Patent Publication Number: US-2020297910-A1

Title: Medical Fluid Cassettes and Related Systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional patent application 62/585,310 filed on Nov. 13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is generally directed to systems and methods for medical fluid treatment therapies. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Medical fluid treatment therapies are generally used to treat loss of renal function or renal failure. A person&#39;s renal system can fail due to disease, injury or other causes (e.g., as complications associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment). During renal failure or loss of renal function, toxic end products of metabolism (e.g., urea, creatinine, uric acid, and others) can accumulate in blood and tissues because the balance of water, minerals and the excretion of daily metabolic load can be reduced or no longer possible. 
     Renal support can be provided by a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), including but not limited to slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF), continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD). continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) or continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). These therapies are designed to remove metabolic waste and excess fluid from patient in fluid overload and those who need renal support. These therapies provide continuous fluid, electrolyte and toxin clearance even in the absence of adequate native renal function via convective or dialytic processes through a permeable membrane. 
     CRRT is a common renal replacement therapy for critically ill and hemodynamically unstable patients in the pediatric intensive care unit. However, current systems are not specifically designed for both adult and pediatric use. Generally, devices approved for adults are used to treat children, who require smaller volumes. Additionally, current systems require multiple tube connections and thus set-up can be time-consuming and can be error-prone. 
     Thus, there is a need for systems and disposable components configured for efficient, accurate and flexible use. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure generally relates to systems, disposable cassettes, and disposable kits configured for medical fluid treatment therapies. The systems may relate to a reusable console system that can be used with a plurality of different types of disposable cassettes. The cassettes may be structured for different therapies, different fluid volumes, among others, or a combination thereof. Because the console can be mated with different cassettes, the system can efficiently and accurately deliver different medical fluid therapies to different patient populations (e.g., pediatric and adult). 
     In some embodiments, tire systems may include a console and at least one disposable cassette. The console may have a panel. The console may include one or more actuators disposed between a first pinch valve and a second pinch valve. The one or more actuators may be configured to move with respect to the panel. The disposable cassette may be configured to mate with the panel The disposable cassette may include a plurality of fluid circuits. Each fluid circuit may include a path being defined by one and more inlets and outlets in which a fluid flows, and a pump chamber disposed between a first valve receiving member and a second valve receiving member along the path. 
     In some embodiments, the disposable cassette and the panel may be configured to mate so that each of the one or more actuators align with a pump chamber and the corresponding first pinch valve and the second pinch valve align and interface with the corresponding first valve receiving member and the second valve receiving member. The console may be configured to control the movement of the actuator and the first and the second pinch vales to control a flow of the fluid in the path when the disposable cassette and the panel are mated. 
     In some embodiments, the disposable cassette may include one or more pressure sensors disposed along the path of one or more fluid circuits and an electrical communication interface that communicates with each pressure sensor. The console may include one or more fluid sensors to measure fluid characteristics of the flow alone the path of one or more fluid circuits and an electrical communication interface that is complimentary to the electrical communication interface of the disposable cassette. In some embodiments, when the disposable cassette and the panel are mated, the electrical communication interface of the disposable cassette may be configured to transmit the pressure to the console via the electrical communication interface of the console. 
     In some embodiments, the system may further include a filter and one or more containers. The cassette may be configured to be disposed on the panel between the filter and the one or more containers so that the filter and the one or more containers are disposed adjacent to a first side and a second side of the cassette, respectively 
     In some embodiments, the system may further include a dialysate circuit configured to connect to the filter. 
     In some embodiments, each fluid circuit may be configured for unidirectional fluid flow along the path. In some embodiments, the fluid circuits may include a blood circuit, an ultrafiltrate circuit, a replacement fluid circuit and a return circuit. In some embodiments, the blood circuit may include an inlet and an outlet disposed on the first side. In some embodiments, a length of the path, of the blood circuit may be shorter than a length of the paths of the ultra filtrate circuit, the replacement fluid circuit and the return circuit. In some embodiments, the fluid circuits may be disposed with respect to the top of the cassette when mated with the console as follows: she blood circuit, the ultrafiltrate circuit, the replacement fluid circuit and the return circuit. 
