Patent ID: 7097630
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for determining a hemodialysis parameter using a dialysis system including a dialyzer having a semipermeable membrane delimiting a first chamber through which blood circulates and a second chamber through which dialysis solution circulates and an arterial line and a venous line connected to an inlet and an outlet of the dialyzer, respectively, comprising: (a) positioning said arterial line and said venous line in a first orientation, wherein said arterial line carries blood from an upstream portion of a patient and said venous line carries blood toward a downstream portion of said patient; (b) determining a first dialysance value for dialysis conditions in which said arterial and venous line are in said first orientation; (c) reconfiguring said arterial and venous lines to a second orientation, wherein said arterial line carries blood from a downstream portion of said patient and said venous line carries blood toward an upstream portion of said patient; (d) determining a second dialysance value for dialysis conditions in which said arterial and venous line are in said second orientation; and (e) calculating from said first and second dialysance values, a hemodialysis parameter, wherein said hemodialysis parameter comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of blood access flow rate and recirculation.