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.

A injection site information cap includes a housing, a cover portion, an engagement portion configured to couple to and cover an injection port of an injection site, and at least one information element on the cover portion that is positioned to be automatically sensed by at least one sensor of the injection site when the engagement portion is coupled to or is being coupled to the medication injection port. Related apparatus, systems, and techniques are also described.

Some embodiments are directed to portable devices for transferring fluids from an external source and controllably infusing the fluids into a patient, particularly portable infusion pump devices, and protective housings for such devices, which include a pump unit, a computer, a portable fuel source, and a seal for securing the contents substantially within the protective housings of the device. Some embodiments may be formed as a single infusion pump unit or may be formed when two infusion pump units are engaged. Some embodiments also relate to methods of use of portable devices and method for the manufacture of portable devices and protective housings for such devices.

Systems for piercing a septum of a drug delivery device is disclosed. The drug delivery device may include a needle conduit having an end and a drug container having a septum. The septum piercing mechanism may include a needle support operatively coupled to the needle conduit. The septum piercing mechanism may be movable from a first, unactivated configuration to a second, activated configuration. In the unactivated configuration, the septum seals an interior of the drug container from the end of the needle conduit. In the activated configuration, the end of the needle conduit pierces through the septum placing the needle conduit in fluid communication with the drug container. In one embodiment, activation may cause the needle support to move towards the drug container. In one embodiment, the needle support may be moved by a biasing member. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the needle support may be moved by a cam mechanism.

The present invention relates to a method of replenishing a system for injecting a substance into the patient's body, when the system is implanted in the patient's body. The method involves replenishing the implanted reservoir by a replenishing needle penetrating the patient's skin and injecting infusion liquid comprising the substance through the replenishing needle directly or indirectly into the reservoir.

Temperature control device for use in fluid-based hyper/hypothermia systems, comprising a connection unit for connecting the device to a local power network, and a fluid temperature control unit for heating or cooling a fluid. The device includes a power supply unit, by which electrical consuming components of the fluid temperature control unit are supplied with power, and which effects supply of the electrical consuming components with direct current.

An jet injection and electroporation device for use with an agent cartridge defining a volume containing a pre-measured dose of agent therein, the electroporation device including a housing having an axis extend therethrough, a nozzle at least partially positioned within the housing, and a cavity sized to receive at least a portion of the agent cartridge therein. The device also includes an array having a plurality of electrodes extending therefrom, a propulsion cartridge configured to operatively engage the cartridge when the agent cartridge is positioned within the cavity; and a power supply in electrical communication with the array.

Systems, devices, and methods for improving wireless power transmission are disclosed herein. A method of powering an implantable ventricular assist device with an external charging device includes receiving a signal indicative of a change in a property of a deformable coil of the resonant circuit. A performance property of the deformable coil is determined based on the signal. An adjustment to a tuning of the resonant circuit is identified based on the performance property of the deformable coil. The resonant circuit is tuned according to the adjustment to the tuning of the resonant circuit. The resonant circuit is driven to transmit power to a secondary coil electrically coupled with the implantable ventricular assist device to power the ventricular assist device.

A method is disclosed for administering medication to conscious or unconscious patients using a device with a tubular chamber. The method involves the use of a device with a tubular chamber, wherein a liquid medication is contained within a capsule. The medication is atomized by activating an atomizer, thereby generating an atomized medication consisting of particles with a maximum diameter of four microns. The atomized medication is then dispensed into the tubular chamber. Using the device, the atomized medication is administered to the patient. In cases of unconsciousness, a resilient air bladder connected to the chamber is partially deflated, allowing air transfer into the chamber. This facilitates the administration of the atomized medication. This method enables effective medication delivery in various emergency scenarios, ensuring appropriate treatment even for unresponsive patients by providing a method of using a device with modular components.

A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.