     In some embodiments, the methods may include a method of delivering a medical fluid delivery therapy. In some embodiments, the method may include providing a disposable cassette and a console. In some embodiments, the method may include mating a disposable cassette with a panel of a console. The disposable cassette may include a console having a panel. The disposable cassette may include a plurality of fluid circuits. Each fluid circuit may include a path being defined by one or more inlets and outlets in which a fluid flows, and a pump chamber disposed between a first valve receiving member and a second valve receiving member along the path. The pump chamber may include a flexible membrane and a rigid portion. 
     In some embodiments, the console may include one or more actuators disposed between a first pinch valve and a second pinch valve. The one or more actuators may be configured to move between a resting position and an upstroke position with respect to the panel. In some embodiments, when the disposable cassette is mated with the panel, the actuator may align with the flexible membrane pump chamber, and the corresponding first pinch valve and the second pinch valve may align and interface with the respective first valve receiving member and the second valve receiving member. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include causing the first pinch valve to open and the second pinch valve to close to draw a fluid into one of the fluid circuits. In some embodiments, the method may further include causing the first pinch valve to close and the second pinch valve to open and the corresponding actuator to contact the flexible membrane and to extend toward the rigid portion. 
     In some embodiments, the disposable cassettes may include a disposable cassette configured to be mated with a console. In some embodiments, the disposable cassette may include a housing. In some embodiments, the cassette may also include a plurality of fluid circuits disposed within the housing. Each of the plurality of fluid circuits may include a path being defined by one or more inlets and outlets disposed in the housing. Each fluid circuit may be configured for unidirectional fluid flow along the path and the fluid circuits may include a blood circuit, an ultrafiltrate circuit, a replacement fluid circuit and a return circuit. Each fluid circuit may include a pump chamber disposed between a first valve receiving member and a second valve receiving member. In some embodiments, one or more of the fluid circuits may include a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure within the one or more of the fluid circuits. In some embodiments, the cassette may include an electrical communication interface configured to transmit the pressure from the pressure sensor to a console system. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette may include a first side and an opposing second side. The blood circuit may include an inlet and an outlet disposed on the first side. In some embodiments, a length of the path of the blood circuit may be shorter than a length of the paths of the ultrafiltrate circuit, the replacement fluid circuit and the return circuit. In some embodiments, the fluid circuits may be disposed with respect to the top of the housing as follows: the blood circuit, the ultrafiltrate circuit, the replacement fluid circuit and the return circuit. 
     Additional advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. The advantages of the disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure can be better understood with the reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  shows a fluid delivery system according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  shows the cassette shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows an example of a partial portion of the pump interface between the cassette and console according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  shows another view of the pump interface shown in  FIG. 3  according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  shows an example of a pinch valve interface with the cassette according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  shows an overview of the system components according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  shows a method of operating the system according to embodiments; and 
         FIGS. 8-12  show examples of system-generated user interfaces according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, methods, etc., in order to provide an understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. It wilt be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed to practice embodiments of the disclosure. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the disclosure. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should he understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     The disclosure relates to systems, disposable cassettes, and kits for medical fluid treatment therapies, such as extracorporeal treatment therapies, to assist patients with severe organ dysfunction. According to embodiments, the system can be configured for different medical fluid treatment therapies or extracorpeal treatment systems, different volumes, among others, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the medical fluid treatment systems, disposable cassettes, and kits may be capable of providing any CRRT therapy, such as slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF) therapy, continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) therapy, continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) therapy, continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) therapy, among others, or any combination thereof. However, it will be understood that the systems, disposable cassettes, and kits can be structured for other types of medical fluid therapies, such as peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, therapeutic plasma exchange, cytopheresis, hemoperfusion, other CRRT therapies, other dialysis treatment therapies, among others, or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the system may include a reusable console system that can be used with a plurality of different types of disposable cassettes. In some embodiments, the cassettes may be structured for different therapies, different fluid volumes, among others, or a combination thereof. A specific therapy can be chosen by simply selecting that corresponding cassette and thus set-up can be simplified. In this way, the system can be set up efficiently for the therapy and can deliver the therapy accurately between different patient populations including those of child and adult. Additionally, because the cassettes are disposable and can be discarded after single use, risks associated with contamination can be reduced. 
