A parameter for controlling an inlet pump speed in a hemofiltration system is derived from fitting a line to multiple data points of pressure versus pump speed. The pressure is measured in a channel connecting an inlet pump to an outlet pump. First, the inlet pump operates and the pressure is sampled until it is stabilized, then the inlet pump speed is increased and pressure is measured to obtain a data point. Subsequently the inlet pump speed is decreased and pressure is measured to obtain another data point. A line is fit through the data points to obtain the parameter.

Dialysis systems comprising actuators that cooperate to perform dialysis functions and sensors that cooperate to monitor dialysis functions are disclosed. According to one aspect, such a hemodialysis system comprises a user interface model layer, a therapy layer, below the user interface model layer, and a machine layer below the therapy layer. The user interface model layer is configured to manage the state of a graphical user interface and receive inputs from a graphical user interface. The therapy layer is configured to run state machines that generate therapy commands based at least in part on the inputs from the graphical user interface. The machine layer is configured to provide commands for the actuators based on the therapy commands.

The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.

A patient fluid removal compensation volume may be determined to make up for the patient fluid removal that does not occur during machine down times, and the patient fluid removal rate may be increased until the compensating volume is satisfied.

A method for controlling or regulating the pressure, which prevails within a heating bag of a tubing system used for the treatment, wherein the method encompasses the steps: Determining the pressure; comparing the determined pressure with a reference pressure or detecting its state with respect to a reference pressure range and changing a treatment parameter of the treatment of the patient or suggesting a correction of the treatment parameter in case the determined pressure is below or above, respectively, the reference pressure or outside the reference pressure range.

Dialysis systems comprising actuators that cooperate to perform dialysis functions and sensors that cooperate to monitor dialysis functions are disclosed. According to one aspect, such a hemodialysis system comprises a user interface model layer, a therapy layer, below the user interface model layer, and a machine layer below the therapy layer. The user interface model layer is configured to manage the state of a graphical user interface and receive inputs from a graphical user interface. The therapy layer is configured to run state machines that generate therapy commands based at least in part on the inputs from the graphical user interface. The machine layer is configured to provide commands for the actuators based on the therapy commands.

An apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a treatment unit (2) having a first chamber (3) and a second chamber (4) separated from one another by a semipermeable membrane (5), a blood removal line (6) connected in inlet with the first chamber (3) and a blood return line (7) connected in outlet with the first chamber; an infusion line (9; 9a, 9b) of a replacement fluid and a fluid evacuation line (10) connected in outlet from the second chamber. A regulating device (20) of a transmembrane pressure is active on at least one of the lines and a control unit (15) is configured to: command the regulating device (20) by setting a first increase (TMP.sub.1), determine a value of a control parameter (.sub.1) corresponding to the first increase, compare the value of the control parameter (.sub.1) with a reference value (.sub.ref) and, if the value of the control parameter is greater than the reference value, command the regulating device (20) by setting a second increase (TMP.sub.2) which is greater than the first increase (TMP.sub.1).

An apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of blood (1) comprising a filtration unit (2), a blood withdrawal line (6), a blood return line (7), an effluent fluid line (13), a pre and/or post-dilution fluid line (15, 25) connected to the blood withdrawal line, and a dialysis fluid line. Pumps (17, 18, 21, 22, 27) act on the fluid lines for regulating the flow of fluid. A control unit (10) is configured to periodically calculate a new value for the patient fluid removal rate to be imposed on an ultrafiltration actuator in order to keep a predefined patient fluid removal rate across a reference time interval irrespective of machine down times.

A parameter for controlling an inlet pump speed in a hemofiltration system is derived from fitting a line to multiple data points of pressure versus pump speed. The pressure is measured in a channel connecting an inlet pump to an outlet pump. First, the inlet pump operates and the pressure is sampled until it is stabilized, then the inlet pump speed is increased and pressure is measured to obtain a data point. Subsequently the inlet pump speed is decreased and pressure is measured to obtain another data point. A line is fit through the data points to obtain the parameter.

An extracorporeal blood filtering machine can include a blood circuit, an effluent circuit, and a source fluid circuit and can be controlled by a controller. The extracorporeal blood filtering machine can also include access ports for connecting the source fluid circuit to the blood circuit, as well as blood sensors to detect possible issues with the extracorporeal blood filtering machine. The extracorporeal blood filtering machine can include density sensors and flow sensors that enable it to be more accurate and to operate while being transported. The extracorporeal blood filtering machine can further include a user interface and can display fluid inflow/outflow information. A medical fluid container can automatically empty after being filled. An apparatus for supporting a medical fluid container can include a hanger and an attachment member with the apparatus able to adjust to ensure the medical fluid container remains properly oriented directly under a medical fluid container scale.