for each pneumatic valve 40. The plunger port 46 of valve 40 (Fig. 3) extends into apertures 66. The gasket (not illustrated) surrounding channels 60 and 62 also surrounds each of the plunger apertures 66 in an embodiment. Plunger apertures 66 allow negative pressure or atmospheric air to extend from inner surface 64 of housing 20 to the valve plunger side of housing 20, illustrated in Fig. 5. It should be appreciated that the vacuum is supplied through connectors 50, through channel 60, through vacuum port 44, through plunger port 46, through plunger apertures 66 and through corresponding apertures defined by one or more of the plates 24 and 26 and front plate 30 to compress the plunger spring and open a fluid pathway in the disposable cassette. As illustrated below, the vacuum can also be bounded or housed in part by a flexible diaphragm, existing for example between two of the plates 24, 26 and 30.
Naive/pump housing 20 also defines valve sheeting apertures 68. Naive sheeting apertures 68 communicate fluidly with negative pressure connectors 56 illustrated in Fig. 1. Negative pressure connectors 56 communicate fluidly with a negative pressure source and enable a vacuum to be applied through the orifices of the valve plungers 42 (or around valve plungers 42) to the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette. The negative pressure source (not illustrated) pulls a vacuum through the connectors 56, through the valve sheeting apertures 68 and through the valve plungers 42 to seal the flexible membrane to the valve plungers.
Similar to the negative pressure for the valve sheet, valve/pump housing 20 defines, for each fluid pump, a pump sheeting aperture 72. Pump sheeting apertures 72 communicate fluidly with negative pressure inlet connectors 54, which in turn communicate fluidly with a negative pressure source (not illustrated). The negative pressure source pulls a vacuum through connectors 54, through apertures 72, through or around the piston 34 and piston head 36 to seal the flexible membrane of the disposable cassette to the piston head.
It should be appreciated that three separate vacuums in an embodiment are applied in connection with the valve/pump housing 20 of assembly 10. Namely, a first vacuum is applied to vacuum channel 60 defined by surface 64 of housing 20, a second vacuum is applied to seal the flexible membrane to the valve plungers and a third vacuum is applied to seal the flexible membrane to the pump piston heads 36. The fluid flow system can provide multiple vacuum sources that operate each of these vacuums' separately. Alternatively, one or more sources operate these vacuums sequentially. Further alternatively, the level of vacuum is the same for two or more of the required vacuums, wherein a single vacuum source can supply at least two of the vacuums simultaneously.
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate that assembly 10, including valve/pump housing 20, houses various types of sensors 74. The various types of sensors include but are not limited to pressure sensors, temperature sensors, liquid level sensors, air detection sensors, bubble sensors, volume measurement sensors, conductivity sensors, pH sensors, turbidity sensors, color detection sensors, particle sensors, and chemical sensors, etc. As illustrated, sensors 74 extend through housing 20, intermediate plates, 24 and 26 and front plate 30. Sensor wiring and sensing leads extend into the dialysis machine from valve/pump housing 20. Sensing heads or sensor portions are located flush approximately with the face of front plate 30 and contact the disposable cassette to sense a fluid parameter of the dialysis fluid flowing through the cassette. A seal is made in an embodiment between the cassette and the front plate 30 around the sensors so that a vacuum can be applied, bringing the cassette membrane into intimate contact with the sensors. The vacuum is provided through assembly 10 around the sensors in a manner similar to that provided between the valve plungers 42 and the cassette membrane.
Referring to Fig. 5, the valve/pump housing 20 is illustrated showing surface 76, which opposes surface 64 illustrated above in connection with Fig. 4. For reference, a majority of the plunger apertures 66 that communicate with the plunger port 46 of pneumatic valve 40 are illustrated, as are the pump sheeting apertures 72 that communicate fluidly with the negative pressure inlet connectors 54. At least some of the valve plunger apertures 66 are located in the middle of cavities or craters 78 defined by surface 76 of housing 20. Housing 20, defining cavities 78, is made in various embodiments of molded plastic or aluminum composite. Cavities or craters 78 enable the plungers and plunger seats (not illustrated) to situate properly with respect to plunger apertures 66. For reference, a plunger spring 70 is illustrated centered about an aperture 66, which in turn is centered in one of the cavities 78. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that the valve seats and valve plungers fit around spring 70 and sit inside or are supported by cavity 78.
II. Fail Safe Pump and Valve Operation
Referring now to Figs. 6 to 11, various embodiments for operating the pumps and valves described above in connection with assembly 10 and valve/pump housing 20 are illustrated. Figs. 1 to 5 illustrate an assembly 10, which includes a combination valve/pump housing 20 and adjoining plates 24, 26 and 30. The present invention is not however limited to the this configuration. Figs. 6 to 8 for example show three alternative configurations that each include alternative valve/pump housings 120, 220 and 320, respectively. Each of the housings 120, 220 and 320 define an aperture 80 through which piston 34 moves back and forth to pump fluid to and from a disposable cassette 90. Disposable cassette 90 is illustrated schematically in its operating position with respect to the housings 120, 220 and 320. Disposable cassette 90 can have various forms and in an embodiment includes a rigid portion (term includes rigid and semi-rigid) 92 that defines a plurality of fluid pathways bounded also by upper and lower flexible membranes 94 and 96, respectively (which are sealed to rigid portion 92). One preferred material for the flexible membranes 94 and 96 is discussed below in connection with Section IN. Housings 120, 220 and 320 each define a vacuum chamber 82 within which a vacuum is applied to pull the lower flexible membrane or front sheet 96 away from rigid portion 92 of cassette 90 when piston 34 and piston head 36 are refracted inward towards the inside of the dialysis machine. Figs. 6 to 8 each illustrate two pumps, however, the system of the present invention can have any number of pumps including one pump and more than two pumps. Figs. 6 to 8 show the left pump in a refracted position, wherein dialysis fluid is pulled either from a supply (not illustrated) in a batch system, or from the patient (not illustrated), in a regeneration or CFPD type of dialysis system. With CFPD, the pump pulls dialysis fluid from the patient through one or more regeneration device, which contains materials that clean or regenerate the dialysate.
Various regeneration devices and materials are described in documents Serial Νos. 60/397,045 and 60/397,268. Generally, any type of device that utilizes any suitable amount and type of material to clean effectively the dialysate prior to reuse can be used. In an embodiment, the cleaning device includes a material that is capable of non-selective removal of solutes from the dialysate that have been removed from the patient during therapy. The material can include any suitable sorbent material, such as carbon, activated carbon or other like material that is contained within a suitable housing, such as a cartridge, in any acceptable manner.
In an embodiment, other materials in addition to those types of materials which can non-selectively remove solutes from the dialysate. The additional other materials include, for example, materials that can selectively remove certain solutes or the like from solution. In an embodiment, the additional materials can include a binder or reactive sorbent material capable of selectively removing urea, a binder or reactive sorbent material capable of selectively removing phosphate and/or the like. The use of materials capable of selective removal of solutes, particularly urea, can enhance the cleaning efficiency of the system so that the amount of dialysate necessary for effective treatment is minimized.
The materials that can selectively remove solutes from solution, such as binder materials, can include a variety of suitable and different materials including, for example, polymeric materials that are capable of removing nitrogen-containing compounds, such as urea, creatinine, other like metabolic waste and/or the like in solution. In general, these types of materials contain a functional group(s) that chemically binds with urea or other like solutes. One type of material includes alkenylaromatic polymers containing phenylglyoxal that function to chemically bind urea. In general, the phenylglyoxal polymeric material is made via acetylation performed in, for example, nitrobenzene followed by halogenation of the acetyl group and treatment with dimethylsulfoxide. Another example of a polymeric material that is capable of selectively removing solutes, such as urea, from solution includes polymeric materials that contain a tricarbonyl functionality commonly known as ninhydrin. The present invention can include any suitable type of material or combinations thereof to selectively remove solutes, such as urea, from solution as previously discussed.
One type of regeneration device is a cleaning cartridge. The cleaning cartridge can include a number of components in addition to the sorbent materials capable of removing solutes from the dialysate. For example, the cleaning cartridge may have the capability to remove all or a portion of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, or the like, from the dialysate solution. Here, an additional source of electrolytes in solution may be needed to replenish the dialysate after it has been cleaned. The cartridge may also be configured to release bicarbonate or the like into the system depending on the type of sorbent material used. This can facilitate pH regulation of the dialysate. As necessary, the cartridge may be filtered to prevent proteins, particulate matter or like constituents from leaching or exiting from the cartridge into the dialysate.
The cleaning cartridge is coupled to a dialysate loop via a cleaning fluid loop in an embodiment. The cartridge can include three separate layers, such as a layer of carbon, a layer of a phosphate binder and a layer of a urea binder. The cleaning fluid path includes suitable components to control the flow through the loop. In an embodiment, the rate of flow of the dialysate through the cleaning fluid loop, e.g., the cleaning flow rate, is less than the flow through the main dialysis fluid loop. In the illustrated embodiments, the vacuum communicates with membrane 96 through chamber 82 of housings 120, 220 and 320. As discussed above in connection with reference numeral 38 of Fig. 2, the vacuum is introduced in an embodiment into chamber 82 through a channel in piston 34 and piston head 36. Piston head 36 in an embodiment defines grooves, such as grooves forming a star shape extending from the vacuum channel 38 orifice outwardly along the upper surface of piston head 36 to enable the vacuum to spread more evenly between piston head 36 and lower flexible membrane 96. The vacuum is alternatively introduced into chamber 82 via a separate fluid pathway (not illustrated) in housings 120, 220 and 320 extending to a negative pressure source. Fig. 6 illustrates one embodiment for actuating pump piston 34 and piston head
36. Housing 120 defines a lower vacuum chamber 84 for each of the pump assemblies in addition to upper vacuum chambers 82 described above. A spring 86 is placed inside vacuum chamber 84. The spring 86 is coupled to a member 88, which is in turn coupled to piston 34. In an alternative embodiment, member 88 and piston 34 are formed integrally. Member 88, piston 34 and piston head 36 can be of any suitable material, such as hard plastic or metal, for instance, aluminum, stainless steel or other non-corrosive material. Spring 86 pushes against a bottom of housing 120 and member 88 to force the piston 34 and piston head 36 to contact lower flexible membrane 96 and push membrane 96 upward into rigid portion 92 of cassette 90. Spring 86 acts therefore to push or dispel fluid from disposable cassette 90.
To pump fluid into cassette 90, a deep vacuum is applied to chamber 84, which compresses spring 86. The spring in turn pulls member 88 and retracts piston 34 and piston head 36. The deep vacuum applied to chamber 34 is strong enough to overcome the spring constant and compression force of spring 86. In an embodiment, the deep vacuum applied to chamber 84 is from about -5 to about -30 psig.
When the deep vacuum is applied to chamber 84, a shallow vacuum is applied to chamber 82 simultaneously to pull lower flexible membrane 96 against the retracting piston head 36. The shallow vacuum is between 0 and -10 psig. in one embodiment. A rolling diaphragm 98 is provided between member 88 and an inner wall of vacuum chamber 84. The diaphragm 98 seals to member 88 and the inner wall and separates the vacuums applied to chamber 82 and chamber 84. The back and forth movement of member 88, piston 34 and piston head 36 due to the expansion and retraction of spring 86 and the alternating application of a deep vacuum and a shallow vacuum to chamber 84 guides the rolling diaphragm 98 so that a nearly frictionless linear movement is generated.
When the deep vacuum 84 is removed so that spring 86 begins to expand, it is possible that due to the movement of the piston assembly or to a continuing shallow vacuum in chamber 82, rolling diaphragm 98 will invert from the generally downwardly extending orientation shown in Fig. 6. To prevent this from happening, a shallow vacuum is applied in chamber 84 during the push fluid sfroke. The shallow vacuum in chamber 84 is also between 0 and -10 psig. in one embodiment. The shallow vacuum in an embodiment is the same shallow vacuum applied to chamber 82 so that the force on either side of the diaphragm 98 via the shallow vacuums cancel one another. The shallow vacuum in chamber 84 is not large enough to overcome the spring constant of spring 86. Spring 86 is sized to apply the appropriate amount of force via piston head 36 to the lower flexible membrane 96, which can be as high as 35 lbs., taking into account that a negative force via the shallow vacuum in chamber 84 is acting against spring 86 during the pump out or dispel stroke.
Figs. 6 to 8 illustrate one preferred sequence for operating multiple pumps. Pump pistons 34 move in and out alternatively, filling and emptying associated pump fluid chambers defined between rigid portion 92 and lower flexible membrane 96. The alternating pumps create a virtually constant flow of fluid to the patient. Dialysate intake and exhaust valves defined in part by disposable cassette 90 are opened and closed in conjunction with the movement of the pump pistons 34. In an embodiment, an intake valve (not illustrated) is open as an associated pump piston 34 retracts. The intake valve closes when the pump piston 34 extends towards cassette 90. The dialysis cassette also defines an exhaust valve that is closed as the associated pump piston retracts. The exhaust valve opens as the pump piston extends into cassette 90. Fig. 7 illustrates an alternative pump actuator housed inside housing 220. The shallow vacuum is again applied to chamber 82, for example, via an orifice in pump piston 34 and piston head 36. The shallow vacuum draws the lower flexible membrane 96 up against pump piston heads 36. As in any of the embodiments described herein, the shallow vacuum within chamber 82 can be maintained or not maintained when pump piston 34 extends toward cassette 90 to dispel fluid from cassette 90. hi Fig. 7, the member 88 and rolling diaphragm 98 of Fig. 6 are replaced by a cylinder 102 defining a deep vacuum chamber 104. A piston rod 106 attaches to piston 34 and seals against an inner surface of cylinder 102 via seals 108. A shaft seal, which can be of any known type, hereafter referred to as o-ring 112 is also placed within housing 220 between shaft opening 80 and the piston 34 to maintain the vacuum within chamber 82.
The operation of the cylinder 102 and cylinder rod 106 in conjunction with piston 34 is substantially the same as described above with diaphragm 98 and spring 86 of Fig. 6. In Fig. 7, a spring 114 is provided within each cylinder 102. The spring 114 pushes against cylinder rod 106, which in turn pushes piston 34 and piston head 36 towards rigid cassette 90. In an alternative embodiment, piston rod 106 can be eliminated, wherein piston 34 seals directly to the inner surface of cylinder 102, and wherein spring 114 is sized to push directly against piston 34. To withdraw the piston 34, a deep vacuum is applied to chamber 104 within cylinder 102, which overcomes the spring constant and compression resistance of spring 114.
Because the rolling diaphragm is not used, a shallow vacuum need not be maintained within chamber 104 in connection with the pump-out or fluid dispelling stroke. A shallow vacuum may be maintained within chamber 82 as described above, however, upon the pump-out or fluid dispelling stroke. Spring 114 does not need to overcome a residual negative pressure as in the case with embodiment of Fig. 6. Spring 114 may therefore be of a slightly decreased strength with respect to spring 86 and the deep vacuum may accordingly be slightly less than the deep vacuum employed with Fig. 6. In an alternative embodiment, a positive pressure is applied outside of cylinder
102 to push rod 106 and compress spring 114 as opposed to drawing a vacuum within chamber 104 of cylinder 102. The o-ring seal 112 is still required to separate the positive pressure outside of cylinder 102 from the vacuum introduced into chamber 82. When the positive pressure is relieved, spring 114 pushes rod 106 and piston 34 as described above.
Referring now to Fig. 8, a further alternative embodiment eliminates the deep vacuum altogether and instead uses an electrically operated linear or rotary/linear actuator 32. Actuator 32 is also illustrated above in connection with Fig. 1. Linear actuator 32 in an embodiment is a linear stepper motor, a rotary stepper motor coupled to a lead or ball screw, a rotary servo motor coupled to a lead or ball screw or other type of electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated linear actuator. Pump actuator 32 couples in an embodiment directly to piston 34 via a coupler 116, which in an embodiment allows for slight misalignment between piston 34 and an output shaft of pump actuator 32. Pump actuator 32 eliminates altogether the need for the vacuum chamber 84, the deep vacuum and the residual shallow vacuum. A shallow vacuum is still required in chamber 82 to pull lower flexible membrane 96 away from rigid portion 92 when piston head 36 retracts away from cassette 90. O-ring 112 is provided between opening 80 in housing 320 and shaft 34 to form in part the enclosed vacuum chamber 82.
Referring now to Fig. 9, a further alternative embodiment for a pump actuator is illustrated. A portion of a housing 420 is illustrated. Housing 420 includes many of the same components as housing 120, such as the a shallow vacuum chamber 82, the deep vacuum chamber 84, the spring 86 and the rolling diaphragm 98 that couples sealingly to member 88 (connected to piston 34) and an inner surface of housing 420 (defining deep chamber 84). These components operate as described above, wherein a shallow vacuum is applied to chamber 82 to pull lower flexible membrane 96 away from rigid portion 92 of cassette 90. A deep vacuum is applied to chamber 84 to compress spring 86, which is coupled to member 88 and piston 34. Compression of spring 86 pulls piston 34 away from cassette 90. When the deep vacuum is removed from chamber 84, spring 86 decompresses and pushes piston 34 and piston head 36 towards cassette 90 to dispel fluid that exists between flexible member 96 and rigid portion 92.
The embodiment of Fig. 9 includes an additional rolling diaphragm 118. Each of the rolling diaphragms 98 and 118 is made of a strong, air impermeable and flexible material, such as silicone rubber sheeting or fabric reinforced silicone rubber. The additional rolling diaphragm 118 connects sealingly to an additional member 124 coupled to piston 34 and also sealingly to an inner surface of housing 420.
The combination of rolling diaphragms 98 and 118 creates a third sealed chamber 122 between chambers 82 and 84. The shallow vacuum in chamber 82 does not have the ability to corrupt the operation of diaphragm 98 as with the embodiment in Fig. 6. A separate shallow vacuum does not therefore need to be maintained in chamber 84 upon the fluid push or dispelling stroke. The spring constant 86 does not need to be chosen to overcome additionally the shallow vacuum in chamber 84. Because the spring 86 can be smaller, the level of deep vacuum in chamber 84 can likewise be decreased.
A number of options exists for controlling the pressure within third chamber 122. The pressure within third chamber 122 can be either be atmospheric or positive. If atmospheric, the negative pressure maintained within chambers 82 and 84 maintains the rolling diaphragms 118 and 98, respectively, in the proper illustrated orientations. A positive pressure applied to chamber 122 acts additionally to compress spring 86, push diaphragms 98 and 118 into their proper orientation, and may be used to withdraw piston 34 from cassette 90 during the fill stroke in place of or in addition to the deep vacuum maintained in chamber 84 to overcome the force of spring 86. Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11, an embodiment for actuating the valve plungers 42 illustrated above in Fig. 2 is illustrated. As also seen in Fig. 5, a plunger spring 70 operates to push plunger 42 towards one of the flexible membranes 94 or 96 of an alternative disposable cassette 190. Flexible membranes 94 and 96 seal to a semi-rigid or rigid, i.e., plastic, portion 192. In the embodiments described in connection with Figs. 1 to 5, plunger spring 70 is housed within valve/pump housing 20, intermediate sheets 24 and 26 and front plate 30. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 10, plunger spring 70 and plunger 42 are housed within a valve housing 130.
Valve housing 130 as with any of the pump housings 120, 220, 320 and 420, can be of a suitable hard plastic or be metal, such as a light metal, for example, aluminum. Valve housing 130 includes an outer section 132 and an inner section 134. A diaphragm 136 is sealed between outer section 132 and inner section 134. Diaphragm 136 in an embodiment is of the same material described above for rolling diaphragms 98 and 118 and is strong, flexible and air impermeable in one preferred embodiment. The plungers 42 connect to their respective diaphragms 136 via members 138. In the illustrated embodiment, diaphragms 136 are secured to members 138 via attachment mechanisms, such as bolts. Plunger spring 70 pushes against member 138, moving member 138 and plunger 42.
In an embodiment a compliant material 142 is placed at the end of the valve plunger 42 facing the respective flexible membrane 94 and 96. The compliant material can be rubber, for example, silicone rubber, neoprene rubber, Viton or ethylene propylene dienemethylene ("EPDM"). The compliant material aids in creating an airtight seal between valve plunger 42 and flexible sheet 94 or 96, compensating for minor surface imperfections in membranes 94 and 96 and/or in the rigid portion of 192 of cassette 190. The surface of rigid portion 192 that contacts and seals to the flexible membranes 94 and 96 is smooth in an embodiment or alternatively contains one or more concentric sealing rings which: (i) prevents the sheeting from adhering to rigid portion 192 when the valve is commanded to open; and (ii) provides multiple seals, dividing effectively the fluid pressure within cassette 190 that must be overcome by a factor of two or three, etc.
Similar to the operation of the pump in connection with Fig. 6, a deep vacuum is applied to chamber 144 defined by section 132 of housing 130, diaphragm 136 and member 138. A shallow vacuum is applied to chamber 146, which is defined by section 134 of housing 130, diaphragm 136 and member 138. The shallow vacuum applied within chamber 146 acts to pull the sheet 94, 96 against plunger 142 to open a fluid passageway 148 as illustrated by Fig. 11. Fluid passage 148 allows dialysis fluid to flow from passageway 152 defined by rigid portion 192 to passageway 154 defined by rigid portion 192 as illustrated by the arrow in Fig. 11.
To open fluid passageway 148, a deep vacuum is applied within chamber 144. Simultaneously, a shallow vacuum is applied within chamber 146. The deep vacuum is strong enough to overcome the force provided by plunger spring 70, e.g., two to ten lbs., as well as a counteracting force applied to diaphragm 136 via the shallow vacuum within chamber 146. In an embodiment, plunger spring 70 and plunger 42 apply a force of between zero and about 35 psig. to seal the membrane based on pumping pressures, which can range from one to over 10 psig., providing a safety factor of three to one. Fig. 10 also illustrates that it is possible to have valves operate on multiple sides of cassette 190. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that multiple pumps can operate with multiple sides of the cassette 190 as well. To close fluid passageway 148, the deep vacuum is removed within chamber
144. The shallow vacuum applied within chamber 146 may or may not be maintained. Spring 70 pushes plunger 42 against membrane 94, 96, which in turn seals against rigid portion 192. Spring 70 is between .5 and 1.25 inches when compressed and .75 to 1.5 inches in free length. The spring rates can range from about 5 to about 10.
III. Cassette Auto Alignment Feature
Referring now to Figs. 12 to 14, an apparatus and method for automatically aligning the disposable cassette within a dialysis machine is illustrated. The apparatus and method also detects whether a cassette misalignment problem or a cassette integrity problem exists. Fig. 12 illustrates a dialysis machine 100 and a disposable cassette 150, wherein the cassette 150 is about to be loaded into machine 100. Cassette 150, like the cassettes described above, includes a rigid, e.g., plastic portion 162, an upper flexible membrane 94 and a lower flexible membrane 96. Rigid portion 162 and lower flexible membrane 96 define three pump chambers 168, 172 and 174. As discussed above, each of the embodiments of the present invention can have one or more pump chambers.
The dialysis machine 100 includes a housing having a base 170 and lid 180, which in the illustrated embodiment, is hinged to base 170 so as to form a clamshelllike structure. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly 10 of Figs. 1 to 5 is housed inside of base 170. Front plate 30 of assembly 10 faces outward and is positioned to abut against and operate with cassette 150. As described above, pump piston heads 36 extend through front plate 30. For reference, valve plungers 42 and sensors 74 are also illustrated. For further reference, machine 100 is shown having a screen 176 with various indicia 178 shown thereon.
To control the dialysis therapy, a number of input devices 184 are provided, such as buttons, knobs and other types of switches. Alternatively, screen 176 is operable with a touch screen and a touch screen controller that allows an operator or patient control the dialysis therapy through input devices displayed on screen 176. A controller (not illustrated), which can include multiple processors, such as a supervisory processor and a plurality of delegate processors: (i) controls screen 176; (ii) accepts inputs from devices 184; (iii) accepts inputs from sensors 74; and (iv) controls the actuation of the pistons 34 and piston heads 36 and the valve plungers 42, as well as other functions.
An inflatable bladder 182 is provided to inflate and lock cassette 150 against front plate 30 when the cassette 150 is in position, hi the illustrated embodiment, inflatable bladder 182 is located on an inner surface 186 of lid 180. After cassette 150 is placed against front plate 30, lid 180 is closed. The controller then commands a pressure source to inflate inflatable bladder 182 to lock cassette 150 in place. Prior to the inflation of bladder 182, it is possible for cassette 150 to move slightly between front plate 30 and inner surface 186 of lid 180. It is also possible that either: (i) cassette 150 is misaligned with respect to front plate 30 when placed inside machine 100; and/or (ii) an integrity problem, e.g., a leak, exists between one of the flexible membranes 94, 96 and rigid portion 162.
Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a cross section taken through lines XIII-XIII and XΓV-XIV respectively, of Fig. 12 after cassette 150 has been loaded into machine 100 and before inflatable bladder 182 has been inflated. A section of lid 180, which is hollow in an embodiment, is illustrated in the closed position residing directly above cassette 150. The lid is locked mechanically in an embodiment before the bladder 182 inflates, the pumps activate, etc. Inflatable bladder 182 loosely contacts upper flexible membrane 94. It should be appreciated that the cassette 150 can be loaded vertically in an alternative embodiment. Front plate 30 would, then be disposed vertically inside base 170.
Fig. 13 illustrates that a slight misalignment exists between the pump chambers and piston heads. Pump chambers 168, 172 and 174 of cassette 150 are slightly to the right of the proper position above piston heads 36. Cassette 150 is slightly misaligned therefore to the right. In the dialysis therapy startup sequence of the present invention, the controller (not illustrated) commands at least one and in one preferred embodiment all of the pump pistons 34 and associated piston heads 36 to move upwards (or laterally for side load) to the fluid discharge position. Fig. 13 includes arrows illustrating this upward movement.
Fig. 14 shows an arrow pointing to the left indicating that as the piston heads 36 move upward, the heads contact lower flexible membrane 96 and abut rigid portion 162, causing the cassette 150 to slide to the left and move into the proper operating position. As illustrated, piston heads 36 and fluid pump chambers 168, 172 and 174 are tapered at their respective ends, which aids in aligning cassette 150 with respect front plate 30. The provision of at least two pump pistons ensures alignment in two dimensions. In an alternative embodiment pump pistons 34 can be slightly misaligned with respect to one another so as to provide an offset in both horizontal dimensions. If cassette 150 and front plate 30 are disposed vertically, multiple pump pistons 34 provide alignment in multiple vertical dimensions.
The cassette 150 may be misaligned to the point that piston heads 36 are too far out of alignment with respect to fluid pumping chambers 168, 172 and 174 for the misalignment to be corrected automatically. One or more sensors 188, such as strain gauge sensors, are provided to sense a resistance to the movement of the pump piston 34 and piston head 36. If the cassette 150 does not move into alignment, the force applied by pistons 134 to the rigid portion 162 of the cassette 150 is transferred across rigid portion 162 and is sensed by strain gauge 188. Strain gauge 188 sends an input to the controller. The controller is programmed to withdraw the pump pistons 34 and send an error message to screen 176 if the strain gauge input increases to an alarm set- point level.
It is also possible that due to improper formation of the rigid portion 162, or improper placement of flexible membrane 96 onto rigid portion 162, that the movement of one or more of the pistons 34 may be impeded. In such a case, as before, a force is transferred by the impeded piston, through the rigid portion 162, to the force sensor 188. Once again, sensor 188 sends a signal to the controller, which sends an alarm message to screen 176. In an embodiment, the alarm message alerts the user to the fact that the cassette could be misaligned or have an integrity problem. In an alternative environment, such as when multiple sensors 188 are provided, it may be possible for the controller to determine whether the problem is misalignment or integrity and send the proper corresponding message to screen 176. In either case, the controller halts the upward movement of the pump piston(s) and can retract same to alleviate the associated stress.
Once cassette 150 is determined to be in the proper position, as illustrated in connection with Fig. 14, the controller commands a pressure source to inflate inflatable bladder 182, locking cassette 150 between lid 180 and front plate 30. Either at this time, prior to this time or after this time, one or more of the pump pistons 34 can retract if needed.
IV. Flexible Membrane Material
The pumping membrane film referred to herein with reference numerals 94 and 96 preferably is fabricated from a non-PVC containing, thermoplastic polymeric material and can be of a monolayer structure as shown in Figure 15 or a multiple layer structure as shown in Figure 16. The film can be fabricated using standard thermoplastic processing techniques such as extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion lamination, lamination, blown extrusion, tubular extrusion, cast extrusion or coextrusion, compression molding and thermoforming. Thermoforming is one preferred method for fabricating the film as it is well suited for fabricating the film having an elongation from about 5% to 40% and more preferably from 10%-30%, and most preferably from 20 to 25%. In a preferred form of the invention, a portion of the film and more preferably a central portion will be domed. In a more preferred form of the invention the dome will have a diameter of 1.60 inches and a depth of 0.26 inches. The film will have a thickness of less than 15 mils and more preferably less than 12 mils and more preferably from about 11 mils to about 4 mils.
In a preferred form of the invention, the film should satisfy certain physical property requirements to function as a pumping membrane as described herein. The film should have a mechanical modulus to achieve precise fluid volume delivery rates. In a preferred form of the invention the modulus of elasticity will be less than 20,000 psi, more preferably less than 15,000 psi and even more preferably less than 10,000 psi when measured in accordance with ASTM D-882. The modulus of elasticity should remain essentially constant over a temperature range of from 5-40 °C. The pumping membrane film should also be sufficiently compatible with the material of the cassette 92, 150 and 192 so that the membrane film can be permanently adhered to the cassette using standard sealing techniques such as thermal welding, sonic welding or solvent bonding. Most preferably the film is attached to the cassette by heat sealing.
The pumping membrane film should be capable of being deformed by the piston head 36 or valve plungers 42 for ten thousand pumping strokes without a significant change in the volume of fluid being delivered. The volume will not vary by more than about 15 percent, more preferably about 10 percent and most preferably about 5 percent after 10,000 pumping strokes or after a therapy session or the like
The film should also show minimal variation in mechanical properties over operating temperatures of from 5-40°C. In a preferred form of the invention the film can withstand contact with a 75 °C surface heater and withstand a spot temperature of 95°C for 1-3 seconds. In yet another preferred form of the invention the film can have a heat transfer coefficient of greater than 0.20 Watts/Minute-Kelvin (K) for a film having a thickness of 5 mils. In yet another preferred form of the invention a surface of the film facing the piston head 36 or valve plungers 42 will not stick to these devices to the extent it interrupts the pumping operation. In one preferred form of the invention, the film will have a textured surface to assist in preventing sticking of these devices to the film. The textured surface can include a matte or taffeta finish or other surface modification to reduce the surface area of the outer surface of the film the piston head 36 or valve plungers 42 contacts. The surface texture can be embossed or otherwise imparted to the film using techniques well known to the skilled artisan in the field of polymeric film processing.
The film, in a preferred form of the invention, will have a minimum or be free of gels. Gels are a heterogeneity in the film that appears as a local thickness increase. Gels are undesirable as they are more susceptible than other portions of the film to forming leaks.
It is also preferred the film not readily or permanently stick to itself so that the film can be fabricated, stored and assembled into the devices described herein with a minimum of challenges well known to those skilled in the art that result from a film sticking to itself. It is also desirable the film present a barrier to water vapor transmission so that a minimum or insignificant amount of water is lost through the film during an eight hour therapy session. In a preferred form of the invention the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the film when measured at 37.8°C at 100% relative humidity is less than about 0.500 g/100 in2 /day and more preferably less than 0.300 g/100 in2 /day. Also, in a preferred-form of the invention, the WVTR when measured at 25°C at 100% relative humidity will be less than 0.200 g/100 in2 /day and more preferably less than 0.150 g/100 in2 /day.
The film should also be resistant to tearing and cutting. The film should resist tearing when an unsupported portion of the film is impinged upon by a plunger having a diameter of 1.6 inches with a 5 -pound force applied thereto. In another preferred form of the invention, the film has an Elmendorf tear strength when measured in accordance with ASTM D 1922 of from 300 to 3,000 g, more preferably from 500- 1,000 g. The film, in a preferred form of the invention, should have a durometer from about 45 to about 65 Shore A.
The film, in a preferred form of the invention, is capable of being sterilized by gamma or ethylene oxide sterilization techniques.
Again, in a preferred form of the invention, the film will have high transparency such as an optical haze of less than 30%, and more preferably less than 15%. and even more preferably less than 10% and most preferably less than 5%, when measured for a film 9 mils thick and in accordance to ASTM D-1003.
Suitable non-PVC containing polymers include polyolefins, ethylene and lower alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene and lower alkyl substituted alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polybutadienes, polyesters, polyamides, and styrene and hydrocarbon copolymers.
Suitable polyolefins include homopolymers and copolymers obtained by polymerizing alpha-olefms containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 2 to 10 carbons. Therefore, suitable polyolefins include polymers and copolymers of propylene, ethylene, butene-1, pentene-1, 4-methyl-l-pentene, hexene- 1, heptene-1, octene-1, nonene-1 and decene-1. Most preferably the polyolefin is a homopolymer or copolymer of propylene or a homopolymer or copolymer of polyethylene. Suitable homopolymers of polypropylene can have a stereochemistry of amorphous, isotactic, syndiotactic, atactic, hemiisotactic or stereoblock. In one preferred form of the invention the homopolymer of polypropylene is obtained using a single site catalyst. Suitable copolymers of propylene are obtained by polymerizing a propylene monomer with an α -olefin having from 2 to 20 carbons. In a more preferred form of the invention the propylene is copolymerized with ethylene in an amount by weight from about 1% to about 20%, more preferably from about 1% to about 10% and most preferably from 2% to about 5% by weight of the copolymer. The propylene and ethylene copolymers may be random or block copolymers. In a preferred form of the invention, the propylene copolymer is obtained using a single-site catalyst.
It is also possible to use a blend of polypropylene and α-olefin copolymers wherein the propylene copolymers can vary by the number of carbons in the α-olefin. For example, the present invention contemplates blends of propylene and α-olefin copolymers wherein one copolymer has a 2 carbon α-olefin and another copolymer has a 4 carbon α-olefm. It is also possible to use any combination of α-olefins from 2 to 20 carbons and more preferably from 2 to 8 carbons. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates blends of propylene and α-olefin copolymers wherein a first and second α-olefins have the following combination of carbon numbers: 2 and 6, 2 and 8, 4 and 6, 4 and 8. It is also contemplated using more than 2 polypropylene and α-olefin copolymers in the blend. Suitable polymers can be obtained using a catalloy procedure.
It may also be desirable to use a high melt strength polypropylene. High melt strength polypropylenes can be a homopolymer or copolymer of polypropylene having a melt flow index within the range of 10 grams/10 min. to 800 grams/10 min., more preferably 30 grams/10 min. to 200 grams/10 min, or any range or combination of ranges therein. High melt strength polypropylenes are known to have free-end long chain branches of propylene units. Methods of preparing polypropylenes which exhibit a high melt strength characteristic have been described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,916,198; 5,047,485; and 5,605,936 which are incoφorated herein by reference and made a part hereof. One such method includes irradiating a linear propylene polymer in an environment in which the active oxygen concentration is about 15% by volume with high energy ionization energy radiation at a dose of 1 to 104 megarads per minute for a period of time sufficient for a substantial amount of chain scission of the linear propylene polymer to occur but insufficient to cause the material to become gelatinous. The irradiation results in chain scission. The subsequent recombination of chain fragments results in the formation of new chains, as well as joining chain fragments to chains to form branches. Thisr results in the desired free-end long chain branched, high molecular weight, non-linear, propylene polymer material. Radiation is maintained until a significant amount of long chain branches form. The material is then treated to deactivate substantially all the free radicals present in the irradiated material.
