The present disclosure describes a novel therapeutic apheresis system and, more specifically, methods and an apparatus for performing therapeutic apheresis. The present disclosure provides highly efficient methods for therapeutic apheresis that modulate the immune system, thereby resulting in treatment of one or more underlying immunological disease processes. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods return at least a portion of blood from an extracorporeal circuit to a patient in pulsatile flow, where the portion of blood that is returned is augmented. In other embodiments, the disclosed methods and apparatus use the central arterial system to exchange volumes of plasma to immunomodulate disease processes. The disclosed methods combine concepts of intermittent flow and continuous flow therapeutic apheresis with established cardiovascular concepts. In addition, the disclosed methods reduce the amount of time spent by patients in therapeutic apheresis sessions and decrease patients' dependence on immunological drugs that may have detrimental adverse effects.

A method and apparatus are provided for automatically detecting the type of replacement fluid loaded by the operator during a therapeutic exchange procedure and to provide a warning alarm if an incorrect fluid is used. After the operator connects the container of replacement fluid to the replacement fluid line of a single-use kit and enters into the controller an identification of the exchange procedure to be performed, the replacement fluid is flowed through a segment of the kit in proximity to a sensor associated with the hardware component that detects the type of fluid flowing through the segment. The controller verifies whether the replacement fluid detected in the segment corresponds to that appropriate for the selected exchange procedure, and notifies the operator in the event that an incorrect replacement fluid has been loaded.

The present invention relates to an insert piece for a blood tubing set that includes a first connection site for connecting a first tubing portion of the blood tubing set to the insert piece; a second connection site for connecting a second tubing portion of the blood tubing set to the insert piece; a third connection site for connecting a third tubing portion of the blood tubing set to the insert piece; a first main line for conducting a first liquid through the insert piece; a second main line for conducting the first liquid through the insert piece; a secondary line for conducting a second liquid into at least one of the first main line, and the second main line; and a connection portion which connects both main lines to each other or to the second connection site.

Embodiments are described for treating a fluid, e.g., a biological fluid. The embodiments may include systems, apparatuses, and methods. Embodiments may provide for a flow cell, with a plurality of manipulation elements, through which a fluid is flowed. The fluid may be treated (e.g., exposed to energy) as it moves through the flow cell. In embodiments, the flow cell may be used to inactivate pathogens in the fluid.

Systems and methods for performing therapeutic plasma exchange are provided. The systems and methods utilize a plasmapheresis device that includes a controller that is configured and/or programmed to monitor the amount plasma collected and initiate delivery of a therapeutic agent.

Embodiments are described for treating a fluid, e.g., a biological fluid. The embodiments may include systems, apparatuses, and methods. Embodiments may provide for a flow cell, with a plurality of manipulation elements, through which a fluid is flowed. The fluid may be treated (e.g., exposed to energy) as it moves through the flow cell. In embodiments, the flow cell may be used to inactivate pathogens in the fluid.

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.

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.

Systems and methods for performing therapeutic plasma exchange are provided. The systems and methods utilize a plasmapheresis device that includes a controller that is configured and/or programmed to monitor the amount plasma collected and initiate delivery of a therapeutic agent.

An optimizing device for freely switching RBC removal and plasma exchange are provided, which is used to solve the problems in the prior art that the treatment effect is poor, the consumption of consumables is excessive, and the application range is narrow. According to the device, an additional hanging hook is added, a plasma exchange output pipeline is modified to be separated from the plasma collection pump and to be installed to the additional hanging hook. Then, the RBC recirculation tube is clamped through a freely movable cassette, so that the flow rate control of a plasma collection pump is released. Thereafter, HCT data is adjusted, and liquid is compensated, so that the RBC removal or replacement, lymphoplasma exchange and plasma exchange can be freely switched, which can meet the clinical treatment needs, optimize the process and reduce the cost. Therefore, the application range of a pipeline is greatly increased.