       FIGS. 1-6  show a fluid therapy system  100  according to embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  may include a console  110  and a disposable delivery set. In some embodiments, the delivery set may include but is not limited to an arterial blood line  102 , a venous blood line  104 , a filter  130 , one or more disposable cassettes  200 , one or more containers, conduits (e.g., tubing) to connect the port(s) of the cassette  200  to the ports of the filter and/or containers, among others, or my combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the delivery set may be single use, disposables. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be reusable. In some embodiments, the delivery set may be packaged as a kit. 
     The console  110  may be configured to accept and operate with one or more disposable cassettes to deliver a medical fluid treatment therapy. In some embodiments, the mode of operation of the console  110  may depend on the cassette mated with the console  110 . In some embodiments, the one or more cassettes may include cassettes configured for one or more different treatment therapies, one or more cassettes configured for different patient populations, one or more cassettes configured for console diagnostics (also referred to as “service cassette”), among others, or any combination thereof. By way of example, the cassettes for different treatment therapies may include cassettes configured for all CRRT therapies (e.g., SCUP, CVVH, CVVHD, and CVVHDF), cassettes configured for some therapies, cassettes configured for specific CRRT therapies (e.g., SCUF and CVVH), among others, or any combination thereof. Each of these different therapy cassettes may also be configured for different patient populations. For example, the cassettes configured for CRRT therapies and the cassettes configured far specific CRRT therapies may also include cassettes sized for use with an adult patient and cassettes sized for use with a pediatric patient. In this example, the one or more cassettes may include four different therapy cassettes (e.g., two different cassettes for adult patient population and two different cassettes for pediatric patient population). The 5 one or more cassettes are not limited to four different therapy cassettes and may include more or less different cassettes. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  (e.g., cassette housing) may be color-coded and/or other indicia according to therapy type (e.g., treatment mode and/or patient population). According to some embodiments, a portion or combination of the disposable set may be sold as a kit. By way of example, the kit may include the cassette  200 , the filter  130 , the one or more containers  140 , conduits (e.g., tubing) for connection of the ports of the cassette to the filter  130 , the service cassette, priming fluid, among others, or any combination thereof. 
     The console  110  can be configured to control the medical fluid treatment therapy by controlling and monitoring operation of the fluid through the flow paths included in a cassette. In some embodiments, the console  110  and/or the disposable cassette  200  may include one or more sensors and/or detectors. The sensors and/or detectors may include but are not limited to fluid sensors/detectors, operation sensors/detectors, among others, or a combination thereof. It will be understood that the console  110  and/or the cassette  200  are not limited to the sensors and/or detectors as shown and as described. The console  110  and/or cassette  200  may include different configuration of the sensors, additional sensors, alternative sensors, and/or any combination thereof. For example, the console  110  and/or the cassette  200  may include a flow meter, a volume sensor, among others, or a combination thereof. 