High melt strength polypropylenes can also be obtained as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,416,169, which is incoφorated in its entirety herein by reference and made a part hereof, when a specified organic peroxide (di-2-ethylhexyl peroxydicarbonate) is reacted with a polypropylene under specified conditions, followed by melt-kneading. Such polypropylenes are linear, crystalline polypropylenes having a branching coefficient of substantially 1, and, therefore, has no free end long-chain branching and will have a intrinsic viscosity of from about 2.5 dl/g to 10 dl/g.
Suitable homopolymers of ethylene include those having a density of greater than 0.915 g/cc and includes low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE).
Suitable copolymers of ethylene are obtained by polymerizing ethylene monomers with an α -olefin having from 3 to 20 carbons, more preferably 3-10 carbons and most preferably from 4 to 8 carbons. It is also desirable for the copolymers of ethylene to have a density as measured by ASTM D-792 of less than about 0.915 g/cc and more preferably less than about 0.910 g/cc and even more preferably less than about 0.905 g/cc. Such polymers are oftentimes referred to as VLDPE (very low density polyethylene) or ULDPE (ultra low density polyethylene). Preferably the ethylene α-olefin copolymers are produced using a single site catalyst and even more preferably a metallocene catalyst systems. Single site catalysts are believed to have a single, sterically and electronically equivalent catalyst position as opposed to the Ziegler-Natta type catalysts which are known to have a mixture of catalysts sites. Such single-site catalyzed ethylene α-olefins are sold by Dow under the trade name AFFINITY, DuPont Dow under the trademark ENGAGE® and by Exxon under the trade name EXACT. These copolymers shall sometimes be referred to herein as m-ULDPE. Suitable copolymers of ethylene also include ethylene and lower alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene and lower alkyl substituted alkyl acrylate copolymers and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers having a vinyl acetate content of from about 8% to about 40%» by weight of the copolymer. The term "lower alkyl acrylates" refers to comonomers having the formula set forth in Diagram 1 :
Figure imgf000037_0001
Diagram 1.
The R group refers to alkyls having from 1 to 17 carbons. Thus, the term "lower alkyl acrylates" includes but is not limited to methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate and the like. The term "alkyl substituted alkyl acrylates" refers to comonomers having the formula set forth in Diagram 2:
Figure imgf000037_0002
Diagram 2.
Ri and R2 are alkyls having 1-17 carbons and can have the same number of carbons or have a different number of carbons. Thus, the term "alkyl substituted alkyl acrylates" includes but is not limited to methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, methyl ethacrylate, ethyl ethacrylate, butyl methacrylate, butyl ethacrylate and the like.
Suitable polybutadienes include the 1,2- and 1,4-addition products of 1,3- butadiene (these shall collectively be referred to as polybutadienes). In a more preferred form of the invention the polymer is a 1,2-addition product of 1,3 butadiene
(these shall be referred to as 1,2 polybutadienes). In an even more preferred form of the invention the polymer of interest is a syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene and even more preferably a low crystallinity, syndiotactic 1,2 polybutadiene. In a preferred form of the invention the low crystallinity, syndiotactic 1,2 polybutadiene will have a crystallinity less than 50%, more preferably less than about 45%, even more preferably less than about 40%, even more preferably the crystallinity will be from about 13% to about 40%, and most preferably from about 15% to about 30%. In a preferred form of the invention the low crystallinity, syndiotactic 1,2 polybutadiene will have a melting point temperature measured in accordance with ASTM D 3418 from about 70°C to about 120°C. Suitable resins include those sold by JSR (Japan Synthetic Rubber) under the grade designations: JSR RB 810, JSR RB 820, and JSR RB 830.
Suitable polyesters include polycondensation products of di-or polycarboxylic acids and di or poly hydroxy alcohols or alkylene oxides, hi a preferred form of the invention the polyester is a polyester ether. Suitable polyester ethers are obtained from reacting 1,4 cyclohexane dimethanol, 1,4 cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid and polyteframethylene glycol ether and shall be referred to generally as PCCE. Suitable PCCE's are sold by Eastman under the trade name ECDEL. Suitable polyesters further include polyester elastomers which are block copolymers of a hard crystalline segment of polybutylene terephthalate and a second segment of a soft (amoφhous) polyether glycols. Such polyester elastomers are sold by Du Pont Chemical Company under the trade name HYTREL®.
Suitable polyamides include those that result from a ring-opening reaction of lactams having from 4-12 carbons. This group of polyamides therefore includes nylon 6, nylon 10 and nylon 12. Acceptable polyamides also include aliphatic polyamides resulting from the condensation reaction of di-amines having a carbon number within a range of 2-13, aliphatic polyamides resulting from a condensation reaction of di-acids having a carbon number within a range of 2-13, polyamides resulting from the condensation reaction of dimer fatty acids, and amide containing copolymers. Thus, suitable aliphatic polyamides include, for example, nylon 66, nylon 6,10 and dimer fatty acid polyamides. The styrene of the styrene and hydrocarbon copolymer includes styrene and the various substituted styrenes including alkyl substituted styrene and halogen substituted styrene. The alkyl group can contain from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. Specific examples of substituted styrenes include alpha-methylstyrene, beta-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 4-isopropylstyrene, 2,4- dimethylstyrene, o-chlorostyrene, p-chlorostyrene, o-bromostyrene, 2-chloro-4- methylstyrene, etc. Styrene is the most preferred. The hydrocarbon portion of the styrene and hydrocarbon copolymer includes conjugated dienes. Conjugated dienes which may be utilized are those containing from 4 to about 10 carbon atoms and more generally, from 4 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-l,3-butadiene (isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl- 1,3- butadiene, chloroprene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, etc. Mixtures of these conjugated dienes also may be used such as mixtures of butadiene and isoprene. The preferred conjugated dienes are isoprene and 1,3-butadiene.
The styrene and hydrocarbon copolymers can be block copolymers including di-block, tri-block, multi-block, and star block. Specific examples of diblock copolymers include styrene-butadiene, styrene-isoprene, and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof. Examples of triblock polymers include styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, alpha-methylstyrene-butadiene-alpha-methylstyrene, and alpha-methylstyrene-isoprene-alpha-methylstyrene and hydrogenated derivatives thereof.
The selective hydrogenation of the above block copolymers may be carried out by a variety of well known processes including hydrogenation in the presence of such catalysts as Raney nickel, noble metals such as platinum, palladium, etc., and soluble transition metal catalysts. Suitable hydrogenation processes which can be used are those wherein the diene-containing polymer or copolymer is dissolved in an inert hydrocarbon diluent such as cyclohexane and hydrogenated by reaction with hydrogen in the presence of a soluble hydrogenation catalyst. Such procedures are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,113,986 and 4,226,952, the disclosures of which are incoφorated herein by reference and made a part hereof.
Particularly useful hydrogenated block copolymers are the hydrogenated block copolymers of styrene-isoprene-styrene, such as a styrene-(ethylene/propylene)- styrene block polymer. When a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene block copolymer is hydrogenated, the resulting product resembles a regular copolymer block of ethylene and 1-butene (EB). As noted above, when the conjugated diene employed is isoprene, the resulting hydrogenated product resembles a regular copolymer block of ethylene and propylene (EP). One example of a commercially available selectively hydrogenated block copolymer is KRATON G-1652 which is a hydrogenated SBS triblock comprising 30% styrene end blocks and a midblock equivalent is a copolymer of ethylene and 1-butene (EB). This hydrogenated block copolymer is often referred to as SEBS. Other suitable SEBS or SIS copolymers are sold by Kurrarry under the tradename SEPTON® andHYBRAR®.
It may also be desirable to use graft modified styrene and hydrocarbon block copolymers by grafting an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid reagent onto the selectively hydrogenated block copolymers described above. }
The block copolymers of the conjugated diene and the vinyl aromatic compound are grafted with an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid reagent. The carboxylic acid reagents include carboxylic acids per se and their functional derivatives such as anhydrides, imides, metal salts, esters, etc., which are capable of being grafted onto the selectively hydrogenated block copolymer. The grafted polymer will usually contain from about 0.1 to about 20%, and preferably from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the block copolymer and the carboxylic acid reagent of the grafted carboxylic acid. Specific examples of useful monobasic carboxylic acids include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, cinnamic acid, crotonic acid, acrylic anhydride, sodium acrylate, calcium acrylate and magnesium acrylate, etc. Examples of dicarboxylic acids and useful derivatives thereof include maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, mesaconic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, monomethyl maleate, monosodium maleate, etc. The styrene and hydrocarbon block copolymer can be modified with an oil such as the oil modified SEBS sold by the Shell Chemical Company under the product designation KRATON G2705. h a most preferred form of the invention the membrane film will be a monolayer structure as shown in Figure 15 and be fabricated from a m-ULDPE resin. For multiple layer films having two layers as shown in Figure 16 or more it is desirable for an inner, solution contacting layer to be a m-ULDPE and the layer or layers outward therefrom (outer layer) can be a polymeric material selected from a polymer set forth above, a metal foil or paper. The pumping film is attached to the cassette and has a portion attached to the cassette and another portion unsupported by the cassette and extends between supported portions of the cassette. The film is generally taught between the portions where the film attaches to the cassette. Thus, the film extends between a first support and a second support and satisfies one or more of the physical properties set forth above. The pumping film overlies a fluid reservoir and is moveable from a first position to a second position to move fluid through the reservoir. The film is moved between the first and second position in response to a single or a series of periodic impingements of the film by the piston head 36 or valve plungers 42 or the like on a portion of the film not supported. While the cassette shown herein is generally rectangular shaped, it could have numerous different shapes such as polygonal, round, elliptical and irregular shaped without departing from the scope of the invention.
The cassette is preferably fabricated from a thermoplastic polymer and more preferably from a rigid thermoplastic polymer. In a preferred form of the invention the cassette is fabricated from a polyolefin such as a homopolymer or copolymer of propylene as described above or a homopolymer or copolymer of a cyclic olefin or a homopolymer or copolymer of a bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon. Such polymers shall sometimes be collectively referred to as COCs. Suitable homopolymer and copolymers of cyclic olefins and bridged polycyclic hydrocarbons and blends thereof can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,218,049; 5,854,349; 5,863,986; 5,795,945; 5,792,824; 4,993,164; 5,008,356; 5,003,019; and 5,288,560 all of which are incoφorated in their entirety herein by reference and made a part hereof. In a preferred form of the invention these homopolymers, copolymers and polymer blends will have a glass transition temperature of greater than 50degree C, more preferably from about 70degree C. to about 180degree C, a density greater than 0.910 g/cc and more preferably from 0.910 g/cc to about 1.3 g/cc and most preferably from 0.980 g/cc to about 1.3 g/cc and have from at least about 20 mole % of a cyclic aliphatic or a bridged polycyclic in the backbone of the polymer more preferably from about 30-65 mole % and most preferably from about 30-60 mole %.
In a preferred form of the invention, suitable cyclic olefin monomers are monocyclic compounds having from 5 to about 10 carbons in the ring. The cyclic olefins can selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted cyclopentene, cyclopentadiene, cyclohexene, cyclohexadiene, cycloheptene, cycloheptadiene, cyclooctene, cyclooctadiene. Suitable substituents include lower alkyl, acrylate derivatives and the like. In a preferred form of the invention, suitable bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon monomers have two or more rings and more preferably contain at least 7 carbons. The rings can be substituted or unsubstituted. Suitable substitutes include lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, vinyl, allyloxy, (meth) acryloxy and the like. The bridged polycyclic hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of those disclosed in the above incoφorated patents and patent applications. In a preferred form of the invention the polycyclic hydrocarbon is polymerized in an addition reaction in preference to a ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Suitable bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon containing polymers are sold by Ticona under the fradename TOP AS, by Nippon Zeon under the fradename ZEONEX and ZEONOR, by Daikyo Gomu Seiko under the tradeanme CZ resin, and by Mitsui Petrochemical Company under the fradename APEL.
Suitable comonomers include alpha-olefins having from 3-10 carbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, other cyclic olefins and bridged polycyclic hydrocarbons. It may also be desirable to have pendant groups associated with the above-mentioned homopolymers and copolymers. The pendant groups are for compatibilizing the cyclic olefin containing polymers and the bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon containing polymers with more polar polymers including amine, amide, imide, ester, carboxylic acid and other polar functional groups. Suitable pendant groups include aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, monoethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons, acrylonitriles, vinyl ethers, vinyl esters, vinylamides, vinyl ketones, vinyl halides, epoxides, cyclic esters and cyclic ethers. The monethylencially unsaturated hydrocarbons include alkyl acrylates, and aryl acrylates. The cyclic ester includes maleic anhydride.
It has been found that polymer blends may also be suitable to fabricate the cassette. Suitable two-component blends of the present invention include as a first component of a COC. The COCs can be present in an amount from about 1-99% by weight of the blend, more preferably from about 30-99%), and most preferably from about 35-99 weight percent or any combination or subcombination or ranges therein. In a preferred form of the invention the first components has a glass transition temperature of from about 70degree C. to about 130degree C. and more preferably from about 70-1 lOdegree C. The blends further include a second component in an amount by weight of the blend of from about 99-1%, more preferably from about 70-1% and most preferably from about 65-1%. The second component is selected from the group consisting of homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butene, hexene, octene, nonene, decene and styrene. The second component preferably has a density of from about 0.870-0.960 g/cc and more preferably from about 0.910-0.960 g/cc and more preferably from about 0.930-0.960 g/cc. In a preferred form of the invention the second component is and ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymer where the alpha-olefin has from 3-10 carbons, more preferably from 4-8 carbons and most preferably 6 carbons. Most preferably the ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymers are obtained using a metallocene catalyst.
Suitable three-component blends include as a third component a COC selected from those COCs described above and different from the first component. In a preferred form of the invention the second COC will have a glass fransition temperature of higher than about 120 degree C. when the first COC has a glass transition temperature lower than about 120 degree C. In a preferred form of the invention, the third component is present in an amount by weight of from about 10- 90% by weight of the blend and the first and second components should be present in a ratio of from about 2:1 to about 1:2 respectively of the first component to the second component. In a preferred form of the invention, random and block copolymers of norbornene and ethylene are selected as the first component of the blend. These norbornene copolymers are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,783,273, 5,744,664, 5,854,349, and 5,863,986. The norbornene ethylene copolymer preferably has from at least about 20 mole percent norbornene monomer and more preferably from about 20- 75 mole percent and most preferably from about 30-60 mole percent norbornene monomer or any combination or subcombination of ranges therein. The norbornene ethylene copolymer should have a glass transition temperature of from about 70- 180degree C, more preferably from 70-130degree C. and even more preferably from about 70-100degree C.
The second component is preferably an ethylene copolymerized with an alpha- olefin having from 4 to 8 carbons. Preferably, the ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymers are obtained using metallocene catalysts. Suitable catalyst systems, among others, are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,783,638 and 5,272,236. Suitable ethylene and alpha-olefin copolymers include those sold by Dow Chemical Company under the AFFINITY and ENGAGE fradenames, those sold by Exxon under the EXACT fradename and those sold by Phillips Chemical Company under the fradename MARLEX.
As set forth above, the first component of the norbornene/ethylene copolymer can be present from about 1-99% by weight of the blend, more preferably from about 30-99% by weight, and most preferably 35-99% by weight. In a preferred three- component blend a second norbornene and ethylene copolymer is added to the two component norbomene-ethylene/ethylene alpha.-olefin blend. The second norbornene ethylene copolymer should have a norbornene monomer content of 30 mole percent or greater and more preferably from about 35-75 mole percent and a glass transition temperature of higher than 120degree C. when the first component has a glass transition temperature of lower than 120degree C. The cassette may be fabricated from the COCs and blends set forth above. The cassette may be fabricated from the COCs by injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming processes or other plastic fabricating techniques. In a preferred form of the invention the cassette is formed by injection molding.
The tubing connected to the cassette is compatible with the cassette and is, in a preferred form of the invention, made from a polyolefin and more preferably from a m-ULDPE and even more preferably from a blend of m-ULDPE resins in accordance with commonly assigned United States Patent No. 6,372,848 which is incoφorated in its entirety herein by reference. The tubing is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and can convey fluid to and from the reservoir. V. Multiplexing Dialysis Fluid Flow
Referring now to Figs. 17 to 20, valve and pump arrangement 200 illustrates one possible arrangement for the pumps and valves of the present invention. Figs. 18 to 20 set forth a set of values that illustrate one example of how the valves are sequenced in connection with the valve arrangement 200. Other sets of values are therefore possible.
The cassette-based improvements discussed herein are operable with various different types of dialysis therapies, such as hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. With peritoneal dialysis, for example, the system can be a batch system, a continuous flow system, a tidal flow system and any combination thereof. With batch type systems, dialysis fluid is pumped through the patient and then to drain. Tidal flow systems are modified batch type systems, wherein instead of pulling all the fluid out of the patient's peritoneal cavity, a portion of the fluid is pulled out more frequently and replaced. Tidal flow systems have properties similar to both batch and continuous therapies.
In continuous flow systems, dialysis fluid is pumped to a patient, through one or more filters and regeneration devices back to the patient. Continuous flow systems require typically one or more concentrates to be added to the fluid before the fluid reaches the patient. Also, a roughly equal amount of ultrafiltrate produced by the patient is removed from circulation, so that a total volume of fluid within the loop remains relatively constant. The components described herein can be used likewise in a variable volume CFPD system.
Pump and valve arrangement 200 is operable with each of these types of systems. Arrangement 200 is particularly suited for a continuous flow therapies and is described in connection with CFPD accordingly, although it is not limited to CFPD. Pump/valve arrangement 200 includes a first intake valve 202 upstream of a first pump chamber 204 and a first exhaust valve 206 downstream of pump chamber 204. Pump/valve arrangement 200 includes a first intake valve 208 upsfream of a second pump chamber 210 and a first exhaust valve 212 downstream of second pump chamber 210.
Operating in concert with the first inlet valve 202, a second intake valve 214 is located upsfream of first pump chamber 204. Similarly, a second exhaust valve 216 is located downstream of first pump chamber 204. Operating in concert with first intake valve 208, a second intake valve 218 is placed upstream of second pump chamber 210. Operating in concert with first exhaust valve 212, a second exhaust valve 220 is located downstream of second pump chamber 210. In a continuous flow system, regenerated dialysis fluid flows from one or more regeneration device 222, through a first inlet path 226, through first intake valves 202 and 208, to first and second pump chambers 204 and 210, respectively. In the continuous flow system, at the same time or at a slightly different time as discussed in more detail below, one or more additives or concentrates 228 flows through a second inlet path 232, through second intake valves 214 and/or 218, into first and second pump chambers 204 and/or 210, respectively. Pumps 204 and 210 in an embodiment alternate so that one pump draws in fluid as the second pump pushes fluid to the patient.
In arrangement 200, with respect to continuous flow dialysis, dialysis fluid flows from pumps 204 and 210, through first exhaust valves 206 and 212, respectively, through first outlet path 236 to patient 238. With continuous flow, fluid can be discharged alternatively from pumps 204 and 210, through second exhaust valves 216 and 220, respectively, through second outlet path 240, to an ultrafiltrate bag 232. In one embodiment, fluid flows from patent 238, through a regeneration path 234, to regeneration device 222.
In automated peritoneal dialysis ("APD") or in tidal flow, the regeneration device 222 and additives 228 are replaced by one or more supply bags 224 and 230. Here, pumps 204 and 210 pull fluid alternatively from supply bag 224, through first inlet line 226 and first intake valves 202 and 208 and/or from supply 230, through second inlet path 232 and second intake valves 214 and 218, respectively. In APD or tidal flow, pumps 204 and 210 pump to the patient 238 via first outlet path 236, through first exhaust valves 206 and 212. Alternatively, pumps 204 and/or 210 can pump via second outlet path 240 through second exhaust valves 216 and 220, to a sample bag 240 for example. Thus, with APD or tidal flow, spent fluid is pumped from the patient to drain, so that first outlet path 236 operates as a from patient path and second outlet path 240 flows to drain 232. With CFPD, the flow can alternatively be reversed and flow instead from patient 238, through first outlet path 236, to one or both pumps 204 and 210, to ultrafiltrate collection 232. Here, first inlet path 226 and first outlet path 236 can have multiple lumens to allow flow in both directions simultaneously.
For the ease of illustration, the remainder of the present invention with respect to Section V is discussed in connection with CFPD. h CFPD, second inlet valves 214 and 218 enable intermittent injection of a second fluid, e.g., an additive, to the main dialysis fluid flowing continuously through first inlet path 226. Second exhaust valves 216 and 220 allow for intermittent withdrawal of fluid, e.g., ultrafiltrate, from the main dialysis fluid flowing continuously through first outlet path 236. The second inlet valves 214 and 218 and second outlet valves 216 and 220 enable the additional pumping functions to be accomplished without providing additional pumping chambers. Eliminating additional pumping chambers allows the disposable cassette, and consequently the overall dialysis machine, to be smaller, lighter and less costly. The operation of a machine having a smaller number of pump chambers is also less noisy than a machine with a greater number of pump fluid chambers.
Figs. 18 to 20 illustrate one example of the sequencing of pump 204 and 210 and the various valves in connection with arrangement 200 for CFPD. Figure 18 illustrates the cycling of pumps 204 and 210 with respect to the main flow of dialysis fluid from the regeneration devices 222, through first inlet path 226 and first outlet path 236, to patient 238. In the example the main dialysate flow through arrangement 200 is set at a rate of 100 ml/minute. In an embodiment, each pump chamber 204 and 210 has a total volume capability of 10 ml. The pump actuators and pistons 34 are operated so that one complete pump cycle (both valves performing a stroke) occurs every 12 seconds. Fig. 18 illustrates the volume of fluid being delivered from the pumps 204 and
210 to patient 238. During the first six seconds, pump 204 (PI) pumps 10 ml of fluid through valve 206 and first exhaust path 236 to patient 238. First exhaust valve 212 operating with pump 210 is closed. During that same first six seconds, 10 ml of dialysis fluid is pumped from the one or more regeneration devices 222, through first inlet path 226, through first intake valve 208, into pump chamber 210. During this same time, first intake valve 202 is closed. During the second six seconds or the second half of one complete pump cycle, pump 210 discharges fluid obtained during the first six seconds to patient 238. Pump 204 pulls fluid from regeneration device 222 in preparation for pumping to patient 238 in the second pump cycle. During the second six seconds of the first pump cycle, first exhaust valve 212 associated with pump 210 is open, while first exhaust valve 206 associated with pump 204 is closed. First intake valve 202 associated with pump chamber 204 is open, while first intake valve 208 associated with pump 210 is closed. Also during the second six seconds of the first complete cycle, pump 210 (P2) delivers 10 ml of fluid to patient 238. The complete cycle is then repeated four more times over a total of one minute, delivering a total of 100 ml of fluid.
Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate various possibilities for sequencing the second inlet valves 214 and 218 to add one or more additives 228 and sequencing second exhaust valves 216 and 220 to remove ultrafiltrate 232, respectively. Fig. 19 illustrates the frequency with which pumps 204 and 210 need to pull alternatively from additive 228, through second inlet path 232, through valves 214 and 218 to achieve a particular flowrate of additive. For example, if it is desired to have an additive flowrate of one ml/minute, knowing the pump chamber volume to be a constant 10 ml, a total of one full chamber of dialysate must be pulled through pumps 204 and 210 collectively every ten minutes. This means that each pump will pump one full chamber of dialysis fluid once every twenty minutes.
Knowing that there is a total of ten output strokes (both pumps) per minute, each pump 204 and 210 must pump a chamber full of additive 228 every one hundred strokes to achieve individually one full chamber once every twenty minutes. For a flow of 1 ml of additive per minute when the total flow of dialysate to the patient is 100 ml/minute, for pump 204, first intake valve 202 opens ninety-nine consecutive times. Second intake valve 214 opens on the 100th intake stroke. Likewise, for pump 210, first intake valve 208 opens ninety-nine consecutive times. Valve 218 opens on the 100th intake sfroke.
Fig. 19 illustrates the total chamber volume and sfroke sequence for additive flowrates of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 ml min. It should be appreciated, however, that any desired percentage of additive versus dialysis flow can be achieved via the sequencing of second intake valves 214 and 218 with respect to the opening of main inlet valves 202 and 208, respectively.
Referring now to Fig. 20, an ultrafiltrate removal table is illustrated. The analysis described above for determining the values in the additive sequencing table Fig. 19 is the same used to determine the values in the ultrafiltrate table. Accordingly, to remove one ml per minute of fluid to ultrafiltrate container 232, each of the pumps 204 and 210 pumps one full chamber volume of 10 ml of fluid once every one hundred strokes to ultrafiltrate bag 232 (assuming overall flowrate of dialysis flow is 100 ml/minute as shown in Fig. 18). Pumps 204 and 210 pump collectively one chamber volume, e.g., 10 ml of fluid every 10 minutes to achieve an ultrafiltrate flowrate of one ml/minute Accordingly, first exhaust valves 206 and 212 are opened ninety-nine times consecutively. Thereafter, second exhaust valves 216 and 220 are opened upon the 100th stroke.
In both the control of the additive and ultrafiltrate, the opening of the second inlet valves 214 and 218 can be spaced apart as desired. For example, when the cycle is one every 100 strokes, opening valves 214 and 218 can be offset by fifty strokes. In a similar manner, the ultrafiltrate can be pulled through second outlet path 240 via valve 216 and fifty strokes later through valve 220. It should be appreciated from Figs. 19 and 20 that the additive flowrate can be different than the ultrafilfrate flowrates. It may be necessary, however, to make up the total volume flowing through the loop if the removal rate is larger than the additive rate or vice versa. Ultrafiltrate produced by the patient must also be accounted for, for example, by removing ultrafiltrate at a faster rate than that at which concentrate is added. hi an embodiment, additive 228 and ultrafilfrate 232 are added and removed, respectively, virtually simultaneously by opening, for example, second inlet valve 214 operating in communication with pump 204 while simultaneously opening second exhaust valve 220 operating in communication with pump 210, when pump 204 is in a pull stroke and pump 210 is in a push stroke. This allows additive to be mixed into the system simultaneously with ultrafilfrate being pulled from the system in a way such that the additive is not being removed immediately from the patient loop. It should be appreciated that the pumping order can be reversed so that pump 210 pulls in additive 228, while pump 204 discharges ultrafiltrate to container 232. Partial pump strokes can be used in an embodiment. With a positionable pump actuator, such as the linear or rotational stepper or servo motor in combination with a rotational to linear converter described above in connection with Fig. 8, it is possible to drive the piston 34 partially during a fill or discharge stroke to pump less than a full pump chamber volume worth of dialysate, additive 228 or ultrafilfrate 232.
The additive flowrate and the ultrafiltrate flowrate can be doubled by opening second intake valves 214 and 218, either simultaneously or during the same complete pump cycle or opening second exhaust valves 216 and 220 simultaneously or within the same overall pump cycle, respectively. The total volume of additive 228 and ultrafilfrate 232 is calculated knowing the total volume within fluid pumping changes 204 and 210, the number of strokes that the second intake and exhaust valves are opened over a given period of time, and the percentage of a sfroke employed (partial sfroke or full stroke). As described below in connection with Section VIII, the volume of fluid pumped can alternatively be measured, for example, using a capacitance fluid volume sensor.
While arrangement 200 has been illustrated with two pumps, it should be appreciated that the multiplexing flow illustrated in connection with Figs. 17 to 20 is operable with dialysis systems having a single pump or three or more pumps. Further, while alternating pumps 204 and 210 is preferred in one embodiment, both pumps can be pulling fluid and discharging fluid at the same time in an alternative embodiment. Further, where three or more pumps exist, one pump can pull fluid while one or more pumps pulls fluid, pushes fluid or is idle.
VI. Knowledge-based Expert Fluid Delivery Systems
Any of the therapies operable with the cassette-based embodiments of the present invention (hemodialysis, CFPD, APD and tidal flow peritoneal dialysis) may employ multiple pumps, such as two, three, four or even more fluid pumps. Also, multiple solutions may be used. Hemodialysis pumps blood and dialysate. CFPD uses a number of different solutions, such as the continuously flowing dialysate, a supply of one or more concentrated additives, ultrafilfrate produced by the patient, as well as others. With APD and tidal flow, the systems may employ a plurality of fluid supply bags operating in parallel. The various therapies also include a multitude of fluid flow destinations. Besides the obvious destination of pumping fluid to the patient, the therapies also pump to an ultrafiltrate container, a drain bag, a sample container, an accumulator or other destination. The therapies yield a complex matrix of fluid flow starting points, fluid pumps and fluid flow destinations. Adding to the complexity, automated systems allow a multitude of input parameters typically to be varied by the patient or doctor. The patient or doctor can for example control the overall therapy time, the fluid flowrate and various dwell periods in connection with batch systems and a concentration of electrolyte or other additives in a CFPD solution, just to name a few. It is very difficult if not impossible therefore to predetermine and store in memory a pumping schedule for each possible combination of parameters selected by the patient and/or doctor. Accordingly, the present invention provides the following expert system and method for determining a pumping schedule "on the fly" after the user inputs values for various parameters. The expert system and method for scheduling the pumping of the dialysis therapy is applicable to any combination of solutions, pumps, and destinations, such as one or more solutions, one or more pumps, and one or more destinations. Fig. 21 illustrates one possibility that includes three solutions, three pumps, and three destinations.
Fig. 21 illustrates schematically a hardware configuration for: (i) Solution 1 to Solution 3; (ii) pumps PI to P3; and (iii) Destination 1 to Destination 3. To provide a frame of reference, Solution 1 is tabbed as a patient solution, i.e., the solution leaving the patient in CFPD, Solution 2 is an accumulator solution and Solution 3 is a concentrate solution. Destination 1 is tabbed as a filter or cartridge, Destination 2 is the accumulator and Destination 3 is an ultrafiltrate container. The CFPD system includes an accumulator in an embodiment that accumulates a portion of the fluid. The accumulator mixes various fluids and chemicals and stabilizes those fluids and chemicals. The accumulator can also be used to provide a sample of the fluid for analysis. Although a single chemical concentration additive is illustrated, the dialysis system, and in particular CFPD, can include many different chemicals and additives. As illustrated, the accumulator is both a solution or source and a destination.
The designation of a particular entity as a solution or destination may, in certain instances, be arbitrary, which is allowable as long as the entity is consistently maintained as a solution or destination. For example, the patient could be either a solution as illustrated, wherein a pump pulls the solution from the patient, or a destination (not illustrated), wherein a pump pushes fluid to the patient. The patient could further alternatively be a solution and a destination. On the other hand, the concentration solutions cannot alternatively be arbitrarily assigned as a destination. Likewise, the ultrafiltrate collection destination cannot otherwise be designated a solution.
Fig. 21 illustrates the various fluid pathways existing for one embodiment between the solutions, the pumps and the destinations. As illustrated, Pump 1 can pull from all three solutions but output to only Destination 1. This is a physical limitation set by the fluid pathways in the disposable cassette and/or by external tubing. Likewise, Pump 2 is connected fluidly to be able to pull fluids from any of the three solutions and to be able to pump to any of the three solutions. Pump 3 can only pull fluid from Solution 1 but can pump out to any of the three destinations. This arrangement is illustrated merely for proposes of describing the expert system of the present invention and can be altered to achieve any desired configuration.
Referring now to Fig. 22, a state diagram for each of the pumps is illustrated. The state diagram illustrates physical restraints existing inherently in the pumps as well as operational characteristics desired by the system implementers. For example, the pulling and pushing states include a self-lock that prevents a pump to transition from a pulling state to another pulling state or from a pushing state to another pushing state! This is due to the physical limitations of the pump. As described above, the pump includes a . piston head 36 that pulls apart a flexible membrane from a rigid portion of the disposable cassette to pull in fluid and pushes that same membrane towards the rigid portion to push out fluid. Assuming a complete stroke is made (no partial sfroke), the pumps are arranged physically so that the next movement after pulling must be a pushing movement and the next movement after pushing must be a pulling movement.
Each of the states is allowed to transition, however, to an idling state, a characteristic desired by the implementers. When a pump is done pulling, it may do nothing, i.e., idle. When a pump finishes pushing, it may also do nothing. When a pump is finished idling, it may idle again. A pump may idle for as long as is desired until transitioning to the next active state based on the previous activity of the state.
Fig. 23 sets forth various rules or restrictions that are placed in software to determine, in part, a pumping schedule. The schedule is based on: (i) the rules of Fig. 23; (ii) various inputs by the doctor/patient; (iii) a number of calculations based on the inputs; and (iv) a number of constants set for example by the physical limitations of the system (e.g., pump chamber volume is ten ml. The rules or restrictions serve to provide a basis upon which a microprocessor of the controller of the present invention can make decisions to develop a flow schedule. Rules 1 to 6 codify the physical flow restraints between the solutions, pumps and destinations illustrated in connection with Fig. 21. Fig. 23 does not exhaust all the possible rules that may be derived from the physical connections between the solutions, pumps and destinations. Rules 1 to 6 set forth merely examples of rules that might be implemented based on the fluid flow connections. Rules 7 to 13 set forth certain restrictions that are based on the state diagram of
Fig. 22 and other restrictions based on the particular therapy employed. For example, although the system is connected fluidly so that Solution 2 can be pumped to Destination 2, Rule 7 in software forbids such a flow from taking place. Rules 8 and 9 set forth similar restrictions. Rules 12 and 13 designate restrictions that simplify the calculations made to generate the flow schedule. Rule 12 specifies that a pump pumps only from one source during any giving pulling stroke. Rule 13 designates that a pump delivers fluid to only a single destination during a pump discharge stroke. These rules do not conflict with the multiplexing flow of Section V, wherem the pumps pump dialysate for a number of complete strokes and then pump an additive or ultrafiltrate for one or more complete strokes. One alternative embodiment in Section V does, however, include partial strokes which may or may not involve pumping fluid from more than one source or pumping fluid to more than one destination during a given stroke. The expert system can be modified to include such paprtial strokes; however, certain of the algorithms discussed below would be more complicated.
Fig 24 sets forth one outcome from the diagrams and rules of Figs. 21 to 23. Fig. 24 illustrates three function modules 244, 246 and 248 that provide the controller with three options based on Rule 1 illustrated above in Fig. 23. That is, Rule 1 allows pumping to occur from Solution 1, through Pump 1 to Destination 1, as indicated by function module 244; pumping to occur from Solution 1, through Pump 2 to Destination 1, according to function module 246; and pumping to occur from Solution 1, through Pump 3 to Destination 1, as indicated by function module 248. Each of the function modules 244, 246 and 248 also requires that the pumping be maintained within specified pressure limits. The pumping is controlled to occur over a designated period of time, moving the flexible membrane of the cassette at a particular velocity and moving the third under a specified pressure limit. Fig. 24 illusfrates three possible ways to accomplish moving fluid from
Solution 1 to Destination 1, e.g., from the patient to the filter. Depending on other fluid pumping actions taking place simultaneously, one or more of the function modules 244, 246 and 248 may be eliminated due to other rules, such as rules restricting: (i) pumping from the same solution to two pumps at the same time; (ii) pumping two different solutions using the same pump at the same time; (iii) pumping to two different destinations using the same pump at the same time; or (iv) pumping from two pumps to the same destination at the same time. Thus, the schedule at a particular point in time may have to choose one of the three function modules 244, 246 and 248. Alternatively, the controller can choose to pump from Solution 1 to Destination
1 at a different point in time, for example, if all three pumps are already assigned to another pumping assignment. The controller, however, is also bound by the therapy parameters that require a certain amount of fluid to be pumped from the patient to the filter over a certain amount of time. The controller cannot therefore delay the pumping from Solution 1 to Destination 1 for too long a period. It should be appreciated from this illustration that the rules and inputted parameters cooperatively provide the controller with a framework upon which to generate a pumping flow schedule.
