NxStage Medical, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150267821 | CLAMP DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING - Releasable tubing pinch clamps of a generally U-shaped configuration are described. The embodiments include ones that prevent cross-clamping of the tube by various interlocking features on riser portions of the clamp. Methods and molds for making the pinch clamps are also described. The pinch clamp consists generally of a strip that curves so that its ends can be brought together by manually squeezing the strip at its ends which oppose each other as a result of the strip curve. The strip ends contain locking edges or surfaces that cause the strip ends to interferingly engage with each other and lock together. The strip also contains opposing pinching projections that pinch a tube. | 09-24-2015 |
20150204733 | FLUID PROPERTY MEASUREMENT DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - High accuracy temperature measurement devices, methods, and systems for measuring the temperature of medical fluids are described. In embodiments, the devices have the features that they are compatible with the measurement of temperatures in a sealed fluid circuit, thereby promoting compatibility with sterile disposable circuits. Also described are combinations of temperature sensors and conductivity measurement for precise determination of the concentration of ions in a medicament. | 07-23-2015 |
20150196702 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINE ERROR DETECTION BY COMBINING MULTIPLE SENSOR INPUTS - One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives. | 07-16-2015 |
20140319035 | MEDICAL DEVICE LEAK SENSING DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - Features for protecting against leaks in a fluid circuit are disclosed. In a first embodiment, a fluid circuit is housed by another fluid circuit that is configured to capture and convey leaks to leak detector. In a second embodiment, a first indicator of a leak is used to trigger confirmation by blood flow reversal and air detection in the blood circuit. | 10-30-2014 |
20140238909 | BATCH FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF STERILE FLUID FOR RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY - A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration. | 08-28-2014 |
20140191501 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR COUPLING FLUID LINES - The disclosed subject matter includes embodiments of fluid couplings that prevent or discourage misconnection of fluid lines. A coupling device includes multiple male and female connectors that are joined to a common line. The coupling device is mated to a matching coupling device only when all the multiple male and female connectors are property joined. If any of the connectors is not property mated to a corresponding one, the coupling will leak. The coupling devices are made unique by providing an arrangement the connectors, number of connectors, shape of connectors or arrangement of interfering connector parts that ensure that any attempt to improperly couple two fluid lines will result in the incomplete mating of one or more of the connectors and thereby cause leakage of the fluid, failure of the coupling to engage, or otherwise cause the attempt to connect to fail. | 07-10-2014 |
20140076058 | PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - A pressure measurement system for use in blood circuits comprised of a pressure sensing pod and a force measurement device. The pressure sensing pod can include a flexible, moveable, fluid-impermeable diaphragm and can be formed via either a one-shot or a two-shot molding process. A mechanical engagement member of the force measurement device engages with a mechanical engagement feature of the diaphragm, and the engagement member is operative to move in concert with movement of the engagement feature of the diaphragm based on pressure variations with the pressure sensing pod. The force measurement device generates and outputs to a processor a signal based on detected force associated with movement of the engagement member. | 03-20-2014 |
20140072288 | FLUID HEATING APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A low leakage current fluid heater and systems and methods thereof. The fluid heater has a configuration whereby a heating element is isolated from a fluid channel so as to leak into fluid passing through the channel an allowed amount of leakage current. Fluid passing through the fluid heater can be heated to a desired temperature. A controller can provide control signals to driver the fluid heater to the desired temperature and maintain the temperature at the desired temperature. | 03-13-2014 |
20140035273 | FLUID LINE SAFETY DEVICE - A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection. | 02-06-2014 |
20140018727 | PERITONEAL DIALYSIS SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS - An automated peritoneal dialysis system provides various features including prescription-driven dialysis fluid preparation, an integrated disposable fluid circuit, and sensor capabilities that allow accurate filing and draining control with high safety margins. Features include a peritoneal fluid circuit with a pressure sensor at either end and methods and devices for using the pressure signals. Other features and embodiments are disclosed. | 01-16-2014 |
20130327691 | FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF FLUIDS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of water for various uses including blood treatment are described. In embodiments, fluid is passed through a first filtration step which is effective for creating purified water and a pair of ultrafilters placed at the outlet. The ultrafilters are separated by an intervening flow path to prevent grow-through from the outlet end upstream. In embodiments, a recirculation path with an air removing filter helps to eliminate air from the ultimate product water. | 12-12-2013 |
20130281799 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINE ERROR DETECTION BY COMBINING MULTIPLE SENSOR INPUTS - One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be serious. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks, but none is perfect. This tends to limit the use of such equipment in unsupervised settings, such as the home will be limited. Some leak detection schemes can be made sensitive enough to detect the barest of leaks, but when this is done, they result in too many false positives. The invention combines information from multiple inputs to enhance sensitivity in leak detection and reduce the problem of false positives. | 10-24-2013 |
