Patent ID: 8206338
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A peritoneal dialysis system comprising: a peritoneal dialysis machine including a vacuum source pneumatically connected to a vacuum chamber constructed and arranged to hold a vacuum, the peritoneal dialysis machine further including a stepper motor, and a piston having a piston head, at least a portion of the piston head moveable within the vacuum chamber; a pumping cassette including a rigid portion defining a pump well and a flexible membrane covering the pump well; and wherein the peritoneal dialysis machine is configured to be mated with the pumping cassette so as to apply the vacuum to a portion of the flexible membrane corresponding to the vacuum chamber, the flexible membrane following the piston head as the piston head is retracted from the pump well of the rigid portion, the piston head operable to cause the flexible membrane to move at least partially into the pump well as the piston head is moved at least partially into the pump well.