Figs. 25 and 26 illustrate high level process flow diagrams 250 and 260 that show the control of the various pumps prior to and after developing the flow schedule, respectively. Process flow diagram 250 illustrates the generation of the pumping schedule. Process flow diagram 260 illustrates the actuation of the pumping schedule. Upon starting therapy as indicated by oval 252, the patient or doctor supplies values for various input parameters, as indicated by block 254. Input devices, such as devices 184 shown in Fig. 12 can be used for example to select a valve for a parameter from a range of possible valves. Otherwise, the patient or doctor can type or key a value using a touch screen or hand key pad.
Fig. 27 illustrates various input parameters 272, such as the sfroke volume (this can alternatively be a constant, e.g., 10 ml, as described above in connection with the multiplexing Section VI). The patient or doctor enters the total therapy time, which as illustrated in Fig. 27 is, for example, 480 minutes. The dialysis fluid flowrate is inputted to be 250 ml minute in the example of Fig. 27. Concentrate is added at a flowrate of 5 ml/minute and ultrafiltrate is removed at a flowrate of 2 ml/minute. The patient or doctor enters the amount of ultrafiltrate that is expected to be generated by the patient, which is 2 ml/minute for example. The patient or doctor also enters a ratio (R) between the dialysate flowing through the main regeneration loop and flowing through an accumulator loop. Fig. 27 merely sets forth examples of inputs. The doctor or patient can make other types of inputs alternatively or additionally.
After providing the necessary inputs as indicated by block 254, the system and method performs a number of calculations based on the inputted information, as indicated by block 256. The calculations also use a number of constants and/or other variables. Fig. 28 illustrates various algorithms or formulas used by the expert system of the present invention to generate the outcomes needed, as indicated by block 256, to develop a knowledge-based schedule for pumping.
The equations 274 include calculating a cycle time, which is equal to the total therapy time divided by a number of cycles. In an embodiment, the schedule outputted is a portion of the total pumping schedule. The schedule is therefore repeated or cycled a number of times to achieve the overall goals of the therapy. Equations 274 also include a stroke time that is a function of the stroke volume and the dialysate flowrate. The system calculates a number of patient pump strokes, which is a function of the cycle time and the sfroke time. An accumulator flowrate is calculated knowing the dialysate flowrate and the ratio R described above in connection with the inputs 272 of Fig. 27. The number of accumulator sfrokes (number indicates to or from, not both) is equal to the cycle time multiplied by the accumulator flowrate, which is divided by the stroke volume. A number of strokes cycles pulling from the concentration source is calculated via the cycle time multiplied by the inputted concenfration flowrate, which is divided by the constant stroke volume. The number of ultrafiltrate sfrokes is a function of the cycle time, the inputted ultrafiltrate removal rate, the inputted concentrate addition flowrate and the sfroke volume. It should be appreciated that additional or alternative equations may be used. Equations 274 of Fig. 28 are illustrated merely to describe the expert system and method of the present invention. Fig. 29 illustrates the outputs needed to generate the pumping schedule, as indicated by block 256 in Fig. 25. Outputs 276 are based on or are applied to the entire therapy or are otherwise constant throughout the entire therapy. Outputs 278 are based on or applicable to a single cycle. For example, assuming the desired number of cycles is 48 (schedule repeated 48 times) and the total therapy time is 480 minutes, the time for each cycle is ten minutes. The outputs 276 are based on the total therapy time of 480 minutes in the illustrated embodiment, while outputs 278 are based on a cycle time of 10 minutes.
Regarding outputs 276, the recirculation stroke number of 12,000 is the total number of times any of the three pumps (three pumps collectively) pump from the patient. In a similar manner, the number 4,000 represents the number of sfrokes that the three pumps make collectively to the accumulator. The pumps pump collectively another 4,000 strokes from the accumulator. The pumps in combination pmnp from the one or more concentration sources a total of 240 times over the therapy. The pumps in combination pump to the ultrafilfrate container a total of 336 times during the therapy. The difference in volume produced by the from concentrate and to ultrafiltrate strokes is due, at least in part, to a volume of ultrafiltrate produced by the patient.
The outputs 278 are based on the ten minute cycle and cover approximately l/48th of the time of the outputs 276, which cover the entire 480 minute therapy time. The final two outputs 278 set forth the number of strokes (248) to Destination 1, i.e., to the cartridge or filter. The last illustrated number (338) is the total number of fill strokes over the 10 minutes, which is a combination of the 250 patient strokes, the 83 from accumulator strokes and the five strokes from concentrate.
After performing the calculations and achieving the needed outputs as indicated by block 256, the expert system uses the calculated outcomes, the rules, the state diagram and the function modules set forth above to produce a pumping schedule, as indicated by block 258. The controller uses the schedule to control X number of pumps, for Y number of solutions and Z number of destinations, wherein X, Y and Z can each be one or greater. A portion of a sample schedule is illustrated in Fig. 30. Based on the information provided above, knowing that a stroke time is 2.4 seconds and each cycle lasts 10 minutes, the schedule 280 has two hundred fifty entries 282. For ease of illustration, twenty-five entries or one minute's worth of pumping is illustrated, h actuality, the schedule includes two hundred twenty-five additional entries 282 (as indicated by dots), i.e., nine additional minutes worth of pumping. Schedule 280 includes a column for each of the solutions discussed above in connection with Fig. 21, namely, the patient solution, the accumulator solution, and the concentrate solution. Schedule 280 includes a column for each of the destinations discussed above in connection with Fig. 21, namely, the cartridge or filter, the accumulator and the ultrafiltrate container. Using the rules, desired outputs and ensuring that no pressure limit is exceeded, the controller generates the schedule of entries 282 as illustrated in Fig. 30. According to the first entry 282, during the first 2.4 seconds, Pump 2 makes one complete sfroke pulling fluid from the patient, Pump 1 makes one complete stroke pulling fluid from the concentration, and Pump 3 makes one complete stroke pushing fluid to the ultrafiltrate container. In the next 2.4 seconds, the pumps maintain a different profile. As is seen readily, in various entries 282 less than all three of the pumps are activated. Any percentage of the pumps can be activated in any of the entries 282.
Schedule 280 allows other rules to be implemented. For example, the schedule can apportion equal pumping sfrokes for each pump over the total therapy or over a cycle, so that the pumps wear approximately evenly. Other rules may be implemented to rest a pump after a particular number of strokes, so that the pump can, for example, purge air or perform any necessary resetting function. After generating the pumping schedule as indicated by block 258, the controller implements the pump schedule to achieve the desired flowrates and the desired overall fluid pumping volumes as indicated by process flow diagram 260 of Fig. 26. The system finds the next entry 282 of the pumping schedule as indicated by blocks 262. At the start of therapy or the start of a cycle within the therapy, the next entry is the first entry 282. Also, as determined in connection with diamond 264, the previous entry may have been the last entry. Otherwise, if the previous entry is not the last entry of the particular cycle table, the system performs the pumping state, e.g., pulling, idling, or pushing, for each of the three pumps, as indicated by block 266. Afterward, the system returns to block 262 and the current cycle is carried out until the schedule reaches the end, as indicated by diamond 268. When the cycle reaches its end, the system determines whether the schedule is repeated or not. As discussed above, the schedule represents one cycle of a plurality of cycles, e.g., ten cycles. If another cycle is required to complete the therapy as determined in connection with diamond 268, the entire sequence of process flow diagram 260 is repeated. If the total number of cycles has been completed as determined in connection with diamond 268, the therapy is ended, as indicated by oval 270.
VII. Integral Port Vent
Referring now to Fig 31, various embodiments for cassette-based port vents of the present invention are illustrated. The disposable cassettes described herein include a vent port having a venting membrane. The membranes vent the priming volume (air existing in tubes before the start of therapy) and gasses generated during therapy. The cassette is provided with an air sensor, for example, a capacitance fluid sensor described below, which detects when air or other gases enter the system. When air or other gases, or a particular level thereof, enters the system, the controller of the system (not illustrated) vents the air or gases through a vent, such as vent 285 or 295.
The cassette has a portion shown above as reference numbers 92, 162 and 192, which are made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material as described above (referred collectively as rigid portion). Rigid portions 92, 162 and 192 define a plurality of holes or apertures 284 and slots 286. Apertures 284 operate, via one of the flexible membranes, with valve plungers 42 in an embodiment. Slots 286 form fluid or gas pathways when enclosed by the membranes 94 and 96. Certain slots lead to a venting port, such as port vents 285, 295, 297 and 299. The slots 286 communicate fluidly in an embodiment with a patient fluid line, a regeneration device for CFPD, a fluid supply for APD or other therapy component. Port vents 285, 295, 297 and 299 are operable with each of the therapies described herein.
Port vents 285, 295, 297 and 299 are alternative embodiments. Vents 285 and 295 include an extension that is formed integrally with the rigid portion 92, 162 or 192 of the associated disposable cassette. Vents 285 and 295 extend from sidewall 288. Vents 297 and 299 include apertures that are formed integrally with the rigid portion of the cassette. Port vent 297 for example is formed in sidewall 288 of the rigid portion. For convenience, the upper flexible membrane has been removed from the rigid portion to illustrate the holes 284, slots 286 and to better see Vent 299. Lower flexible membrane 96 is illustrated, adhered or sealed to the rigid portion.
Port vent 285 includes a flared port 292 that extends integrally from sidewall 288. Thus when rigid portion 92, 162 or 192 is formed, e.g., molded or extruded, to have the apertures 284 and slots 286, the flared port 292 is also formed. Port 292 defines a hole that communicates fluidly with a hole defined by sidewall 288, the port hole and sidewall hole in turn communicating fluidly with one of the slots or fluid pathways 286. Although port 292 is shown having a conical or flared shape, it should be appreciated that port 292 includes any suitable shape, such as a straight cylindrical shape, hose barbed shape or other shape that lends itself to being coupled to the filter 290.
Filter 290 is disposed on and supported by integral port 292 via any suitable method, such as adhering, heat sealing, mechanically attaching and any combination thereof, for coupling filter 290 to port 292. For any of the vent embodiments described herein, filter 290 is or includes a hydrophobic membrane. One suitable hydrophobic membrane is made by Millipore, 80 Ashby Road, Bedford, MA 01730. Alternatively, the filter is made from a material such as polytetrafluorethylene ("PTFE"), Teflon, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride ("PVC"), polyvinylidene, a polyamide, Gortex and any combination of these. In an embodiment, the filter has a pore size of between zero and one micron, and in one preferred embodiment about .2 micron. A pore size of .2 micron is suitable to vent the priming volume and exhaust gases generated during therapy.
Alternative port vent 295 also includes an integrally formed flared port 296 that can alternatively be any of the shapes described above for port 292. Any of the embodiments for the filter 290 can also be used with port vent 295. The filter 290 is bonded, sealed or mechanically connected to a bushing 294. The bushing 294 can be a section of tubing or pipe of the same or different material as rigid portion 92, 162 and 192 and consequently of the same or different material as port 296. Bushing 294 is adhered, sealed or mechanically attached to integral port 296. In an embodiment, bushing 294 is removably attached to port 296, e.g., via mating threads.
Alternative vents 297 and 299 do not include an integrally formed port, such as ports 292 and 296. Instead, a feature of rigid portion 92, 162, 192 defines an opening sized to house a filter 290. For vent 297, sidewall 288 defines an aperture into or onto which filter 290 is filled. Filter 290 can be attached to sidewall 288 via any of the methods discussed above. A separate collar or cover (not illustrated) can be provided for additional support.
Vent 297 is disposed vertically. Vent 299 is disposed horizontally on or within a shape or feature defined by the rigid portion. The shape or feature is formed integrally as a hole 284 or slot 286. The hole or slot houses or supports filter 290 of vent 299 via any of the methods of attachment described above. Further, upper flexible membrane 94 can seal around or to an outer portion of filter 290 to provide additional mounting support for vent 299.
As described above, one or more pumps is connected fluidly to one or more solution supplies and one or more solution destinations. The pumping of the fluid may inadvertently entrain air within the fluid. Also ultrafiltrate produced by the patient may contain various off-gases from the peritoneal cavity. When the filter 290 is made of a hydrophobic material, i.e., one that allows air but not fluid escape therefrom, the port vents 285 and 295 can communicate directly with a fluid pathway, such as via one of the slots 286. Here, the filter 290 holds the pressure of the fluid pump. If the filter is not capable of separating air from fluid, the port vents 285 and 295 are alternatively connected to air flow lines that contain vent gases but not fluid. Such air flow lines can be achieved for example via fluid sumps and chambers that collect fluid at the bottom and collect air or other gases at the top. One such chamber is shown below in connection with Fig. 32. In Fig. 31, slots 286 that communicate with ports 292 and 296 of vents 285 and 295, respectively, and directly with vents 297 and 299 are alternatively air vent slots 286 rather than fluid pathways.
VIII. Air Separation Chamber
Referring now to Fig. 32, one embodiment of an air separation chamber 300 having a capacitance fluid volume sensor is illustrated. The capacitance sensor is also discussed in connection with a fluid pump in patent application entitled, "Capacitance Fluid Volume Measurement," Serial Number 10/054,487, filed on January 22, 2002, incoφorated herein by reference. The capacitance sensor in operation with the fluid pump enables air entrained in the medial fluid to be sensed and expelled at the time of pumping. The pumping cassette-based air separation chamber operates with the cassette-based port vents 285, 295, 297 or 299 described in Section VII.
The pumping cassette-based air separation chamber fluid is placed typically upstream of a fluid heater. In an embodiment, the cassette also defines a fluid heating path that receives fluid from one or more of the pumps. The pump or cassette-based air separation chamber is not able to remove air introduced into the fluid due to heating because the chamber operates upstream of the heater. Air separation chamber 300 is therefore placed downstream of the heater, e.g., downstream of the cassette, in one embodiment and removes air entrained in the medial fluid due to heating. The fluid leaving chamber 300 is pumped via a patient line to the patient. Both the pump-based separation chamber and the chamber 300 of Fig. 32 are operable while the system pumps fluid and do not require the system to stop to purge gas. It should be appreciated, however, that air separation chamber 300 is operable with medial fluid systems, such as dialysis systems, either upsfream, downstream or upstream and downsfream from the fluid heater.
The capacitance sensor uses capacitance measurement techniques to determine the volume of a fluid, including air, inside of a chamber. As the volume of the fluid changes, a sensed voltage that is proportional to the change in capacitance changes. Therefore, the sensor can determine whether the chamber is, for example, empty, an eighth full, quarter full, half full, full, or any other percent full of fluid or air. Each of these measurements can be made accurately, for example, at least on the order of the accuracy achieved by known gravimetric scales or pressure/volume measurements. The capacitance sensor, is simple, non-invasive, inexpensive and accurate.
Generally, the capacitance C between two capacitor plates changes according to the function C=k * (S / d), wherein k is the dielectric constant, S is the surface area of the individual plates, and d is the distance between the plates. The capacitance between the plates changes proportionally according to the function 1 / (R x V), wherein R is a known resistance and V is the voltage measured across the capacitor plates. The dielectric constant k of medical fluid or dialysate 302 is much higher than that of air or gas 304. As more air becomes trapped inside chamber 300, the overall dielectric changes from a higher dielectric dialysate to a lower dielectric air due to the increasing amount of air between conductive plates 306 and 308. Capacitance plates 306 and 308 are disposed inside an insulative or dielectric housing 310 in an embodiment. The conductive plates 306 and 308 are located closer to an inner surface of housing 310 than an outer surface of the housing.
As housing 310 of chamber 300 fills with medical fluid or air, the overall capacitance changes, i.e., increases or decreases, respectively. The sensor generates a high impedance potential across the active and grounded capacitor plates 306 and 308, respectively. The high impedance potential is indicative of an amount of fluid, such as dialysate or air, in housing 310. Housing 310 is made from an inert, medically safe electrically insulative material, such as polytetrafluorathelene ("PTFE"), Teflon, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvihydrochloride ("PVC"), polyvinylidene, a polyimide and any combination of these. A capacitance sensing circuit (not illustrated) amplifies the high impedance signal to produce a low impedance potential. The low impedance potential is also fed back to a guard plate 312, which protects the sensitive signal from being effected by outside electrical influences. The amplified potential is converted to a digital signal and fed to a system processor (not illustrated), where it is filtered, converted and/or summed. A video monitor 176 (Fig. 12) provides visually a volume and/or a flowrate indication to a patient or operator in an embodiment. Additionally, the processor controls one or more pumps and or valves of the system, for example, to terminate dialysate flow upon reaching a predetermined overall volume or to shut off flow if a particular amount of air is sensed. hi the illustrated embodiment, the housing 310 of chamber 300 forms a clamshell with first and second portions corresponding to conductive plates 306 and 308. Spherical, cubical, rectangular or other shapes are possible for housing 310. The portions of housing 310 form a rigid, fixed volume, clamshell shape. The portions can be formed integrally together or fixedly or removably sealed together.
Housing 310 defines inlet and outlet ports 314 and 316, respectively. Inlet port 314 enables medical fluid 302, for example, dialysate, to enter the chamber 300, while outlet port 316 enables medical fluid 302 to exit chamber 300. hi the embodiment illustrated, outlet port 316 resides at the bottom of housing 310 of chamber 300 to allow the heavier medical fluid 302 to separate from any air 304 entrained therein. The air 304 as illustrated tends to collect towards the top of housing 310. In alternative embodiments, inlet port 314 and outlet port 316 can be located at different areas of housing 310 and have various orientations with respect to one another.
Inlet ports 314 and 316 can have any configuration known to those of skill in the art for connecting sealingly to inlet tube 318 and outlet tube 320, respectively. Ports 314 and 316 can be a straight tube (as illustrated), angular tube, hose barb, compression fitting, threaded or other configuration. Inlet and outlet ports can be of the same size or sized differently and be sized for a standard size inner tube diameter of tubes 318 and 320. Tubes 318 and 320 run to various places in accordance with the particular therapy.
A baffle 322 is provided inside housing 310 and near inlet 314 to deflect incoming fluid 302 upward or away from outlet port 316. Baffle 322 facilitates and enhances the separation of air 304 from fluid 302. Baffle 322 reduces the likelihood that air will exit through outlet port 316. Baffle 322 tends to direct air or gas bubbles upward so that the bubbles have to change direction to exit outlet port 316. Baffle 322 can be formed integrally with housing 310 or be attached via a medically safe adhesive, via an attachment mechanism, heat sealed, sonically sealed or attached via methods otherwise known to those in the art. Baffle 322 can have any desired shape and be configured to fit the shape of housing 310. In an alternative embodiment, multiple baffles 322 are provided. A second one or more baffle 334 can be suitable placed near vent port 324 to help stop fluid from exiting housing 310.
Housing 310 defines air venting port 324 in an embodiment. Alternatively, any of the ports 314, 316 and 324 are separate pieces that attach in a suitable manner to housing 310. Air vent port 324 can be of a same or different size as inlet and outlet ports 314 and 316 and can have any of the configurations described above in connection with ports 314 and 316 for sealing to air vent tube 326. Air 304 or other gases, such as gases formed within the peritoneal cavity or gases used to pressurize the system, escape housing 310 and chamber 300 via venting port 324. Vent tube 326 connects in an embodiment to various flow control and fluid control devices. One or more valves 328 are connected fluidly with vent tube 326. In an embodiment, one or more of the valves 328 are solenoid or electrically operated valves, which are opened or closed by the system processor based on a signal produced via capacitance plates 306 and 308. One or more of valves 328 can alternatively be operated manually. A sump or fluid trap 330 is provided additionally in an embodiment upstream, between or downstream of values 328 to collect any fluid that escapes through vent port 324. An additional solenoid or manual valve 328 is provided downsfream of sump 330 in an embodiment to allow the sump or fluid trap to drain. A venting membrane 332 is placed at the end of vent tube 326. Venting membrane 332 can be of any type known to those of skill in the art. In an embodiment, venting membrane 332 is a hydrophobic membrane that enables air 304 but not fluid 302 to escape from venting tube 326. Alternatively, valves 328 and sump 330 may keep moisture from contacting membrane 332 sufficiently that membrane 332 is designed for contact with gas only, hi one embodiment, air or gas 304 can escape from chamber 300 through membrane 332 but cannot enter chamber 300 through membrane 332. Membrane 332 can be made of any of the materials described above for the filter 290 of Fig. 31.
In operation, the capacitance sensor generates a signal or voltage proportional to or indicative of the amount of fluid 302 or air 304 within the housing 310 of chamber 300. When a predetermined amount of air or gas 304 is detected, the processor opens one or more valves 328 to allow the gas or air 304 to discharge or be purged from the housing 310 of chamber 300. After a certain amount of time or after a particular dielectric or voltage is sensed, the processor closes the one or more valves 328. This cycle is repeated throughout the medical delivery, e.g., dialysis therapy. In an embodiment, if a particular amount of gas is sensed, the system enters an alarm condition, wherein fluid pumping stops until a safe fluid level is reached.
In an alternative embodiment, multiple capacitance sensors, i.e., multiple sets of plates 306, 308 and 312 are used. The sensors produce collectively an output indicative of an amount of fluid 302 or air 304, which is used to open or close valves 328. The valves 328 are controlled via the collective signal as described above. In a further alternative embodiment, an air separation device 400 is provided.
Device 400 includes two valves 328 operating in series with a fluid trap 330 placed between valves 328. Device 400 does not require the remainder of chamber 300. The controller (not illustrated) commands valves 328 at certain points in time to open sequentially, out of phase, so that any fluid that escapes with the volume of gas flowing between the valves can flow to frap 330. The pressure of fluid 302 pressurizes air or gas 304 trapped between valves 328. Outer valve 328, adjacent to membrane 332, is opened to relieve pressure between the valves 328 and allow the excess gas to escape. Membrane 332 is optional. Valve 328 downstream of fluid frap 330 is provided to allow fluid to drain automatically. Device 400, like chamber 300, can operate while the fluid pumps are in operation and does not require the pumps to be shut down intermittently. Device 400 can be cassette-based in an embodiment and placed upstream and/or downstream of the fluid heater.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention is claimed as follows:
1. An assembly for operating a dialysis cassette comprising: a housing; a pump actuator in communication with the housing; a flow path defined by the housing; at least one valve coupled to the housing and in communication with the flow path; and an inlet in communication with the flow path.
2. The housing of Claim 1, which includes a plurality of inlets in communication with the flow path.
3. The assembly of Claim 2, wherein the inlets are placed at opposing ends of the flow path.
4. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the valve is located on a raised portion of the housing, the raised portion covering at least a portion of the flow path.
5. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed at least partially of a material selected from the group consisting of: metal and plastic.
6. The assembly of Claim 1, which includes at least one sensor attached to the housing, the sensor selected from the group consisting of: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a fluid volume sensor, a liquid level sensor, an air detection sensor, a bubble sensor, a turbidity sensor, a conductivity sensor, a pH sensor, a chemical sensor, a color detection sensor, and a particle detection sensor.
7. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the housing, beneath each valve, defines an aperture, and wherein valve plungers are positioned on an opposite side of the housing from the valves, the plungers disposed about the apertures.
8. The assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the valve opens and closes a fluid path from a'pneumatic source.
9. The assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the valve opens and closes a fluid path from atmospheric air.
10. The assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the valve is activated electrically.
11. The assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the valve is a three-way valve.
12. The assembly of Claim 1 , wherein the pump actuator is selected from the group consisting of: a linear motor, rotating motor and a spring.
13. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the flow path is a first flow path, the body defines a second fluid flow path and at least one valve is in commumcation with the second path.
14. The assembly of Claim 13, wherein the first flow path is a vacuum path and the second flow path is an atmospheric path.
15. The assembly of Claim 1 , which is placed in a machine that performs a dialysis therapy, the therapy selected from the group consisting of: continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, tidal flow peritoneal dialysis, hemofilfration and hemodialysis.
16. The assembly of Claim 1, which cooperates with the cassette to automatically align the cassette for operation.
17. A system for operating a dialysis cassette comprising: an assembly including a housing defining a fluid flow path, a pump actuator and a plurality of valves coupled to the housing, the valves in communication with the fluid flow path; a pneumatic source in communication with the fluid flow path; a plurality of valve plungers operable with the valves; and a pump piston operable with the pump actuator.
18. The system of Claim 17, wherein the pump actuator is in communication with the pneumatic source.
19. The system of Claim 17, which includes a spring operable with each of the valves, and wherein the pneumatic source is a negative pressure source that compresses the springs.
20. The system of Claim 17, which includes a spring positioned between each of the valve plungers and the housing.
21. The system of Claim 20, wherein the valves in an unenergized state disallow flow from the pneumatic source so that the springs push the valve plungers to close at least one flow path in the dialysis cassette.
22. The system of Claim 17, which includes a second fluid path that, through at least one of the valves, communicates with ambient air.
23. The system of Claim 17, wherein the valves in an unenergized state are open to ambient air and closed to the pneumatic pressure source.
24. The system of Claim 17, wherein the assembly includes at least one plate that couples to the housing, the plate housing at least a portion of the valve plungers.
25. A system for performing dialysis comprising: a patient line; a disposable cassette in communication with the patient line; and an assembly connected operably to the disposable cassette, the assembly including a housing defining a fluid flow path and a plurality of valves in communication with the fluid path.
26. The system of Claim 25, which includes a pump actuator in communication with a pumping portion of the cassette.
27. The system of Claim 25, wherein the valves are in communication with valve portions of the cassette.
28. The system of Claim 25, wherein the cassette includes a fluid heating pathway, and which includes a gas separation chamber downstream of the heating pathway.
29. A system for performing dialysis comprising: a housing; a negative pressure source in communication with housing; and a plurality of values coupled to the housing and communicating with the negative pressure source.
30. The system of Claim 29, which includes a pump actuator coupled to the housing.
31. The system of Claim 29, wherein at least one of: the valves and the pump actuator operates with a spring.
32. The system of Claim 29, wherein the valves move valve plungers to contact a membrane made of a material that includes a polyolefin.
33. A medical fluid pump comprising: a pump piston having a piston head; a flexible membrane that moves to pump medical fluid; a spring biased to push the piston head toward the flexible membrane; and a diaphragm that moves with the piston and enables negative pressure to be applied that compresses the spring.
34. The medical fluid pump of Claim 33, wherein the diaphragm is sealingly coupled to the piston.
35. The medical fluid pump of Claim 33, wherein the spring is coupled to the piston and moves the piston when compressed.
36. The medical fluid pump of Claim 35, which uses negative pressure to draw the membrane toward the piston head when compressing the spring and moving the piston.
37. The medical fluid pump of Claim 33, wherein the spring is disposed in a cavity, the cavity is defined at least partially by the diaphragm and the negative pressure is applied to the cavity.
38. The medical fluid pump of Claim 33, wherein the negative pressure is applied at a first level to compress the spring and at a second level when the spring biases the piston head towards the membrane to hold the diaphragm in a desired position.
39. The medical fluid pump of Claim 38, wherein the second vacuum level is less than the first vacuum level.
40. The medical fluid pump of Claim 33, wherein the membrane is attached to a rigid portion of a disposable cassette and the fluid is pumped between the membrane and the rigid portion.
41. The medical fluid pump of Claim 40, wherein the spring biases the membrane towards the rigid portion.
42. The medical fluid pump of Claim 33, wherein the diaphragm is a first diaphragm and which includes a second' diaphragm that moves with the piston and enables negative pressure to be applied between the piston head and the membrane.
43. The medical fluid pump of Claim 42, wherein the second diaphragm is coupled sealingly to the piston.
44. The medical fluid pump of Claim 42, wherein the negative pressure applied between the piston head and the membrane holds the second diaphragm in a desired orientation as the piston moves.
45. The medical fluid pump of Claim 42, which includes a space between the first and second diaphragms, the space maintained at atmospheric or positive pressure.
46. The medical fluid pump of Claim 42, wherein the negative pressure is applied to the first diaphragm at a first level to compress the spring and at a second level when the spring biases the piston head towards the membrane to hold the first diaphragm in a desired position.
47. The medical fluid pump of Claim 33, wherein the negative pressure is applied cooperatively to compress the spring and pull the membrane to the piston head.
48. The medical fluid pump of Claim 47, which includes a plurality of negative pressure sources that apply the cooperative negative pressures.
49. A medical fluid pump comprising: a flexible membrane that is moveable to pump medical fluid; a cylinder; a spring-loaded piston disposed inside the cylinder, the piston having a base at one end and piston head at the other end, the spring biased to push the head toward the membrane; and a pressure source that applies pressure within the cylinder to compress the spring.
50. The medical fluid pump of Claim 49, wherein the pressure is a negative pressure applied at the base to compress the spring.
51. The medical fluid pump of Claim 50, wherein negative pressure is applied additionally to draw the membrane toward the piston head when compressing the spring and moving the piston.
52. The medical fluid pump of Claim 49, wherein the pressure is a positive pressure applied near the piston head end of the piston to compress the spring.
53. The medical fluid pump of Claim 52, which includes a negative pressure source that applies a negative pressure to draw the membrane toward the piston head when compressing the spring and moving the piston.
54. A medical fluid valve comprising: a valve plunger; a flexible membrane that moves to allow and restrict fluid flow; a spring biased to push the plunger toward the flexible membrane; and a diaphragm that moves with the plunger and enables a negative pressure to be applied that compresses the spring.
55. The medical fluid valve of Claim 54, wherein the plunger includes a compliant member to aid in sealing the plunger to the membrane.
56. The medical fluid valve of Claim 54, wherein the diaphragm is coupled sealingly to the plunger.
57. The medical fluid valve of Claim 54, wherein the spring is disposed in a chamber, the chamber defined at least partially by the diaphragm, the negative pressure applied to the chamber.
58. The medical fluid valve of Claim 54, wherein the spring is coupled to the plunger and moves the plunger when compressed.
59. The medical fluid valve of Claim 54, wherein negative pressure is applied additionally to draw the membrane toward the plunger when compressing the spring and moving the plunger.
60. The medical fluid valve of Claim 59, wherein the negative pressure is applied at a different magnitude to compress the spring than to draw the membrane.
61. The medical fluid valve of Claim 54, wherein the membrane is attached to a rigid portion of a disposable, the membrane, when pulled away from the rigid portion, creating a fluid pathway between apertures defined by the portion.
62. The medical fluid valve of Claim 54, wherein the membrane is made of a material including a polyolefin.
63. A system for performing dialysis comprising: a patient line; a disposable cassette in communication with the patient line; a pump spring biasing a pump head to contact a pumping portion of the cassette; a valve spring biasing a valve plunger to contact a value portion of the cassette; and a source that applies negative pressure to compress the pump spring and valve spring, allowing fluid to be pumped through the pumping portion and to flow through the valve portion of the cassette.
64. The system of Claim 63, wherein negative pressure is applied additionally to draw a membrane of the cassette toward the pump head and valve plunger when compressing the springs.
65. The system of Claim 63, which includes at least one diaphragm that creates at least in part a sealed vacuum chamber for the pump and valve springs.
66. The system of Claim 63, which includes a plurality of spring-loaded pump heads contacting the cassette.
67. The system of Claim 63, which includes a plurality of the valve plungers contacting the cassette.
68. The system of Claim 63, which includes a plurality of membranes attached to opposing sides of the cassette and at least one valve plunger communicating with each membrane.
69. The system of Claim 63, wherein the disposable cassette is in fluid communication with at least one of: a fluid supply and a fluid regeneration line.
70. The system of Claim 63, which performs a dialysis therapy selected from the group consisting of: continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, tidal flow peritoneal dialysis, hemofilfration and hemodialysis.
71. The system of Claim 63, wherein the pumping portion of the cassette communicates with at least two fluid sources.
72. The system of Claim 63, wherein the pumping portion of the cassette communicates with at least two fluid destinations.
73. The system of Claim 63, wherein the pump head automatically aligns the cassette before pumping begins.
74. The system of Claim 63, wherein the cassette includes an integrally foπned port vent.
75. The system of Claim 63, which controls the valve plunger so that only one fluid flows through the pumping portion at one time.
76. The system of Claim 63, which controls the pump spring so that it extends fully on each pump sfroke.
77. A method for performing dialysis comprising the steps of:
(a) releasing a first spring biased to cause a pump chamber to decrease in volume and expel fluid;
(b) releasing a second spring biased to cause an inlet valve to close; and (c) applying negative pressure to compress a third spring to cause an outlet valve to open so that the fluid expelled from the pump chamber can flow to a patient.
78. The method of Claim 77, which includes applying negative pressure additionally to cause a flexible membrane to move and the outlet valve to open.
79. The method of Claim 77, which includes applying a negative pressure to a vacuum chamber housing the first spring to hold a diaphragm in a desired configuration.
80. The method of Claim 77, which includes disposing a least one of the outlet valves on a same housing with a pump actuator operable with the pump chamber.
81. The method of Claim 77, which includes the further steps of: (d) releasing the third spring, which is biased to cause the outlet valve to close; and (e) applying negative pressure to compress the first and second springs to cause the pump chamber volume to increase and fill with fluid and the inlet valve to open so fluid can be supplied to the chamber.
82. The method of Claim 81, which includes applying negative pressure additionally to cause a flexible membrane to move, the pump chamber volume to increase and the inlet valve to open.
83. The method of Claim 81, wherein the pump chamber, inlet valves and outlet valves are a first pump chamber, first inlet valve and first outlet valve, which includes a second pump chamber and second inlet and outlet valves connected fluidly, and which includes performing steps (a) to (c) for the second pump chamber and second valves while performing steps (d) and (e) for the first pump chamber and first valves.
84. The method of Claim 83, which includes performing steps (d) and (e) for the second pump chamber and second valves while performing steps (a) to (c) for the first pump chamber and first valves.
85. The method of Claim 83, wherein the first and second pump chambers operate according to a pumping schedule based on at least one pumping rule stored in software.
86. A method for aligning a disposable cassette within a dialysis machine comprising the steps of: actuating a pump head toward the disposable cassette and shifting a pumping portion of the disposable cassette to be aligned with the head; and locking the disposable in place.
87. The method of Claim 86, wherein actuating the pump head includes moving a pump piston.
88. The method of Claim 86, which includes actuating a plurality of pump heads toward the disposable cassette.
89. The method of Claim 86, wherein actuating the pump head includes using a positive or negative pressure source.
90. The method of Claim 86, which includes the step of locking a door and enclosing the disposable cassette before actuating the pump head.
91. The method of Claim 86, wherein the pumping portion of the disposable cassette includes at least one flexible membrane.
92. The method of Claim 86, wherein locking the disposable cassette in place includes moving a member mechanically.
93. The method of Claim 86, wherein locking the disposable cassette in place includes inflating a bladder.
94. The method of Claim 86, which includes the step of sensing a resistance to movement of the pump head caused by the disposable cassette and causing a response based on the resistance.
