A device and method are described for the treatment of blood, which device may be used in conjunction with or in place of a failed Kidney. The device includes an ultrafiltration unit to remove proteins, red and white blood cells and other high molecular weight components, a nanofiltration unit to remove glucose, at least one electrodeionization unit to transport ions from the blood stream, and a reverse osmosis unit to modulate the flow of water, to both the blood and urine streams. In one embodiment, a specialized electrodeionization unit is provided having multiple chambers defining multiple dilute fluid channels, each channel filled with an ion specific resin wafer, and electrodes at the extremity of the device and proximate each of the resin filled dilute channels. By selective application of voltages to these electrodes, the ion transport functionality of a given dilute channel can be turned on or off.

Filtration membrane with improved mechanical stability and increased resistance to pressure is provided. The filtration membrane is useful for in vivo implantable filtration devices, such as, an artificial kidney. In vivo implantable filtration devices are also provided.

A fluid conduit includes a first portion having a first porosity, a second portion disposed immediately adjacent to the first portion, the second portion having a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity, and a third portion of the fluid conduit disposed immediately adjacent to the second portion, the third portion having a third porosity that is less than the second porosity. Each of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion may be integrally formed as a single, continuous piece defining the fluid conduit.

A device and methods for treating renal failure are disclosed. One embodiment of the device is an implantable peritoneal dialysis device. When in use, the device can have a semi-permeable reservoir implanted in the peritoneal cavity. The reservoir can receive blood waste and drain through one or more conduits, via a pump, to the biological bladder. Solids and/or a solution benefiting dialysis can be pumped to the reservoir and/or implanted in the peritoneal cavity.

An endovascular apparatus comprises a catheter shaft constructed and designed for insertion into a venous vessel of a patient; a capture thread positioned in at least one lumen of the catheter shaft and extending from a proximal end of the catheter shaft to a distal end of the catheter shaft for capturing components of a bodily fluid from the patient, the catheter shaft including a plurality of ports for exposing the capture thread to the bodily fluid of the patient; and an enclosure coupled to the proximal end of the catheter shaft. The enclosure includes a feed vessel in communication with a first end of the capture thread and a collection vessel in communication with a second end of the capture thread; and a drive system that controls a movement of the capture thread in the catheter shaft from the feed vessel to the collection vessel.

Bioartificial ultrafiltration devices comprising a scaffold comprising a population of cells enclosed in a matrix and disposed adjacent a plurality of channels are provided. The population of cells provides molecules such as therapeutic molecules to a subject in need thereof and is supported by the nutrients filtered in an ultrafiltrate from the blood of the subject. The plurality of channels in the scaffold facilitate the transportation of the ultrafiltrate and exchange of molecules between the ultrafiltrate and the population of cells.

A catheter for intravascular use has a blood inlet and a blood outlet, and includes a membrane arranged in the catheter in such a way that at least one part of the blood flowing into the catheter via the blood inlet during operation comes into contact with the membrane. The membrane allows an exchange of at least one substance between a carrier medium and the blood. The carrier medium is a carrier fluid in which the substance to be exchanged can be dissolved, and the catheter includes a delivery device that is designed to at least partially compensate for a pressure difference between the blood inlet and the blood outlet during operation. A method for removing at least one substance from venous blood for diagnostic purposes uses a device of this type.

The present disclosure relates to a dialysis device (1), more particularly a microdialysis device for the sampling of substances from the surface of a body organ. The device is particularly useful in the context of the monitoring of a moving organ, such as a beating heart, as the device comprises attachment means (2) allowing for a flexible and reliable attachment thereto. Furthermore, the microdialysis device provides for an efficient exchange of substances, such as metabolic substances, between the organ and the dialysis fluid through a semi-permeable material forming part of the device. There is also provided a method encompassing the device of the disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a dialysis device (1), more particularly a microdialysis device for the sampling of substances from the surface of a body organ. The device is particularly useful in the context of the monitoring of a moving organ, such as a beating heart, as the device comprises attachment means (2) allowing for a flexible and reliable attachment thereto. Furthermore, the microdialysis device provides for an efficient exchange of substances, such as metabolic substances, between the organ and the dialysis fluid through a semi-permeable material forming part of the device. There is also provided a method encompassing the device of the disclosure.

Compositions, materials, devices and methods are disclosed for the use of decellularized avian lung scaffolds for potential xenotransplantation and other uses including use as novel lung assist or bridge-to-transplant devices and as potential alternatives to current ECMO devices and technologies. Decellularization of an avian lung and recellularization with human lung cells is described.