Support element, an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising the support element, an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment equipped with the integrated module, and an assembly process for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment

• US 7,232,418 B2
• Filed: 02/05/2004
• Issued: 06/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/07/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB (Baxter International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB (Baxter International Inc.)
• Inventors: Aberkane, Aziz, Duchamp, Jacques, Meyssonnier, Gabriel, Pouchoulin, Dominique, Neri, Roberto, Ribolzi, Roberto
• Primary Examiner(s): Zalukaeva; Tatyana
• Assistant Examiner(s): Deak; Leslie R.
• Application Number:
  US10/771,415
• Publication Number:
  US 20040162513A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,230 Days
• Field of Search: 604/4.01, 604/5.01, 604/5.04, 604/6.09, 604/6.11, 604/6.16, 210645-647, 210/90, 210/525, 210/232, 210/195.2, 422/44, 417/477.2, 417/237, 417/439, 417/472, 417/474, 137/861
• US Class Current: 604/4.01
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3621 Extra-corporeal blood circuits single-needle circuits A61M1/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3622 with a cassette forming partially or totally the blood circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/126 with incorporated membrane filters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/128 with incorporated valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/08 Supports for equipment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/877 With flow control means for branched passages

Abstract

An integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment has a flat-shaped support element which exhibits on an internal face thereof a complex of fluid distribution lines and on an external face thereof a high-flow dialyzer. The support element has a base body which exhibits fixture seatings, each of which houses an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line. The tract of the fluid distribution line, with respect to adjacent tracts, has an increased diameter due to the presence of a junction collar made of a rigid material. Each fixture seating exhibits two axial locators for positioning the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position. The locators interact with the junction collar, and the distribution lines can be fixed to the base body by a resilient fixture of the junction collars in the seatings without gluing. The module is configured to be mounted on an apparatus for intensive treatment of renal insufficiency.

Claims

1. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line, said at least one axial locator having an undercut surface, said undercut surface being positioned in an axial direction of the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line.

2. The support element of claim 1, wherein said axial locator is a first axial locator, said support element further comprising a second axial locator, said first and second axial locators being axially reciprocally separated, wherein the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line is positioned in a fixed position between the first and second axial locators.

3. The support element of claim 1, wherein the at least one fixture seating comprises a superiorly-open channel, said channel being configured to accept the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line said axial locator having an edge projecting into the channel from a wall delimiting the channel.

4. The support element of claim 1, further comprising at least one pair of fixture seatings, said at least one pair having first and second fixture seatings being configured on a periphery of the base body, said at least one pair of fixture seatings being further configured to receive first and second ends of a U-shaped segment of at least one fluid distribution line, the U-shaped segment being configured to cooperate with a peristaltic pump.

5. The support element of claim 4, wherein the U-shaped segment projects outside the periphery of the base body.

6. The support element of claim 4, wherein the base body further comprises:

a flat plate-shaped part having a plurality of perimeter sides, said plurality of perimeter sides defining a polygonal shape of the base body;

a plurality of pairs of fixture seatings, each pair of fixture seatings including first and second fixture seatings, said first and second fixture seatings being provided on one of the plurality of perimeter sides, wherein said first and second fixture seatings being arranged adjacent and reciprocally parallel to one another.

7. The support element of claim 1, wherein the base body has at least one flat sheet-shaped part, said at least one flat sheet-shaped part having an internal face and an external face, said internal face having a raised, edge on a perimeter of the internal face, the support element further comprising:

a cover coupled to the base body, said cover being configured to cover at least a part of the internal face of the base body and having at least one flat plate-shaped part, said cover also having a cover perimeter corresponding to a perimeter of the internal face of the base body;

a containment space positioned between the internal face of the base body and an internal face of the cover, said containment space being configured to house a complex of fluid distribution lines; and

a connector positioned on the internal face of the base body configured to engage and constrain the complex of fluid distribution lines;

said raised edge on the perimeter of the internal face of the base body being configured to laterally delimit said containment space, said base body further comprising at least one hooking tab including a single piece and the base body, said hooking tab being configured to removably couple the cover to the base body.