95. The method of Claim 94, wherein the response is selected from the group consisting of: an output to proceed with the therapy, a disposable cassette misalignment output and a disposable cassette integrity problem output.
96. A method for detecting an integrity problem with a disposable cassette misalignment in a dialysis machine comprising the steps of: actuating a pump head toward the disposable cassette; and sensing a resistance to movement of the pump head caused by the disposable cassette.
97. The method of Claim 96, which includes the step of sending a disposable cassette misalignment error message to a patient.
98. The method of Claim 96, which includes the step of comparing the resistance sensed to a resistance expected and sending the disposable cassette misaligmnent output based on the resistance sensed and the comparison.
99. A method for diagnosing an integrity problem with a disposable cassette used in a dialysis machine comprising the steps of: actuating a pump head toward the disposable cassette; sensing a resistance to movement of the pump head caused by the disposable cassette; and sending a disposable cassette integrity problem output based on the resistance sensed.
100. The method of Claim 99, which includes sending a disposable cassette integrity problem error message to a patient.
101. The method of Claim 99, which includes the step of comparing the resistance sensed to a resistance expected and sending the disposable cassette integrity problem output based on the resistance sensed and the comparison.
102. A system for performing a dialysis treatment comprising: a patient line; a pump that pumps fluid to the patient line, the pump including a flexible portion of a disposable cassette; and a controller connected operably to the pump, the controller before locking the disposable cassette so that fluid can be pumped causing a pump head to contact and move the flexible portion into alignment with respect to the pump head.
103. The system of Claim 102, wherein the patient line is a fill line and which includes a return patient line that returns fluid from a patient to a regeneration device.
104. The system of Claim 102, which includes a plurality of flexible pump disposable cassette portions and pump heads, the program commanding the pump heads before locking the disposable to contact and move, if needed, respective flexible pumping portions.
105. The system of Claim 102, which includes a display device connected operably to the controller and a message displayed by the display device, the message based on a resistance by the flexible portion to movement of the pump head.
106. The system of Claim 102, wherein the treatment is selected from the group consisting of: continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, tidal flow peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and hemofilfration.
107. The system of Claim 102, wherein the pump includes a pump spring that is moved via positive or negative pressure.
108. The system of Claim 107, which includes at least one additional fluid line connected fluidly to the pump selected from the group consisting of: a regeneration line, a dialysate supply line, a concenfrate additive line, an ultrafiltrate line and a drain line.
109. The system of Claim 107, wherein the controller applies at least one pumping rule to control the pumping of the pump.
110. A fluid pumping mechanism comprising; a fluid reservoir; and a monolayer film extending over a portion of the fluid reservoir, wherein fluid is moved through the reservoir by movement of the film from a first position to a second position, the film including a first polyolefin.
111. The mechamsm of Claim 110, wherein the first polyolefin is selected from the group consisting of homopolymers and copolymers obtained by polymerizing a first alpha-olefin containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms.
112. The mechanism of Claim 110, wherein the first polyolefin is selected from ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers.
113. The mechanism of Claim 112, wherein the ethylene copolymer is an ethylene and second alpha-olefin copolymer.
114. The mechamsm of Claim 113, wherein the second alpha-olefin has from 4 to 8 carbons.
115. The mechanism of Claim 114, wherein the ethylene and second alpha-olefin copolymer has a density less than 0.915 g/cc.
116. The mechanism of Claim 114, wherein the ethylene and second alpha-olefin copolymer has a density less than 0.910 g/cc.
117. The mechamsm of Claim 114, wherein the ethylene and second alpha-olefin copolymer has a density less than 0.905 g/cc.
118. The mechanism of Claim 112, wherein the ethylene copolymer is a copolymer of ethylene with a comonomer selected from the group of lower alkyl acrylates, lower alkyl substituted alkyl acrylates and vinyl acetate.
119. The mechanism of Claim 111, wherein the first polyolefin is selected from the group consisting of propylene homopolymers and propylene copolymers.
120. The mechanism of Claim 111, wherein the fluid reservoir is defined by a pumping cassette.
121. The mechamsm of Claim 110, wherein the film is capable of being sterilized by gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide sterilization.
122. The mechamsm of Claim 110, wherein the film is thermoformed.
123. The mechanism of Claim 110, wherein the film has an elongation of from about 5% to about 40%.
124. The mechanism of Claim 110, wherein the film has a portion domed.
125. The mechamsm of Claim 110, wherein the film has a modulus of elasticity of less than 20,000 psi.
126. The mechanism of Claim 110, wherein the film is capable of being deformed by a piston to move fluid through the reservoir at a rate that will not vary from the first stroke to the 10,000th stroke by more than 15% by volume.
127. The mechanism of Claim 110, wherein the film has a heat transfer coefficient of greater than 0.20 Watts/minute-Kelvin for a film having a thickness of 5 mils.
128. The mechamsm of Claim 110, wherein the film has a textured finish.
129. The mechanism of Claim 110, wherein the film has a substantially constant modulus of elasticity over a temperature range of from 5-40°C.
130. The mechanism of Claim 110, wherein the film is moved from a first position to a second position with a plunger and wherein the plunger does not stick to the film.
131. The mechanism of Claim 120, wherein the pumping cassette is fabricated from a first polymer selected from the group consisting of homopolymer and copolymers of cyclic olefin containing polymers and homopolymers and copolymers of bridged polycylic hydrocarbon containing polymers.
132. The mechamsm of Claim 131, wherein the cassette is selected from homopolymers and copolymers of norbornene.
133. The mechanism of Claim 132, wherein the pumping cassette is a copolymer of norbornene and a third alpha-olefin.
134. The mechamsm of Claim 133, wherein the third alpha-olefin is ethylene.
135. The mechanism of Claim 134, wherein the cassette is fabricated from a polymer blend of a first component of a norbornene and ethylene copolymer and a second component of an ethylene and fourth alpha-olefin copolymer.
136. The mechanism of Claim 135, wherein the fourth alpha-olefin has from 4 to 8 carbons.
137. The mechanism of Claim 136, wherein the fourth alpha-olefin has 6 carbons.
138. The mechamsm of Claim 135, wherein the first component is present in an amount by weight of from 30% to about 99% by weight of the blend and the second component is present in an amount from 1% to about 70% by weight of the blend.
139. The mechanism of Claim 110, further comprising a tubing in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir.
140. The mechamsm of Claim 139, wherein the tubing is fabricated from a second polyolefin.
141. The mechamsm of Claim 140, wherein the second polyolefin is selected from the group consisting of homopolymers and copolymers obtained by polymerizing a fifth alpha-olefin containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms.
142. The mechamsm of Claim 141, wherein the second polyolefin is selected from ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers.
143. The mechamsm of Claim 142, wherein the ethylene copolymer is an ethylene and sixth alpha-olefin copolymer.
144. The mechanism of Claim 143, wherein the sixth alpha-olefin has from 4 to 8 carbons.
145. The mechanism of Claim 143, wherein the ethylene and sixth alpha-olefin copolymer is obtained using a metallocene catalyst.
146. The mechanism of Claim 142, wherein the second polyolefin is a blend of polyolefin polymers.
147. The mechanism of Claim 146, wherein the second polyolefin is a blend of two m-ULDPE resins.
148. The mechanism of Claim 146, wherein the second polyolefin is a blend of three m-ULDPE resins.
149. The mechanism of Claim 139, wherein the tubing is fabricated from a material having a density less than 0.915 g/cc.
150. The mechanism of Claim 139, wherein the tubing is formed by an extrusion process.
151. The mechanism of Claim 139, wherein the tubing is capable of being sterilized by gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide sterilization.
152. The mechanism of Claim 110, which is used in a therapy selected from the group consisting of: continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, tidal flow peritoneal dialysis, hemofilfration and hemodialysis.
153. A fluid pumping mechanism comprising; a fluid reservoir; and a multiple layer film extending over a portion of the fluid reservoir, wherein fluid is moved through the reservoir by movement of the film from a first position to a second position, the film including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer including an ethylene containing polymer.
154. The mechanism of Claim 153, wherein the inner layer is an ethylene homopolymer or an ethylene copolymer.
155. The mechamsm of Claim 154, wherein the inner layer is an ethylene alpha- olefin copolymer having a density less than 0.915 g/cc.
156. The mechanism of Claim 155, wherein the outer layer is a polymer, metal foil or paper.
157. The mechanism of Claim 153, wherein the fluid reservoir is defined by a frame and the film is attached to the frame.
158. The mechanism of Claim 157, wherein the film is attached to the frame by heat sealing.
159. The mechanism of Claim 153, further comprising a tubing in fluid communication with the reservoir.
160. The mechanism of Claim 159, wherein the reservoir is defined by a frame and the tubing is connected to the frame by solvent bonding.
161. The mechamsm of Claim 153, which is used in a therapy selected from the group consisting of: continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, tidal flow peritoneal dialysis, hemofilfration and hemodialysis.
162. A system for performing a dialysis treatment comprising: a fluid pump; first and second inlet paths in communication with the fluid pump; first and second fluids flowing within the first and second inlet paths respectively; first and second intake valves communicating respectively with the first and second inlet paths; first and second outlet paths in communication with the fluid pump; first and second exhaust valves communicating respectively with the first and second outlet paths; and a controller that sequentially opens the valves to control the proportion of the first and second fluids being pumped.
163. The system of Claim 162, wherein the controller controls additionally the proportion of fluid flowing through the first and second outlet paths.
164. The system of Claim 162, which includes a disposable cassette having a rigid portion, at least one flexible membrane attached to the rigid portion, the pump operable with the membrane.
165. The system of Claim 164, wherein at least one of the valves is operable with the membrane.
166. The system of Claim 164, wherein the flexible membrane is made of material including a polyolefin.
167. The system of Claim 162, wherein a ratio of the second fluid to the first fluid is controlled to be from .2% to 3%.
168. The system of Claim 162, wherein a ratio of fluid exiting the first and second outlet paths is controlled to be from .1% to 7%.
169. The system of Claim 162, wherein at least one of the first and second inlet paths and the first and second outlet paths are connected upstream and downstream, respectively, of the pump.
170. The system of Claim 162, wherein at least one of the first and second inlet paths and the first and second exhaust paths feeds directly into the pump.
171. The system of Claim 162, which includes a plurality of pumps, each of the pumps communicating with first and second inlet paths, first and second intake valves, first and second outlet paths and first and second exhaust valves.
172. The system of Claim 171, wherein at least one first inlet path, second inlet path, first outlet path and second outlet path connects fluidly to each of the plurality of pumps.
173. The system of Claim 171, wherein first and second pumps perform in at least one manner selected from the group consisting of: (i) both intake the first fluid; (ii) intake first and second fluids, respectively; (iii) intake second and first fluids, respectively; and (iv) both intake the second fluid.
174. The system of Claim 171, wherein first and second pumps are operated alternatingly.
175. The system of Claim 174, wherein the first pump pumps in the first fluid through the first inlet path and the first intake valve that communicate with the first pump, while the second pump outputs fluid through the first outlet path and the first exhaust valve that commuriicate with the second pump.
176. The system of Claim 174, wherein the first pump pumps in the first fluid through the first inlet path and the first intake valve that communicate with the first pump, while the second pump outputs fluid through the second outlet path and the second exhaust valve that communicate with the second pump.
177. The system of Claim 174, wherein the first pump pumps in the second fluid through the second inlet path and the second intake valve that communicate with the first pump, while the second pump outputs fluid through the first outlet path and the first exhaust valve that communicate with the second pump.
178. The system of Claim 174, wherein the first pump pumps in the second fluid through the second inlet path and the second intake valve that communicate with the first pump, while the second pump outputs fluid through the second outlet path and the second exhaust valve that communicate with the second pump.
179. The system of Claim 162, wherein the treatment is selected from the group consisting of: continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, tidal flow peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and hemofilfration.
180. The system of Claim 162, wherein at least one of the first and second inlet paths communicate fluidly with a source selected from the group consisting of: a regeneration device, at least one dialysate supply, at least one additive source and a patient.
181. The system of Claim 162, wherein at least one of the first and second outlet paths communicates fluidly with a destination selected from the group consisting of: a patient, a sample container and an ultrafiltrate bag.
182. The system of Claim 162, wherein at least one of the first and second paths includes a plurality of fluid lumens that allows flow to fravel in two directions.
183. A system for performing dialysis comprising: first and second inlet paths in commumcation with a pump; first and second intake valves communicating respectively with the first and second inlet paths; first and second outlet paths in communication with the fluid pump; first and second exhaust valves communicating respectively with the first and second outlet paths; and a controller that selectively opens the valves.
184. The system of Claim 183, wherein the controller controls a proportion of a fluid flowing through the first and second outlet paths.
185. The system of Claim 183, wherein the controller controls a proportion of first and second fluids pumped from the first and second inlet paths.
186. The system of Claim 183, which includes a plurality of portions of a disposable cassette forming part of a plurality of corresponding fluid pumps, the fluid pumps communicating with the first and second inlet paths, the first and second intake valves, the first and second outlet paths and first and second exhaust valves.
187. The system of Claim 186, wherein the cassette defines a fluid flow portion of at least one of the first and second intake valves and the first and second exhaust valves.
188. The system of Claim 186, wherein the cassette defines at least a portion of a port vent.
189. The system of Claim 186, which includes at least one flexible membrane connected to the cassette, the membrane made of a material including a polyolefin.
190. The system of Claim 186, wherein the controller causes the fluid pumps to move to align the cassette before pumping begins.
191. The system of Claim 183, wherein the controller employs at least one pumping rule to operate the pump.
192. The system of Claim 183, which includes a plurality of fluid sources and a plurality of fluid destinations, wherein the controller operates the pump according to a pumping schedule to pump from at least one source to at least one destination.
193. The system of Claim 183, wherein at least one of the inlet paths is in communication with a dialysate supply.
194. The system of Claim 183, wherein at least one of the inlet paths is in communication with a fluid regeneration device.
195. A method for performing dialysis comprising the steps of: (a) pumping dialysis fluid to a pump through a first inlet valve;
(b) pumping a dialysis additive fluid to the pump through a second inlet valve;
(c) pumping the dialysis fluid from the pump through a first outlet valve to a patient; and (d) pumping the dialysis fluid from the pump through a second outlet valve to another destination.
196. The method of Claim 195, wherein steps (a) to (d) are each performed at different times.
197. The method of Claim 195, wherein steps (a) and (d) are performed together.
198. The method of Class 195, wherein steps (b) and (c) are performed together.
199. The method of Claim 195, wherein the pump is a first pump and step (a) is performed while pumping dialysis fluid from a second pump to the patient.
200. The method of Claim 195, wherein the pump is a first pump and step (a) is performed while pumping dialysis fluid from a second pump to the other destination.
201. The method of Claim 195, wherein the pump is a first pump and step (b) is performed while pumping the dialysis additive fluid to a second pump.
202. The method of Claim 195, wherein the pump is a first pump and step (d) is performed while pumping from a second pump to the other destination.
203. The method of Claim 195, wherein a volume of fluid pumped in at least one of steps (b) and (d) is controlled by a partial pump stroke.
204. The method of Claim 195, wherein the other destination is selected from the group consisting of: an ulfrafiltration removal container, a sample container, a drain and an accumulator.
205. The method of Claim 195, which includes the step of pumping fluid from the patient through the first outlet valve.
206. The method of Claim 195, which includes the step of pumping dialysis fluid for a number of pump strokes before pumping the additive.
207. The method of Claim 195, which includes the step of pumping fluid to the patient for a number of pump strokes before pumping to the other destination.
208. A method for operating medical fluid pumps comprising the steps of: connecting fluidly a plurality of fluid sources to a pump via a plurality of intake valves; connecting fluidly a plurality of fluid destinations to the pump via a plurality of exhaust valves; and controlling the fluid flow from the sources to the destinations through the pump using a pumping schedule.
209. The method of Claim 208, which includes the step of developing the pumping schedule after receiving at least one input parameter.
210. The method of Claim 208, which includes connecting fluidly the sources and the destinations to a plurality of pumps and controlling flow through the pumps via the schedule.
211. The method of Claim 208, which includes controlling the valves by compressing valve springs associated with the valves.
212. A method for operating a medical fluid pumping system comprising the steps of: inputting at least one patient parameter; calculating at least one value based on the inputted parameter; using the calculated value and at least one flow restricting rule to develop a pumping schedule; and operating at least one medical fluid pump according to the schedule.
213. The method of Claim 212, wherein inputting the parameter includes inputting a value selected from a range of values for the parameter.
214. The method of Claim 212, which includes prompting a plurality of parameters to be entered.
215. The method of Claim 212, wherein inputting the parameter includes ensuring that the inputted parameter is safe operationally.
216. The method of Claim 212, wherein the parameter is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a total therapy time; (ii) a cycle therapy time; (iii) a dialysate flowrate; (iv) an add concentration flowrate; (v) an ultrafiltrate removal flowrate; (vi) a patient ultrafiltrate generation flowrate; and (vii) a ratio between the dialysate flowrate and an accumulation flowrate.
217. The method of Claim 212, wherein calculating the value includes calculating a number of pump strokes.
218. The method of Claim 212, wherein calculating the value includes calculating a first number of a first type of pump stroke and a second number of a second type of pump stroke.
219. The method of Claim 212, wherein the value is selected from the group consisting of: a stroke time, a number of patient sfrokes, a number of accumulation strokes, a number of concentration add strokes and a number of ultrafiltrate removal strokes.
220. The method of Claim 212, which includes implementing at least one rule based on a physical limitation of the medical fluid pumping system.
221. The method of Claim 212, which includes implementing at least one rule based on a therapy limitation of the medical fluid pumping system.
222. The method of Claim 212, which includes, according to the schedule, operating at least one pump to pump from a desired fluid source.
223. The method of Claim 212, which includes, according to the schedule, operating at least one pump to pump to a desired fluid destination.
224. The method of Claim 212, wherein operating the medical fluid pump includes recirculating medical fluid from a patient, through a regeneration device, back to the patient.
225. The method of Claim 212, wherein operating the medical fluid pump includes performing a number of tidal flow partial fluid exchanges.
226. The method of Claim 212, wherein operating the medical fluid pump includes performing hemodialysis or hemofilfration using the pump.
227. The method of Claim 212, wherein operating the medical fluid pump includes controlling a device selected from the group consisting of: a spring, a spring coupled sealing to a moving diaphragm, a spring-loaded piston cylinder, a linear actuator and a rotary motor coupled to a rotational/linear motion converter.
228. A system for performing a dialysis therapy comprising: at least one fluid pump; at least one fluid solution; at least one fluid destination; and a controller that controls fluid pumping from the solution to the destination using at least one user inputted parameter and at least one software restraint based on a fluid connection between the source, pump and destination.
229. The system of Claim 228, wherein the controller further controls the fluid pumping using at least one software restraint based on the therapy.
230. The system of Claim 228, wherein the controller further controls the fluid pumping using a pumping state limitation.
231. The system of Claim 228, which includes a pump actuator and a disposable cassette operating collectively to form the fluid pump.
232. The system of Claim 231, wherein the pump actuator is attached to a housing along with at least one pneumatic valve.
233. The system of Claim 228, wherein the fluid solution is selected from the group consisting of: a fluid supply, a regeneration device, a patient, an accumulator, an additive source and any combination thereof.
234. The system of Claim 228, wherein the fluid destination is selected from the group consisting of: a patient, a regeneration device, an accumulator, a sample container, an ultrafiltrate container and any combination thereof.
235. The system of Claim 228, wherein the fluid connection restraint is based on how many solutions are connected fluidly to the pump.
236. The system of Claim 228, wherein the fluid comiection restraint is based on how many pumps are connected fluidly to the solution.
237. The system of Claim 228, wherein the fluid connection restraint is based on how many destinations are connected fluidly to the pump.
238. The system of Claim 228, wherein the fluid connection restraint is based on how many pumps are connected fluidly to the destination.
239. The system of Claim 228, which includes a heater and a gas separation chamber placed downstream from the heater.
240. A system for performing a dialysis therapy comprising: at least one fluid pump; at least one fluid solution; at least one fluid destination; and a controller that controls fluid pumping from the solution to the destination using at least one user inputted parameter and at least one therapy-based software restraint.
241. The system of Claim 240, wherein the controller further controls the fluid pumping using a pumping state limitation.
242. The system of Claim 240, wherein the therapy restraint is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a prohibition from pumping from the same pump simultaneously to more than one destination; (ii) a prohibition from pumping into the same pump simultaneously from more than one solution; (iii) a prohibition from pumping the same solution simultaneously into more than one pump; (iv) a prohibition from pumping into the same destination from more than one pump; (v) a prohibition from pumping from a fluid supply directly to drain; (vi) a prohibition form pumping from an additive source to an ultrafiltrate receptacle; (vii) a prohibition from pumping from one place to the same place and (viii) any combination thereof.
243. The system of Claim 240, wherein the pump moves a flexible membrane made of a material including a polyolefin.
244. A flow pumping schedule for a medical fluid system having at least one pump, at least one fluid solution and at least one fluid destination, the schedule prepared by a process comprising the steps of: inputting at least one patient parameter; calculating at least one value based on the inputted parameter; and using the calculated value and at least one flow restricting rule in a computer program, the program generating the schedule.
245. The schedule of Claim 244, which includes a number of entries, the entries separated according to a pumping sfroke duration.
246. The schedule of Claim 244, which includes a plurality of entries, each entry assigning at least one pump to pump from a fluid source or to a fluid destination.
247. A disposable dialysis cassette comprising: a rigid portion; at least one membrane attached to the rigid portion; a vent port aperture formed integrally with the rigid portion; and a filter placed across to the aperture.
248. The disposable cassette of Claim 247, which includes a vent port extending integrally from the rigid portion, the port defining the aperture.
249. The disposable cassette of Claim 247, which includes a bushing, the filter fixed to the bushing, the bushing fixed to the rigid portion.
250. The disposable cassette of Claim 247, wherein the filter is a hydrophobic membrane.
251. The disposable cassette of Claim 247, wherein the filter is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: polytefrafluorethylene ("PTFE"), Teflon, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchlori.de ("PVC"), polyvinylidene, a polyamide, and any combination thereof.
252. The disposable cassette of Claim 247, wherein a pair of flexible pumping membranes are disposed on opposing sides of the rigid portion.
253. The disposable cassette of Claim 252, wherein the filter is disposed on a vent port that extends from an edge of the rigid portion not covered by the membranes.
254. The disposable cassette of Claim 252, wherein the membrane is made of material including a polyolefin.
255. The disposable cassette of Claim 247, wherein the vent port is in fluid communication with a patient fluid line connected to the rigid portion.
256. The disposable cassette of Claim 247, which includes a flared vent port extending integrally from the rigid portion, the port defining the aperture.
257. The disposable cassette of Claim 247, wherein the filter is attached by a method selected from the group consisting of: adhering, heat sealing, mechanically attaching and any combination thereof.
258. A system for performing a dialysis therapy comprising: at least one fluid pump; a patient line in communication with the fluid pump; a disposable member placed in contact with the pump, the disposable member defining a port; and a venting filter positioned at the end of the port.
259. The system of Claim 258, wherein the port is in communication with at least one of the pump and the patient line.
260. The system of Claim 258, which includes a controller connected operably to the pump, the controller and pump performing a priming sequence, the venting filter allowing air to escape during the priming sequence.
261. The system of Claim 258, wherein the controller commands the pump to move towards the member to align the member properly before beginning the priming sequence.
262. The system of Claim 258, wherein the venting filter allows air to escape when the pump pumps fluid from a fluid source to the patient line.
263. The system of Claim 262, wherein the source is a first fluid source and which includes a second fluid source in communication with the pump.
264. The system of Claim 258, wherein the patient line is a line carrying fluid from the pump to the patient and which includes a second patient line caπying fluid from the patient.
265. The system of Claim 264, which includes a fluid regeneration device in connection with the second patient line.
266. The system of Claim 258, wherein the therapy is selected from the group consisting of: continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, tidal flow peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and hemofilration.
267. The system of Claim 258, wherein the pump is a first pump and which includes a second pump in communication with the port.
268. A method of manufacturing a disposable dialysis cassette comprising the steps of: molding a rigid portion to define a plurality of fluid channels and venting aperture; attaching at least one flexible membrane to the rigid portion; and placing a venting filter over the aperture.
269. The method of Claim 268, which includes heat sealing the membrane to the rigid portion.
270. The method of Claim 268, which includes connecting the venting filter to a port that defines the aperture and is formed integrally with the rigid portion.
271. The method of Claim 270, which includes molding the port to have a conical shape.
272. The method of Claim 268, which includes the step of connecting the filter to a bushing and connecting the bushing to a port that defines the aperture.
273. The method of Claim 268, which includes using the membrane to at least partially secure the filter to the rigid portion.
274. A gas separation chamber for use in dialysis therapy comprising: a housing having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet disposed adjacent to a fluid collection portion of the housing, and a vent opening disposed adjacent to a gas collection portion of the housing; and a capacitive sensor that produces an output indicative of the amount of gas in the housing.
275. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, which includes a member positioned within the housing so as to deflect fluid entering the fluid inlet.
276. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, which includes a member position within the housing so as to at least partially block fluid from escaping through the valve opening.
277. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, which includes a valve in commumcation with the vent opening.
278. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, which includes a plurality of valves in communication with the vent opening.
279. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, which includes a vent membrane in fluid communication with vent opening.
280. The gas separation chamber of Claim 279, wherein the membrane is of a material selected from the group consisting of: a hydrophobic membrane and the dialysis disposable of polytefrafluorethylene ("PTFE"), Teflon, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride ("PVC"), polyvinylidene, a polyimide, and any combination thereof.
281. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, wherein the capacitive sensor includes a plurality of metal plates.
282. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, wherein the fluid collection portion is located at the bottom of the chamber.
283. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, wherein the gas collection portion is located at the top of the housing.
284. The gas separation chamber of Claim 274, wherein the therapy is selected from the group consisting of: continuous flow peritoneal dialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, tidal flow peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and hemofilfration.
285. A system for performing dialysis comprising: a patient line; a pump that pumps fluid to the patient line; a heater that heats the fluid placed between the pump and the patient fluid line; a first air separation device associated with the pump; and a second air separation device positioned downsfream of the heater.
286. The system of Claim 285, wherein the second air separation device is positioned upstream of the patient fluid line.
287. The system of Claim 285, wherein the first air separation device is located in a disposable cassette connected fluidly to the patient line.
288. The system of Claim 287, wherein the disposable cassette houses at least one of a portion of the pump and a fluid heating pathway for the heater.
289. The system of Claim 285, wherein the disposable cassette includes a rigid portion defining a port vent.
290. The system of Claim 285, wherein the second air separation device includes at least one capacitive sensor.
291. The system of Claim 285, wherein the second air separation device includes a plurality of sequentially operated fluid valves.
292. The system of Claim 285, wherein the second air separation device is coupled operably to at least one exhaust valve.
293. The system of Claim 292, wherein the exhaust valve is positioned between the second air separation device and a vent membrane.
294. The system of Claim 285, which includes a fluid trap positioned between the second air separation device and a vent membrane.
295. The system of Claim 285, wherein the pump connects operably to a plurality of inlet paths and plurality of outlet paths.
296. The system of Claim 285, wherein the pump is driven by a spring and a vacuum.
297. The system of Claim 285, wherein the pump moves a flexible membrane made from a material including a polyolefin.
298. A method of operating a dialysis system comprising the steps of: pumping dialysis fluid; removing gas from the pumped fluid; heating the fluid; and removing gas released from the heated fluid.
299. The method of Claim 298, which includes pumping the fluid from a fluid supply.
300. The method of Claim 298, which includes pumping the fluid in a recirculating loop.
301. The method of Claim 298, wherein removing released gas includes the step of opening a vent upon sensing an amount of gas in a chamber.
302. The method of Claim 301, wherein sensing the gas amount includes capacitive sensings.
303. The method of Claim 301, which includes the further step of closing the vent upon sensing a second, lesser amount of gas in the chamber.
304. The method of Claim 298, wherein removing released gas includes opening sequentially a plurality of valves placed in series.
305. A method of operating a dialysis system comprising the steps of: pumping dialysis fluid; and using capacitive sensing to determine a volume of the fluid pumped; and using capacitive sensing to determine a volume of a gas released from the fluid pumped.
306. The method of Claim 305, which includes using capacitive sensing to sense gas released from the fluid via heating.
307. The method of Claim 305, which includes capacitive sensing to sense gas released from the fluid during priming.
308. The method of Claim 305, which includes the step of venting the volmne of fluid released when a setpoint volume of gas is reached.
309. The method of Claim 305, which includes the step of venting the volume of fluid released at certain points in time.
310. A method of operating a dialysis system comprising the steps of: pumping dialysis fluid; and venting a volume of gas released from the fluid while pumping the fluids.
311. The method of Claim 310, which includes venting the volume by operating sequentially a plurality of values.
312. The method of Claim 311, which includes collecting residual dialysis fluid from the volume released between values.
313. A dialysis system comprising: a pumping cassette having a rigid portion that defines integrally a venting aperture; and a spring operated pump piston that contacts the cassette.
314. A dialysis system comprising: a housing, a pump actuator and a plurality of pneumatic valves fixed to the housing; and a plurality of inlet paths communicating with a plurality of medical fluids via respective ones of the valves with a pump chamber operated by the pump actuator.
315. A dialysis system comprising: a cassette including at least one flexible membrane made from a material including a polyolefin; and a controller that uses at least one flow restricting rule to schedule flow of at least one fluid, through at least one pump chamber defined by the cassette, to at least one destination.
PCT/US2003/032571 2002-12-31 2003-10-15 Systems, methods and apparatuses for pumping cassette-based therapies WO2004060449A2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2004564788A JP4440786B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2003-10-15 System, method and apparatus for treatment based on pump-operated cassette
MXPA05006867A MXPA05006867A (en) 2002-12-31 2003-10-15 Systems, methods and apparatuses for pumping cassette-based therapies.
AU2003277371A AU2003277371A1 (en) 2002-12-31 2003-10-15 Systems, methods and apparatuses for pumping cassette-based therapies
EP03814606.4A EP1585565B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2003-10-15 Apparatuses for pumping cassette-based therapies

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/335,646 US7238164B2 (en) 2002-07-19 2002-12-31 Systems, methods and apparatuses for pumping cassette-based therapies
US10/335,646 2002-12-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004060449A2 true WO2004060449A2 (en) 2004-07-22

Family

ID=32710921

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/032571 WO2004060449A2 (en) 2002-12-31 2003-10-15 Systems, methods and apparatuses for pumping cassette-based therapies

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (12) US7238164B2 (en)
EP (5) EP2298378B1 (en)
JP (2) JP4440786B2 (en)
AU (1) AU2003277371A1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA05006867A (en)
WO (1) WO2004060449A2 (en)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009058727A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2009-05-07 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having integrated pneumatic manifold
DE102008011827A1 (en) * 2008-02-29 2009-09-10 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Method for controlling valves for flow path control and machines, in particular medical treatment machines
US8597231B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2013-12-03 Baxter International Inc. Peritoneal dialysis system having heater pan and weight sensor
US8992075B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2015-03-31 Deka Products Limited Partnership Sensor apparatus systems, devices and methods
US9180232B2 (en) 2006-05-19 2015-11-10 Novartis Ag Surgical system having manifolds with integral pneumatic accumulators
US9517295B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2016-12-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood treatment systems and methods
US9603985B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2017-03-28 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood treatment systems and methods
US9649418B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2017-05-16 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pumping cassette
US9677554B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2017-06-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership Cassette system integrated apparatus
US9724458B2 (en) 2011-05-24 2017-08-08 Deka Products Limited Partnership Hemodialysis system
US9925324B2 (en) 2009-04-23 2018-03-27 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Reception means for receiving medical fluids, as well as external functional means and medical treatment apparatus
US9987407B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2018-06-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood circuit assembly for a hemodialysis system
CN109847134A (en) * 2019-04-10 2019-06-07 台州欧思托气动机械科技有限公司 The solenoid valve block of peritoneal dialysis instrument and peritoneal dialysis instrument with the valve group
US11478755B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2022-10-25 Fenwal, Inc. Small volume processing systems and methods

Families Citing this family (338)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040243047A1 (en) * 1997-02-14 2004-12-02 Brugger James M. Single step fluid circuit engagement device and method
US6852090B2 (en) 1997-02-14 2005-02-08 Nxstage Medical, Inc. Fluid processing systems and methods using extracorporeal fluid flow panels oriented within a cartridge
US7780619B2 (en) * 1999-11-29 2010-08-24 Nxstage Medical, Inc. Blood treatment apparatus
US6503062B1 (en) * 2000-07-10 2003-01-07 Deka Products Limited Partnership Method for regulating fluid pump pressure
US20050020960A1 (en) * 2001-05-24 2005-01-27 Brugger James M. Blood treatment cartridge and blood processing machine with slot
US7241272B2 (en) 2001-11-13 2007-07-10 Baxter International Inc. Method and composition for removing uremic toxins in dialysis processes
US7544179B2 (en) 2002-04-11 2009-06-09 Deka Products Limited Partnership System and method for delivering a target volume of fluid
DE10224750A1 (en) 2002-06-04 2003-12-24 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Device for the treatment of a medical fluid
US8585634B2 (en) * 2003-07-31 2013-11-19 Debiotech S.A. System for performing peritoneal dialysis
US9123077B2 (en) 2003-10-07 2015-09-01 Hospira, Inc. Medication management system
US8065161B2 (en) 2003-11-13 2011-11-22 Hospira, Inc. System for maintaining drug information and communicating with medication delivery devices
MX351817B (en) 2003-10-28 2017-10-30 Baxter Healthcare Sa Improved priming, integrity and head height methods and apparatuses for medical fluid systems.
