Methods and apparatus for adjustment of blood drip chamber of dialysis machines using touchscreen interface

US5858239A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• AKsys GmbH · US

Inventors

• Rodney S. Kenley · Libertyville, US
• Douglas L. Wilkerson · Gurnee, US
• Joel DeJesus · Buffalo Grove, US
• Tom L. Brose · Gurnee, US
• Andrew Gebhardt · Lake Zurich, US
• John A. Blasko · Gurnee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 14, 1997
• Grant date: Jan 12, 1999
• Expiry date: Feb 14, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/505
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for raising or lowering the fluid level in a chamber in an extracorporeal circuit of a dialysis machine, such as an air trap or compliance chamber, is provided which uses a touch screen. The user of the machine is prompted to indicate on the touch screen the current or actual level of fluid (e.g., blood) in the drip chamber. The user then touches the touch screen to indicate the level, such as by touching an illustration of the chamber at a level corresponding to the actual level. The control system for the machine determines from the level indicated on the touch screen whether the level in the chamber needs to be raised or lowered, and by how much, and responsively operates chamber level adjustment apparatus (such as pressure adjustment apparatus in air communication with the chamber) to raise or lower the level closer to the proper level.