8. The support element of claim 1, wherein the base body has at least one flat sheet-shaped part, said at least one flat sheet-shaped part having an internal face and an external face, the support element further comprising:

a cover coupled to the base body, configured to cover at least a part of the internal face of the base body, said cover having at least one flat plate-shaped part;

a containment space delimited by the internal face of the base body and an internal face of the cover, said containment space being configured to house a complex of fluid distribution lines; and

at least one guide channel positioned on the internal face of the base body, said at least one guide channel being configured to receive at least a first axial tract of a fluid distribution line and further configured to define a guided pathway for the first axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line, a height of the at least one guide channel being at least twice a width of the at least one guide channel, said at least one guide channel being configured to house and laterally contain at least first and second axial tracts of line, one of the first and second axial tracts of line being superposed on the other;

wherein the at least one guide channel is delimited by first and second lateral walls, said first and second lateral walls rising from the internal face of the base body.

9. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line, said at least one fixture seating being configured to accept a forced insertion and a resilient joint-coupling of the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line, the at least one fixture seating having at least one opening configured to accept insertion of the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line, the at least one opening having a passage section with a width, at least a portion of said width being smaller than a maximum width of the at least one fixture seating;

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line.

10. The support element of claim 9, wherein said axial locator is a first axial locator, said support element further comprising a second axial locator, said first and second axial locators being axially reciprocally separated, wherein the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line is positioned in a fixed position between the first and second axial locators.

11. The support element of claim 9, wherein the at least one fixture seating comprises a superiorly-open channel, said channel being configured to accept the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line said axial locator having an edge projecting into the channel from a wall delimiting the channel.

12. The support element of claim 9, further comprising at least one pair of fixture seatings, said at least one pair having first and second fixture seatings being configured on a periphery of the base body, said at least one pair of fixture seatings being further configured to receive first and second ends of a U-shaped segment of at least one fluid distribution line, the U-shaped segment being configured to cooperate with a peristaltic pump.

13. The support element of claim 12, wherein the U-shaped segment projects outside the periphery of the base body.

14. The support element of claim 12, wherein the base body further comprises:

a flat plate-shaped part having a plurality of perimeter sides, said plurality of perimeter sides defining a polygonal shape of the base body;

a plurality of pairs of fixture seatings, each pair of fixture seatings including first and second fixture seatings, said first and second fixture seatings being provided on one of the plurality of perimeter sides, wherein said first and second fixture seatings being arranged adjacent and reciprocally parallel to one another.

15. The support element of claim 9, wherein the base body has at least one flat sheet-shaped part, said at least one flat sheet-shaped part having an internal face and an external face, said internal face having a raised edge on a perimeter of the internal face, the support element further comprising:

a cover coupled to the base body, said cover being configured to cover at least a part of the internal face of the base body and having at least one flat plate-shaped part, said cover also having a cover perimeter corresponding to a perimeter of the internal face of the base body;

a containment space positioned between the internal face of the base body and an internal face of the cover, said containment space being configured to house a complex of fluid distribution lines; and

a connector positioned on the internal face of the base body configured to engage and constrain the complex of fluid distribution lines;

said raised edge on the perimeter of the internal face of the base body being configured to laterally delimit said containment space, said base body further comprising at least one hooking tab including a single piece and the base body, said hooking tab being configured to removably couple the cover to the base body.

16. The support element of claim 9, wherein the base body has at least one flat sheet-shaped part, said at least one flat sheet-shaped part having an internal face and an external face, the support element further comprising:

a cover coupled to the base body, configured to cover at least a part of the internal face of the base body, said cover having at least one flat plate-shaped part;

a containment space delimited by the internal face of the base body and an internal face of the cover, said containment space being configured to house a complex of fluid distribution lines; and

at least one guide channel positioned on the internal face of the base body, said at least one guide channel being configured to receive at least a first axial tract of a fluid distribution line and further configured to define a guided pathway for the first axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line, a height of the at least one guide channel being at least twice a width of the at least one guide channel, said at least one guide channel being configured to house and laterally contain at least first and second axial tracts of line, one of the first and second axial tracts of line being superposed on the other;

wherein the at least one guide channel is delimited by first and second lateral walls, said first and second lateral walls rising from the internal face of the base body.

17. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line, said at least one fixture seating further having a primary surface for receiving the axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line, said surface having at least two undercut surfaces, said at least two undercut surfaces being configured to obstruct at least a first and second displacement of the axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line, said first displacement being in an axial direction and said second displacement being in an upwards extraction direction passing through an upper insertion opening;

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line.

18. The support element of claim 17, wherein said axial locator is a first axial locator, said support element further comprising a second axial locator, said first and second axial locators being axially reciprocally separated, wherein the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line is positioned in a fixed position between the first and second axial locators.

19. The support element of claim 17, wherein the at least one fixture seating comprises a superiorly-open channel, said channel being configured to accept the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line said axial locator having an edge projecting into the channel from a wall delimiting the channel.