US8029454B2 (en) 2003-11-05 2011-10-04 Baxter International Inc. High convection home hemodialysis/hemofiltration and sorbent system
US7776006B2 (en) * 2003-11-05 2010-08-17 Baxter International Inc. Medical fluid pumping system having real time volume determination
US8038639B2 (en) * 2004-11-04 2011-10-18 Baxter International Inc. Medical fluid system with flexible sheeting disposable unit
DE102004021035B3 (en) * 2004-04-07 2005-11-17 Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh Apparatus for waterjet surgery
DE102005001807A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2006-07-20 Air Liquide Deutschland Gmbh Process for heating an industrial furnace and apparatus therefor
US20060195064A1 (en) * 2005-02-28 2006-08-31 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Portable apparatus for peritoneal dialysis therapy
US7935074B2 (en) 2005-02-28 2011-05-03 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Cassette system for peritoneal dialysis machine
US8197231B2 (en) 2005-07-13 2012-06-12 Purity Solutions Llc Diaphragm pump and related methods
US8545445B2 (en) 2006-02-09 2013-10-01 Deka Products Limited Partnership Patch-sized fluid delivery systems and methods
US7871391B2 (en) * 2005-10-21 2011-01-18 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Extracorporeal fluid circuit
US7976795B2 (en) * 2006-01-19 2011-07-12 Rheonix, Inc. Microfluidic systems
JP4694377B2 (en) * 2006-01-27 2011-06-08 シーケーディ株式会社 Chemical supply system
US11364335B2 (en) 2006-02-09 2022-06-21 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
US11478623B2 (en) 2006-02-09 2022-10-25 Deka Products Limited Partnership Infusion pump assembly
US8579884B2 (en) * 2006-02-09 2013-11-12 Deka Products Limited Partnership Infusion pump assembly
US11497846B2 (en) 2006-02-09 2022-11-15 Deka Products Limited Partnership Patch-sized fluid delivery systems and methods
EP2000807B1 (en) 2006-03-29 2013-04-24 Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc. Method of reaction in microchip channel and analyzer
US7794141B2 (en) 2006-04-14 2010-09-14 Deka Products Limited Partnership Thermal and coductivity sensing systems, devices and methods
US8366316B2 (en) 2006-04-14 2013-02-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership Sensor apparatus systems, devices and methods
US10537671B2 (en) 2006-04-14 2020-01-21 Deka Products Limited Partnership Automated control mechanisms in a hemodialysis apparatus
US20080240929A1 (en) * 2007-03-30 2008-10-02 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pumping Cassette
US20140199193A1 (en) 2007-02-27 2014-07-17 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood treatment systems and methods
US20070270746A1 (en) * 2006-05-19 2007-11-22 Alcon, Inc. Surgical system having pneumatic manifolds with integral air cylinders
US20070282262A1 (en) * 2006-05-19 2007-12-06 Alcon, Inc. Surgical system having integral pneumatic manifolds
US8870811B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2014-10-28 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Peritoneal dialysis systems and related methods
US8926550B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2015-01-06 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Data communication system for peritoneal dialysis machine
US20080091466A1 (en) 2006-10-16 2008-04-17 Hospira, Inc. System and method for comparing and utilizing activity information and configuration information from multiple device management systems
JP5226689B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2013-07-03 プレイテックス プロダクツ エルエルシー Tampon pledget with improved bypass leakage protection
US8414534B2 (en) 2006-11-09 2013-04-09 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. Holding tank devices, systems, and methods for surgical fluidics cassette
US10959881B2 (en) 2006-11-09 2021-03-30 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. Fluidics cassette for ocular surgical system
US9522221B2 (en) 2006-11-09 2016-12-20 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. Fluidics cassette for ocular surgical system
US8491528B2 (en) 2006-11-09 2013-07-23 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. Critical alignment of fluidics cassettes
US10463774B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2019-11-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership Control systems and methods for blood or fluid handling medical devices
AU2016204226B2 (en) * 2007-02-27 2017-08-24 Deka Products Limited Partnership Sensor apparatus systems, devices and methods
KR101861192B1 (en) 2007-02-27 2018-05-28 데카 프로덕츠 리미티드 파트너쉽 Hemodialysis apparatus and methods
US8562834B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2013-10-22 Deka Products Limited Partnership Modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system
US8393690B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2013-03-12 Deka Products Limited Partnership Enclosure for a portable hemodialysis system
US20090107335A1 (en) 2007-02-27 2009-04-30 Deka Products Limited Partnership Air trap for a medical infusion device
US8425471B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2013-04-23 Deka Products Limited Partnership Reagent supply for a hemodialysis system
US8357298B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2013-01-22 Deka Products Limited Partnership Hemodialysis systems and methods
DE102007018362A1 (en) * 2007-04-18 2008-10-30 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Method for preparing a treatment machine and treatment machine
US8034027B2 (en) * 2007-05-16 2011-10-11 Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPPL) Infusion pump with phase separator
US8876765B2 (en) * 2007-05-16 2014-11-04 Smiths Medical Asd, Inc. Pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system
US10596032B2 (en) 2007-05-24 2020-03-24 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. System and method for controlling a transverse phacoemulsification system with a footpedal
JP2010528715A (en) * 2007-05-29 2010-08-26 フレゼニウス メディカル ケア ホールディングス インコーポレーテッド Solution, dialysate, and related methods
US7901376B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2011-03-08 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis cassette having multiple outlet valve
US8715235B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2014-05-06 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having disposable cassette and heated cassette interface
US7955295B2 (en) 2007-07-05 2011-06-07 Baxter International Inc. Fluid delivery system with autoconnect features
US8057423B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2011-11-15 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having disposable cassette
US7736328B2 (en) 2007-07-05 2010-06-15 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having supply container autoconnection
US7909795B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2011-03-22 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having disposable cassette and interface therefore
US8496609B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2013-07-30 Baxter International Inc. Fluid delivery system with spiked cassette
US8512553B2 (en) 2007-07-05 2013-08-20 Baxter International Inc. Extracorporeal dialysis ready peritoneal dialysis machine
US8371159B2 (en) * 2007-07-11 2013-02-12 Kabushiki Kaisha Bridgestone Method for estimating the wear of a tire
US10342701B2 (en) 2007-08-13 2019-07-09 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. Systems and methods for phacoemulsification with vacuum based pumps
US9358331B2 (en) 2007-09-13 2016-06-07 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Portable dialysis machine with improved reservoir heating system
US9199022B2 (en) 2008-09-12 2015-12-01 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Modular reservoir assembly for a hemodialysis and hemofiltration system
US8040493B2 (en) 2007-10-11 2011-10-18 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Thermal flow meter
US8240636B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2012-08-14 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Valve system
US8535522B2 (en) 2009-02-12 2013-09-17 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. System and method for detection of disconnection in an extracorporeal blood circuit
US8597505B2 (en) 2007-09-13 2013-12-03 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Portable dialysis machine
US9308307B2 (en) 2007-09-13 2016-04-12 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Manifold diaphragms
US8105487B2 (en) 2007-09-25 2012-01-31 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Manifolds for use in conducting dialysis
US7892197B2 (en) * 2007-09-19 2011-02-22 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Automatic prime of an extracorporeal blood circuit
MX2010003105A (en) * 2007-09-19 2010-04-09 Fresenius Med Care Hldg Inc Dialysis systems and related components.
US7871462B2 (en) * 2007-10-01 2011-01-18 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis systems having air separation chambers with internal structures to enhance air removal
US7892331B2 (en) 2007-10-01 2011-02-22 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis systems having air separation chambers with internal structures to enhance air removal
US8444587B2 (en) 2007-10-01 2013-05-21 Baxter International Inc. Fluid and air handling in blood and dialysis circuits
US7892332B2 (en) * 2007-10-01 2011-02-22 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis systems having air traps with internal structures to enhance air removal
EP2192937B1 (en) * 2007-10-04 2011-12-07 Gambro Lundia AB An infusion apparatus
US20100056975A1 (en) * 2008-08-27 2010-03-04 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood line connector for a medical infusion device
EP2217301A2 (en) * 2007-10-12 2010-08-18 DEKA Products Limited Partnership Systems, devices and methods for cardiopulmonary treatment and procedures
US8771508B2 (en) 2008-08-27 2014-07-08 Deka Products Limited Partnership Dialyzer cartridge mounting arrangement for a hemodialysis system
US8123947B2 (en) * 2007-10-22 2012-02-28 Baxter International Inc. Priming and air removal systems and methods for dialysis
US8114276B2 (en) 2007-10-24 2012-02-14 Baxter International Inc. Personal hemodialysis system
US9415150B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2016-08-16 Baxter Healthcare S.A. Balanced flow dialysis machine
EP2237814B1 (en) 2007-11-29 2019-03-06 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Manifold for conducting hemodialysis and hemofiltration
US8517990B2 (en) 2007-12-18 2013-08-27 Hospira, Inc. User interface improvements for medical devices
US8414563B2 (en) 2007-12-31 2013-04-09 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pump assembly with switch
US10080704B2 (en) 2007-12-31 2018-09-25 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
US10188787B2 (en) 2007-12-31 2019-01-29 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
CN114796703A (en) 2007-12-31 2022-07-29 德卡产品有限公司 Infusion pump assembly
US8900188B2 (en) 2007-12-31 2014-12-02 Deka Products Limited Partnership Split ring resonator antenna adapted for use in wirelessly controlled medical device
US9456955B2 (en) 2007-12-31 2016-10-04 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
US8881774B2 (en) 2007-12-31 2014-11-11 Deka Research & Development Corp. Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
KR102413397B1 (en) 2008-01-23 2022-06-27 데카 프로덕츠 리미티드 파트너쉽 Pump cassette and methods for use in medical treatment system using a plurality of fluid lines
US9078971B2 (en) 2008-01-23 2015-07-14 Deka Products Limited Partnership Medical treatment system and methods using a plurality of fluid lines
US10195330B2 (en) 2008-01-23 2019-02-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership Medical treatment system and methods using a plurality of fluid lines
US11833281B2 (en) 2008-01-23 2023-12-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pump cassette and methods for use in medical treatment system using a plurality of fluid lines
US10201647B2 (en) 2008-01-23 2019-02-12 Deka Products Limited Partnership Medical treatment system and methods using a plurality of fluid lines
DE102008015387B4 (en) * 2008-03-20 2019-01-10 Sartorius Stedim Biotech Gmbh Pre-sterilizable filtration system for single use
US20090246035A1 (en) * 2008-03-28 2009-10-01 Smiths Medical Asd, Inc. Pump Module Fluidically Isolated Displacement Device
US20090259176A1 (en) * 2008-04-09 2009-10-15 Los Gatos Research, Inc. Transdermal patch system
DE102008031660A1 (en) * 2008-07-04 2010-01-07 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Device for peritoneal dialysis
US20100051552A1 (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-04 Baxter International Inc. In-line sensors for dialysis applications
JP6288903B2 (en) 2008-09-15 2018-03-07 デカ・プロダクツ・リミテッド・パートナーシップ Systems and methods for fluid delivery
CN105148344B (en) 2008-10-07 2019-06-11 弗雷塞尼斯医疗保健控股公司 System and method are charged for dialysis system
CA2739807C (en) 2008-10-30 2017-02-28 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Modular, portable dialysis system
AU2009313417B2 (en) 2008-11-07 2015-01-15 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. Method for programming foot pedal settings and controlling performance through foot pedal variation
EP2373266B1 (en) 2008-11-07 2020-04-29 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. Surgical cassette apparatus
CA2743086C (en) 2008-11-07 2017-12-05 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. Automatically pulsing different aspiration levels to an ocular probe
EP3175831B1 (en) 2008-11-07 2018-12-26 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. Automatically switching different aspiration levels and/or pumps to an ocular probe
EA023071B1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2016-04-29 Фрезениус Медикал Кэр Дойчланд Гмбх Apparatus for treating a medical liquid, and method for checking the leaktightness of the apparatus
FR2941385B1 (en) 2009-01-23 2011-04-01 Millipore Corp METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CIRCUIT FOR BIOLOGICAL LIQUID AND CIRCUIT OBTAINED
US8182673B2 (en) 2009-01-29 2012-05-22 Baxter International Inc. Drain and fill logic for automated peritoneal dialysis
US8142649B2 (en) * 2009-01-29 2012-03-27 Baxter International Inc. Method for optimizing tidal therapies employing ultrafiltrate trending
US8663463B2 (en) * 2009-02-18 2014-03-04 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Extracorporeal fluid circuit and related components
US8521482B2 (en) * 2009-02-20 2013-08-27 Baxter International Inc. Simulation of patient drain phase in peritoneal dialysis
US8192401B2 (en) 2009-03-20 2012-06-05 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid pump systems and related components and methods
US9107775B2 (en) 2009-04-15 2015-08-18 Eveready Battery Company, Inc. Tampon pledget with improved by-pass leakage protection
US8271106B2 (en) 2009-04-17 2012-09-18 Hospira, Inc. System and method for configuring a rule set for medical event management and responses
DE102009024465B4 (en) * 2009-06-10 2015-03-05 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Blood cassette with air separator, blood circulation and treatment device
JP5657643B2 (en) * 2009-04-23 2015-01-21 フレゼニウス メディカル ケア ドイッチェランド ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング Valve device, valve insert, external functional means, processing equipment, and method
CN201404734Y (en) * 2009-04-28 2010-02-17 厦门市毕恩生物技术有限公司 Bottom control type sample filtering container
CA2758073C (en) * 2009-05-06 2017-05-23 Alcon Research Ltd. Multiple segmented peristaltic pump and cassette
US8273300B2 (en) * 2009-07-09 2012-09-25 Siemens Medical Solutions Usa, Inc. Modular system for radiosynthesis with multi-run capabilities and reduced risk of radiation exposure
US8435454B2 (en) * 2009-07-09 2013-05-07 Siemens Medical Solutions Usa, Inc. Modular system for radiosynthesis with multi-run capabilities and reduced risk of radiation exposure
CN102497895A (en) 2009-07-15 2012-06-13 弗雷塞尼斯医疗保健控股公司 Medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods
EP2453948B1 (en) 2009-07-15 2015-02-18 DEKA Products Limited Partnership Apparatus, systems and methods for an infusion pump assembly
EP3284494A1 (en) 2009-07-30 2018-02-21 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Portable infusion pump system
US8720913B2 (en) 2009-08-11 2014-05-13 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Portable peritoneal dialysis carts and related systems
GB0915327D0 (en) * 2009-09-03 2009-10-07 Quanta Fluid Solution Ltd Pump
US9399091B2 (en) 2009-09-30 2016-07-26 Medtronic, Inc. System and method to regulate ultrafiltration
MX2012005088A (en) 2009-10-30 2012-10-03 Deka Products Lp Apparatus and method for detecting disconnection of an intravascular access device.
US8753515B2 (en) 2009-12-05 2014-06-17 Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd. Dialysis system with ultrafiltration control
US20110137231A1 (en) 2009-12-08 2011-06-09 Alcon Research, Ltd. Phacoemulsification Hand Piece With Integrated Aspiration Pump
US8771251B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2014-07-08 Hospira, Inc. Systems and methods for managing and delivering patient therapy through electronic drug delivery systems
US9220832B2 (en) 2010-01-07 2015-12-29 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Dialysis systems and methods
US8500994B2 (en) 2010-01-07 2013-08-06 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Dialysis systems and methods
FR2955119B1 (en) * 2010-01-13 2012-12-28 Millipore Corp CIRCUIT FOR BIOLOGICAL LIQUID
WO2011091265A1 (en) 2010-01-22 2011-07-28 Deka Products Limited Partnership Method and system for shape-memory alloy wire control
DE102010007464B4 (en) 2010-02-10 2016-09-29 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Medical functional device, treatment device and method
US8425780B2 (en) * 2010-03-11 2013-04-23 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Dialysis system venting devices and related systems and methods
DE102010012050B4 (en) * 2010-03-19 2016-09-29 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh hemodialysis
US8501009B2 (en) 2010-06-07 2013-08-06 State Of Oregon Acting By And Through The State Board Of Higher Education On Behalf Of Oregon State University Fluid purification system
FR2960795B1 (en) 2010-06-08 2012-07-27 Millipore Corp DEVICE FOR A PLANT FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL LIQUID
FR2960794B1 (en) 2010-06-08 2012-07-27 Millipore Corp DEVICE FOR A PLANT FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL LIQUID
FR2960796B1 (en) 2010-06-08 2014-01-24 Millipore Corp DEVICE FOR A PLANT FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL LIQUID
FR2961711B1 (en) 2010-06-23 2012-08-17 Millipore Corp POCKET FOR CIRCUIT OF A BIOLOGICAL LIQUID TREATMENT FACILITY
WO2011161055A1 (en) 2010-06-23 2011-12-29 Gambro Lundia Ab Dialysis precursor composition
FR2961713B1 (en) 2010-06-23 2012-08-10 Millipore Corp POCKET FOR CIRCUIT OF A BIOLOGICAL LIQUID TREATMENT FACILITY
CN102985071B (en) 2010-06-23 2014-12-03 甘布罗伦迪亚股份公司 Dialysis precursor composition
EP2591385B1 (en) 2010-07-07 2017-10-11 DEKA Products Limited Partnership Medical treatment system and methods using a plurality of fluid lines
US8465454B2 (en) * 2010-07-23 2013-06-18 Carefusion 303, Inc. Matrix infusion pump and disposable set
FR2963573B1 (en) 2010-08-03 2012-08-31 Millipore Corp PUMPING TROLLEY FOR A BIOLOGICAL LIQUID TREATMENT FACILITY
US8821135B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2014-09-02 Emory University Devices and systems for medical fluid treatment
US8936720B2 (en) 2010-09-17 2015-01-20 Baxter International Inc. Drain and fill logic for automated peritoneal dialysis
US20120073378A1 (en) * 2010-09-23 2012-03-29 O'connor Sean M Pressure differential detection method for portable infusion pump
JP2012075574A (en) * 2010-09-30 2012-04-19 Terumo Corp Automatic peritoneal dialysis machine
US8596648B2 (en) 2010-10-22 2013-12-03 Oshkosh Corporation Pump for vehicle suspension system
GB201019228D0 (en) 2010-11-15 2010-12-29 Corp Dialysis device and method of dialysis
DE102010053973A1 (en) 2010-12-09 2012-06-14 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Medical device with a heater
US8506684B2 (en) 2010-12-15 2013-08-13 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Gas release devices for extracorporeal fluid circuits and related methods
EP2654825B1 (en) 2010-12-20 2017-08-02 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods
US8382711B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2013-02-26 Baxter International Inc. Intravenous pumping air management systems and methods
CN106902406B (en) 2011-02-08 2019-11-08 弗雷塞尼斯医疗保健控股公司 Magnetic sensor and related system and method
US9624915B2 (en) 2011-03-09 2017-04-18 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid delivery sets and related systems and methods
US20120245042A1 (en) * 2011-03-14 2012-09-27 The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania Debubbler for microfluidic systems
FR2973396B1 (en) 2011-03-28 2013-05-10 Millipore Corp FACILITY FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL LIQUID
US8945936B2 (en) * 2011-04-06 2015-02-03 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Measuring chemical properties of a sample fluid in dialysis systems
US10413652B2 (en) * 2011-04-13 2019-09-17 Fenwal, Inc. Systems and methods for use and control of an automated separator with adsorption columns
EP2699280B1 (en) * 2011-04-21 2015-12-09 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid pumping systems and related devices and methods
EP2653724B1 (en) * 2011-04-27 2015-09-23 CKD Corporation Liquid feed pump and flow rate control device
US9192707B2 (en) 2011-04-29 2015-11-24 Medtronic, Inc. Electrolyte and pH monitoring for fluid removal processes
US9999717B2 (en) 2011-05-24 2018-06-19 Deka Products Limited Partnership Systems and methods for detecting vascular access disconnection
PL2720678T3 (en) 2011-06-20 2021-05-04 Gambro Lundia Ab Dialysis precursor composition
KR101957540B1 (en) 2011-06-20 2019-03-12 감브로 룬디아 아베 Dialysis precursor composition
CN103889481B (en) 2011-08-02 2016-03-09 美敦力公司 With the hemodialysis system of flow path with controlled compliance volume
US10857277B2 (en) 2011-08-16 2020-12-08 Medtronic, Inc. Modular hemodialysis system
AU2012299169B2 (en) 2011-08-19 2017-08-24 Icu Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for a graphical interface including a graphical representation of medical data
WO2013052680A2 (en) 2011-10-07 2013-04-11 Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd. Heat exchange fluid purification for dialysis system
US9594875B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2017-03-14 Hospira, Inc. Medical device update system
US9186449B2 (en) 2011-11-01 2015-11-17 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Dialysis machine support assemblies and related systems and methods
WO2013067359A2 (en) 2011-11-04 2013-05-10 Deka Products Limited Partnership Medical treatment system and methods using a plurality of fluid lines
US10022498B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2018-07-17 Icu Medical, Inc. System for monitoring and delivering medication to a patient and method of using the same to minimize the risks associated with automated therapy
ES2684218T3 (en) 2011-12-21 2018-10-01 Gambro Lundia Ab Precursor Dialysis Composition
US9463202B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2016-10-11 Gambro Lundia Ab Dialysis precursor composition
US11524151B2 (en) 2012-03-07 2022-12-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
SE536913C2 (en) 2012-03-08 2014-10-28 Gambro Lundia Ab Composition for dialysis
EP3283138B1 (en) * 2015-04-14 2020-02-12 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. Surgical cassette manifold, system, and methods thereof
AU2013235701B2 (en) 2012-03-17 2017-02-09 Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. Surgical cassette
US9995611B2 (en) 2012-03-30 2018-06-12 Icu Medical, Inc. Air detection system and method for detecting air in a pump of an infusion system
US9180242B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2015-11-10 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Methods and devices for multiple fluid transfer
US9555186B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2017-01-31 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
US9610392B2 (en) 2012-06-08 2017-04-04 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods
US9500188B2 (en) 2012-06-11 2016-11-22 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid cassettes and related systems and methods
FR2993572B1 (en) 2012-07-23 2016-04-15 Emd Millipore Corp CIRCUIT FOR BIOLOGICAL LIQUID COMPRISING A PINCH VALVE
ES2743160T3 (en) 2012-07-31 2020-02-18 Icu Medical Inc Patient care system for critical medications
CN104602724B (en) * 2012-08-28 2017-02-15 汾沃有限公司 Spring-open sheeting for fluid processing cassette
GB2553460B (en) * 2012-11-12 2018-11-21 Biosurgical S L Gas-fluid separation device
GB2510321B (en) 2012-11-12 2018-01-31 Biosurgical S L Agitation apparatus
US10905816B2 (en) 2012-12-10 2021-02-02 Medtronic, Inc. Sodium management system for hemodialysis
CN104640523B (en) 2012-12-11 2017-07-04 爱尔康研究有限公司 Cataract ultrasonic emulsification handle with integrated suction and flushing pump
US9623165B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-04-18 Gambro Lundia Ab Cassette for pumping a treatment solution through a dialyzer
AU2013201546B2 (en) 2012-12-18 2014-10-23 Gambro Lundia Ab Dialysis composition
US9201036B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2015-12-01 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Method and system of monitoring electrolyte levels and composition using capacitance or induction
US9713660B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2017-07-25 Alcon Research, Ltd. Cassette clamp mechanism
US9157786B2 (en) 2012-12-24 2015-10-13 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Load suspension and weighing system for a dialysis machine reservoir
US9579443B2 (en) 2013-01-10 2017-02-28 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Peritoneal dialysis systems and related devices and methods
US9623164B2 (en) 2013-02-01 2017-04-18 Medtronic, Inc. Systems and methods for multifunctional volumetric fluid control
US10543052B2 (en) 2013-02-01 2020-01-28 Medtronic, Inc. Portable dialysis cabinet
US10850016B2 (en) 2013-02-01 2020-12-01 Medtronic, Inc. Modular fluid therapy system having jumpered flow paths and systems and methods for cleaning and disinfection
US10010663B2 (en) 2013-02-01 2018-07-03 Medtronic, Inc. Fluid circuit for delivery of renal replacement therapies
US9827361B2 (en) 2013-02-02 2017-11-28 Medtronic, Inc. pH buffer measurement system for hemodialysis systems
DE102013203656B4 (en) * 2013-03-04 2016-03-03 Robert Bosch Gmbh Microfluidic rotary valve
EP2964079B1 (en) 2013-03-06 2022-02-16 ICU Medical, Inc. Medical device communication method
US9962288B2 (en) 2013-03-07 2018-05-08 Novartis Ag Active acoustic streaming in hand piece for occlusion surge mitigation
US9173998B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-11-03 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. System and method for detecting occlusions in an infusion pump
US9968739B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-05-15 Carefusion 303, Inc. Rotary valve for a disposable infusion set
US10226571B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-03-12 Carefusion 303, Inc. Pump segment placement
US9561323B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2017-02-07 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid cassette leak detection methods and devices
US9468714B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-10-18 Carefusion 303, Inc. Memory and identification associated with IV set
US9440017B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-09-13 Baxter International Inc. System and method for performing alternative and sequential blood and peritoneal dialysis modalities
US9915274B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-03-13 Novartis Ag Acoustic pumps and systems
US9597439B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-03-21 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid sensing and concentration determination using radio frequency energy and a magnetic field
US9713664B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-07-25 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Nuclear magnetic resonance module for a dialysis machine
US9772386B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-09-26 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Dialysis system with sample concentration determination device using magnet and radio frequency coil assemblies
US9566377B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-02-14 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid sensing and concentration determination in a fluid cartridge with multiple passageways, using a radio frequency device situated within a magnetic field
US9545337B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-01-17 Novartis Ag Acoustic streaming glaucoma drainage device
US9126219B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-09-08 Alcon Research, Ltd. Acoustic streaming fluid ejector
US9750638B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-09-05 Novartis Ag Systems and methods for ocular surgery
US9693896B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-07-04 Novartis Ag Systems and methods for ocular surgery
US9433718B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-09-06 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Medical fluid system including radio frequency (RF) device within a magnetic assembly, and fluid cartridge body with one of multiple passageways disposed within the RF device, and specially configured cartridge gap accepting a portion of said RF device
WO2014177578A1 (en) * 2013-04-29 2014-11-06 Hestiamedtech Ab Fluid pump systems, and related methods for pumping biological fluids
WO2014190264A1 (en) 2013-05-24 2014-11-27 Hospira, Inc. Multi-sensor infusion system for detecting air or an occlusion in the infusion system
AU2014274146B2 (en) 2013-05-29 2019-01-24 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system which utilizes one or more sensors and additional information to make an air determination regarding the infusion system
CA2913918C (en) 2013-05-29 2022-02-15 Hospira, Inc. Infusion system and method of use which prevents over-saturation of an analog-to-digital converter
US9433721B2 (en) 2013-06-25 2016-09-06 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Vial spiking assemblies and related methods
CA2914977C (en) 2013-07-03 2021-11-02 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
US10117985B2 (en) 2013-08-21 2018-11-06 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Determining a volume of medical fluid pumped into or out of a medical fluid cassette
US20150066531A1 (en) 2013-08-30 2015-03-05 James D. Jacobson System and method of monitoring and managing a remote infusion regimen
US9662436B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2017-05-30 Icu Medical, Inc. Fail-safe drug infusion therapy system
JP2015084799A (en) * 2013-10-28 2015-05-07 旭化成メディカル株式会社 Heating container and medical fluid heating device
US10076283B2 (en) 2013-11-04 2018-09-18 Medtronic, Inc. Method and device to manage fluid volumes in the body
US9354640B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2016-05-31 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Smart actuator for valve
US10311972B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2019-06-04 Icu Medical, Inc. Medical device system performance index
JP2016537175A (en) 2013-11-19 2016-12-01 ホスピーラ インコーポレイテッド Infusion pump automation system and method
WO2015083987A1 (en) * 2013-12-03 2015-06-11 주식회사 케이티 Method and device for encoding/decoding multi-layer video signal
EP3110474B1 (en) 2014-02-28 2019-12-18 ICU Medical, Inc. Infusion system and method which utilizes dual wavelength optical air-in-line detection
DE102014103507A1 (en) * 2014-03-14 2015-09-17 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Medical functional device with a valve seat for a remanentes check valve
US10286135B2 (en) 2014-03-28 2019-05-14 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Measuring conductivity of a medical fluid
US10966646B2 (en) * 2014-04-07 2021-04-06 Phlebotics, Inc. Simplified blood sampling device and method
ES2864727T3 (en) 2014-04-29 2021-10-14 Outset Medical Inc Dialysis system and methods
CA2945647C (en) 2014-04-30 2023-08-08 Hospira, Inc. Patient care system with conditional alarm forwarding
AU2015266706B2 (en) 2014-05-29 2020-01-30 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system and pump with configurable closed loop delivery rate catch-up
WO2015188154A1 (en) 2014-06-05 2015-12-10 Deka Products Limited Partnership System for calculating a change in fluid volume in a pumping chamber
US9724470B2 (en) 2014-06-16 2017-08-08 Icu Medical, Inc. System for monitoring and delivering medication to a patient and method of using the same to minimize the risks associated with automated therapy
EP3194776B1 (en) * 2014-08-14 2019-07-03 SFC Fluidics, Inc. Dual latching microvalves
US10697447B2 (en) * 2014-08-21 2020-06-30 Fenwal, Inc. Magnet-based systems and methods for transferring fluid
US10980929B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2021-04-20 Diality Inc. Hemodialysis system with ultrafiltration controller
US10172989B2 (en) 2014-09-12 2019-01-08 Easydial Inc. Portable hemodialysis machine and disposable cartridge with blood leak sensor
US9539383B2 (en) 2014-09-15 2017-01-10 Hospira, Inc. System and method that matches delayed infusion auto-programs with manually entered infusion programs and analyzes differences therein
US9486590B2 (en) 2014-09-29 2016-11-08 Fenwal, Inc. Automatic purging of air from a fluid processing system
US10912875B2 (en) * 2014-10-09 2021-02-09 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Sensing negative pressure with a pressure transducer
US10363360B2 (en) 2014-12-01 2019-07-30 Carefusion 2200, Inc. Pump cassettes with slider and infusion pump systems
US10245373B2 (en) 2014-12-01 2019-04-02 Carefusion 2200, Inc. Pump cassettes with positioning feature and infusion pump systems
US10376639B2 (en) 2014-12-01 2019-08-13 Carefusion 2200, Inc. Valving system for infusion cassette
US10293102B2 (en) * 2014-12-01 2019-05-21 Carefusion 2200, Inc. Pump cassettes with piston and infusion pump systems
US9895479B2 (en) 2014-12-10 2018-02-20 Medtronic, Inc. Water management system for use in dialysis
US9713665B2 (en) 2014-12-10 2017-07-25 Medtronic, Inc. Degassing system for dialysis
US10098993B2 (en) 2014-12-10 2018-10-16 Medtronic, Inc. Sensing and storage system for fluid balance
US10874787B2 (en) 2014-12-10 2020-12-29 Medtronic, Inc. Degassing system for dialysis
US11344668B2 (en) 2014-12-19 2022-05-31 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion
US10850024B2 (en) 2015-03-02 2020-12-01 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system, device, and method having advanced infusion features
CN104707196B (en) * 2015-03-25 2017-07-04 上海工程技术大学 A kind of peritoneal dialysis instrument
EP3304370B1 (en) 2015-05-26 2020-12-30 ICU Medical, Inc. Infusion pump system and method with multiple drug library editor source capability
US9974942B2 (en) 2015-06-19 2018-05-22 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Non-vented vial drug delivery
US10753815B2 (en) 2015-10-28 2020-08-25 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Relative pressure sensor
GB2544514B (en) * 2015-11-19 2020-12-16 Quanta Dialysis Technologies Ltd Dialysis machine with valve clamp arrangement
US9945838B2 (en) 2015-12-17 2018-04-17 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Extracorporeal circuit blood chamber having an integrated deaeration device
US10625009B2 (en) 2016-02-17 2020-04-21 Baxter International Inc. Airtrap, system and method for removing microbubbles from a fluid stream
WO2017161319A1 (en) 2016-03-18 2017-09-21 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pressure control gaskets for operating pump cassette membranes
US10994064B2 (en) 2016-08-10 2021-05-04 Medtronic, Inc. Peritoneal dialysate flow path sensing
US10874790B2 (en) 2016-08-10 2020-12-29 Medtronic, Inc. Peritoneal dialysis intracycle osmotic agent adjustment
WO2017177174A1 (en) 2016-04-08 2017-10-12 Oshkosh Corporation Leveling system for lift device
AU2017264784B2 (en) 2016-05-13 2022-04-21 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion pump system and method with common line auto flush
EP3468635A4 (en) 2016-06-10 2019-11-20 ICU Medical, Inc. Acoustic flow sensor for continuous medication flow measurements and feedback control of infusion
ES2960055T3 (en) 2016-06-16 2024-02-29 Smiths Medical Asd Inc Sets and Methods for Infusion Pump System Administration Sets
BE1024313B1 (en) * 2016-06-22 2018-01-31 Cnh Ind Belgium Nv AIR SENSOR SYSTEM
AU2017295722B2 (en) 2016-07-14 2022-08-11 Icu Medical, Inc. Multi-communication path selection and security system for a medical device
EP3500317B1 (en) 2016-08-19 2022-02-23 Outset Medical, Inc. Peritoneal dialysis system and methods
US11013843B2 (en) 2016-09-09 2021-05-25 Medtronic, Inc. Peritoneal dialysis fluid testing system
CN110088473B (en) 2016-12-21 2022-04-19 费森尤斯医疗护理德国有限责任公司 Diaphragm pump device and diaphragm pump with diaphragm pump device and operating device
DE102016015207A1 (en) * 2016-12-21 2018-06-21 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Actuating device and method for operating an actuating device and diaphragm pump with an actuating device and a diaphragm pump device and a blood treatment device with a diaphragm pump
US10907626B2 (en) 2017-02-16 2021-02-02 Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. Peristaltic pump with reduced triboelectric effects
US11135345B2 (en) 2017-05-10 2021-10-05 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. On demand dialysate mixing using concentrates
US11179516B2 (en) 2017-06-22 2021-11-23 Baxter International Inc. Systems and methods for incorporating patient pressure into medical fluid delivery
AU2018302257A1 (en) 2017-07-19 2020-01-30 Smiths Medical Asd, Inc. Housing arrangements for infusion pumps
JP7332253B2 (en) * 2017-10-03 2023-08-23 バクスター・インターナショナル・インコーポレイテッド MODULAR MEDICAL FLUID MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY, RELATED APPARATUS, AND METHOD
US10722635B2 (en) * 2017-10-03 2020-07-28 Baxter International Inc. Modular medical fluid management assemblies and associated machines and methods
US10729839B2 (en) * 2017-10-03 2020-08-04 Baxter International Inc. Modular medical fluid management assemblies, machines and methods
US11826503B2 (en) 2017-11-13 2023-11-28 Children's Healthcare Of Atlanta, Inc. Medical fluid cassettes and related systems
US11278654B2 (en) 2017-12-07 2022-03-22 Medtronic, Inc. Pneumatic manifold for a dialysis system
US10089055B1 (en) 2017-12-27 2018-10-02 Icu Medical, Inc. Synchronized display of screen content on networked devices
US11033667B2 (en) 2018-02-02 2021-06-15 Medtronic, Inc. Sorbent manifold for a dialysis system
US11110215B2 (en) 2018-02-23 2021-09-07 Medtronic, Inc. Degasser and vent manifolds for dialysis
WO2019188500A1 (en) * 2018-03-26 2019-10-03 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Biological component treatment cassette and biological component treatment system
BR112020019993A2 (en) 2018-03-30 2021-01-26 Deka Products Limited Partnership liquid pumping cassettes and associated pressure distribution manifold and related methods
US10937298B2 (en) * 2018-04-11 2021-03-02 Shawn NEVIN Occupant monitoring system and method
US11523972B2 (en) 2018-04-24 2022-12-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
WO2020018389A1 (en) 2018-07-17 2020-01-23 Icu Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for facilitating clinical messaging in a network environment
AU2019306490A1 (en) 2018-07-17 2021-02-04 Icu Medical, Inc. Updating infusion pump drug libraries and operational software in a networked environment
US10861592B2 (en) 2018-07-17 2020-12-08 Icu Medical, Inc. Reducing infusion pump network congestion by staggering updates
US11483403B2 (en) 2018-07-17 2022-10-25 Icu Medical, Inc. Maintaining clinical messaging during network instability
US10692595B2 (en) 2018-07-26 2020-06-23 Icu Medical, Inc. Drug library dynamic version management
CA3107315C (en) 2018-07-26 2023-01-03 Icu Medical, Inc. Drug library management system
US11504458B2 (en) 2018-10-17 2022-11-22 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Ultrasonic authentication for dialysis
US11806457B2 (en) 2018-11-16 2023-11-07 Mozarc Medical Us Llc Peritoneal dialysis adequacy meaurements
US11806456B2 (en) 2018-12-10 2023-11-07 Mozarc Medical Us Llc Precision peritoneal dialysis therapy based on dialysis adequacy measurements
US11698059B2 (en) 2018-12-29 2023-07-11 Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. Disposable dual-action reciprocating pump assembly
US11767834B2 (en) 2018-12-29 2023-09-26 Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. Using balloon as damper for port of a reciprocating pump
US11795941B2 (en) 2018-12-29 2023-10-24 Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. Using silicone o-rings in dual action irrigation pump
WO2021030135A1 (en) 2019-08-09 2021-02-18 Baxter International Inc. Capacitive priming sensor for a medical fluid delivery system
US10828202B1 (en) * 2019-10-03 2020-11-10 Aatru Medical, LLC Negative pressure treatment including mechanical and chemical pump
EP4054698A4 (en) * 2019-11-05 2023-12-06 Diality Inc. Disposable cartridge and pump track mechanism
TW202130377A (en) * 2019-12-04 2021-08-16 新加坡國立大學 Autonomous dialysis control
US11278671B2 (en) 2019-12-04 2022-03-22 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion pump with safety sequence keypad
US11512193B2 (en) 2020-01-06 2022-11-29 Inv Polypropylene, Llc Polymeric substrate including a barrier layer
WO2022020184A1 (en) 2020-07-21 2022-01-27 Icu Medical, Inc. Fluid transfer devices and methods of use
US11759560B2 (en) 2020-09-15 2023-09-19 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Safety mechanism for a dialysis system
US20220080091A1 (en) * 2020-09-16 2022-03-17 Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. Dialysis machine with intelligent load monitoring
US11135360B1 (en) 2020-12-07 2021-10-05 Icu Medical, Inc. Concurrent infusion with common line auto flush
GB202105909D0 (en) * 2021-04-26 2021-06-09 Cytiva Sweden Ab Gb2105909.2
US11850344B2 (en) 2021-08-11 2023-12-26 Mozarc Medical Us Llc Gas bubble sensor
US20230181809A1 (en) * 2021-12-13 2023-06-15 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Surgical devices, systems, and methods facilitating multiple flow path fluid management
WO2024004950A1 (en) * 2022-06-28 2024-01-04 日機装株式会社 Blood purification device

Family Cites Families (768)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US579072A (en) * 1897-03-16 John s
DE251904C (en)
DE133411C (en)
US2286613A (en) * 1939-06-08 1942-06-16 Pomona Pump Company Liquid supply system
BE518342A (en) 1952-03-11 1900-01-01
DE1065965B (en) 1956-12-04 1959-09-24
US3113986A (en) 1962-01-08 1963-12-10 Hercules Powder Co Ltd Hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons
US3268441A (en) 1963-05-21 1966-08-23 Ionics Water recovery by electrodialysis
DE1226740B (en) 1963-07-25 1966-10-13 Hofer Andreas Display device for diaphragm rupture on diaphragm compressors
US3494897A (en) 1963-12-05 1970-02-10 Union Carbide Corp Ethylene/bicyclo(2.2.1)hept-2-ene copolymers
US3255923A (en) 1964-02-03 1966-06-14 Lacto Seal Inc Disposable liquid storage and dispensing device
US3327115A (en) * 1964-10-12 1967-06-20 Polaroid Corp Apparatus for holding a photosensitive sheet in a film package with an inflatable bag
US3375300A (en) 1964-12-31 1968-03-26 Hercules Inc Compositions containing maleic anhydride-polypropylene graft copolymers, and a fatty acid polyamide or an amine aldehyde resin
US3388803A (en) 1965-04-16 1968-06-18 Applied Biolog Sciences Lab In Wearable dialysis apparatus
US3561493A (en) 1965-04-21 1971-02-09 Paul Maillard Composite tubes and method of manufacturing same
US3428828A (en) 1965-08-27 1969-02-18 Gen Electric Sample and hold circuit
US3514359A (en) 1965-10-11 1970-05-26 Huels Chemische Werke Ag Process of uniting objects of polybutene-(1)
US3375716A (en) * 1965-10-12 1968-04-02 Simmonds Precision Products Fluid quantity measuring device
FR1501835A (en) 1966-09-22 1967-11-18 Wonder Piles Improvements to membranes that are impermeable to liquids but permeable to gases, in particular for batteries and accumulators
CA849081A (en) 1967-03-02 1970-08-11 Du Pont Of Canada Limited PRODUCTION OF ETHYLENE/.alpha.-OLEFIN COPOLYMERS OF IMPROVED PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
DE1964735U (en) 1967-04-18 1967-07-27 Oskar Dipl Ing Voelter PAIR OF COMPONENTS FORMING A ROAD CROSSING.
