Hemodialyzer headers
First Claim
1. A dialyzer inlet header comprising:
- a body that is designed to be attached to an end of a dialyzer;
an inlet channel providing fluid communication from an exterior of the dialyzer to an interior of the dialyzer, the inlet channel defining a fluid flow path that is axial to a fiber bundle located in the interior of the dialyzer; and
at least one member for modifying the fluid flow path of a fluid as it exits the inlet channel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Dialyzers having an improved header design providing an improved flow of fluid, e.g., blood, into the interior of the dialyzer and specifically to the fiber bundle are provided. The dialyzer inlet header comprising a body that defines, at least in part, an end of the dialyzer. The inlet header includes an inlet channel providing fluid communication from an exterior of the dialyzer to an interior of the dialyzer, the inlet channel defining a fluid flow path that is axial to a fiber bundle located in the interior of the dialyzer. The dialyzer also includes at least one member for modifying the fluid flow path of a fluid as it exits the inlet channel. Methods of providing dialysis are also provided.
72 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A dialyzer inlet header comprising:
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a body that is designed to be attached to an end of a dialyzer;
an inlet channel providing fluid communication from an exterior of the dialyzer to an interior of the dialyzer, the inlet channel defining a fluid flow path that is axial to a fiber bundle located in the interior of the dialyzer; and
at least one member for modifying the fluid flow path of a fluid as it exits the inlet channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A dialyzer comprising:
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a body defining an interior and having a first end and a second end;
a fiber bundle located in the interior;
a blood inlet located at the first end and including a fluid flow channel that causes the blood to flow in an axial direction with respect to the fiber bundle; and
a member located in juxtaposition to the blood inlet that causes blood to flow to a perimeter region of a first end of the fiber bundle. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23)
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- 21. A dialyzer header comprising a body member having an inlet channel providing fluid communication from an exterior to an interior of the header, the inlet channel defining a fluid path that is axial to a casing of a dialyzer to which the dialyzer head is attached and the body member including a plurality of members that impart a circular motion to the fluid as it enters the interior of the header.
- 29. A method for providing dialysis comprising the steps of passing blood through a dialyzer that includes a blood inlet that defines an axial flow path with respect to a fiber bundle located in the dialyzer and modifying the flow path as the blood enters the dialyzer to increase the flow of blood to a perimeter of an end of the fiber bundle.
Specification