20. The support element of claim 17, further comprising at least one pair of fixture seatings, said at least one pair having first and second fixture seatings being configured on a periphery of the base body, said at least one pair of fixture seatings being further configured to receive first and second ends of a U-shaped segment of at least one fluid distribution line, the U-shaped segment being configured to cooperate with a peristaltic pump.

21. The support element of claim 20, wherein the U-shaped segment projects outside the periphery of the base body.

22. The support element of claim 20, wherein the base body further comprises:

a flat plate-shaped part having a plurality of perimeter sides, said plurality of perimeter sides defining a polygonal shape of the base body;

a plurality of pairs of fixture seatings, each pair of fixture seatings including first and second fixture seatings, said first and second fixture seatings being provided on one of the plurality of perimeter sides, wherein said first and second fixture seatings being arranged adjacent and reciprocally parallel to one another.

23. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line, said at least one fixture seating further having at least one superior opening configured to accept a forced insertion of the axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line and at least one inferior through-hole facing the at least one superior opening, said at least one inferior through-hole being configured to allow an exertion of pressure onto the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line through said at least one inferior through-hole, said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line engaging the at least one fixture seating, wherein said exertion enables an extraction of the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line through the superior opening;

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line.

24. The support element of claim 23, wherein said axial locator is a first axial locator, said support element further comprising a second axial locator, said first and second axial locators being axially reciprocally separated, wherein the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line is positioned in a fixed position between the first and second axial locators.

25. The support element of claim 23, wherein the at least one fixture seating comprises a superiorly-open channel, said channel being configured to accept the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line said axial locator having an edge projecting into the channel from a wall delimiting the channel.

26. The support element of claim 23, further comprising at least one pair of fixture seatings, said at least one pair having first and second fixture seatings being configured on a periphery of the base body, said at least one pair of fixture seatings being further configured to receive first and second ends of a U-shaped segment of at least one fluid distribution line, the U-shaped segment being configured to cooperate with a peristaltic pump.

27. The support element of claim 26, wherein the U-shaped segment projects outside the periphery of the base body.

28. The support element of claim 26, wherein the base body further comprises:

a flat plate-shaped part having a plurality of perimeter sides, said plurality of perimeter sides defining a polygonal shape of the base body;

a plurality of pairs of fixture seatings, each pair of fixture seatings including first and second fixture seatings, said first and second fixture seatings being provided on one of the plurality of perimeter sides, wherein said first and second fixture seatings being arranged adjacent and reciprocally parallel to one another.

29. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line; and

a lateral relief projecting inside the channel from at least one of the first and second lateral walls, the at least one lateral relief forming at least one undercut surface positioned in an extraction direction of the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line through the superior opening of the channel, the at least undercut surface being configured inferior to the upper edge of the lateral wall wherein;

the at least one fixture seating comprises a channel having a superior opening configured to accept an insertion of the axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line,

the channel extending axially and at least partially projecting in an external direction, said channel projecting outside of a perimeter border of the base body, the channel having first and second lateral walls, said first and second lateral walls being adjacent to each other, said first lateral wall having a first upper edge and said second lateral wall having a second upper edge,

the superior opening being bounded by the first and second upper edges of the first and second lateral walls.

30. The support element of claim 29, wherein said lateral relief is a first lateral relief, said support element comprising a second lateral relief, said first and second lateral reliefs being configured to face one another and cooperate to obstruct an extraction of the axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line.

31. The support element of claim 29, wherein the channel is configured to constrain a tract of an end segment of U-shaped line, said lateral relief being provided in a part of end of the channel facing the segment of U-shaped line.

32. The support element of claim 29, wherein the at least one undercut surface is configured to enable extraction of the axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line by a forcing movement.

33. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

a complex of distribution lines;

a cover removably couplable to the base body, said cover being configured to cover at least a part of the internal face of the base body;

a containment space between the internal face of the base body; and

an internal face of the cover, said containment space being configured to house at least a part of the complex of distribution lines, wherein the base body is flat-plate shaped and the at least one fixture seating extends over an internal face of the base body.

34. The support element of claim 33, wherein the cover exhibits at least one tooth projecting downwards, said tooth entering at least partially into the at least one fixture seating, said tooth further limiting a raising movement of the axial tract line constrained in the at least one fixture seating.

35. The support element of claim 33, wherein the internal face of the base body comprises a raised edge on a perimeter of the internal face of the base body, said raised edge being configured to laterally contain at least a part of the complex of distribution lines, the cover of the support element having a flat plate-shape and covering a perimeter substantially similar to the perimeter of the internal face of the base body.

