Claims
- 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 communication 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, hemofiltration 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, hemofiltration 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 formed 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 stroke.
- 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 misalignment 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 hemofiltration.
- 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 concentrate 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 mechanism 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 mechanism 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 mechanism 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 mechanism of claim 110, wherein the film is capable of being sterilized by gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide sterilization.
- 122. The mechanism 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 mechanism 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 mechanism 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 mechanism 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 mechanism 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 mechanism 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 mechanism of claim 139, wherein the tubing is fabricated from a second polyolefin.
- 141. The mechanism 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 mechanism of claim 141, wherein the second polyolefin is selected from ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers.
- 143. The mechanism 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, hemofiltration 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 mechanism 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 mechanism 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, hemofiltration 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 0.2% 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 0.1% 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 communicate 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 hemofiltration.
- 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 travel in two directions.
- 183. A system for performing dialysis comprising:
first and second inlet paths in communication 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 ultrafiltration 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 strokes, 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 hemofiltration 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 connection 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 stroke 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: polytetrafluorethylene (“PTFE”), Teflon, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride (“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 carrying 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 communication 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 polytetrafluorethylene (“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 hemofiltration.
- 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 downstream 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 volume 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.
Parent Case Info
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/397,045, filed on Jul. 19, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/397,268, filed on Jul. 19, 2002.
Provisional Applications (2)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60397045 |
Jul 2002 |
US |
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60397268 |
Jul 2002 |
US |