Cassette alignment and integrity testing for dialysis systems
AssigneesBaxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
InventorDavid Howard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for aligning a disposable cassette within a dialysis machine includes actuating a pump head toward the disposable cassette and to contact a pumping portion of the disposable cassette and shift the disposable cassette if need be into proper operational alignment and locking the disposable cassette in place.
Claims20
A method for aligning a disposable cassette within a peritoneal dialysis machine comprising the steps of:
- accepting the disposable cassette within the peritoneal dialysis machine;
- actuating a pump head toward the disposable cassette;
- contacting a pumping portion of the disposable cassette with the pump head;
- using the pump head to shift the disposable cassette into proper operational alignment with the pump head;
- and
- inflating a bladder to lock the properly aligned disposable cassette in place.
A method for diagnosing an integrity problem with a disposable cassette used in a peritoneal dialysis machine comprising the steps of:
- accepting the disposable cassette within the peritoneal dialysis machine;
- actuating a pump head toward the disposable cassette;
- sensing a resistance to movement of the pump head caused by the disposable cassette;
- and
- sending a disposable cassette integrity problem output based on the resistance sensed.
A system for performing a peritoneal dialysis treatment comprising:
- a peritoneal dialysis machine;
- a disposable cassette constructed and arranged to be inserted into the peritoneal dialysis machine;
- a pump actuator including a pump head, the pump head operable with a flexible portion of the disposable cassette;
- at least one sensor;
- and
- a controller connected operably to the pump actuator, the controller programmed to cause the pump head to contact the flexible portion and move the disposable cassette into proper operational alignment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.