Abstract:
A biosensor capable of monitoring a number of different constituents of a dialysate solution used during dialysis therapy is provided. The biosensor of the present invention includes an integrated array of reactive elements and sensing elements that can be hydraulically coupled to the dialysate solution. In this regard, the biosensor can be utilized to provide on-line monitoring of total solutes removed from a patient during dialysis therapy, infection levels, and/or other desirable parameters such that an overall assessment of dialysis therapy can be readily evaluated.
Abstract:
In a peritoneal dialysis embodiment of the present invention, spent dialysate from the patient's peritoneal cavity passes, along a patient loop, through a dialyzer having a membrane that separates waste components from the spent dialysate, wherein the patient loop returns fresh dialysate to the patient's peritoneal cavity. The waste components are carried away in a second regeneration loop to a regeneration unit or sorbent cartridge, which absorbs the waste components. The regeneration unit removes undesirable components in the dialysate that were removed from the patient loop by the dialyzer, for example, excess water (ultrafiltrate or UF), toxins and metabolic wastes. Desirable components can be added to the dialysate by the system, such as glucose and electrolytes. The additives assist in maintaining the proper osmotic gradients in the patient to perform dialysis and provide the necessary compounds to the patient.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a polymer blend for fabricating a laser-weldable article having a first component of a material not thermally responsive to a laser beam and selected from the group consisting of 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 second component of a laser responsive material having low solubility in an aqueous medium and present in an amount by weight of from about 20 ppm to about 2000 ppm; and the blend being sufficiently thermally responsive to exposure to a laser beam having a wavelength within a range of wavelengths from about 700 nm to about 1500 nm to at melt upon exposure to the laser beam for a short period of time.
Abstract:
A system for dialysis is disclosed. An example peritoneal dialysis system includes a peritoneal dialysis machine including a pumping mechanism, and a sensor configured to measure a property of peritoneal dialysis fluid. The peritoneal dialysis system also includes a disposable cassette operable with the peritoneal dialysis machine. The disposable cassette includes a fluid source inlet for accepting fluid from a fluid source and a fluid flow path in fluid communication with the fluid source inlet. The fluid flow path includes a pump chamber operable with the pumping mechanism to pump fluid through the fluid flow path. The disposable cassette also includes a concentrate inlet for fluidly communicating concentrate to the fluid flow path, and a sensor chamber located along the fluid flow path and operable with the sensor. The sensor is configured to provide feedback to the peritoneal dialysis machine for mixing the concentrate for forming peritoneal dialysis fluid.
Abstract:
A peritoneal dialysis system comprising a housing, a stepper motor housed by the housing, a pump head in operable communication with the stepper motor, a disposable unit operable with the housing and an encoder operably coupled to the stepper motor. The disposable unit includes a membrane operable with the pump head and wherein the housing and the disposable unit are configured to allow a negative pressure to be applied to the pump head and the membrane. The stepper motor is configured to move the pump head towards and away from the disposable unit. The encoder is operable with a position detection apparatus located to detect a position of the pump head relative to a reference position.
Abstract:
A system for dialysis is disclosed. An example peritoneal dialysis system includes a peritoneal dialysis machine including a pumping mechanism, and a sensor configured to measure a property of peritoneal dialysis fluid. The peritoneal dialysis system also includes a disposable cassette operable with the peritoneal dialysis machine. The disposable cassette includes a fluid source inlet for accepting fluid from a fluid source and a fluid flow path in fluid communication with the fluid source inlet. The fluid flow path includes a pump chamber operable with the pumping mechanism to pump fluid through the fluid flow path. The disposable cassette also includes a concentrate inlet for fluidly communicating concentrate to the fluid flow path, and a sensor chamber located along the fluid flow path and operable with the sensor. The sensor is configured to provide feedback to the peritoneal dialysis machine for mixing the concentrate for forming peritoneal dialysis fluid.
Abstract:
A system and a method are provided to effect solution exchange particularly for a patient requiring peritoneal dialysis. The system includes a device (1) that is portable and particularly adaptable for patients requiring a night time exchange or an additional exchange. The device (1) includes an operator-touch control panel (10) operatively connected to a pouch (26) with an incorporated heater (12). The pouch (26) holds a solution bag (18) and may be selectively opened and closed by a cover (28). A drain tray (30) holds a drain bag (20) and has a scale (14) incorporated therein. The pouch (26) is connected to the control panel (10) by an upper arm (38), and the drain tray (30) is connected to the control panel (10) by a lower arm (42). The device (1) may be collapsed by releasing the upper arm (38) and the lower arm (42) such that the system (1) lays in a substantially flat arrangement when not in use.
Abstract:
A system and a method are provided to effect solution exchange particularly for a patient requiring peritoneal dialysis. The system includes a device (1) that is portable and particularly adaptable for patients requiring a night time exchange or an additional exchange. The device (1) includes an operator-touch control panel (10) operatively connected to a pouch (26) with an incorporated heater (12). The pouch (26) holds a solution bag (18) and may be selectively opened and closed by a cover (28). A drain tray (30) holds a drain bag (20) and has a scale (14) incorporated therein. The pouch (26) is connected to the control panel (10) by an upper arm (38), and the drain tray (30) is connected to the control panel (10) by a lower arm (42). The device (1) may be collapsed by releasing the upper arm (38) and the lower arm (42) such that the system (1) lays in a substantially flat arrangement when not in use.