36. The support element of claim 35, wherein the base body comprises at least one hooking tab formed of a single piece along with the base body, said hooking tab being configured to removably couple the cover to the base body.

37. The support element of claim 33, wherein the at least one fixture seating comprises an axial end tract extending axially and internally to a perimeter side of the base body and an end tract extending axially and external to the perimeter side of the base body.

38. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a base body;

at least one fixture seating configured on the base body to receive and constrain an axially extending tract of a fluid distribution line, the at least one fixture seating having a channel with an opening configured to accept a forced insertion of the axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line, the channel being axially extended and at least partially projecting axially outside a perimeter edge of the base body, at least the part of the channel projecting axially outside a perimeter edge of the base body being laterally delimited by first and second walls, the first and second walls being adjacent to each other, each of said first and second walls having an upper edge delimiting the opening configured to accept a forced insertion; and

at least one lateral relief projecting into the channel from at least one of the first and second walls, the at least one lateral relief forming at least one undercut surface positioned in an extraction direction of the axially extended tract of the fluid distribution line through the superior opening of the channel, the at least one undercut surface being arranged inferior to a superior edge of at least one of the first and second walls.

39. A support element for an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

at least first, second, and third connectors being joined to the base body and separated from each other by a distance, said at least first, second, and third connectors being further configured to receive and constrain corresponding seatings of a blood treatment device, said blood treatment device being mountable on the support element, each of said first, second, and third connectors defining a fluid passage having a first terminal portion configured to be placed in fluid communication with a corresponding channel, said channel being present in a respective seating included in the blood treatment device, and a second terminal portion configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid distribution line being coupled to the base body.

40. The support element of claim 39, wherein the first and the second connectors are formed of a single piece along with the base body.

41. The support element of claim 39, wherein said third connector is formed of a single piece along with the base body, said first, second, and third connectors being configured in pairs, each pair having a different interaxes from another pair, the interaxes corresponding with interaxes of pairs of seatings associated with various blood treatment devices, said various blood treatment devices being mountable on the support element.

42. The support element of claim 39, wherein each of the first, second, and third connectors comprises:

a tubular channel, defining the first terminal portion;

a sealing collar, provided in a position radially external to the tubular channel; and

a continuous connecting wall provided between a lateral external surface of the tubular channel and a lateral internal surface of the sealing collar, said continuous connecting wall defining an annular seating for each at least one fixture seating.

43. The support element of claim 39, wherein the tubular channel defines the first terminal position, said tubular channel being arranged coaxial to the sealing collar, the annular seating having a bottom delimited by the connecting wall.

44. The support element of claim 42, wherein the annular seating has a radius, said radius increasing in a distal direction from the bottom of the annular seating.

45. The support element of claim 44, wherein the annular seating comprises:

a first zone having a constant radius, said first zone being adjacent to the bottom of the annular seating;

a second zone having a constant radius larger than the constant radius of the first zone; and

a transitional third zone positioned between the first zone and the second zone, said transitional third zone having a radius progressively increasing in a distal direction from the bottom of the annular seating.

46. The support element of claim 42, wherein the tubular channel and the sealing collar of each of the first, second, and third connectors are parallel to each other, said tubular channels and sealing collars emerging from the base body and defining a single coupling direction with the corresponding seatings of a blood treatment device.

47. The support element of claim 42, wherein the first, second, and third connectors and the base body are made of a rigid material, said material providing mechanical support to the blood treatment device.

48. The support element of claim 42, wherein the first, second, and third connectors are not aligned with each other.

49. The support element of claim 42, wherein the first, second, and third connectors are directly constrained to the base body.

50. The support element of claim 42, wherein the first, second, and third connectors are each provided on a first face of the base body, said first face being opposite a second face of the base body, said base body bearing the at least one fixture seating.

51. A fluid distribution line for an integrated module for an extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a first tract of line having a larger external diameter than adjacent tracts of line; and

first and second external abutments, the first tract of line is positioned between the first and second external abutments, said first tract of line being configured for insertion in the fixture seating configured on a support element comprising;

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line; and

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line.

52. The distribution line of claim 51, comprising:

a second tract of line, said first and second tracts of line being separated axially from each other; and

a segment of line being positioned between the first and second tracts of line, said segment of line being configured to form a U-shaped arched segment, said U-shaped arched segment being coupled to a peristaltic pump.

53. The distribution line of claim 51, wherein the first tract of line comprises a junction collar, said junction collar accepting and joining first and second end zones of first and second parts of a fluid-connected line.