US3485245A (en) 1967-06-21 1969-12-23 Ibm Portable fluid heater
US3825493A (en) 1972-09-29 1974-07-23 Hydronautics Peritoneal artificial kidney
US3799873A (en) * 1968-04-19 1974-03-26 Hydronautics Artificial kidney
FR2036413A5 (en) 1969-03-13 1970-12-24 Thomson Csf
SE331736B (en) 1969-06-04 1971-01-11 Lkb Medical Ab
GB1280521A (en) * 1969-06-28 1972-07-05 Whitely Lang And Neill Ltd Peritoneal dialysis apparatus
US3667612A (en) 1969-09-04 1972-06-06 Joe H Leonard Artificial kidney system
BE759038A (en) 1969-11-17 1971-04-30 Cci Aerospace Corp RECIRCULATION DIALYSAT MODULE, INTENDED TO BE DISCARDED
DE1964735A1 (en) 1969-12-23 1971-07-08 Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg Peritoneal dialysis machine
US3619423A (en) 1970-04-20 1971-11-09 Us Health Education & Welfare Cascade dialysis apparatus and method
FR2088805A5 (en) 1970-04-24 1972-01-07 Fabr Element Catalytiq
US3689204A (en) 1970-05-18 1972-09-05 Gen Motors Corp Laminated liquid pump and method of making same
US3912843A (en) 1970-06-29 1975-10-14 Milprint Inc Flexible packaging film
US3626670A (en) 1970-06-30 1971-12-14 Vernitron Corp Fluid circulation apparatus including deaeration and negative pressure control
US3707967A (en) * 1970-10-01 1973-01-02 Tecna Corp Steady flow regenerative peritoneal dialysis system and method
US3656873A (en) * 1970-11-06 1972-04-18 Peter Schiff Pulsatile by-pass blood pump
US3709222A (en) * 1970-12-28 1973-01-09 Sarns Inc Method and apparatus for automatic peritoneal dialysis
US3727612A (en) * 1971-01-18 1973-04-17 R Sayers Dialysis method and apparatus
FR2129165A5 (en) 1971-03-17 1972-10-27 Rhone Poulenc Sa
FR2129164A5 (en) 1971-03-17 1972-10-27 Rhone Poulenc Sa
US3772136A (en) 1971-04-20 1973-11-13 Gen Mills Inc Fibrous products from thermoplastic polyamide polymers
BE792314A (en) * 1971-12-06 1973-06-05 Rhone Poulenc Sa DEVELOPMENT IN ARTIFICIAL KIDNEYS
US3814799A (en) 1972-01-14 1974-06-04 Basf Ag Purifying gases containing mercury or mercury and oxygen as impurities
US3792643A (en) * 1972-02-17 1974-02-19 R Scheafer Fluid system
US3979284A (en) 1972-07-31 1976-09-07 Rhone-Poulenc S.A. Artificial haemodialysis kidneys
US3816033A (en) 1972-11-21 1974-06-11 Greiner Scient Corp Multi-channel pump
US3809241A (en) * 1973-02-23 1974-05-07 Electro Sys Eng Inc Self-container kidney dialysis apparatus
US3937758A (en) 1973-03-26 1976-02-10 Dart Industries Inc. Process for the production of high impact compositions of polyethylene and polypropylene block copolymers
US4087578A (en) 1973-05-16 1978-05-02 Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Heat sealable sheet materials
US3823724A (en) 1973-05-25 1974-07-16 Med Lab Computer Services Inc Controlling flow of medical fluids
US3929314A (en) 1973-06-08 1975-12-30 Eaton Corp Actuating means for a butterfly valve
US3884808A (en) * 1973-06-20 1975-05-20 Res Dev Systems Inc Wearable, self-regenerating dialysis appliance
US3858581A (en) 1973-07-02 1975-01-07 Dean Kamen Medication injection device
US4192748A (en) * 1973-07-05 1980-03-11 Hyden Viktor H Dialysis apparatus with selective chemical activity
US3995084A (en) 1973-07-09 1976-11-30 Allied Chemical Corporation Films and bags of nylon 6 - nylon 6,6 blends
US3882899A (en) * 1973-07-26 1975-05-13 Coulter Electronics Pinch valve construction
USRE32303E (en) 1973-07-31 1986-12-09 American Medical Products Corp. Peritoneal dialysis apparatus
GB1433758A (en) 1973-10-23 1976-04-28 Hamilton T W Membrane pump
DE2355966A1 (en) 1973-11-09 1975-05-22 Medac Klinische Spezialpraep PUMP ARRANGEMENT, ESPECIALLY FOR BLOOD PUMPS
US4118314A (en) 1974-01-09 1978-10-03 Seisan Kaihatsu Kagaku Kenkyusho Apparatus for treatment of artificial kidney dialyzing fluid
US3902490A (en) 1974-03-27 1975-09-02 Univ Utah Portable artificial kidney system
US4158530A (en) 1974-07-01 1979-06-19 Bernstein Robert E Pumping apparatus comprising two collapsible chambers
US4407877A (en) 1974-07-05 1983-10-04 Rasmussen O B High-strength laminate
US3903478A (en) 1974-07-30 1975-09-02 Simmonds Precision Products Fluid density measuring system
US3967809A (en) 1974-10-03 1976-07-06 Skantar Michael J Linear fluidic actuator
US3976574A (en) 1974-11-04 1976-08-24 Cobe Laboratories, Inc. Negative pressure control system
AR207667A1 (en) 1974-12-23 1976-10-22 Grace W R & Co PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN ORIENTED POLYAMIDE LAMINATES AND THE LAMINATE SO OBTAINED
US4058647A (en) 1975-02-27 1977-11-15 Mitsubishi Petrochemical Co., Ltd. Process for preparing laminated resin product
US4332655A (en) 1975-04-15 1982-06-01 Raychem Corporation Adhesive compositions comprising ethylene/polar monomer copolymer and an elastomer
US4126132A (en) 1975-07-28 1978-11-21 Andros Incorporated Intravenous and intra arterial delivery system
US4087587A (en) 1975-09-19 1978-05-02 Chemplex Company Adhesive blends
US4087588A (en) 1975-09-22 1978-05-02 Chemplex Company Adhesive blends
US4351333A (en) 1975-10-28 1982-09-28 Harrison Lazarus Peritoneal fluid treatment apparatus, package and method
US4086653A (en) * 1976-01-09 1978-04-25 Thermo Electron Corporation Pneumatic pump monitor
IL49031A (en) 1976-02-13 1979-11-30 Ramot Plastics Peritoneal artificial kidney
US4071040A (en) 1976-03-18 1978-01-31 North Electric Company Water-proof air-pressure equalizing valve
CA1110137A (en) 1976-05-24 1981-10-06 Ingemar H. Lundquist Intravenous liquid pumping system and method
US4041103A (en) 1976-06-07 1977-08-09 Shell Oil Company Blends of certain hydrogenated block copolymers
US4110303A (en) 1976-06-07 1978-08-29 Shell Oil Company Multicomponent polyolefin-block copolymer-polyamide blends
US4083777A (en) * 1976-09-07 1978-04-11 Union Carbide Corporation Portable hemodialysis system
US4079007A (en) * 1976-09-07 1978-03-14 Union Carbide Corporation Hemodialysis system with modular dialysate manifold assembly
SE402212B (en) * 1976-10-14 1978-06-26 Gambro Ab DIALYSIS SYSTEM
FR2371931A1 (en) 1976-11-24 1978-06-23 Abg Semca Peritoneal dialysis - includes pumping dialysis liq. into peritoneal cavity and after diffusion for given time, draining the liq. from the cavity in two stages
US4194536A (en) * 1976-12-09 1980-03-25 Eaton Corporation Composite tubing product
US4233367A (en) 1977-01-06 1980-11-11 American Can Company Coextruded multilayer film
US4140118A (en) 1977-03-09 1979-02-20 Andros Incorporated Cassette chamber for intravenous delivery system
FR2385406A1 (en) 1977-03-28 1978-10-27 Akzo Nv ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY
US4095863A (en) 1977-03-30 1978-06-20 Robertshaw Controls Company Manifold means and system for electrical and/or pneumatic control devices and method
US4096859A (en) 1977-04-04 1978-06-27 Agarwal Mahesh C Apparatus for peritoneal dialysis
US4142524A (en) 1977-06-02 1979-03-06 Andros Incorporated Cassette for intravenous delivery system
US4137915A (en) 1977-06-03 1979-02-06 Dean Kamen Flow control for an intravenous feeding system
US4199307A (en) * 1977-07-05 1980-04-22 Andros Incorporated Medical infusion system
DE2734248A1 (en) 1977-07-29 1979-02-08 Fresenius Chem Pharm Ind PORTABLE ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY
US4190047A (en) * 1977-08-26 1980-02-26 University Of Utah Method and apparatus for peritoneal dialysis
US4211519A (en) 1977-08-29 1980-07-08 Cole-Parmer Instrument Company Fluid pump and quick release mounting arrangement therefor
US4147827A (en) 1977-11-04 1979-04-03 Mobil Oil Corporation Coextruded heat sealable laminar thermoplastic films
DE2754809C2 (en) * 1977-12-09 1984-10-11 Fresenius AG, 6380 Bad Homburg Device for periodic rinsing of body cavities, in particular the abdominal cavity and the urinary bladder
DE2755214C3 (en) 1977-12-10 1980-12-11 Dr. Eduard Fresenius Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Industrie Kg Apparatebau Kg, 6380 Bad Homburg Device for periodic irrigation of the abdominal cavity
US4187057A (en) 1978-01-11 1980-02-05 Stewart-Naumann Laboratories, Inc. Peristaltic infusion pump and disposable cassette for use therewith
IT1092077B (en) 1978-01-20 1985-07-06 Bellco Spa PORTABLE MACHINE FOR REGENERATION DIALYSIS
US4122947A (en) 1978-01-27 1978-10-31 Falla Marjorie B Pre-packaged patient identification kit
JPS54109291A (en) 1978-02-16 1979-08-27 Genshirou Ogawa Heater structure for instillation liquid* transfusion blood or like
US4273121A (en) 1978-02-17 1981-06-16 Andros Incorporated Medical infusion system
US4181245A (en) 1978-02-17 1980-01-01 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Casette for use with an I.V. infusion controller
US4243619A (en) 1978-03-31 1981-01-06 Union Carbide Corporation Process for making film from low density ethylene hydrocarbon copolymer
JPS6210455Y2 (en) * 1978-04-07 1987-03-11
IT1174707B (en) 1978-05-03 1987-07-01 Bonomini Vittorio PORTABLE ARTIFICIAL KIDNEY FOR DIALYSIS
DE2838414C2 (en) 1978-09-02 1984-10-31 Fresenius AG, 6380 Bad Homburg Device for hemodialysis and for withdrawing ultrafiltrate
US4265601A (en) 1978-09-05 1981-05-05 Harold Mandroian Three valve precision pump apparatus with head pressure flowthrough protection
GB2035093B (en) 1978-10-26 1983-01-12 Baxter Travenol Lab Medical articles made of blood compatible polymers
EP0011935B2 (en) 1978-11-06 1991-05-22 Medtronic, Inc. Body stimulator programmer
FR2440740A1 (en) 1978-11-08 1980-06-06 Abg Semca Automatic peritoneal dialysis appts. - allows treatment at home and eliminates possibility of dangerous incidents by automatic and safety systems
US4391600A (en) 1979-03-09 1983-07-05 Avi, Inc. Nonpulsating IV pump and disposable pump chamber
US4236880A (en) 1979-03-09 1980-12-02 Archibald Development Labs, Inc. Nonpulsating IV pump and disposable pump chamber
US4382753A (en) 1979-03-09 1983-05-10 Avi, Inc. Nonpulsating IV pump and disposable pump chamber
US4410322A (en) 1979-03-09 1983-10-18 Avi, Inc. Nonpulsating TV pump and disposable pump chamber
US4277226A (en) 1979-03-09 1981-07-07 Avi, Inc. IV Pump with empty supply reservoir and occlusion detector
IL56975A (en) * 1979-03-29 1982-09-30 Ramot Plastics Diaphragm pump
US4573994A (en) 1979-04-27 1986-03-04 The Johns Hopkins University Refillable medication infusion apparatus
USD264134S (en) 1979-05-07 1982-04-27 Stewart-Reiss Laboratories, Inc. Disposable cassette for use in a peristaltic pump
US4429076A (en) 1979-06-13 1984-01-31 Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Thermoplastic polymer composition
US4303376A (en) 1979-07-09 1981-12-01 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Flow metering cassette and controller
US4411649A (en) 1979-07-12 1983-10-25 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Fluid flow control system
US4778450A (en) 1979-07-12 1988-10-18 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Fluid flow control system
US4276175A (en) 1979-07-19 1981-06-30 Bower John D Regeneratable peritoneal dialysis bag
US4327726A (en) 1979-08-15 1982-05-04 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Connector member for dissimilar materials
US4226952A (en) 1979-08-20 1980-10-07 The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company Thermoplastic elastomer blends of alpha-olefin polymers and hydrogenated medium and high vinyl butadiene polymers
JPS5910724B2 (en) 1979-08-24 1984-03-10 旭化成株式会社 Continuous polymerization of ethylene
US4252651A (en) * 1979-08-29 1981-02-24 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Negative pressure valving system and transmembrane pressure alarm system
US4369708A (en) * 1979-09-21 1983-01-25 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Delay blasting cap
IT7943514A0 (en) * 1979-10-26 1979-10-26 Buoncristiani Vincenzo AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT FOR PERITONEAL DIALYSIS WITH RECYCLING OF THE DISCHARGE LIQUID DURING THE DIALYTIC SESSION
US4407888A (en) 1979-12-07 1983-10-04 Raychem Limited Dimensionally recoverable article with adhesive portion
US4387184A (en) 1979-12-10 1983-06-07 Rhone-Poulenc Industries Heat stable polyphase polyamide compositions and preparation thereof
US4334838A (en) 1980-01-29 1982-06-15 The Coca-Cola Company Diaphragm type fluid pump having a flexible diaphragm with an internal reinforcing plate
JPS6111571Y2 (en) 1980-01-30 1986-04-11
US4532414A (en) 1980-05-12 1985-07-30 Data Chem., Inc. Controlled temperature blood warming apparatus
US4316466A (en) * 1980-06-27 1982-02-23 Biomedics, Inc. Body fluid drainage device
US4322465A (en) 1980-08-08 1982-03-30 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Clear, autoclavable, sealed container having good water vapor barrier properties and flex crack resistance
US4333088A (en) 1980-11-03 1982-06-01 Exxon Research & Engineering Co. Disposable peristaltic pump assembly for facsimile printer
CA1188998A (en) 1980-11-12 1985-06-18 Stephen R. Ash System and method for controlling and monitoring blood or biologic fluid flow
US4298714A (en) 1980-12-16 1981-11-03 Yeda Research & Development Co. Ltd. Modified polyvinylchloride
JPS57105411A (en) 1980-12-23 1982-06-30 Mitsubishi Petrochem Co Ltd Ethylenic copolymer
ATE10670T1 (en) * 1980-12-29 1984-12-15 Lewa Herbert Ott Gmbh + Co. DIAPHRAGM PUMP WITH RELIEVED CLAMPED DIAPHRAGM.
US4322480A (en) 1980-12-29 1982-03-30 Allied Chemical Corporation Polyamide-polyethylene laminates
DE3101159C2 (en) 1981-01-16 1985-08-22 Udipi Ramakrishna Dr. 5100 Aachen Shettigar Process for purifying blood and artificial kidney for carrying out the process
US4438238A (en) 1981-01-30 1984-03-20 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Low density copolymer composition of two ethylene-α-olefin copolymers
US4588648A (en) 1981-02-20 1986-05-13 American Can Company Multiple layer plastic film having polypropylene adhered to nylon
US4760114A (en) 1981-02-26 1988-07-26 General Electric Company Polyphenylene ether compositions and process
US4600401A (en) 1981-04-15 1986-07-15 Baxter Travenol Laboratories Fluid flow control system
US4574876A (en) * 1981-05-11 1986-03-11 Extracorporeal Medical Specialties, Inc. Container with tapered walls for heating or cooling fluids
US4417753A (en) 1981-05-21 1983-11-29 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Method and apparatus for joining materials
US4449976A (en) 1981-05-21 1984-05-22 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Device for preserving continuity of intravenous flow
US4475900A (en) 1981-06-05 1984-10-09 Popovich Robert P Method of peritoneal dialysis involving ultraviolet radiation of dialysis apparatus
US4381005A (en) 1981-06-29 1983-04-26 Abbott Laboratories Intravenous pump chamber
US4642098A (en) 1981-06-29 1987-02-10 Valleylab, Inc. IV system and controller and combination IV filter and pump assembly for use therein and method
DE3130119C2 (en) 1981-07-27 1983-07-07 Mannesmann AG, 4000 Düsseldorf Process for the edge-controlled application of a colored line on elongated rolling stock
US4464563A (en) 1981-08-28 1984-08-07 Jewett Warren R Intravenous fluid warmer
GB2107796B (en) 1981-10-07 1985-02-27 Autoclude Ltd Peristaltic pumping device
US4523901A (en) * 1981-10-17 1985-06-18 Barmag Barmer Maschinenfabrick Ag Control apparatus for a positive displacement reciprocating pump
US4396382A (en) 1981-12-07 1983-08-02 Travenol European Research And Development Centre Multiple chamber system for peritoneal dialysis
US4507707A (en) 1981-12-30 1985-03-26 Willis John G Electro-pneumatic assembly device
US4410164A (en) 1981-12-31 1983-10-18 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Modular flow control system
JPS58129035A (en) 1982-01-29 1983-08-01 Kishimoto Akira Resin composition having excellent drawability
DE3205449C2 (en) 1982-02-16 1985-10-17 Fresenius AG, 6380 Bad Homburg Device for purifying metabolic products from the blood
US4472116A (en) 1982-03-01 1984-09-18 Air-Shields, Inc. Infusion pumping apparatus
US4472117A (en) 1982-03-01 1984-09-18 Air-Shields, Inc. Infusion pumping apparatus
US4413988A (en) 1982-04-28 1983-11-08 Handt Alan E Short-tubing set gravity powered peritoneal cycler
AU565262B2 (en) 1982-06-02 1987-09-10 Du Pont Canada Inc. Pouches of copolymer film
CA1173712A (en) 1982-06-18 1984-09-04 Mahesh Agarwal Method and apparatus for peritoneal dialysis
US4842948A (en) 1982-06-21 1989-06-27 John Gagliani Methods and compositions for producing polyimide coatings
DD210385A3 (en) 1982-06-28 1984-06-06 Medizin Labortechnik Veb K DIALYSIS DEVICE WITH REGENERATION SYSTEM FOR THE CONTINUOUS AMBULANT PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
US4559044A (en) 1982-08-03 1985-12-17 Quest Medical, Inc. Volumetric metering unit for intravenous fluid addition
US4405667A (en) 1982-08-06 1983-09-20 American Can Company Retortable packaging structure
FR2532653B1 (en) 1982-09-06 1986-06-13 Rhone Poulenc Spec Chim COMPOSITIONS FOR MOLDING BASED ON SEMI-RIGID COPOLYAMIDES DERIVED FROM FATTY ACID DIMERS, ELASTOMERS AND POSSIBLY CONVENTIONAL POLYAMIDES
US4488961A (en) 1982-09-29 1984-12-18 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company One-way filter unit
JPS5963554A (en) 1982-10-04 1984-04-11 Hitachi Ltd Urease immobilizing urea electrode and its production
US4479989A (en) 1982-12-02 1984-10-30 Cutter Laboratories, Inc. Flexible container material
US4560472A (en) 1982-12-10 1985-12-24 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Peritoneal dialysis apparatus
US4479762A (en) 1982-12-28 1984-10-30 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Prepackaged fluid processing module having pump and valve elements operable in response to applied pressures
US4479760A (en) 1982-12-28 1984-10-30 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Actuator apparatus for a prepackaged fluid processing module having pump and valve elements operable in response to applied pressures
US4479761A (en) 1982-12-28 1984-10-30 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Actuator apparatus for a prepackaged fluid processing module having pump and valve elements operable in response to externally applied pressures
US4537561A (en) 1983-02-24 1985-08-27 Medical Technology, Ltd. Peristaltic infusion pump and disposable cassette for use therewith
US4834755A (en) 1983-04-04 1989-05-30 Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc. Triaxially-braided fabric prosthesis
EP0140929B1 (en) 1983-04-13 1989-02-01 Field Group Chemicals Pty. Limited Enema bag
US4724028A (en) 1983-04-15 1988-02-09 Baxter Travenol Laboratories Method of manufacturing disc-shaped rubber articles, such as injection sites
US4504038A (en) * 1983-04-25 1985-03-12 King Ottis W Valve actuator
US4937299A (en) 1983-06-06 1990-06-26 Exxon Research & Engineering Company Process and catalyst for producing reactor blend polyolefins
US4786697A (en) 1983-06-15 1988-11-22 Exxon Research & Engineering Co. Molecular weight distribution modification in a tubular reactor
US4789714A (en) 1983-06-15 1988-12-06 Exxon Research & Engineering Co. Molecular weight distribution modification in tubular reactor
US4663006A (en) 1983-09-08 1987-05-05 The Montefiore Hospital Association Of Western Pennsylvania Cyclic controlled electrolysis
DE3333362C2 (en) 1983-09-15 1986-03-20 Fresenius AG, 6380 Bad Homburg Peritoneal dialysis machine
US4707389A (en) 1983-09-30 1987-11-17 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Multilayer tube, assembly and method
JPS6088016A (en) 1983-10-21 1985-05-17 Mitsui Petrochem Ind Ltd Ethylene copolymer
US4585436A (en) * 1983-11-03 1986-04-29 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Peritoneal dialysis apparatus
JPS60100757A (en) * 1983-11-08 1985-06-04 Hitachi Ltd Oxygen electrode
GB2149345B (en) 1983-11-09 1987-03-11 Grace W R & Co Heat sterilizable laminate films
US4648872A (en) 1983-11-15 1987-03-10 Kamen Dean L Volumetric pump with replaceable reservoir assembly
US4749109A (en) 1983-11-15 1988-06-07 Kamen Dean L Volumetric pump with replaceable reservoir assembly
JPS60120050A (en) 1983-12-02 1985-06-27 呉羽化学工業株式会社 Heat-shrinkable cylindrical laminated film
US4559036A (en) 1983-12-14 1985-12-17 Wunsch Richard E Apparatus for controlling administration of multiple intravenous solutions and medications
IT1170015B (en) 1983-12-19 1987-06-03 Sis Ter Sistemi Terapeutici Sp IMPROVED AUTOMATIC APPARATUS OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
US4613327A (en) 1984-01-26 1986-09-23 Tegrarian Haig V Apparatus for infusing blood and other related fluids into a patient's body
US4614778A (en) 1984-02-03 1986-09-30 Hirokazu Kajiura Random copolymer
CA1257165A (en) 1984-02-08 1989-07-11 Paul Epstein Infusion system having plural fluid input ports and at least one patient output port
US4865584A (en) 1984-02-08 1989-09-12 Omni-Flow, Inc. Cassette for programable multiple input infusion system
US5108367A (en) * 1984-02-08 1992-04-28 Abbott Laboratories Pressure responsive multiple input infusion system
US4548348A (en) 1984-02-27 1985-10-22 Solo Cup Company Disposable cup assembly
DE3408331C2 (en) * 1984-03-07 1986-06-12 Fresenius AG, 6380 Bad Homburg Pumping arrangement for medical purposes
US4765907A (en) 1984-03-28 1988-08-23 Research Development Systems, Inc. Wearable, continuously internally operable and externally regenerable dialysis device
GB8409927D0 (en) 1984-04-17 1984-05-31 St Andrews University Of Unive Pump
US4574173A (en) 1984-05-04 1986-03-04 Warner-Lambert Company Device for RF welding an IV tube to a catheter lumen
JPS60247557A (en) 1984-05-09 1985-12-07 株式会社クラレ Laminate and manufacture thereof
US4673334A (en) 1984-05-25 1987-06-16 Isco, Inc. Peristaltic pump
US5643201A (en) 1984-07-09 1997-07-01 Peabody; Alan M. Continuous peritoneal dialysis apparatus
US4747822A (en) * 1984-07-09 1988-05-31 Peabody Alan M Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis system and method
US4586920A (en) 1984-07-09 1986-05-06 Peabody Alan M Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis system and method
US4718890A (en) * 1984-07-09 1988-01-12 Peabody Alan M Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis system and method
DE3428828A1 (en) 1984-08-04 1986-02-13 Karl-Theo 6652 Bexbach Braun DEVICE FOR CONVEYING MECHANICAL STRESS HIGH-SENSITIVE LIQUIDS
US4703773A (en) 1984-09-20 1987-11-03 Danfoss A/S Valve arrangement with at least two diaphragms
DE3435233A1 (en) 1984-09-26 1986-04-03 N.V. Cobelplast S.A., Lokeren THERMOFORMABLE, MULTILAYER PLASTIC FILM WITH GAS SEAL PROPERTIES
US5176956A (en) 1984-09-26 1993-01-05 Medtronic, Inc. Biomedical apparatus having fatty acid dimer derived skin compatible adhesive composition thereon
US4686125A (en) 1984-09-28 1987-08-11 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Film laminate for sterile flexible containers
US4692361A (en) 1984-09-28 1987-09-08 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Film laminate with gas barrier for sterile flexible containers
US4661246A (en) * 1984-10-01 1987-04-28 Ash Medical Systems, Inc. Dialysis instrument with dialysate side pump for moving body fluids
US4547136A (en) 1984-11-05 1985-10-15 Manostat Corporation Variable displacement peristaltic pump
US4568723A (en) 1984-11-08 1986-02-04 Mobil Oil Company Blends of polypropylene, polycarbonate and a saturated styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene rubber
US4634426A (en) 1984-12-11 1987-01-06 Baxter Travenol Laboratories Medical infusion controller and user interface
US4584061A (en) * 1985-01-02 1986-04-22 Shelton Robert E Vacuum desalinization device
IN166935B (en) 1985-01-31 1990-08-11 Himont Inc
US4678460A (en) 1985-02-11 1987-07-07 Rosner Mark S Portable rapid massive parenteral fluid warming and infusion apparatus
US4842582A (en) 1985-02-12 1989-06-27 Mahurkar Sakharam D Method and apparatus for using dual-lumen catheters for extracorporeal treatment
US4657490A (en) 1985-03-27 1987-04-14 Quest Medical, Inc. Infusion pump with disposable cassette
FR2579601B1 (en) 1985-03-28 1987-12-11 Rhone Poulenc Spec Chim LOW TEMPERATURE FLEXIBLE TECHNICAL COPOLYETHERAMIDES
US4923470A (en) 1985-04-25 1990-05-08 American Cyanamid Company Prosthetic tubular article made with four chemically distinct fibers
US4643926A (en) 1985-04-29 1987-02-17 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Flexible medical solution pouches
CA1278899C (en) 1985-05-24 1991-01-08 Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Random copolymer, and process for production thereof
SE457388B (en) 1985-06-04 1988-12-19 Gambro Ab MONITOR FOR CONTROL AND / OR CONTROL OF TWO OR MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS AND APPLICATION OF SUCH CIRCULAR CONTROL
US4778356A (en) 1985-06-11 1988-10-18 Hicks Cecil T Diaphragm pump
US4626243A (en) 1985-06-21 1986-12-02 Applied Biomedical Corporation Gravity-independent infusion system
US4599055A (en) 1985-06-25 1986-07-08 Cobe Laboratories, Inc. Peristaltic pump
IT206453Z2 (en) 1985-08-09 1987-08-10 Hospal Dasco Spa MEASURING DEVICE FOR THE QUANTITY OF ULTRAFILTRATE REMOVED DURING A DIALYSIS TREATMENT
EP0216509B1 (en) 1985-08-23 1991-09-18 Showa Denko Kabushiki Kaisha Medical bag
FI73386C (en) 1985-09-25 1987-10-09 Wihuri Oy A strong vapor-sterilizable multilayer film and packaging made of physiological solutions.
CA1296852C (en) 1985-10-11 1992-03-10 Henry George Schirmer High oxygen barrier coextruded film
US4694848A (en) 1985-10-24 1987-09-22 Jorgensen Walter E Flow control valve
JPS62174262A (en) 1985-10-28 1987-07-31 Toyobo Co Ltd Thermoplastic polymer composition
US4627844A (en) 1985-10-30 1986-12-09 High Voltage Engineering Corporation Tri-layer tubing
US4710166A (en) 1985-11-08 1987-12-01 Quest Medical, Inc. Automated drug additive infusion system
US4769134A (en) 1985-11-20 1988-09-06 C D Medical Open patient fluid management method and system
DE3541478A1 (en) 1985-11-23 1987-05-27 Beiersdorf Ag HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
US4655753A (en) * 1985-11-27 1987-04-07 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Connection device
US5093164A (en) 1985-11-29 1992-03-03 Bauer Frank T Multiple layer packaging sheet material
US5110642A (en) 1985-11-29 1992-05-05 American National Can Company Films using blends of polypropylene and polyisobutylene
US5071686A (en) 1985-11-29 1991-12-10 Genske Roger P Films of polypropylene blends and polyethylene blends and articles made therewith
US4803102A (en) 1985-11-29 1989-02-07 American National Can Company Multiple layer packaging films and packages formed therefrom
US4966795A (en) 1985-11-29 1990-10-30 American National Can Company Multiple layer sheet structures and package
US4778697A (en) 1985-11-29 1988-10-18 American National Can Company Polymeric films
US4910085A (en) 1985-11-29 1990-03-20 American National Can Company Multiple layer packaging films and packages formed thereof
US4764404A (en) 1985-11-29 1988-08-16 American National Can Company Films having a polypropylene blend layer
JPS62139626A (en) 1985-12-13 1987-06-23 オリンパス光学工業株式会社 Flexible tube for endoscope
US4628969A (en) 1985-12-20 1986-12-16 Mallinckrodt, Inc. Method of producing prefilled sterile plastic syringes
US4639245A (en) * 1985-12-20 1987-01-27 Oximetrix, Inc. Fluid infusion pump driver
US4687688A (en) 1986-02-18 1987-08-18 American Can Company Oriented multiple layer films and bags made therefrom
US5193990A (en) 1986-03-04 1993-03-16 Deka Products Limited Partnership Fluid management system with auxiliary dispensing chamber
US5178182A (en) 1986-03-04 1993-01-12 Deka Products Limited Partnership Valve system with removable fluid interface
US5364371A (en) 1986-03-04 1994-11-15 Deka Products Limited Partnership Intravenous fluid delivery device
US5575310A (en) 1986-03-04 1996-11-19 Deka Products Limited Partnership Flow control system with volume-measuring system using a resonatable mass
US5195986A (en) 1986-03-04 1993-03-23 Deka Products Limited Partnership Integral intravenous fluid delivery device
US5349852A (en) 1986-03-04 1994-09-27 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pump controller using acoustic spectral analysis
US5088515A (en) 1989-05-01 1992-02-18 Kamen Dean L Valve system with removable fluid interface
US4826482A (en) 1986-03-04 1989-05-02 Kamen Dean L Enhanced pressure measurement flow control system
US5222946A (en) 1986-03-04 1993-06-29 Deka Products Limited Partnership Compact intravenous fluid delivery system
US4778451A (en) 1986-03-04 1988-10-18 Kamen Dean L Flow control system using boyle's law
US4976162A (en) 1987-09-03 1990-12-11 Kamen Dean L Enhanced pressure measurement flow control system
US5401342A (en) 1986-03-04 1995-03-28 Deka Products Limited Partnership Process and energy director for ultrasonic welding and joint produced thereby
US5211201A (en) 1986-03-04 1993-05-18 Deka Products Limited Partnership Intravenous fluid delivery system with air elimination
EP0263854A4 (en) 1986-03-24 1988-11-02 Amoco Corp Laminates containing coextruded scrap.
