The present invention generally relates to hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems, including a variety of systems and methods that would make hemodialysis more efficient, easier, and/or more affordable. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to new fluid circuits for fluid flow. In one set of embodiments, a hemodialysis system may include a blood flow path and a dialysate flow path, where the dialysate flow path includes one or more of a balancing circuit, a mixing circuit, and/or a directing circuit. Preparation of dialysate by the preparation circuit, in some instances, may be decoupled from patient dialysis. In some cases, the circuits are defined, at least partially, within one or more cassettes, optionally interconnected with conduits, pumps, or the like. In one embodiment, the fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be at least partially isolated, spatially and/or thermally, from electrical components of the hemodialysis system. In some cases, a gas supply may be provided in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer that, when activated, is able to urge dialysate to pass through the dialyzer and urge blood in the blood flow path back to the patient. Such a system may be useful, for example, in certain emergency situations (e.g., a power failure) where it is desirable to return as much blood to the patient as possible. The hemodialysis system may also include, in another aspect of the invention, one or more fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, mixers, or the like, which can be actuated using a control fluid, such as air. In some cases, the control fluid may be delivered to the fluid handling devices using an external pump or other device, which may be detachable in certain instances. In one embodiment, one or more of the fluid handling devices may be generally rigid (e.g., having a spheroid shape), optionally with a diaphragm contained within the device, dividing it into first and second compartments.

The present teachings may generally include a first fluid connector that includes a first body having a first central cavity that defines a first fluid pathway and a first seal within the first central cavity. The first seal includes a pair of first interfacing elements positioned adjacent one another at a distal end of the first seal and a first opening configured to remain sealed closed when the first interfacing elements are adjacent, and the first opening opens when the first interfacing elements are separated. The first connector is configured to fluidly connect to a second connector by engaging the first interfacing elements and with a pair of second interfacing elements of the second connector, thereby causing both pairs of first and second interfacing elements to separate causing the opening of first opening and second opening.

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 method of preparing a solution for use during a dialysis, hemodialysis, or Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) treatment of a patient is provided. An antibiotic or other drug is added (48, 50, 52) to a solution and the concentration or dosing of the antibiotic or other drug within the solution is adjusted (72) as required based on a determination (64) of serum level of the antibiotic in a blood sample of a patient.

Devices, systems, and methods herein relate to performing dialysis to manage a chronic condition such as end-stage renal disease. These systems and methods may allow a patient to orally ingest a potable dialysate and excrete the dialysate via the urinary tract. In some variations, a method may include delivering a dialysate via the esophagus of a patient and draining the dialysate into a bladder of the patient. Delivering the dialysate may further comprise delivering the dialysate through the nasopharynx or oropharynx. Delivering the dialysate through the oropharynx may comprise the patient drinking the dialysate.

The present invention relates to a medical solution. According to the invention the ready-for-use solution comprises phosphate in a concentration of 1.0-2.8 mM, is sterile and has a pH of 6.5-7.6. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the medical solution and the use thereof.

A dialysate disposal apparatus includes a water supply assembly configured to provide water through a plumbing fixture. A fitting is configured to connect to a drain of the plumbing fixture and includes an inlet configured to receive dialysate effluent from a dialysis device. A controller regulates an amount of water flow through the water supply assembly.

This disclosure provides for the application of a multi-disciplinary analysis of information sources to draw novel conclusions that result in new methods to diagnose, prevent or treat COVID-19. COVID-19 appears to be an extremely complex disease, encompassing three critical aspects at least: a viral infection, an immune system disorder, and a cardiovascular/pulmonary/renal disease with significant coagulation system dysregulation. This disclosure principally focuses on the design and methods of use of a combinatorial apparatus that addresses critical needs to treat patients with COVID-19, especially those at high risk of, or experiencing, adverse effects of COVID-19 infection, including but not limited to kidney function support, supplemental oxygen administration, correction of cardiovascular dysfunction, and removal or modification of deleterious molecules or agents from or in a patient's blood, including virus particles or molecular components thereof. Applications of the combinatorial device for disease management other than for use with respect to COVID-19 are also described.

Hemodialysis systems are described. A hemodialysis system may include a dialysate flow path through which dialysate is passed from a dialysate reservoir, which includes a valved vent to atmosphere, to an ultrafilter. The dialysate flow path includes a pneumatically actuated diaphragm-based dialysate pump for pumping fluid from the dialysate reservoir to the ultrafilter. The hemodialysis system may include a controller for controlling pneumatic actuation pressure delivered to the dialysate pump and at least one valve connecting the dialysate reservoir vent to the atmosphere. The hemodialysis system may be configured to actuate the dialysate pump and the at least one valve to introduce air into the dialysate flow path and expel liquid from the dialysate flow path to a drain.

An attaching member is provided that is capable of releasing a load occurring on a pump tube that is being attached to or detached from a peristaltic pump so that the work of attaching or detaching the pump tube to or from the peristaltic pump can be performed stably. An attaching member to be attached to a blood purification apparatus including peristaltic pumps holds pump tubes to be squeezed in a predetermined direction by the peristaltic pumps for liquid delivery. The attaching member includes a body attachable to a predetermined position of the blood purification apparatus, and holding portions attached to the body and that hold the pump tubes. The holding portions are displaceable relative to the body by rocking.