Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.

A method is provided for controlling fluid flow through a tubing segment is provided in which a pump draws fluid through the tubing segment using negative pressure P. The method includes the steps of: a) operating the pump at an initial commanded fluid flow rate to draw fluid through the tubing segment; b) measuring on a continuous basis the P in the tubing segment; c) determining into which of four zones the measured P falls, a first zone being where P>X.sub.1, a second zone being where X.sub.1>P>X.sub.2, a third zone where X.sub.2>P>X.sub.3, and a fourth zone where X.sub.3>P; d) if P is in the first zone for greater than a first pre-established time period, then increasing the commanded flow rate of the pump and returning to step b); e) if P is in the second zone, then continuing to operate the pump at the flow rate at which the pump is currently operated and returning to step b); f) if P is in the third zone, for greater than a second pre-established time period, then decreasing the commanded flow rate of the pump and returning to step b); and g) if P is in the fourth zone, then commanding the pump to stop. A system including a programmable controller configured to automatically perform the method is also disclosed

A method is provided for controlling fluid flow through a tubing segment is provided in which a pump draws fluid through the tubing segment using negative pressure P. The method includes the steps of: a) operating the pump at an initial commanded fluid flow rate to draw fluid through the tubing segment; b) measuring on a continuous basis the P in the tubing segment; c) determining into which of four zones the measured P falls, a first zone being where P>X.sub.1, a second zone being where X.sub.1>P>X.sub.2, a third zone where X.sub.2>P>X.sub.3, and a fourth zone where X.sub.3>P; d) if P is in the first zone for greater than a first pre-established time period, then increasing the commanded flow rate of the pump and returning to step b); e) if P is in the second zone, then continuing to operate the pump at the flow rate at which the pump is currently operated and returning to step b); f) if P is in the third zone, for greater than a second pre-established time period, then decreasing the commanded flow rate of the pump and returning to step b); and g) if P is in the fourth zone, then commanding the pump to stop. A system including a programmable controller configured to automatically perform the method is also disclosed

Dialysis is enhanced by using nanoclay sorbents to better absorb body wastes in a flow-through system. The nanoclay sorbents, using montmorillonite, bentonite, and other clays, absorb significantly more ammonium, phosphate, and creatinine, and the like, than conventional sorbents. The montmorillonite, the bentonite, and the other clays may be used in wearable systems, in which a dialysis fluid is circulated through a filter with the nanoclay sorbents. Waste products are absorbed by the montmorillonite, the bentonite, and the other clays and the dialysis fluid is recycled to a patient's peritoneum. Using an ion-exchange capability of the montmorillonite, the bentonite, and the other clays, waste ions in the dialysis fluid are replaced with desirable ions, such as calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. The nanoclay sorbents are also useful for refreshing a dialysis fluid used in hemodialysis and thus reducing a quantity of the dialysis fluid needed for the hemodialysis.

A system to be used to treat Leukemia, comprises a device to power, control and monitor an ultraviolet radiation as well as to monitor a blood contactless conductivity; and a catheter assembly with an inner dialysis catheter, an ultraviolet radiation source and a differential coil sensor. The system is using wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation to destroy infectious microbes that are in the blood and that are inside circulating tumor cells directly and indirectly as well as to destroy infectious microbes at primary tumor location (bone marrow). This is done without withdrawing the blood out of the body. Furthermore, the system measures a blood conductivity to evaluate the treatment process in a real time during the operation.

A system to be used to treat Leukemia, comprises a device to power, control and monitor an ultraviolet radiation as well as to monitor a blood contactless conductivity; and a catheter assembly with an inner dialysis catheter, an ultraviolet radiation source and a differential coil sensor. The system is using wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation to destroy infectious microbes that are in the blood and that are inside circulating tumor cells directly and indirectly as well as to destroy infectious microbes at primary tumor location (bone marrow). This is done without withdrawing the blood out of the body. Furthermore, the system measures a blood conductivity to evaluate the treatment process in a real time during the operation.

A dialysis system is disclosed that enables a patient to undergo both peritoneal dialysis and extracorporeal blood treatments. The system includes a base unit and a blood treatment unit configured to perform extracorporeal blood treatments on a patient. The blood treatment unit includes a user interface operable with a controller for displaying a calendar of days in which an extracorporeal blood treatment is scheduled to be performed. The base unit includes a base unit controller that is programmed to receive information indicative whether a peritoneal dialysis treatment or the extracorporeal blood treatment is to be performed. The base unit controller operates first software instructions when the base unit uses a first fluid stored in a fluid container when the peritoneal dialysis treatment is selected or operates second software instructions when the base unit uses a second, different fluid from an online source when the extracorporeal blood treatment is selected.

A dialysis system is disclosed that enables a patient to undergo both peritoneal dialysis and extracorporeal blood treatments. The system includes a base unit and a blood treatment unit configured to perform extracorporeal blood treatments on a patient. The blood treatment unit includes a user interface operable with a controller for displaying a calendar of days in which an extracorporeal blood treatment is scheduled to be performed. The base unit includes a base unit controller that is programmed to receive information indicative whether a peritoneal dialysis treatment or the extracorporeal blood treatment is to be performed. The base unit controller operates first software instructions when the base unit uses a first fluid stored in a fluid container when the peritoneal dialysis treatment is selected or operates second software instructions when the base unit uses a second, different fluid from an online source when the extracorporeal blood treatment is selected.

Dialysis systems are disclosed comprising new fluid flow circuits. Systems may include blood and dialysate flow paths, where the dialysate flow path includes balancing, mixing, and/or directing circuits. Dialysate preparation may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and urge blood back to the patient may be included for certain emergency situations. Fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, and mixers that can be actuated using a control fluid may be included. Control fluid may be delivered by an external pump or other device, which may be detachable and/or generally rigid, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into first and second compartments.

A container for warming fluids comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a fluid conduit configured for fluidly communicating the inlet and outlet ports, and deflection sections. The fluid conduit has a non-constant maximum width in a direction of fluid flow through the fluid conduit. The deflection sections further comprise an entry section and an exit section, each respective exit section being arranged downstream, in the direction of fluid flow, from each respective entry section. The maximum width of the fluid conduit decreases along the direction of fluid flow through the entry section over a first distance and the maximum width of the fluid conduit increases along the direction of fluid flow through the exit section over a second, different distance. An apparatus for warming fluids in, an extracorporeal blood circuit including, and a blood treatment apparatus including the container are also provided.