Patent ID: 7955291
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: A61M,G01F

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting access recirculation, comprising: removing a first fluid flow at a first fluid flow rate from a fluid flow access at a removal position to an external flow circuit comprising a dialyzer having a dialysis fluid inlet and a dialysis fluid outlet and having a semipermeable membrane, said first fluid flow passing along said membrane at one side thereof and a dialysis fluid being emitted from the other side thereof, and returning said first fluid flow from said external flow circuit to said access at a return position downstream of said removal position; measuring a first variable which is essentially proportional to a concentration of a substance in said dialysis fluid emitted from the dialyzer; changing the first fluid flow rate; monitoring the concentration of said substance in the dialysis fluid emitted from the dialyzer; and detecting a possible access recirculation by correlating a change in said concentration to said change of the first fluid flow rate.