       FIG. 1  shows an example of the cassette  200  configured for all CRRT therapies mated with the console  110  and may system configured for CVVHD or CVVMDF modes. However, it is understood that the console  110 , the cassette  200  and the other components of the disposable set may be modified for different therapies and/or patient populations. Some non-limiting examples of these modifications are discussed herein. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include a panel or surface  111  of the console (also referred to as “mating panel”) on which the cassette  200  may be mated. In some embodiments, the console  110  may be modular and/or portable. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the console  110  may be disposed, for example, with respect to a cart and/or table, such that cassette  200  can mate vertically with the panel  111  of the console  110 . In some embodiments, the console  110  may be disposed, for example, with respect to a cart and/or table, in a different position. For example, the console  200  may also be disposal such that the cassette can mate horizontally with tine mating panel  111  of the console  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  and/or the cassette  200  may be configured to mechanically or magnetically mate. By way of example, the console  110  and/or the cassette  200  may include one or more mechanical and/or magnetic members configured to removably fix the cassette  200  to the panel  111  at a specific position (not shown). By way of example, the mechanical member(s) may include a hinged mechanism, a latch mechanism, a slide-lock, a snap on mechanism, among others, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the magnetic members may include complimentary magnets disposed on the console  110  and the cassette  200  at corresponding locations. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may additionally and/or alternatively include a hinged door that secures the cassette  200  to the panel  111 . For example, the door of the console may include a latching mechanism, such as a clamp, that interacts with the cassette  200  to fix the cassette  200  with respect to the console  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  and/or the cassette  200  may be configured to actively and/or passively remove the mated or locked cassette  200 . For example, the console  110  may be configured to be passive and the cassette may be configured to be removed manually, the console  110  may be configured to detach the cassette from the mated or locked-position, among others. 
     In some embodiments, when the cassette  200  is properly mated with the panel  111 , the console  110  can mechanically and/or electrically interface with the cassette to control the medical fluid treatment by controlling and monitoring operation of the fluid through the flow paths included in the cassette. By way of example, when properly mated, the console  110  may include components that are configured to directly engage respective components of the cassette  200  by contact and/or indirectly engage respective components of the cassette  200  by being in a specific proximity. Additionally, the console  110  and the cassette  200  may include complimentary electrical communication interfaces configured so that the components (e.g., sensors) of the cassette  200  can communicate with the console  110 . By way of example, the cassette  200  cart send any sensor signals to the console  110  via the electrical communication interfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include one or more receiving members in which the filter  130  and the one or more containers  140  can be disposed. The one or more receiving members may be any member configured to removably attach the filter  130  and the one or more containers  140  to the console  110 . For example, as shown in the  FIG. 1 , the console  110  may include a first member  113  for the filter disposed on one side of the console and a second member  114  for the one or more containers  140  disposed on the opposing side of the console  110 . In this example, the console  110  may be configured so that the cassette  200  is disposed between the filter  130  and the one or more containers  140  so that the fluid circuits of the cassette  200  are unidirectional. It will also be understood that the console  110  may have a different configuration of the receiving members, the filter, and/or the containers). For example, the receiving members may be disposed at different locations on the console  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the filter  130  may be a semi-permeable membrane that provides a system by which toxins from the blood can be removed via a method of convective drag or dialytic clearance. In some embodiments, the filter  130  may be a hemofilter, dialyzer, among others, or a combination thereof. The filter  130  may include a plurality of ports. In some embodiments, the ports may be Luer Lock connectors. In some embodiments, for example, if the filter is a hemofilter as shown in the  FIG. 1 , the filter may include a blood input port  132 , an ultrafiltrate output port  134 , a dialysate input port  136 , a blood output port  138 , among others, or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more containers  140  may be any container, such as a reservoir or a bag that is needed to provide and/or collect a fluid. The one or more containers  140  disposed on the console  110  may depend on the medical fluid therapy. The one or more containers may include but are not limited to a container for ultrafiltrate collection  142 , a container for dialysate fluid  144 m and a container for replacement fluid  146 , among others, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the one or more containers may be relative to the locations of the corresponding fluid circuits disposed in the cassette. In some embodiments, the containers  144  and  146  may be pro-filled with any dialysate solution and/or replacement fluid, respectively. The one or more containers may include different or additional containers). For example, the dialysate fluid container  144  may be omitted (for the CVVH mode). By way another example, the one or more containers  140  may additionally or alternatively include a container for a therapeutic (e.g., heparin). 