20130228505 | FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF FLUIDS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of purified water and medicaments for various uses including blood treatment are described. Methods, devices, and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described. For example, a medicament fluid circuit can include a container with an interior chamber. The container can have a fluid filling port and a fluid extraction port. Both ports can be connected to the interior chamber. The filling port can have two sterilizing filters, each of which has a membrane. The sterilizing filters can be connected in series the membranes are separated by a distance of at least 0.5 cm. A first of the sterilizing filters can have a sealed inlet. The fluid extraction port can be sealed. | 09-05-2013 |
20130199722 | FLUID CONVEYANCE SAFETY DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - The disclosed subject matter includes a structure and method for making a dual-lumen needle from single lumen needles to take advantage of the much higher economies of scale. Variations include two needles joined by a flow junction and one needle and a single cannula joined by a flow junction. In addition disclosed are methods of using a dual-lumen needle in a two needle access for blood treatment is disclosed in which at least venous flow is provided through a dual-lumen needle with arterial flow just sufficient to provide air infiltration detection in the event of withdrawal of the dual-lumen needle. | 08-08-2013 |
20130180339 | PRESSURE SENSING METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS - A pressure measuring device has tubing with an inline “pillow” portion that is more flexible than the tubing portion. The pillow portion may be created by heating a portion of a length of medical tubing and forcing air into the heated portion to expand, and thin, its walls. The tubing and pillow portion may be used in a negatively pressurized portion of a blood circuit such as an arterial return line. An assembly of interleaved support members adhesively bonded to the pillow portion holds the pillow portion in an expanded state even under negative pressure. Further, when the pillow portion tries to collapse, the interleaved support members compress a strain gauge to provide a pressure signal corresponding to the negative pressure exerted by the fluid therewithin. | 07-18-2013 |
20130146541 | FLUID PURIFICATION METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS - A fluid purification system has cells whose purifying capability can be regenerated. Some of the cells are arranged in series to reach a high level of purification. An automatic valve network is controlled to cycle the cells in a way that levels the loads on each, thereby maximizing the service interval for replacing expired cells, enabling all of the cells to be replaced at the same time after having each contributing approximately equally to the purification load, and operated such that at any one time, at least one cell is regenerated so as to enable continuous up-time. | 06-13-2013 |
20130123713 | INJECTION SITE FOR MALE LUER OR OTHER TUBULAR CONNECTOR - A medical device has an interior for containment of fluids; an opening into the interior, an elastomeric wall comprising a fixedly placed, flexible barrier across the opening; and a retention wall positioned adjacent to a peripheral portion of the elastomeric wall. The retention wall defines a central opening and has a generally rigid retention zone surrounding the central opening, to engage and retain a connector tube which is advanced into the central opening to open a flow aperture through the elastomeric wall, for flow through the wall and connector tube. One of the retention zone and connector tube may be made of a material of sufficient hardness that material of the other engaging member is deformed by engagement therewith, which increases the strength of retention between the retention wall and the connector tube. | 05-16-2013 |
20130069778 | SAFETY FEATURES FOR MEDICAL DEVICES REQUIRING ASSISTANCE AND SUPERVISION - An automatic locking system for a medical treatment device helps to ensure that an assistant is present during treatment of a patient. Among the features disclosed biometric authentication to verify that a trained assistant is present, a presence detector to ensure the assistant is continuously present during treatment, and warning and recovery processes that allow intermittent lapses in the continuous presence of the assistant. | 03-21-2013 |
20130032537 | LAST-CHANCE QUALITY CHECK AND/OR AIR/PATHOGEN FILTER FOR INFUSION SYSTEMS - Blood treatment system and method for high rate hemofiltration ensures against pyrogenic patient reaction by providing various mechanisms for filtering replacement fluid to remove endotoxins and other safety features including detecting incorrect fluid administration. | 02-07-2013 |
20130012914 | WASTE BALANCING FOR EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD TREATMENT SYSTEMS - One or more waste balancing systems may be used in a fluid circulating system for medical use. The fluid circulating system may be part of a blood treatment system for a patient suffering renal failure. A waste balancing system may include a pressure element operable to maintain a constant fluid pressure created by the combined weight of waste removed from a patient and replacement fluid for providing to a patient. Multiple evaluation characteristics or control parameters may be evaluated or controlled for safety and accuracy. At least part of the waste balancing system may be incorporated into a disposable cartridge. | 01-10-2013 |
20120325696 | FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR PREPARATION OF FLUIDS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of water for various uses including blood treatment are described. In embodiments, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through various filtration elements from a fluid source to a treatment fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment which provides multiple benefits and liabilities to overcome, as discussed herein. Mechanisms for preparing pure water for infusion or medicaments are described such as elimination of chlorine and colloidal aluminum. Also various control mechanisms to help avoid contamination are describe. | 12-27-2012 |
20120221634 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND PAIRING DEVICES - A computer system and method for identifying and pairing devices. The system includes a plurality of remote user interface computers, each having a display device and a user input device and each connected to a first network via a first respective data communication link. The system also includes a plurality of medical devices each having a medical device user interface and a second data communication link adapted to exchange data with the remote user interface computers. The system also includes a database adapted to communicate with the remote user interface computers via a connection to the first network or via a direct connection to one of the remote user interface computers, the database being adapted to store patient medical information including a treatment prescription that includes use of one of the medical devices. | 08-30-2012 |