US4735558A (en) 1986-04-08 1988-04-05 Staar Surgical Company Peristaltic pump latching mechanism
HU196265B (en) 1986-04-11 1988-10-28 Rolitron Mueszaki Fejlesztoe K Method and apparatus for producing flow of wanted temperature of a physiological solution, as well as temperature control method and a heating device for the previously mentioned method and apparatus
US4918019A (en) * 1986-05-12 1990-04-17 C. D. Medical, Incorporated Bioreactor system with plasticizer removal
US4889812A (en) 1986-05-12 1989-12-26 C. D. Medical, Inc. Bioreactor apparatus
EP0248632B1 (en) 1986-06-06 1992-04-15 Ivac Corporation Intravenous fluid flow monitor
US4762864A (en) 1986-06-19 1988-08-09 Ashland Oil Inc. High performance induction curable two-component structural adhesive with nonsagging behavior
US4976683A (en) 1986-06-20 1990-12-11 Abbott Laboratories Peritoneal dialysis method
US4735609A (en) * 1986-07-24 1988-04-05 Medical Industrial Technologies, Inc. IV fluid warmer
JPS6320562U (en) 1986-07-25 1988-02-10
JPH0442105Y2 (en) 1986-07-25 1992-10-05
US4735855A (en) 1986-08-04 1988-04-05 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Thermoformable laminate
US4726997A (en) 1986-08-26 1988-02-23 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Chemically stabilized film
US4816343A (en) 1986-08-26 1989-03-28 W. R. Grace & Co. Chemically stabilized film
US4885119A (en) 1986-08-26 1989-12-05 W. R. Grace & Co. Method of making a multilayer film
US4784576A (en) 1986-09-02 1988-11-15 Critikon, Inc. Pump pressure sensor
US4795782A (en) * 1986-09-25 1989-01-03 Shell Oil Company Impact resistant blends of thermoplastic polyamides, functionalized polyolefins and functionalized elastomers
US5006601A (en) 1986-09-25 1991-04-09 Shell Oil Company Impact resistant blends of thermoplastic polyamides, polyolefins and elastomers
US4742870A (en) 1986-10-29 1988-05-10 Cobe Laboratories Heat exchanger
US4769151A (en) 1986-10-30 1988-09-06 Cobe Laboratories, Inc. Heater control for liquid flowing through a chamber
US4735582A (en) 1986-11-26 1988-04-05 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Soldered cable transition connector
US4717117A (en) * 1986-12-08 1988-01-05 Bendix Electronics Limited Vacuum valve using improved diaphragm
US4747828A (en) 1986-12-09 1988-05-31 Fisher Scientific Group IV fluid line occlusion detector
US4734327A (en) 1986-12-29 1988-03-29 Viskase Corporation Cook-in shrink film
US5003019A (en) 1987-03-02 1991-03-26 Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd. Cyclo-olefinic random copolymer, olefinic random copolymer, and process for producing cyclo-olefinic random copolymers
US4850805A (en) 1987-03-13 1989-07-25 Critikon, Inc. Pump control system
DE3787275T2 (en) 1987-03-18 1994-03-17 Asahi Chemical Ind Impact-resistant polyamide resin composition and process for its production.
US4800129A (en) 1987-03-26 1989-01-24 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Multi-layer plastic container
US5195960A (en) 1987-04-27 1993-03-23 Site Microsurgical Systems, Inc. Disposable vacuum/peristaltic pump cassette system
US5125891A (en) 1987-04-27 1992-06-30 Site Microsurgical Systems, Inc. Disposable vacuum/peristaltic pump cassette system
US4798580A (en) 1987-04-27 1989-01-17 Site Microsurgical Systems, Inc. Disposable peristaltic pump cassette system
US4823552A (en) * 1987-04-29 1989-04-25 Vickers, Incorporated Failsafe electrohydraulic control system for variable displacement pump
US4818186A (en) * 1987-05-01 1989-04-04 Abbott Laboratories Drive mechanism for disposable fluid infusion pumping cassette
DE3855983T2 (en) 1987-05-01 1998-01-02 Mitsui Petrochemical Ind Disordered cycloolefin copolymer compositions and their use
US4842584A (en) 1987-05-01 1989-06-27 Abbott Laboratories Disposable fluid infusion pumping chamber cassette and drive mechanism thereof
US4927411A (en) 1987-05-01 1990-05-22 Abbott Laboratories Drive mechanism for disposable fluid infusion pumping cassette
IE65087B1 (en) 1987-05-13 1995-10-04 Joseph Mary Jacobsen "Measuring device"
NL8701233A (en) * 1987-05-22 1988-12-16 Medistad Holland BLOOD HEATER.
JP2607883B2 (en) 1987-06-10 1997-05-07 住友化学工業株式会社 Thermoplastic resin composition
DE3720665A1 (en) 1987-06-23 1989-01-05 Schael Wilfried DEVICE FOR HAEMODIALYSIS AND HAEMOFILTRATION
US5073167A (en) 1987-06-26 1991-12-17 M/A-Com, Inc. In-line microwave warming apparatus
US5043201A (en) 1987-07-20 1991-08-27 Gar Doc, Inc. Method of forming a patterned aluminum layer and article
IL83259A (en) * 1987-07-20 1992-05-25 D F Lab Ltd Disposable cell and diaphragm pump for use of same
DE3726064A1 (en) 1987-08-06 1989-02-16 Fresenius Ag PACKING UNIT FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES
US5207642A (en) 1987-08-07 1993-05-04 Baxter International Inc. Closed multi-fluid delivery system and method
US4929479A (en) 1987-08-10 1990-05-29 Showa Denko Kabushiki Kaisha Medical bag
US4861242A (en) 1987-08-19 1989-08-29 Cobe Laboratories, Inc. Self-loading peristaltic pump
US4824339A (en) 1987-08-19 1989-04-25 Cobe Laboratories, Inc. Peristaltic pump cartridge
DE3730233A1 (en) 1987-09-09 1989-03-23 Telefonbau & Normalzeit Gmbh HOERTON AND VOICE ANNOUNCEMENT GENERATOR FOR DIGITAL TELECOMMUNICATION, ESPECIALLY TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
JPS6480369A (en) 1987-09-18 1989-03-27 Aisin Seiki Driving device for medical apparatus
JPS6475527A (en) 1987-09-18 1989-03-22 Sumitomo Chemical Co Production of thermoplastic resin composition
US4767377A (en) 1987-10-02 1988-08-30 Warnaco, Inc. Brassiere
US5020540A (en) 1987-10-09 1991-06-04 Biometrak Corporation Cardiac biopotential analysis system and method
US4818190A (en) 1987-12-01 1989-04-04 Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd. Cassette loading and latching apparatus for a medication infusion system
US4872813A (en) 1987-12-01 1989-10-10 Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd. Disposable cassette for a medication infusion system
CA1329946C (en) 1987-12-04 1994-05-31 Paul A. Koenig User interface for medication infusion system
US4804474A (en) * 1987-12-10 1989-02-14 Robert Blum Energy efficient dialysis system
US4852851A (en) 1987-12-11 1989-08-01 Integrated Fluidics, Inc. Valve with flexible sheet member
US4848722A (en) 1987-12-11 1989-07-18 Integrated Fluidics, Inc. Valve with flexible sheet member
US4858883A (en) 1987-12-11 1989-08-22 Integrated Fluidics, Inc. Valve with flexible sheet member
US4847470A (en) 1987-12-14 1989-07-11 Bakke Allan P Electric blood warmer utilizing metallic ribbon flow cartridge and low thermal mass heating units
US5006997A (en) * 1987-12-15 1991-04-09 Shiley Infusaid, Inc. Pump diagnostic system
US4830586A (en) 1987-12-21 1989-05-16 The Aro Corporation Double acting diaphragm pump
US4855356A (en) 1987-12-30 1989-08-08 General Electric Company Ternary polymer blends containing a polyetherimide, a polyphthalate carbonate, and rubber modified vinyl aromatic polymer
US4873287A (en) 1987-12-30 1989-10-10 General Electric Company Flame retardant ternary blends of polyetherimide, polyphenylene ether and block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and an alkene compound
JPH0751609B2 (en) 1988-01-20 1995-06-05 日本石油株式会社 Random copolymer and method for producing the same
ES2064370T3 (en) 1988-01-21 1995-02-01 Hubner Karl Alexander DEVICE FOR CLOSING FLEXIBLE PLASTIC TUBES, IN PARTICULAR INFUSION TUBES, FOR AIR TRAPS.
US4999254A (en) 1988-01-28 1991-03-12 Rampart Packaging Inc. Increased regrind use in coextruded structures
US5008204A (en) 1988-02-02 1991-04-16 Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. Method for determining the compositional distribution of a crystalline copolymer
EP0328325B1 (en) 1988-02-05 1994-09-21 Raychem Limited Laminar polymeric sheet
CA1335127C (en) 1988-02-15 1995-04-04 Motonobu Furuta Thermoplastic resin composition
US5342886A (en) 1988-03-24 1994-08-30 Atochem α-monoolefinic graft copolymers
JPH01245052A (en) 1988-03-26 1989-09-29 Sumitomo Chem Co Ltd Thermoplastic resin composition
US4950720A (en) 1988-04-29 1990-08-21 Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. Modified polypropylene, process for making and article made from the same
US4886431A (en) 1988-04-29 1989-12-12 Cole-Parmer Instrument Company Peristaltic pump having independently adjustable cartridges
US4886432A (en) 1988-06-23 1989-12-12 Engineering Enterprises, Inc. Bladder pump assembly
JP2570393B2 (en) 1988-06-30 1997-01-08 住友化学工業株式会社 Thermoplastic resin composition
US5206290A (en) 1988-07-06 1993-04-27 Sumitomo Chemical Company Thermoplastic resin composition
US4956996A (en) 1988-07-11 1990-09-18 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Tank gauging apparatus and method
EP0352057A3 (en) 1988-07-19 1991-02-27 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Thermoplastic resin composition and process for producing the same
JP2722697B2 (en) 1988-08-17 1998-03-04 住友化学工業株式会社 Thermoplastic propylene resin composition
US4941519A (en) 1988-08-19 1990-07-17 American Sterilizer Company Liquid feed system using a non-reusable container
US5079295A (en) 1988-08-24 1992-01-07 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Thermoplastic resin composition
US5382631A (en) 1988-09-30 1995-01-17 Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. Linear ethylene interpolymer blends of interpolymers having narrow molecular weight and composition distributions
US5382630A (en) 1988-09-30 1995-01-17 Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. Linear ethylene interpolymer blends of interpolymers having narrow molecular weight and composition distribution
US4992511A (en) 1988-09-30 1991-02-12 Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd. Cyclo-olefinic random copolymer composition and reaction product thereof
US4856259A (en) 1988-10-17 1989-08-15 Baxter International Inc. Appratus for sealing and severing a web of film
US4856260A (en) 1988-10-17 1989-08-15 Baxter International Inc. Apparatus for sealing a web of film in a packaging
GB8824855D0 (en) 1988-10-24 1988-11-30 Byrne P O Dialysis
JPH0816129B2 (en) 1988-11-14 1996-02-21 日本ゼオン株式会社 Method for producing norbornene ring-opening polymer
US4946616A (en) 1988-11-14 1990-08-07 The Dow Chemical Company Heat transfer fluids containing dicarboxylic acid mixtures as corrosion inhibitors
CA2002910A1 (en) 1988-11-18 1990-05-18 Motonobu Furuta Thermoplastic resin composition
US5006050A (en) * 1988-12-09 1991-04-09 James E. Cooke High accuracy disposable cassette infusion pump
US5019140A (en) 1988-12-21 1991-05-28 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Irradiated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene composites, and devices using them, and processes for making them
US5212238A (en) 1988-12-22 1993-05-18 Ferro Corporation Toughened compositions of polyamide and functionalized rubber block or graft copolymers
US4904168A (en) 1988-12-28 1990-02-27 United Sonics, Inc. Cassette assembly for ophthalmic surgery system
AU611072B2 (en) 1988-12-29 1991-05-30 Chang, Ann Lois Diaphragm pump
JPH02185553A (en) 1989-01-12 1990-07-19 Sumitomo Chem Co Ltd Thermoplastic resin composition
JP2674181B2 (en) 1989-02-09 1997-11-12 住友化学工業株式会社 Thermoplastic resin composition
US5047485A (en) 1989-02-21 1991-09-10 Himont Incorporated Process for making a propylene polymer with free-end long chain branching and use thereof
CA2010320C (en) 1989-02-20 2001-04-17 Yohzoh Yamamoto Sheet or film of cyclo-olefin polymer
DE3926613A1 (en) 1989-03-11 1990-09-13 Bayer Ag THERMOPLASTIC ALLOYS WITH POLYCARBONATES BASED ON SUBSTITUTED CYCLOHEXYLIDEN BISPHENOLS
FR2644212B1 (en) 1989-03-13 1991-11-15 Malbec Edouard CASSETTE FOR PERISTALTIC PUMP WITH DEFORMABLE TUBE, AND PERISTALTIC PUMP EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A CASSETTE
US5163900A (en) 1989-03-16 1992-11-17 Surgin Surgical Instrumentation, Inc. Disposable cassette systems
DE3910103A1 (en) 1989-03-29 1990-10-11 Wolff Walsrode Ag METAL LAYER-FREE COMPOSITE FILMS
US5254824A (en) 1989-04-07 1993-10-19 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Method and article for microwave bonding of polyethylene pipe
US5245151A (en) 1989-04-07 1993-09-14 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Method and article for microwave bonding of splice closure
CA2011740A1 (en) 1989-04-07 1990-10-07 Glen Connell Microwave heatable materials
DE3911695A1 (en) 1989-04-10 1990-10-11 Inventa Ag COMPOSITIONS AND THEIR USE
US5053003A (en) 1989-04-18 1991-10-01 Dadson Joseph E Method and apparatus for peritoneal dialysis using a "Y" tubing set
US5189091A (en) 1989-05-04 1993-02-23 The Dow Chemical Company Polycarbonate/aromatic polyester blends modified with a grafted olefin copolymer
US5193913A (en) 1989-05-11 1993-03-16 Baxter International Inc. RF energy sealable web of film
FR2647391B1 (en) 1989-05-24 1991-08-30 Solvay LAMINATE COMPLEX CONSISTING OF A CARRIER SHEET COATED WITH A FILM COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE LAYER OF A SEMI-AROMATIC POLYAMIDE AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING SAME
EP0400604B1 (en) 1989-05-30 1996-01-24 Kuraray Co., Ltd. Multilayered structure
JPH036859A (en) 1989-06-05 1991-01-14 Matsushita Electron Corp Solid state image pickup device
US5000664A (en) * 1989-06-07 1991-03-19 Abbott Laboratories Apparatus and method to test for valve leakage in a pump assembly
US5053457A (en) 1989-06-13 1991-10-01 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Coextrudable adhesives and products therefrom
ATE98498T1 (en) 1989-06-15 1994-01-15 Alan M Peabody SYSTEM FOR CONTINUOUS CYCLIC PERITONEAL DIALYSIS.
DE3922546A1 (en) 1989-07-08 1991-01-17 Hoechst Ag METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CYCLOOLEFINPOLYMERS
IT1231308B (en) 1989-07-27 1991-11-28 Tetra Dev Co PISTON UNIT WITH ROLLING MEMBRANE
DE3927656A1 (en) 1989-08-22 1991-02-28 Bayer Ag POLYCARBONATES FROM SUBSTITUTED CYCLOHEXYLIDENBISPHENOLS
TW408155B (en) 1989-08-31 2000-10-11 Dow Chemical Co Blends of <alpha>-olefin/vinylidene aromatic monomer or hindered aliphatic vinylidene monomer interpolymers with polymers of vinylidene aromatic monomers
JP2720406B2 (en) 1989-09-07 1998-03-04 三井化学株式会社 Adhesive for cyclic olefin resin
JPH0396850A (en) 1989-09-08 1991-04-22 Fuji Electric Co Ltd Electrolytic cell for polarization measurement
US5215312A (en) 1989-09-14 1993-06-01 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Housing with a pressure-equalizing element which is retained water-tightly around the edges within a housing wall opening
US5814004A (en) * 1989-09-22 1998-09-29 Tamari; Yehuda System for regulating pressure within an extracorporeal circuit
US5093194A (en) 1989-11-01 1992-03-03 Mobil Oil Corporation Oriented multilayer heat sealable packaging film
CA2030506A1 (en) 1989-11-27 1991-05-28 Toshihide Murakami Hydrogenated ring-opening polymer and process for producing same
US5062774A (en) * 1989-12-01 1991-11-05 Abbott Laboratories Solution pumping system including disposable pump cassette
JP2926513B2 (en) 1989-12-11 1999-07-28 住友化学工業株式会社 Resin composition and method for producing the same
US4990054A (en) 1989-12-13 1991-02-05 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Device incorporating micro-porous membrane for venting gases from seal assembly of a reactor coolant pump
US5125069A (en) 1989-12-22 1992-06-23 Netherlands Health Sciences Blood warmer
US5108844A (en) 1989-12-28 1992-04-28 American National Can Company Blended films, structures therefrom, and methods of making and using them
US5043088A (en) 1990-01-22 1991-08-27 The Dow Chemical Company Deicing composition contianing one or more fluorinated surfactants
US5141493A (en) 1990-01-26 1992-08-25 Sarcos Group Peritoneal dialysis system
US5348794A (en) 1990-01-30 1994-09-20 Nippon Petrochemicals Company, Limited Monoaxially oriented multilayered packaging material
JPH0822983B2 (en) * 1990-02-27 1996-03-06 日本ペイント株式会社 Crosslinked fine resin particles and their applications
US5185084A (en) 1990-03-02 1993-02-09 Cytyc Corporation Method and apparatus for control of flow through a filter chamber by measured chamber equilibration pressure
EP0447072B1 (en) 1990-03-06 2002-01-16 Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Cycloolefin random copolymer and process for preparing same
US5106366A (en) 1990-03-08 1992-04-21 Nestle, S.A. Medical fluid cassette and control system
US5194157A (en) * 1990-03-09 1993-03-16 Sorin Biomedica Emodialisi Srl Blood purifying equipment particularly for the treatment of patients suffering from renal insufficiency, and a method of producing a reinfusion liquid for haemodiafiltration (HDF)
US5116203A (en) 1990-03-15 1992-05-26 Abbott Laboratories Detecting occlusion of proximal or distal lines of an IV pump
US5094820A (en) 1990-04-26 1992-03-10 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Pump and calibration system
US5278231A (en) 1990-05-24 1994-01-11 Ferro Corporation Impact-resistant compatibilized polymer blends of olefin polymers and polyamides
DE9007334U1 (en) 1990-05-26 1991-03-14 Hoechst Ag, 6230 Frankfurt, De
US5133650A (en) 1990-06-15 1992-07-28 Sherwood Medical Company Infusion device rotor shield
US5230935A (en) 1990-06-22 1993-07-27 Solvay & Cie (Societe Anonyme) Multilayer composites coextruded with the use of impact-reinforced impervious resin compositions and their use for the manufacture of fuel storage vessels
US5272236A (en) 1991-10-15 1993-12-21 The Dow Chemical Company Elastic substantially linear olefin polymers
US5744664A (en) 1990-07-05 1998-04-28 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Cycloolefin copolymers (COCS) as substrate material for liquid-crystal displays
US5317059A (en) 1990-07-09 1994-05-31 Ferro Corporation Impact-resistant polymer blends of olefin polymers, polyamides, and terpolymer compatibilizers
US5290854A (en) * 1990-07-23 1994-03-01 Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology Inc. Thermoplastic low-profile additives and use thereof in unsaturated polyester resin compositions
DE69130320T2 (en) 1990-07-24 1999-04-08 Mitsui Chemicals Inc CATALYST FOR ALPHA-OLEFIN POLYMERIZATION AND PRODUCTION OF POLY (ALPHA) OLEFINES THEREOF
US5176634A (en) 1990-08-02 1993-01-05 Mcgaw, Inc. Flexible multiple compartment drug container
US5183706A (en) * 1990-08-03 1993-02-02 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Forming web for lining a rigid container
US5135785A (en) 1990-08-13 1992-08-04 Colgate-Palmolive Company Pouch containers and films therefor
EP0544839A4 (en) 1990-08-20 1993-08-11 Abbott Laboratories Medical drug formulation and delivery system
US5387645A (en) 1990-09-20 1995-02-07 Amoco Corporation Polyphthalamide composition
CA2070654C (en) 1990-10-05 2003-06-03 Takuji Okamoto Process for producing cyclic olefin based polymers, cyclic olefin copolymers, compositions and molded articles comprising the copolymers
US5180896A (en) * 1990-10-11 1993-01-19 University Of Florida System and method for in-line heating of medical fluid
EP0485821B1 (en) 1990-11-12 1996-06-12 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Metallocenes with 2-substituted indenyl-derivates as ligands, process for their preparation and their use as catalysts
US5085649A (en) 1990-11-21 1992-02-04 Flynn Vincent J Torque controlled tubing
US5127907A (en) 1990-12-06 1992-07-07 Abbott Laboratories System for eliminating or reducing static electricity in infusion pumping systems
AU662721B2 (en) 1990-12-12 1995-09-14 Du Pont Canada Inc. Terephthalic acid copolyamides
US5203943A (en) 1990-12-13 1993-04-20 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Method of forming internal strictures in a tubular member and a bonding connection with an inserted tube
JP3185293B2 (en) 1990-12-27 2001-07-09 日本ゼオン株式会社 Alkylidene norbornene-based polymer and method for producing the same
US5098262A (en) 1990-12-28 1992-03-24 Abbott Laboratories Solution pumping system with compressible pump cassette
JP3217800B2 (en) 1991-01-29 2001-10-15 長岡香料株式会社 Device and method for collecting aroma
US5288560A (en) 1991-01-30 1994-02-22 Daikyo Gomu Seiko, Ltd. Laminated sanitary rubber article
CA2061003C (en) 1991-02-12 1999-02-09 Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Process for isomerizing endo-form of aromatic group-containing norbornenes to exo-form thereof, isomer mixture of aromatic group-containing norbornenes and process for preparing same, and ethylene/aromatic group-contain ng norbornene copolymer and process for preparing same
US5491658A (en) * 1991-02-13 1996-02-13 Texas Instruments Incorporated Column decoder for virtual ground memory array
SE9100471D0 (en) 1991-02-18 1991-02-18 Gambro Ab HOSE KIT PROVIDED FOR PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
US5135485A (en) 1991-02-25 1992-08-04 Louis Cohen Capacitance-type fluid level sensor for i.v. and catheter bags
ES2127199T3 (en) 1991-02-27 1999-04-16 Ticona Gmbh PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF (CO) CYCLOOLEFIN POLYMERS WITH A NARROW DISTRIBUTION OF MOLECULAR WEIGHTS.
JPH0767790B2 (en) 1991-02-27 1995-07-26 東洋製罐株式会社 Plastic container with a matt appearance
US5181910A (en) 1991-02-28 1993-01-26 Pharmacia Deltec, Inc. Method and apparatus for a fluid infusion system with linearized flow rate change
US5176659A (en) * 1991-02-28 1993-01-05 Mario Mancini Expandable intravenous catheter and method of using
DE59209964D1 (en) 1991-03-09 2002-10-10 Basell Polyolefine Gmbh Metallocene and catalyst
AU656556B2 (en) 1991-03-13 1995-02-09 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Radio frequency induction heatable compositions
US5381510A (en) * 1991-03-15 1995-01-10 In-Touch Products Co. In-line fluid heating apparatus with gradation of heat energy from inlet to outlet
US5245693A (en) 1991-03-15 1993-09-14 In-Touch Products Co. Parenteral fluid warmer apparatus and disposable cassette utilizing thin, flexible heat-exchange membrane
US5247434A (en) 1991-04-19 1993-09-21 Althin Medical, Inc. Method and apparatus for kidney dialysis
CA2066501C (en) 1991-04-22 1998-12-01 Kazuhiko Murata Thermoplastic elastomer laminates and glass run channels molded therefrom
CA2042449C (en) 1991-05-13 1997-02-04 Joseph E. Dadson Peritoneal dialysis apparatus
US5213483A (en) 1991-06-19 1993-05-25 Strato Medical Corporation Peristaltic infusion pump with removable cassette and mechanically keyed tube set
DE4122211A1 (en) 1991-07-04 1993-01-21 Inventa Ag THERMOPLASTIC MOLDINGS OF SEMICRISTALLINE AND AMORPHOUS POLYAMIDE, THEIR USE AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
US5273517A (en) 1991-07-09 1993-12-28 Haemonetics Corporation Blood processing method and apparatus with disposable cassette
IT1255260B (en) 1991-07-16 1995-10-20 Hospal Dasco Spa METHOD OF SURVEILLANCE OF A THERAPY IN A DIALYTIC TREATMENT.
DE69215448T3 (en) 1991-07-22 2010-06-10 Daikyo Gomu Seiko, Ltd. Container for hygienic articles
US5244971A (en) 1991-07-22 1993-09-14 Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. Graft polymers for use in engineering thermoplastic blends
JP2914826B2 (en) 1991-07-22 1999-07-05 株式会社大協精工 Hygiene container
GB9116225D0 (en) 1991-07-26 1991-09-11 Brooke Gerard Pumps
US5288531A (en) 1991-08-09 1994-02-22 The Dow Chemical Company Pouch for packaging flowable materials
DE4130485A1 (en) 1991-08-23 1993-02-25 Wolff Walsrode Ag COEXTRUDED BIAXIAL STRETCHED TUBE FILM
US5295964A (en) * 1991-10-02 1994-03-22 Gauthier Robert T Holder and warmer for IV solution containers
US5238997A (en) 1991-10-07 1993-08-24 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Polyolefin/nylon reinforced rubber
US5783638A (en) 1991-10-15 1998-07-21 The Dow Chemical Company Elastic substantially linear ethylene polymers
JP2992153B2 (en) 1991-11-26 1999-12-20 東レ・ダウコーニング・シリコーン株式会社 Triorganosiloxydiphenylsilanol and method for producing the same
US5278377A (en) 1991-11-27 1994-01-11 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Electromagnetic radiation susceptor material employing ferromagnetic amorphous alloy particles
US5530065A (en) 1992-01-07 1996-06-25 Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. Heat sealable films and articles made therefrom
US5240614A (en) 1992-01-10 1993-08-31 Baxter International Inc. Process for removing unwanted materials from fluids and for producing biological products
US5207983A (en) 1992-01-29 1993-05-04 Sterling Winthrop Inc. Method of terminal steam sterilization
US5267956A (en) 1992-02-05 1993-12-07 Alcon Surgical, Inc. Surgical cassette
US5536412A (en) 1992-02-06 1996-07-16 Hemocleanse, Inc. Hemofiltration and plasmafiltration devices and methods
US5277820A (en) * 1992-02-06 1994-01-11 Hemocleanse, Inc. Device and method for extracorporeal blood treatment
US5919369A (en) 1992-02-06 1999-07-06 Hemocleanse, Inc. Hemofiltration and plasmafiltration devices and methods
US6007520A (en) 1992-02-12 1999-12-28 Daikyo Gomu Seiko, Ltd. Medical instrument
US5475060A (en) 1993-02-18 1995-12-12 Hoechst Ag Cycloolefin block copolymers and a process for their preparation
US5331057A (en) 1992-02-22 1994-07-19 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Cycloolefin block copolymers and a process for their preparation
WO1993017117A1 (en) 1992-02-27 1993-09-02 Lynxvale Limited Heterologous gene expression in lactococcus, and the expression products therefrom
US5441606A (en) 1992-03-23 1995-08-15 Fsr Patented Technologies, Ltd. Liquid purifying and vacuum distillation process
US5960160A (en) 1992-03-27 1999-09-28 Abbott Laboratories Liquid heater assembly with a pair temperature controlled electric heating elements and a coiled tube therebetween
JP3212679B2 (en) 1992-03-31 2001-09-25 出光興産株式会社 Medical infusion bag
US5290856A (en) 1992-04-16 1994-03-01 Himont Incorporated Engineering resin-propylene polymer graft composition
US5332372A (en) 1992-04-20 1994-07-26 Warren Rupp, Inc. Modular double-diaphragm pump
TW286324B (en) 1992-04-22 1996-09-21 Hoechst Ag
FR2690715B1 (en) 1992-04-30 1994-07-22 Debiotech Sa PERISTALTIC PUMP WITH CASSETTE PROVIDED WITH A DECORPAGE ASSEMBLY.
US5302093A (en) * 1992-05-01 1994-04-12 Mcgaw, Inc. Disposable cassette with negative head height fluid supply and method
US5554013A (en) * 1992-05-01 1996-09-10 Mcgaw, Inc. Disposable cassette with negative head height fluid supply
US5264530A (en) 1992-05-01 1993-11-23 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Process of polymerization in an aqueous system
US5258230A (en) 1992-05-04 1993-11-02 Rohm And Haas Company High gas barrier co-extruded multiplayer films
US5316452A (en) 1992-05-11 1994-05-31 Gilbert Corporation Dispensing assembly with interchangeable cartridge pumps
KR100235089B1 (en) 1992-05-14 1999-12-15 Mitsui Chemicals Inc Ptp or blister packaging articles and packaging material therefor
US5569026A (en) 1992-06-18 1996-10-29 Storz Endoskop Gmbh Tube pump in which tube can be inserted only in one direction
US5476368A (en) 1992-08-20 1995-12-19 Ryder International Corporation Sterile fluid pump diaphragm construction
US5344292A (en) 1992-08-20 1994-09-06 Ryder International Corporation Fluid pumping system and apparatus
US5389243A (en) * 1992-09-28 1995-02-14 Kaplan; Neil B. Self-regenerating pressurized filtering system for liquids
ES2096949T3 (en) 1992-10-02 1997-03-16 Du Pont IMPROVED RETRACTILE FILM AND PROCEDURES RELATED TO IT.
US5257917A (en) 1992-10-02 1993-11-02 Cole-Parmer Instrument Company Peristaltic pump having means for reducing flow pulsation
US5685821A (en) 1992-10-19 1997-11-11 Arthrotek Method and apparatus for performing endoscopic surgical procedures
US5252044A (en) 1992-10-20 1993-10-12 Medflow, Inc. Parenteral fluid pump with disposable cassette
US5408576A (en) * 1992-10-28 1995-04-18 Bishop; Robert A. IV fluid warmer
US5284470A (en) * 1992-11-02 1994-02-08 Beltz Alex D Wearable, portable, light-weight artificial kidney
US5482770A (en) 1992-11-03 1996-01-09 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Highly oriented multilayer film
EP0721360A1 (en) 1992-11-09 1996-07-17 SIPIN, Anatole J. Controlled fluid transfer system
DE4336336A1 (en) 1992-11-23 1994-05-26 Lang Volker Cassette infusion system
US5416169A (en) 1992-11-26 1995-05-16 Chisso Corporation Polypropylene having a high melt-tensile strength, a process for producing the same and a molded product from the same
JP3172005B2 (en) 1992-11-27 2001-06-04 株式会社大協精工 Syringe and container
DE4239937C2 (en) 1992-11-27 1995-08-24 Fresenius Ag Method for determining the functionality of a partial device of a hemodialysis machine and device for carrying out this method
JPH08504916A (en) 1992-12-18 1996-05-28 アボツト・ラボラトリーズ Solution pumping system for maximum output while minimizing pumping pressure
GB2273533B (en) 1992-12-18 1996-09-25 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Pumping cassette with integral manifold
WO1994016226A1 (en) * 1992-12-30 1994-07-21 Abbott Laboratories Diaphragm for solution pumping system
US5292306A (en) * 1993-01-29 1994-03-08 Abbott Laboratories Method of detecting occlusions in a solution pumping system
US5306542A (en) 1993-02-11 1994-04-26 Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. Plastic closure with compression molded sealing liner
DE4304311C2 (en) 1993-02-12 1998-08-06 Hoechst Ag Cycloolefin copolymers for extrusion and injection molding articles and process for the preparation of a cycloolefin copolymer
DE4304310A1 (en) 1993-02-12 1994-08-18 Hoechst Ag Semi-crystalline cycloolefin copolymer film
DE4304309A1 (en) 1993-02-12 1994-08-18 Hoechst Ag Flexible cycloolefin copolymer film
DE59408260D1 (en) 1993-02-12 1999-06-24 Ticona Gmbh Process for the preparation of cycloolefin polymers
DE4304308A1 (en) 1993-02-12 1994-08-18 Hoechst Ag Rigid cycloolefin copolymer film
DE4304291A1 (en) 1993-02-12 1994-08-18 Hoechst Ag Cycloolefin copolymers with low melt viscosity and low optical attenuation
US6001201A (en) 1993-02-24 1999-12-14 Deka Products Limited Partnership Process and energy director for welding and joint produced thereby
US5540808A (en) 1993-02-24 1996-07-30 Deka Products Limited Partnership Energy director for ultrasonic welding and joint produced thereby
US5448702A (en) 1993-03-02 1995-09-05 International Business Machines Corporation Adapters with descriptor queue management capability
JP3113886B2 (en) 1993-03-03 2000-12-04 デカ、プロダクツ、リミテッド、パートナーシップ Peritoneal dialysis system using liquid dispensing and pump cassettes with built-in air isolation and removal
US5324422A (en) 1993-03-03 1994-06-28 Baxter International Inc. User interface for automated peritoneal dialysis systems
US5474683A (en) 1993-03-03 1995-12-12 Deka Products Limited Partnership Peritoneal dialysis systems and methods employing pneumatic pressure and temperature-corrected liquid volume measurements
US5431626A (en) 1993-03-03 1995-07-11 Deka Products Limited Partnership Liquid pumping mechanisms for peritoneal dialysis systems employing fluid pressure
US5350357A (en) 1993-03-03 1994-09-27 Deka Products Limited Partnership Peritoneal dialysis systems employing a liquid distribution and pumping cassette that emulates gravity flow
US5438510A (en) 1993-03-03 1995-08-01 Deka Products Limited Partnership User interface and monitoring functions for automated peritoneal dialysis systems
US5370674A (en) 1993-03-22 1994-12-06 Farrell; Harriet M. Method of heating medical liquids
GB9308833D0 (en) 1993-04-29 1993-06-16 Baxi Partnership Ltd Improvements in or relating to sand moulds
US5792824A (en) 1993-05-21 1998-08-11 Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Cyclic conjugated diene polymer and method of producing same
US5385540A (en) 1993-05-26 1995-01-31 Quest Medical, Inc. Cardioplegia delivery system
US5795945A (en) 1993-06-16 1998-08-18 Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Polymer containing a cyclic olefin monomer unit
US5360648A (en) 1993-06-24 1994-11-01 The Dow Chemical Company Pouch for packaging flowable materials
US5414027A (en) 1993-07-15 1995-05-09 Himont Incorporated High melt strength, propylene polymer, process for making it, and use thereof
US5540568A (en) 1993-07-26 1996-07-30 National Instrument Co., Inc. Disposable rolling diaphragm filling unit
US5439587A (en) 1993-07-27 1995-08-08 Millipore Corporation Self priming filter apparatus
FR2708675B1 (en) 1993-08-06 1995-10-20 Debiotech Peristaltic pump cassette.