54. The distribution line of claim 53, wherein the junction collar is formed of a rigid material, said rigid material being more rigid than a material forming the first and second end zones of the first and second parts of fluid-connected line connected by the junction collar.

55. A series of elements configured to be coupled to each other, comprising:

a first element, said first element being the a support element comprising;

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line; and

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

a second element, said second element being a complex of fluid distribution lines, said fluid distribution lines comprising at least one tract of line; and

first and second external abutments, the at least one tract of line being positioned between the first and second external abutments, said at least one tract of line being configured for insertion in the fixture seating configured on the support element.

56. An assembly process of the series of elements of claim 55, wherein the at least one tract of line having a larger external diameter being positioned between the first and second external abutments is inserted in the at least one fixture seating provided on the support element, the first and second abutments overlapping with the axial locator configured in the at least one fixture seating, the support element being provided with a cover, said cover being subsequently coupled to the base body to at least partially cover the at least one tract of line having a larger diameter.

57. An integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising:

a support element comprising;

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line; and

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

at least one blood treatment device mounted on the support element, said at least one blood treatment device comprising at least first and second chambers, said first and second chambers being separated by at least one semi-permeable membrane;

a complex of fluid distribution lines associated to the support element and cooperating with the blood treatment device, said complex of fluid distribution lines comprising at least one line having a larger external diameter than adjacent tracts of line;

first and second external abutments, wherein the at least one tract of line with a larger external diameter is positioned between the first and second external abutments, said at least one tract of line with a larger external diameter being configured for insertion in the fixture seating provided on the support element.

58. The integrated module of claim 57, for use in treatment of renal insufficiency, wherein the blood treatment device is selected from a group comprising hemofiltration, hemodialysis, high-flow filtration, and hemodiafiltration devices.

59. An apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of blood, comprising:

a housing zone for receiving an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment according to claim 57; and

one or more pumps configured to circulate fluid and cooperate with the complex of fluid distribution lines of the integrated module.

60. An integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment, having:

a support element comprising;

a base body;

at least one fixture seating located on the base body, said at least one fixture seating being axially extended and configured to house an axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line; and

an axial locator arranged in said seating fixture, said axial locator being configured to position said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line in a fixed position, said axial locator being further configured to interact with a corresponding element predisposed on said axially extended tract of a fluid distribution line;

at least one blood treatment device mounted on the support element, said at least one blood treatment device comprising at least first and second chambers, said first and second chambers being separated by at least one semi-permeable membrane; and

a complex of fluid distribution lines associated to the support element and cooperating with the blood treatment device, said blood treatment device further comprising;

a containment body housing said first and second chambers being separated by said at least one semi-permeable membrane;

first and second counter-connectors associated to the containment body, said first and second counter-connectors being fixed to first, second, or third connectors associated with the base body, the first and second connectors being set in fluid connection with the second chamber of the blood treatment device and first terminal portions of the first and second connectors;

at least one inlet port to the first chamber; and

at least one outlet port from the first chamber, said blood treatment device being fixed to said base body by at least one pair of connectors from the group comprising said first, second, and third connectors.

61. The module of claim 60, wherein the complex of fluid distribution lines further comprises at least one discharge line of waste fluid, said at least one discharge line being set in communication with the second terminal portion of one of the first, second, and third connectors.

62. The module of claim 61, wherein the complex of fluid distribution lines further comprises at least one infeed line of a treatment fluid, said at least one infeed line being in communication with the second terminal portion of another of the first, second, and third connectors.

63. The module of claim 61, wherein at least one of the lines is attached to the support element, said at least one line defining at least one U-shaped arched segment on the support element and said at least one line being further configured to cooperate with a peristaltic pump.

64. The module of claim 63, wherein the U-shaped segment extends outside of the perimeter wall of the support element.

65. The module of claim 60, wherein the complex of fluid distribution lines further comprises:

at least one blood withdrawal line, said at least one blood withdrawal line being in communication with the inlet port of the first chamber, and at least one blood return line, said at least one blood return line being in communication with the outlet port of the first chamber.

66. The integrated module of claim 60, for use in treatment of renal insufficiency, wherein the blood treatment device is selected from a group comprising hemofiltration, hemodialysis, high-flow filtration, and hemodiafiltration devices.

67. An apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of blood, comprising:

a housing zone for receiving an integrated module for extracorporeal blood treatment according to claim 60; and

one or more pumps configured to circulate fluid and cooperate with the complex of fluid distribution lines of the integrated module.