Extended use dialysis system
First Claim
1. A method for extending use of a disposable kit of a dialysis system, the method comprising:
- providing a disposable kit for use in a dialysis system;
providing dialysis for a patient, by circulating dialysis solution through the disposable kit from at least one supply line for dialysate solution to a patient output line and back from the patient through a recirculation line, at least one of the lines running through the disposable kit;
connecting the patient output line to the recirculation line;
generating ozone to prepare a disinfecting solution;
flushing the disinfecting solution through the patient output line and recirculation line;
flushing the disinfecting solution through a pump and the at least one supply line for dialysate solution;
draining the disinfecting solution from the disposable kit before a subsequent use of the disposable kit; and
rinsing the disposable kit, including the at least one supply line, the pump, the patient output line and the recirculation line with sterile water before a subsequent use of the disposable kit, wherein one of the steps of flushing includes vaporizing a portion of the disinfecting solution.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A medical fluid machine, such as a dialysis machine, includes a pump that pumps a medical fluid and sterile water or other disinfecting liquid, such as ozonated water, for flushing and reconditioning the medical fluid machine. The machine may also include a heater that heats the medical fluid or disinfecting solution in order to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that may contaminate the machine after use. Disinfecting the machine, and a disposable kit used with the machine, may allow re-use of the disposable within a reasonable amount of time after completion of the disinfecting procedure. Dialysate treated with ultra-violet light or water with low concentrations of ozone also helps make the disposable kits suitable for reuse.
54 Citations
14 Claims
-
1. A method for extending use of a disposable kit of a dialysis system, the method comprising:
-
providing a disposable kit for use in a dialysis system; providing dialysis for a patient, by circulating dialysis solution through the disposable kit from at least one supply line for dialysate solution to a patient output line and back from the patient through a recirculation line, at least one of the lines running through the disposable kit; connecting the patient output line to the recirculation line; generating ozone to prepare a disinfecting solution; flushing the disinfecting solution through the patient output line and recirculation line; flushing the disinfecting solution through a pump and the at least one supply line for dialysate solution; draining the disinfecting solution from the disposable kit before a subsequent use of the disposable kit; and rinsing the disposable kit, including the at least one supply line, the pump, the patient output line and the recirculation line with sterile water before a subsequent use of the disposable kit, wherein one of the steps of flushing includes vaporizing a portion of the disinfecting solution. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A method for extending use of a cassette for a dialysis system, the method comprising:
-
providing a disposable kit for use in a dialysis system; connecting an output line of the kit to a recirculation line of the kit; generating ozone to prepare a disinfecting solution; flushing the disinfecting solution through a supply line into the kit; flushing the disinfecting solution through a pump, the output line, and the recirculation line, wherein the disinfecting solution is subjected to pressure cycles while being pumped, thus vaporizing at least a portion of the ozone in the disinfecting solution; draining the disinfecting solution from the disposable kit before a subsequent use of the disposable kit; and rinsing the disposable kit, including the supply line, the pump, the output line and the recirculation line before a subsequent use of the disposable kit. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
-
Specification