Patent ID: 7530962
Filing Date: 2009-05-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting the disconnection of an extracorporeal device, wherein blood from proximate vascular access points of a patient travels through an extracorporeal blood path comprising an arterial line in fluid communication with a first vascular access point, a blood treatment device, and a venous line in fluid communication with a second vascular access point, comprising: (a) removing blood from a patient, passing it through the extracorporeal device, and returning it to the patient; (b) obtaining a value representative of endogenous electrical signals of a patient along the extracorporeal blood path; (c) comparing the obtained value to a predetermined threshold value; and (d) triggering a safety response in the extracorporeal blood path when the obtained value substantially meets or exceeds the threshold value, thereby indicating disconnection.