EP0713445A1 (en) 1993-08-06 1996-05-29 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Chlorine-free multilayered film medical device assemblies
US5336190A (en) 1993-08-12 1994-08-09 Fred Erlich Medical cassette for ambulatory medical infusion pumps with access port for reservoir bags and method of resupplying bags in said cassette
US5525659A (en) 1993-09-08 1996-06-11 The Dow Chemical Company Batch inclusion packages
US5685988A (en) 1993-09-15 1997-11-11 Malchesky; Paul Dialysis process and system
US5487649A (en) 1993-09-29 1996-01-30 American Hydro-Surgical Instruments, Inc. Infinitely variable pneumatic pulsatile pump
US5420962A (en) 1993-10-25 1995-05-30 Bakke; Allan P. Convection blood warming system with disposable flattened tube envelope having vent incorporating a hydrophobic filter
US5397222A (en) 1993-11-01 1995-03-14 Moss; Richard Reusable medical cassette for ambulatory medical infusion pumps
US5620425A (en) 1993-11-03 1997-04-15 Bracco International B.V. Method for the preparation of pre-filled plastic syringes
US5563584A (en) 1993-11-15 1996-10-08 The Johns Hopkins University Liquid level sensing and monitoring system for medical fluid infusion systems
US5998019A (en) 1993-11-16 1999-12-07 Baxter International Inc. Multi-layered polymer structure for medical products
US5849843A (en) 1993-11-16 1998-12-15 Baxter International Inc. Polymeric compositions for medical packaging and devices
US5460493A (en) 1993-11-17 1995-10-24 Baxter International Inc. Organizer frame for holding an array of flexible tubing in alignment with one or more peristaltic pump rotors
US5423749A (en) 1993-11-18 1995-06-13 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Cardioplegia administration system and method
US5632606A (en) 1993-11-23 1997-05-27 Sarcos Group Volumetric pump/valve
US6007310A (en) 1993-11-23 1999-12-28 Sarcos, Lc Volumetric pump with sterility seal
US5931647A (en) 1993-11-23 1999-08-03 Sarcos, Inc. Volumetric pump with bi-directional piston seal
US5807075A (en) 1993-11-23 1998-09-15 Sarcos, Inc. Disposable ambulatory microprocessor controlled volumetric pump
US5984762A (en) 1993-12-03 1999-11-16 Playtex Apparel, Inc. Stretch cushion strap assembly and method and device for making same
US5433588A (en) 1993-12-15 1995-07-18 Stryker Corporation Peristaltic pump with one piece tubing insert and one piece cover
FI945959A (en) 1993-12-21 1995-06-22 Hoechst Ag Metallocenes and their use as catalysts
US5480294A (en) 1993-12-22 1996-01-02 Baxter International Inc. Peristaltic pump module having jaws for gripping a peristaltic pump tube cassett
US5445506A (en) 1993-12-22 1995-08-29 Baxter International Inc. Self loading peristaltic pump tube cassette
US5462416A (en) 1993-12-22 1995-10-31 Baxter International Inc. Peristaltic pump tube cassette for blood processing systems
JPH08506984A (en) 1993-12-22 1996-07-30 バクスター、インターナショナル、インコーポレイテッド Self-priming drip chamber with improved visibility
US5427509A (en) 1993-12-22 1995-06-27 Baxter International Inc. Peristaltic pump tube cassette with angle pump tube connectors
US5482440A (en) * 1993-12-22 1996-01-09 Baxter Int Blood processing systems using a peristaltic pump module with valve and sensing station for operating a peristaltic pump tube cassette
EP0661308B1 (en) 1993-12-24 1999-06-02 Ticona GmbH Cyclo-olefin copolymers and process for their preparation
TW364910B (en) 1993-12-27 1999-07-21 Hoechst Ag Polymer alloy
US5442919A (en) 1993-12-27 1995-08-22 Combustion Engineering, Inc. Reheater protection in a circulating fluidized bed steam generator
US5447286A (en) 1994-01-21 1995-09-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership High flow valve
FR2715393B1 (en) * 1994-01-25 1996-04-12 Saumur Ateliers Aeronautiques Method and device for transferring liquids and their use in a peritoneal dialysis system.
SE9400347L (en) * 1994-02-03 1995-07-17 Gambro Ab Apparatus for peritoneal dialysis
SE513524C2 (en) 1994-02-18 2000-09-25 Gambro Med Tech Ab Systems and method for calculating and / or monitoring a fluid flow in a dialysis apparatus
US5482438A (en) 1994-03-09 1996-01-09 Anderson; Robert L. Magnetic detent and position detector for fluid pump motor
EP0752066B1 (en) * 1994-03-19 2000-03-01 KSB Aktiengesellschaft Device for reducing noise in centrifugal pumps
FR2719873A1 (en) 1994-05-11 1995-11-17 Debiotech Sa Peristaltic pump device.
DE69531292T2 (en) 1994-05-13 2004-05-13 Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park DISPOSABLE INFUSION CASSETTE WITH A PUSHBUTTON-OPERATED BOLT VALVE
US5460490A (en) 1994-05-19 1995-10-24 Linvatec Corporation Multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration pump system
US5421208A (en) 1994-05-19 1995-06-06 Baxter International Inc. Instantaneous volume measurement system and method for non-invasively measuring liquid parameters
DE4421126A1 (en) 1994-06-16 1995-12-21 Fresenius Ag Peritoneal dialysis machine
DK0714312T3 (en) 1994-06-17 2001-12-10 Baxter Int Apparatus for purified pulsed peritoneal dialysis
DE4422157A1 (en) 1994-06-24 1996-01-04 Hoechst Ag Process for the preparation of cycloolefin copolymers
DE4425408A1 (en) 1994-07-13 1996-01-18 Hoechst Ag cycloolefin
DE4425696A1 (en) 1994-07-20 1996-01-25 Basf Ag Process for the preparation of 1,3-disubstituted imidazolidinones
US5575632A (en) 1994-09-12 1996-11-19 Ivac Medical Systems, Inc. Engineered pumping segment
US5601420A (en) 1994-09-12 1997-02-11 Ivac Medical Systems, Inc. Interlock, latching, and retaining mechanism for an infusion pump
IL115327A (en) 1994-10-07 2000-08-13 Bayer Ag Diaphragm pump
DE4438360C2 (en) 1994-10-27 1999-05-20 Schott Glas Pre-fillable, low-particle, sterile disposable syringe for the injection of preparations and methods for their manufacture
DE4439962A1 (en) 1994-11-09 1996-05-15 Lang Apparatebau Gmbh Dosing pump with venting device
US5522769A (en) 1994-11-17 1996-06-04 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable vent cover
DE4445969C1 (en) 1994-12-22 1996-03-14 Schott Glaswerke Syringe cylinder with two compartments for two constituents
JP3517471B2 (en) 1994-12-28 2004-04-12 三井化学株式会社 Method for producing cyclic olefin copolymer
TW387904B (en) 1994-12-28 2000-04-21 Hoechst Ag Cycloolefin copolymer composition
US6074183A (en) 1995-02-09 2000-06-13 First Medical, Inc. Peristaltic system and method for plasma separation and blood dispensation
US5788851A (en) 1995-02-13 1998-08-04 Aksys, Ltd. User interface and method for control of medical instruments, such as dialysis machines
US5591344A (en) 1995-02-13 1997-01-07 Aksys, Ltd. Hot water disinfection of dialysis machines, including the extracorporeal circuit thereof
US5620312A (en) 1995-03-06 1997-04-15 Sabratek Corporation Infusion pump with dual-latching mechanism
US6203528B1 (en) * 1995-03-06 2001-03-20 Baxter International Inc. Unitary molded elastomer conduit for use with a medical infusion pump
US5640995A (en) 1995-03-14 1997-06-24 Baxter International Inc. Electrofluidic standard module and custom circuit board assembly
CA2146062A1 (en) 1995-03-31 1996-10-01 Huazhong Mao A biological method of waste water treatment
US5578012A (en) 1995-04-24 1996-11-26 Deka Products Limited Partnership Medical fluid pump
US5718692A (en) * 1995-06-06 1998-02-17 Twineath, L.L.C. Self-retaining single insertion double catheter assembly and method for making double catheter systems
US6364857B1 (en) 1995-06-07 2002-04-02 Deka Products Limited Partnership Cassette for intravenous-line flow-control system
JP3919815B2 (en) 1995-06-07 2007-05-30 バクスター インターナショナル インコーポレイテッド Retortable multilayer barrier film without halogen
US5711654A (en) 1995-06-07 1998-01-27 Baxter International Inc. Peristaltic pump with rotor position sensing employing a reflective object sensor
US6165154A (en) 1995-06-07 2000-12-26 Deka Products Limited Partnership Cassette for intravenous-line flow-control system
US5729653A (en) * 1995-06-07 1998-03-17 Urosurge, Inc. Fluid warming system
US5698083A (en) 1995-08-18 1997-12-16 Regents Of The University Of California Chemiresistor urea sensor
US6189195B1 (en) 1995-08-22 2001-02-20 Medrad, Inc. Manufacture of prefilled syringes
CA2230160A1 (en) 1995-08-23 1997-03-06 The University Of British Columbia Antimicrobial cationic peptides and methods of screening for the same
US5924975A (en) 1995-08-30 1999-07-20 International Business Machines Corporation Linear pump
US5944684A (en) 1995-08-31 1999-08-31 The Regents Of The University Of California Wearable peritoneum-based system for continuous renal function replacement and other biomedical applications
US6146359A (en) 1995-09-06 2000-11-14 Microwave Medical Systems, Inc. Apparatus for controlledly warming low flow rate infusates
US5690614A (en) 1995-09-06 1997-11-25 Microwave Medical Systems, Inc. Microwave apparatus for warming low flow rate infusates
US5938634A (en) 1995-09-08 1999-08-17 Baxter International Inc. Peritoneal dialysis system with variable pressure drive
MY114798A (en) 1995-09-12 2003-01-31 Dow Global Technologies Inc Pouches for packaging flowable materials
DE19536043A1 (en) 1995-09-28 1997-04-10 Hoechst Ag Polyolefin film with cycloolefin polymer, process for its production and its use
US5879768A (en) 1995-10-06 1999-03-09 The Dow Chemical Company Pouches for packaging flowable materials
CN1119145C (en) 1995-10-11 2003-08-27 埃斯佩里安Luv发展公司 Liposomal compositions and method of using them
US5588815A (en) 1995-11-15 1996-12-31 Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Surgical cassette loading and unloading system
US5796254A (en) 1995-11-20 1998-08-18 Hermetic Switch, Inc. Reed switch having trilubular bars for surface mounting
US6059544A (en) 1995-12-01 2000-05-09 Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Identification system for a surgical cassette
US5636653A (en) 1995-12-01 1997-06-10 Perception Incorporated Fluid metering apparatus and method
US5899674A (en) 1995-12-01 1999-05-04 Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Indentification system for a surgical cassette
US5721025A (en) 1995-12-05 1998-02-24 The Dow Chemical Company Pouches for packaging flowable materials in pouches
DE19546028C2 (en) 1995-12-09 2000-04-27 Fresenius Ag Balancing disposable for balancing liquids for a medical treatment device and a medical treatment device with a system insert for receiving such a balancing disposable
DE19546500A1 (en) 1995-12-13 1997-06-19 Hoechst Ag Production of cyclo-olefin copolymers e.g. for pipes
US5790752A (en) 1995-12-20 1998-08-04 Hytec Flow Systems Efficient in-line fluid heater
US5718569A (en) 1996-01-11 1998-02-17 Abbott Laboratories Dual plunger cassette pump
US5676530A (en) 1996-01-24 1997-10-14 Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Surgical cassette latching mechanism
DE69715935T2 (en) 1996-02-08 2003-02-20 Becton Dickinson Co Modular stand system for packaging and handling syringe barrels
US6017198A (en) 1996-02-28 2000-01-25 Traylor; Leland B Submersible well pumping system
EP0892664A4 (en) * 1996-03-08 1999-09-15 Baxter Research Medical Inc Selective membrane/sorption techniques for salvaging blood
US6225426B1 (en) 1996-04-10 2001-05-01 Uniroyal Chemical Company, Inc. Process for producing polyolefin elastomer employing a metallocene catalyst
US5724478A (en) * 1996-05-14 1998-03-03 Truheat Corporation Liquid heater assembly
US5720313A (en) * 1996-05-24 1998-02-24 Weiss Construction Co. Flow rate control system
US5965433A (en) 1996-05-29 1999-10-12 Trans D.A.T.A. Service, Inc. Portable perfusion/oxygenation module having mechanically linked dual pumps and mechanically actuated flow control for pulsatile cycling of oxygenated perfusate
JPH09327511A (en) 1996-06-12 1997-12-22 A S A Sangyo Kk Method for recovering and regenerating peritoneal dialysis liquid and treating device and ancillary appliance for this purpose
US5698654A (en) 1996-07-30 1997-12-16 General Electric Company Process for preparing hydrogen siloxane copolymers
US5788671A (en) 1996-08-14 1998-08-04 Sims Deltec, Inc. Reusable cassette housings and methods
US5928196A (en) 1996-08-14 1999-07-27 Sims Deltec, Inc. Control module cassette locks and methods
DE69731472T2 (en) 1996-08-15 2005-10-20 Deka Products Ltd. Partnership PUMP AND SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL IRRIGATION
JP3198065B2 (en) 1996-08-19 2001-08-13 株式会社大協精工 Hygiene container
US6133547A (en) 1996-09-05 2000-10-17 Medtronic, Inc. Distributed activator for a two-dimensional shape memory alloy
FR2753236B1 (en) 1996-09-10 1998-12-04 Conseilray Sa MINIATURE PERISTALTIC PUMP
FR2753235B1 (en) 1996-09-10 1998-12-04 Conseilray Sa PORTABLE PERISTALTIC PUMP
DE69718495T2 (en) 1996-09-17 2003-11-20 Deka Products Lp SYSTEM FOR DISPOSAL OF MEDICINE BY TRANSPORT
US5875282A (en) * 1996-10-21 1999-02-23 Gaymar Industries, Inc. Medical apparatus for warming patient fluids
US5752813A (en) 1996-10-23 1998-05-19 A.Z.E. Medical Inc. Keyed cassette for dispensing pump
US5758563A (en) 1996-10-23 1998-06-02 Holcom Co. Fluid driven reciprocating pump
US6129699A (en) * 1997-10-31 2000-10-10 Sorenson Development, Inc. Portable persistaltic pump for peritoneal dialysis
DE69732249T2 (en) 1996-11-22 2005-12-08 Therakos, Inc. CASSETTE FOR CONTROLLING AND PUMPING FLUIDS
JP3970938B2 (en) 1996-11-22 2007-09-05 セラコス・インコーポレイテッド Fluid pump device with constant flow rate
US6030359A (en) * 1996-12-11 2000-02-29 Northgate Technologies Inc Apparatus and method for delivering fluid flow to a surgical site
DE19652708C2 (en) 1996-12-18 1999-08-12 Schott Glas Process for producing a filled plastic syringe body for medical purposes
US5858186A (en) * 1996-12-20 1999-01-12 The Regents Of The University Of California Urea biosensor for hemodialysis monitoring
CA2275903A1 (en) 1996-12-23 1998-07-02 Novo Nordisk A/S A medicament container of polymer of linear olefin for storing a liquid medicament
US5915925A (en) * 1997-01-07 1999-06-29 North, Jr.; Howard L. Pulseless liquid supply system for flow cytometry
US5879329A (en) 1997-01-22 1999-03-09 Radiant Medical, Inc. Infusion systems and methods for introducing fluids into the body within a desired temperature range
US6114457A (en) 1997-02-07 2000-09-05 Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. High melt strength polyethylene compositions
US6554789B1 (en) 1997-02-14 2003-04-29 Nxstage Medical, Inc. Layered fluid circuit assemblies and methods for making them
DE19717033A1 (en) 1997-04-23 1998-11-12 Schott Glas Needle cap for a prefillable disposable syringe
TW505678B (en) 1997-04-30 2002-10-11 Mitsui Chemicals Inc Sealant resin composition for use in retort film and sealant film
US5980481A (en) 1997-05-08 1999-11-09 Transvivo, Inc. Method and apparatus for continuous peritoneal cascade dialysis and hemofiltration (CPCD/H)
US6106948A (en) 1997-06-06 2000-08-22 University Of Massachusetts Nonlinear optical structure and methods of making
US5945831A (en) 1997-06-10 1999-08-31 Sargent; John S. Volume charge density measuring system
US6069343A (en) 1997-07-17 2000-05-30 Kolowich; J. Bruce Peritoneal dialysis solution warmer
CA2211848C (en) 1997-07-28 2002-06-11 Joseph E. Dadson Peritoneal dialysis apparatus
US6228047B1 (en) 1997-07-28 2001-05-08 1274515 Ontario Inc. Method and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis
US6070761A (en) 1997-08-22 2000-06-06 Deka Products Limited Partnership Vial loading method and apparatus for intelligent admixture and delivery of intravenous drugs
AU9028498A (en) 1997-08-22 1999-03-16 Deka Products Limited Partnership System, method and cassette for mixing and delivering intravenous drugs
JPH1171554A (en) 1997-08-29 1999-03-16 Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The Bonding of norbornene-based resin molded product
JP3083275B2 (en) 1997-09-18 2000-09-04 株式会社ワイ・テイ・エス Double diaphragm pump
DE19742632A1 (en) 1997-09-26 1999-04-08 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Pumping and dosing device
US6266664B1 (en) 1997-10-01 2001-07-24 Rulespace, Inc. Method for scanning, analyzing and rating digital information content
US6036458A (en) 1997-10-03 2000-03-14 Allergan Sales, Inc. Automated phaco pack bar code reader identification
US6109254A (en) 1997-10-07 2000-08-29 Modine Manufacturing Company Clamshell heat exchanger for a furnace or unit heater
US6139528A (en) 1998-01-13 2000-10-31 Jireh International Corporation Intravenous warming system
US7004924B1 (en) * 1998-02-11 2006-02-28 Nxstage Medical, Inc. Methods, systems, and kits for the extracorporeal processing of blood
US6122972A (en) 1998-03-04 2000-09-26 Veris Industries Capacitive pressure sensor with moving or shape-changing dielectric
US6630215B1 (en) * 1998-03-09 2003-10-07 Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Medical Device
US6110617A (en) 1998-03-17 2000-08-29 Exide Corporation Flooded lead acid battery with roll-over capability
WO1999048990A1 (en) 1998-03-24 1999-09-30 Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd. Adhesive resin composition
DE19814101A1 (en) 1998-03-30 1999-10-14 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Process for the airtight connection of two membranes
DE19814695C2 (en) 1998-04-01 2001-09-13 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Cassette for conveying liquids, in particular dialysis liquids, dialysis machine and method for conveying, balancing, dosing and heating a medical fluid
US6056522A (en) 1998-05-13 2000-05-02 Sims Deltec, Inc. Reusable cassette with a moveable door
US6231320B1 (en) 1998-06-12 2001-05-15 Abbott Laboratories Drug infusion pumping cassette latching mechanism
US6041801A (en) 1998-07-01 2000-03-28 Deka Products Limited Partnership System and method for measuring when fluid has stopped flowing within a line
US6343614B1 (en) * 1998-07-01 2002-02-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership System for measuring change in fluid flow rate within a line
US6293921B1 (en) 1998-07-06 2001-09-25 Jms Company, Ltd. Automatic exchanger for peritoneal dialysis
US6175688B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2001-01-16 Belmont Instrument Corporation Wearable intravenous fluid heater
DE19837667A1 (en) 1998-08-19 2000-03-02 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Multifunction sensor
US5927956A (en) 1998-09-01 1999-07-27 Linvatec Corporation Peristaltic pump tubing system with latching cassette
US6142974A (en) 1998-09-18 2000-11-07 Estill Medical Technologies, Incorporated Portable I.V. fluid warming system
US6245039B1 (en) 1998-10-05 2001-06-12 Vasca, Inc. Methods and apparatus for performing flow-through peritoneal dialysis
JP2000107286A (en) 1998-10-07 2000-04-18 Akira Sakai Perfusion apparatus for peritoneal dialyzate and perfusion method
US6225427B1 (en) 1998-10-15 2001-05-01 Uniroyal Chemical Company, Inc. Olefin polymerization process employing metallocene catalyst provided by cocatalyst activation of a metallocene procatalyst
EP1121175A4 (en) 1998-10-16 2005-09-21 Mission Medical Inc Blood processing system
US6248093B1 (en) 1998-10-29 2001-06-19 Minimed Inc. Compact pump drive system
US6817990B2 (en) 1998-10-29 2004-11-16 Medtronic Minimed, Inc. Fluid reservoir piston
US6283719B1 (en) 1998-11-05 2001-09-04 Frantz Medical Development Ltd Detecting obstructions in enteral/parenteral feeding tubes and automatic removal of clogs therefrom
US6223130B1 (en) * 1998-11-16 2001-04-24 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus and method for detection of a leak in a membrane of a fluid flow control system
US20010018937A1 (en) 1998-12-28 2001-09-06 Shigeru Nemoto Method and device for pre-filling a syringe with a contrast agent
US6261261B1 (en) 1999-01-05 2001-07-17 Lawrence O. Gordon Infrared heating device for prewarming IV solutions
US6254567B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2001-07-03 Nxstage Medical, Inc. Flow-through peritoneal dialysis systems and methods with on-line dialysis solution regeneration
DE19915715A1 (en) * 1999-04-08 2000-10-19 Ticona Gmbh Microstructured components
DE19919572C2 (en) 1999-04-29 2002-04-18 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Method and device for determining gas in medical liquids
US6229957B1 (en) 1999-05-14 2001-05-08 Joseph Baker Physiological fluid warming process and apparatus
HU223861B1 (en) 1999-06-14 2005-02-28 Antal Natta Adapter for joining of the welding torch
US6246831B1 (en) 1999-06-16 2001-06-12 David Seitz Fluid heating control system
DE19929572A1 (en) 1999-06-22 2001-01-04 Siemens Ag Magnetic linear drive
US6491658B1 (en) 1999-06-29 2002-12-10 Jms Co., Ltd. Automated solution injection-discharge system and automated peritoneal dialysis system
US6416293B1 (en) 1999-07-20 2002-07-09 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pumping cartridge including a bypass valve and method for directing flow in a pumping cartridge
US6382923B1 (en) 1999-07-20 2002-05-07 Deka Products Ltd. Partnership Pump chamber having at least one spacer for inhibiting the pumping of a gas
US6302653B1 (en) 1999-07-20 2001-10-16 Deka Products Limited Partnership Methods and systems for detecting the presence of a gas in a pump and preventing a gas from being pumped from a pump
AU6229000A (en) * 1999-07-26 2001-02-13 Iprivacy Llc Electronic purchase of goods over a communication network including physical delivery while securing private and personal information
US6293926B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2001-09-25 Alcon Universal Ltd. Peristaltic pump and cassette
US6270673B1 (en) * 1999-09-03 2001-08-07 Baxter International Inc. Door latching assembly for holding a fluid pressure actuated cassette during use
AU776741B2 (en) * 1999-09-03 2004-09-23 Fenwal, Inc. Programmable, fluid pressure actuated blood processing systems and methods
US6949079B1 (en) 1999-09-03 2005-09-27 Baxter International Inc. Programmable, fluid pressure actuated blood processing systems and methods
DE60018771T2 (en) * 1999-09-09 2006-02-02 Baxter International Inc., Deerfield CYCLOOLEFIN RESIN MIXTURES AND METHOD FOR GLUING WITH SOLVENT OF POLYOLEFINES
US6255396B1 (en) 1999-09-09 2001-07-03 Baxter International Inc. Cycloolefin blends and method for solvent bonding polyolefins
GB2354967B (en) 1999-10-04 2004-06-02 Kv Ltd Manufacture of manifold modules or the like
US6257265B1 (en) 1999-10-26 2001-07-10 Sims Level 1 Inc. Apparatus for connecting a heat exchanger with a fluid temperature regulation device
US6259074B1 (en) 1999-10-26 2001-07-10 Sims Level 1, Inc. Apparatus for regulating the temperature of a fluid
US6208107B1 (en) * 1999-12-03 2001-03-27 Abbott Laboratories Use of digital current ramping to reduce audible noise in stepper motor
DE19962314B4 (en) 1999-12-23 2005-10-13 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Device for peritoneal dialysis
DE19962315C2 (en) 1999-12-23 2003-03-06 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Peritoneal dialysis device
GB2358368A (en) 2000-01-18 2001-07-25 Kv Ltd Manufacture of manifold modules or the like
US6497676B1 (en) 2000-02-10 2002-12-24 Baxter International Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling peritoneal dialysis therapy
US6485465B2 (en) 2000-03-29 2002-11-26 Medtronic Minimed, Inc. Methods, apparatuses, and uses for infusion pump fluid pressure and force detection
IL136512A0 (en) 2000-06-01 2001-06-14 Medivice Systems Ltd Intravenous infusion administration set
US6503062B1 (en) 2000-07-10 2003-01-07 Deka Products Limited Partnership Method for regulating fluid pump pressure
DE10034711B4 (en) 2000-07-17 2006-04-20 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh sealing device
DE10039196C2 (en) 2000-08-10 2002-11-07 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Vacuum introduction valve
DE10042324C1 (en) 2000-08-29 2002-02-07 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Blood dialysis device has feed line provided with 2 parallel branches for single needle and dual needle operating modes
US6788885B2 (en) 2000-09-01 2004-09-07 Michael Mitsunaga System for heating instillation or transfusion liquids
DE10046651A1 (en) 2000-09-20 2002-04-04 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Valve
EP1258260A3 (en) 2000-10-04 2003-11-26 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Peritoneal dialysis apparatus
US6372848B1 (en) 2000-10-10 2002-04-16 Baxter International Inc. Blend of ethylene and α-olefin copolymers obtained using a metallocene catalyst for fabricating medical films and tubings
DE10053441B4 (en) 2000-10-27 2004-04-15 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Disposable cassette with sealing membrane and valve actuator therefor
JP4299452B2 (en) 2000-11-28 2009-07-22 テルモ株式会社 Platelet collection device
FR2817754B1 (en) * 2000-12-08 2003-09-12 Hospal Internat Marketing Man DEVICE FOR PRESSURE MEASUREMENT COMPRISING A MEMBRANE MOLDED IN A CASSETTE
DE10157924C1 (en) 2001-11-26 2003-06-26 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Medical fluid treatment device
US7107837B2 (en) 2002-01-22 2006-09-19 Baxter International Inc. Capacitance fluid volume measurement
US6929751B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2005-08-16 Baxter International Inc. Vented medical fluid tip protector methods
US6764761B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2004-07-20 Baxter International Inc. Membrane material for automated dialysis system
US20030220606A1 (en) 2002-05-24 2003-11-27 Don Busby Compact housing for automated dialysis system
US7153286B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2006-12-26 Baxter International Inc. Automated dialysis system
JP4468801B2 (en) * 2002-05-24 2010-05-26 バクスター・インターナショナル・インコーポレイテッド Hardware system, method and apparatus for automated dialysis machine
US7175606B2 (en) * 2002-05-24 2007-02-13 Baxter International Inc. Disposable medical fluid unit having rigid frame
AU2003237250A1 (en) * 2002-05-24 2003-12-12 Baxter Healthcare S.A. Electrical systems, methods and apparatuses for an automated dialysis machine
US20030217961A1 (en) 2002-05-24 2003-11-27 Peter Hopping Electrically insulated automated dialysis system
US6939111B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2005-09-06 Baxter International Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling medical fluid pressure
US7115228B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2006-10-03 Baxter International Inc. One-piece tip protector and organizer
US7033539B2 (en) * 2002-05-24 2006-04-25 Baxter International Inc. Graphical user interface for automated dialysis system
JP4902117B2 (en) * 2002-05-24 2012-03-21 バクスター・インターナショナル・インコーポレイテッド Automated dialysis system
US20030220607A1 (en) 2002-05-24 2003-11-27 Don Busby Peritoneal dialysis apparatus
DE10224750A1 (en) 2002-06-04 2003-12-24 Fresenius Medical Care De Gmbh Device for the treatment of a medical fluid
MXPA05000817A (en) 2002-07-19 2005-04-28 Baxter Int Systems and methods for performing peritoneal dialysis.
ES2339239T3 (en) 2002-07-19 2010-05-18 Baxter International Inc. SYSTEM FOR PERITONEAL DIALYSIS.
EP1403519A1 (en) 2002-09-27 2004-03-31 Novo Nordisk A/S Membrane pump with stretchable pump membrane
US6846161B2 (en) * 2002-10-24 2005-01-25 Baxter International Inc. Blood component processing systems and methods using fluid-actuated pumping elements that are integrity tested prior to use

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9180232B2 (en) 2006-05-19 2015-11-10 Novartis Ag Surgical system having manifolds with integral pneumatic accumulators
US10603423B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2020-03-31 Baxter International Inc. Systems for performing peritoneal dialysis using vacuum source and weight sensor
US9585993B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2017-03-07 Baxter International Inc. Method of performing peritoneal dialysis using pneumatic valves
US8597231B2 (en) 2006-05-26 2013-12-03 Baxter International Inc. Peritoneal dialysis system having heater pan and weight sensor
US10697913B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2020-06-30 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pump and mixing cassette apparatus systems, devices and methods
US9603985B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2017-03-28 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood treatment systems and methods
US9987407B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2018-06-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood circuit assembly for a hemodialysis system
US8992075B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2015-03-31 Deka Products Limited Partnership Sensor apparatus systems, devices and methods
US10851769B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2020-12-01 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pumping cassette
US11885758B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2024-01-30 Deka Products Limited Partnership Sensor apparatus systems, devices and methods
US9517295B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2016-12-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood treatment systems and methods
US9535021B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2017-01-03 Deka Products Limited Partnership Sensor apparatus systems, devices and methods
US9677554B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2017-06-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership Cassette system integrated apparatus
US10500327B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2019-12-10 Deka Products Limited Partnership Blood circuit assembly for a hemodialysis system
US9649418B2 (en) 2007-02-27 2017-05-16 Deka Products Limited Partnership Pumping cassette
US9623168B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2017-04-18 Baxter International Inc. Pressure manifold system for dialysis
US7905853B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2011-03-15 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having integrated pneumatic manifold
US11491321B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2022-11-08 Baxter International Inc. Pneumatic system having noise reduction features for a medical fluid machine
US8998836B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2015-04-07 Baxter International Inc. Noise-reducing dialysis systems and methods of reducing noise in dialysis systems
US8961444B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2015-02-24 Baxter International Inc. Pressure manifold system for dialysis
WO2009058727A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2009-05-07 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having integrated pneumatic manifold
US10471192B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2019-11-12 Baxter International Inc. Pressure manifold system for dialysis
DE102008011827A1 (en) * 2008-02-29 2009-09-10 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Method for controlling valves for flow path control and machines, in particular medical treatment machines
US8914156B2 (en) 2008-02-29 2014-12-16 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Method for actuating valves for controlling a flow path and machines, especially medical treatment machines
US8634964B2 (en) 2008-02-29 2014-01-21 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Method for actuating valves for controlling a flow path and machines, especially medical treatment machines
US9925324B2 (en) 2009-04-23 2018-03-27 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh Reception means for receiving medical fluids, as well as external functional means and medical treatment apparatus
US10780213B2 (en) 2011-05-24 2020-09-22 Deka Products Limited Partnership Hemodialysis system
US9724458B2 (en) 2011-05-24 2017-08-08 Deka Products Limited Partnership Hemodialysis system
US11890403B2 (en) 2011-05-24 2024-02-06 Deka Products Limited Partnership Hemodialysis system
CN109847134A (en) * 2019-04-10 2019-06-07 台州欧思托气动机械科技有限公司 The solenoid valve block of peritoneal dialysis instrument and peritoneal dialysis instrument with the valve group
CN109847134B (en) * 2019-04-10 2023-09-12 台州欧思托气动机械科技有限公司 Electromagnetic valve group for peritoneal dialysis instrument and peritoneal dialysis instrument with same
US11478755B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2022-10-25 Fenwal, Inc. Small volume processing systems and methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4907683B2 (en) 2012-04-04
EP1585565A1 (en) 2005-10-19
US9795729B2 (en) 2017-10-24
EP2308526A3 (en) 2011-04-27
US20080132828A1 (en) 2008-06-05
EP2295091B1 (en) 2017-04-26
US20140257176A1 (en) 2014-09-11
EP2295091A3 (en) 2012-08-15
AU2003277371A1 (en) 2004-07-29
EP1585565B2 (en) 2021-01-06
US20140094738A1 (en) 2014-04-03
US7744554B2 (en) 2010-06-29
EP2308526B1 (en) 2013-03-27
US8740836B2 (en) 2014-06-03
US9283312B2 (en) 2016-03-15
AU2003277371A8 (en) 2004-07-29
US8679054B2 (en) 2014-03-25
US8740837B2 (en) 2014-06-03
US20040019313A1 (en) 2004-01-29
EP1585565B1 (en) 2011-07-13
JP4440786B2 (en) 2010-03-24
JP2009172399A (en) 2009-08-06
EP2308526A2 (en) 2011-04-13
EP2298376A1 (en) 2011-03-23
US20110218487A1 (en) 2011-09-08
EP2298378A2 (en) 2011-03-23
MXPA05006867A (en) 2005-08-18
US8206338B2 (en) 2012-06-26
US20140094739A1 (en) 2014-04-03
EP2298378A3 (en) 2013-05-01
US20110106003A1 (en) 2011-05-05
US7867189B2 (en) 2011-01-11
US7238164B2 (en) 2007-07-03
US20070213653A1 (en) 2007-09-13
US20120259276A1 (en) 2012-10-11
JP2006512138A (en) 2006-04-13
US20160184503A1 (en) 2016-06-30
EP2298378B1 (en) 2016-03-16
EP2295091A2 (en) 2011-03-16
US10525184B2 (en) 2020-01-07
US20080103429A1 (en) 2008-05-01
US20080033346A1 (en) 2008-02-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10525184B2 (en) Dialysis system and method for pumping and valving according to flow schedule
US7500962B2 (en) Medical fluid machine with air purging pump
US20030220598A1 (en) Automated dialysis system
US20030220605A1 (en) Disposable medical fluid unit having rigid frame
US20030217976A1 (en) Vented medical fluid tip protector
US20030217964A1 (en) Membrane material for automated dialysis system
EP2167164A2 (en) Dialysis system having disposable cassette and heated cassette interface
US11273245B2 (en) Dialysis system having a vented disposable dialysis fluid carrying member

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: PA/a/2005/006867

Country of ref document: MX

Ref document number: 2004564788

Country of ref document: JP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2003814606

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2003814606

Country of ref document: EP