20120214337 | FLUID LINE SAFETY DEVICE - A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection. | 08-23-2012 |
20120130338 | DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE POD FOR MEDICAL FLUIDS - A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal. | 05-24-2012 |
20120116321 | NEEDLE SET WITH SEPARABLE LINE TO REDUCE SHARPS WASTE - A sharp medical device is attached to a flexible element by a base of the sharp device. The base has a portion with a score line defining a position of predictable failure such that the base can be broken by applying a breaking moment at the score line to permit a user to separate the sharp device and the flexible element cleanly at the position of predictable failure. Various other embodiments are included, which disclose a similar effect. | 05-10-2012 |
20110295207 | SAFE NEEDLE METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS - A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis. | 12-01-2011 |
20110218475 | Methods and Apparatus for Leak Detection in Blood Processing Systems - A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close to the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access. | 09-08-2011 |
20110106047 | METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR PARALLEL CONTROL OF INFUSION DEVICE - A tubing set is disclosed that includes a first line having first and second ends, a bag spike at the first end configured for connection to a source of infusate, and a connector at the second end configured for connection to a blood line. The first line can have a pumping portion for engagement with an infusate pump. The tubing set can also include a second line having first and second ends, the second line first end being attached to the first line between the first line pumping portion and the first line second end and the second line second end being configured for connection to the first line between the first line first end and the first line pumping portion. The tubing set can further include a check valve located in the second line, the check valve having a predetermined cracking pressure of at least 200 mm Hg. The second line second end can be configured for connection to the first line by a dual lumen spike such that when a container is connected to the dual lumen spike, a bypass loop is formed that permits a flow from a second end side of the pumping portion to the first end side of the pumping portion. The first line can include a spike septum at the first end thereof. | 05-05-2011 |
20110087499 | DIALYSIS TREATMENT PLANNING AND COST OPTIMIZATION - A system, method and computer readable medium for dialysis treatment planning and optimization is disclosed. The system can include a processor programmed to perform operations including receiving a dialysis treatment parameter set and retrieving a predetermined list of dialyzers and corresponding cost and performance data for each dialyzer. The operations can also include iteratively calculating a cost impact of different treatment scenarios, the cost impact being determined based both on a clinical impact and on a cost value. Each scenario can be stored along with the dialysis treatment parameters and the calculated cost impact for each scenario. The operations can further include selecting the scenario having the most desirable cost impact; and outputting the selected scenario including the cost impact and the dialysis treatment parameters for the selected scenario. | 04-14-2011 |
20100318578 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND PAIRING DEVICES - A computer system and method for identifying and pairing devices. The system includes a plurality of remote user interface computers, each having a display device and a user input device and each connected to a first network via a first respective data communication link. The system also includes a plurality of medical devices each having a medical device user interface and a second data communication link adapted to exchange data with the remote user interface computers. The system also includes a database adapted to communicate with the remote user interface computers via a connection to the first network or via a direct connection to one of the remote user interface computers, the database being adapted to store patient medical information including a treatment prescription that includes use of one of the medical devices. | 12-16-2010 |
20100228231 | FLUID LINE CONNECTOR SAFETY DEVICE - The present application describes devices that use various features to prevent the disconnection of connectors used in medical treatments. For example embodiments prevent disconnection of luer connectors that are incompletely mated. | 09-09-2010 |
20100096311 | BLOOD TREATMENT DIALYZER/FILTER DESIGN TO TRAP ENTRAINED AIR IN A FLUID CIRCUIT - A modification in the configuration of the blood microtubular filter/dializer used in many kinds of renal replacement therapy systems can provide highly a effective mechanism for removing air from the blood circuit of such systems. In embodiments, for example, the invention takes advantage of the slow flow rate that usually occurs where blood exits the microtubules into a header area of the filter to provide a settling area and, preferably, a air relief mechanism. | 04-22-2010 |
20100016777 | WASTE BALANCING FOR EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD TREATMENT SYSTEMS - One or more waste balancing systems may be used in a fluid circulating system for medical use. The fluid circulating system may be part of a blood treatment system for a patient suffering renal failure. A waste balancing system may include a pressure element operable to maintain a constant fluid pressure created by the combined weight of waste removed from a patient and replacement fluid for providing to a patient. Multiple evaluation characteristics or control parameters may be evaluated or controlled for safety and accuracy. At least part of the waste balancing system may be incorporated into a disposable cartridge. | 01-21-2010 |
20080214979 | Methods and Apparatus For Leak Detection in Blood Processing Systems - A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access. | 09-04-2008 |
20080203023 | LAST-CHANCE QUALITY CHECK AND/OR AIR/PATHOGEN FILTGER FOR INFUSION SYSTEMS - Blood treatment system and method for high rate hemofiltration ensures against pyrogenic patient reaction by providing various mechanisms for filtering replacement fluid to remove endotoxins and other safety features including detecting incorrect fluid administration. | 08-28-2008 |