A dialysis apparatus has a connection channel that communicatively connects a dialysate circuit and a blood circuit, and circulates dialysate from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit via the connection channel during a priming operation. A blood pump has a tube attachment device that switches from an unattached state in which a tube is positioned outside a housing and permits liquid to circulate thereinside, to an attached state in which the tube is in the housing and a rotor compresses the tube. At the time of priming, the liquid feeding pump feeds dialysate from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit via the connection channel. With the blood pump being in the unattached state, the dialysate is circulated past the blood pump, and then, with the blood pump in the attached state, the dialysate is circulated in a direction opposite to the blood pump.

A dialysis apparatus has a connection channel that communicatively connects a dialysate circuit and a blood circuit, and circulates dialysate from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit via the connection channel during a priming operation. A blood pump has a tube attachment device that switches from an unattached state in which a tube is positioned outside a housing and permits liquid to circulate thereinside, to an attached state in which the tube is in the housing and a rotor compresses the tube. At the time of priming, the liquid feeding pump feeds dialysate from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit via the connection channel. With the blood pump being in the unattached state, the dialysate is circulated past the blood pump, and then, with the blood pump in the attached state, the dialysate is circulated in a direction opposite to the blood pump.

Dialysis systems and methods are described which can include a number of features. The dialysis systems described can be to provide dialysis therapy to a patient in the comfort of their own home. The dialysis system can be configured to prepare purified water from a tap water source in real-time that is used for creating a dialysate solution. The dialysis systems described also include features that make it easy for a patient to self-administer therapy. For example, the dialysis systems include disposable cartridge and patient tubing sets that are easily installed on the dialysis system and automatically align the tubing set, sensors, venous drip chamber, and other features with the corresponding components on the dialysis system. Methods of use are also provided, including automated priming sequences, blood return sequences, and dynamic balancing methods for controlling a rate of fluid transfer during different types of dialysis, including hemodialysis, ultrafiltration, and hemodiafiltration.

A portable dialysis cabinet for use in dialysis. The portable dialysis cabinet can have a size and weight that facilitates easy movement of the cabinet from one location to another with relative ease. The portable dialysis cabinet can have additional features necessary to facilitate portability, such as wheels and a handle. In general, the portable dialysis cabinet can contain all the necessary components for performing a dialysis session.

Embodiments of the invention pertain to cartridges, systems and methods for performing hemodialysis and related extracorporeal blood treatment modalities and therapies, in which blood flows in the inter fiber space and dialysate flows in the lumens of hollow fibers. Appropriate connectors and fitting orientations may be provided. There may be provided orbital distributors, fanning of fibers, and features to promote uniformity of fiber spacing in the fiber bundle. Orbital distributors may contain contoured surfaces, flow redirectors, non-uniform-conductance flow elements, through-wall distributors, and other features. There may be subdivision of the fiber bundle into two groups of fibers with separate control fluid to each group. Appropriate systems may be provided for various therapies. Flow past the fibers may be parallel, transverse or other configuration. These various features may enable long-term application to all dialysis and ultrafiltration related therapies, and also to other therapies and to applications including implantables, portables and wearables.

A method and apparatus for priming an extracorporeal blood system. The extracorporeal blood system includes an arterial blood line, a venous blood line, a pump segment for interaction with a peristaltic blood pump of the apparatus and a blood treatment unit. A port of the venous blood line is connected to a venous blood port of the blood treatment unit. A port of the arterial blood line is connected to an arterial blood port of the blood treatment unit. The extracorporeal blood system is connected to a reservoir containing priming liquid. The non-occluded extracorporeal blood system is subsequently filled with priming liquid and, after filling with priming liquid, the pump segment is automatically occluded by a blood pump.

A drain cassette for a dialysis unit has a fluid channel between venous and arterial connection ports, and a valve may controllably open and close fluid communication between a drain outlet port and the venous connection port or the arterial connection port. A blood circuit assembly and drain cassette may be removable from the dialysis unit, e.g., by hand and without the use of tools. A blood circuit assembly may include a single, unitary member that defines portions of a pair of blood pumps, control valves, channels to accurately position flexible tubing for an occluder, an air trap support, and/or other portions of the assembly. A blood circuit assembly engagement device may assist with retaining a blood circuit assembly on the dialysis unit, and/or with removal of the assembly. An actuator may operate a retainer element and an ejector element that interact with the assembly.

According to embodiments, priming systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which allow medical treatment devices which pump fluid to be primed with minimal operator intervention and a high level of convenience. A blood circuit with a filter fitted with one or more air vents on a non-blood compartment is attached to a treatment system and priming fluid pumped slowly through the blood circuit in a loop. The source of fluid may be elevated, or the pumping may generate pressure, such that priming fluid is forced through the membrane of the filter and out the air vent(s). In embodiments, the vents are hydrophobic which prevent fluid from being ejected, so the priming system can run without intervention.

The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.

According to embodiments, priming systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which allow medical treatment devices which pump fluid to be primed with minimal operator intervention and a high level of convenience. A blood circuit with a filter fitted with one or more air vents on a non-blood compartment is attached to a treatment system and priming fluid pumped slowly through the blood circuit in a loop. The source of fluid may be elevated, or the pumping may generate pressure, such that priming fluid is forced through the membrane of the filter and out the air vent(s). In embodiments, the vents are hydrophobic which prevent fluid from being ejected, so the priming system can run without intervention.