Abstract The invention is a dialysis apparatus for supplying dialysate at controlled concentration to an artificial kidney. The system provides for a supply of water at controlled temperature, and a supply of dialysate concentrate with means for mixing the controlled temperature water and concentrate to maintain a supply of dialysate at a controlled degree of concentration to be supplied to the artificial kidney. The system does not have a tank or reservoir of dialysate at a maintained degree of concentration. Interlocking safety controls are provided so as to discontinue the flow of dialysate in the event the temperature, the degree of concentration, or arterial pressure of the patient depart from predetermined limits. Additionally, audible and visual alarm signals are provided to indicate at all times when the said conditions are within limits and to indicate when any condition goes outside of the limits, the indication being both audible and visual. Further, the system provides means to mute the audible signal while still maintaining the machine in operation and further means are provided to safely sterilize the machine without danger to the patient.
The system as in claim 1, wherein the source of dialysate solution comprises a tank of concentrate and means for applying controlled pressure to the concentrate in the tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as in claim 1, including sources of hot and cold dilutant and a temperature responsive mixing valve for providing the controlled temperature dilutant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said last-named means comprises a valve operable to stop the flow of dialysate to the artificial kidney.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as in claim 4 including means responsive to temperature and to arterial blood pressure of a patient for stopping flow of dialysate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, including signal means operable to provide a signal in the event of deviation of the degree of concentration of the dialysate from a predetermined value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as in claim 6 including manually operable means to terminate the signal and to cause the signal to be reinitiated after a predetermined time in the event the deviation remains present.