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may be include a housing  202  in which the components are disposed, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the housing  202  may have a rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the housing  202  may have a different shape. The housing  202  may at least partially cover the components of the cassette. The housing  202  may include one or more interface sections so that the components of the cassette (e.g., portions of the tubes, pump chambers, communication interface, etc.) can interface with the respective components (e.g., sensors, pumps, pinch valves, etc.) of the console  110 . The interface sections may include anti may not be limited to include openings, notches, recesses, among others, or any combination thereof in the housing in which a specific portion of the cassette is exposed and is configured to be engaged by a corresponding component of the console  110 . In some embodiments, the housing  202  may be a clam shell or a tray. In some embodiments, the housing  202  may be molded or otherwise formed from a suitable plastic or other material, such as a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic, or a cyclic olefin copolymer/ultra low density polyethylene (COC/ULDPE), and may be relatively rigid. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may include a plurality of fluid circuits. As used herein, the term “fluid circuit” of a cassette refers to a fluid path that is defined by an inlet, an outlet and one or more tubes and that is arranged in the cassette in which a fluid (e.g., replacement fluid, ultrafiltrate, blood, dialysate fluid, etc.) flows. In some embodiments, the fluid circuits may be arranged within the cassette for one or more unidirectional flow paths between the patient, filter, and/or containers. In some embodiments, the fluid circuits) may also include any combination of components, such as sensor(s), pump chamber(s), detectors/traps, among others, disposed along its respective fluid path. The fluid circuits may include but not are not limned to any combination of the following; an arterial blood circuit, an ultrafiltrate circuit, a dialysate circuit (CVVHD or CVVHDF modes), a fluid return circuit. In some embodiments, the arterial blood circuit may be a fluid path in which blood is circulated out of a patient (e.g., via an arterial line) and filtered by the filter. The ultra filtrate circuit may be the path where the waste products removed from the blood via the filler are collected by a container. The dialysate circuit may be the path where dialysate is added to the filter from a container for extraction of the waste products from blood. The return fluid circuit may include a first path where a volume of replacement fluid is added from the replacement fluid container to the filtered blood that converges with a second path, that returns the filtered blood from the filter and or the replacement fluid from the first path to the patient (e.g., via a venous line). The number and/or arrangement of the circuits may depend on the specific mode of the cassette. The number of fluid circuits included in the cassette may be modified according to the intended therapy corresponding to the cassette. By way of example, for the SCUF and/or CVVH modes, the cassette  200  may omit the dialysate circuit. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may include a plurality of input/output ports disposed on the sides of the housing  202 . The ports may include but are not limited to ports configured to be connected to the arterial line, venous line, filter (via conduits), and one or more containers (via conduits). In some embodiments, the ports may be Luer Lock connectors. In some embodiments, the ports may be disposed on sides of the housing  202  closest to the respective inlet/outlet (e.g., line  102 , filter  130 , containers  140 , and line  104 ). In some embodiments, the inlets and outlet ports of the cassette  200  may be disposed at or near the first side  201 , which is the side closest to the tines  102  and  104  and the filter  130 , and the opposing second side  203 , which is the side closest to the containers  140 . In some embodiments, the ports may also he disposed at or near the other sides  205  and  207 . In some embodiments, the ports may define the beginning and end of the fluid path for each fluid circuit. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may include a blood circuit (also referred to as “blood circuit”)  210 . The blood circuit  210  may have a path that extends between an inlet port  211 , disposed at the side  201 , to receive blood from the patient (e.g., via arterial line  102 ) an outlet port  219 , disposed at the side  201 , that can connect to the port  132  of the filter  130  (via a conduit). In some embodiments, between the inlet  211  and the outlet  219 , the blood circuit  210  may also include one or more pressure sensors  212  disposed on one or both sides of the pump chamber  214  to monitor the flow of the blood from the patient and along the path, a pump chamber  214  configured to mate with corresponding pump of the console  130 , and one or more valve receiving members  216  disposed on opposite sides of the pump chamber  214  to mate with corresponding components (e.g., pinch valves of the console  110 ), and one or more conduits  218  (e.g., tubing) disposed through and/or in between the components of the circuit  210 . 
     In some embodiments, the location and arrangement of the blood circuit  210  with respect to the cassette may be designed to minimize extra corporeal blood volume and thereby increase dialysis efficiency and performance, for example, in pediatric or smaller patients. By way of example, the length, surface area, among others, of the fluid path of the blood circuit  210  may be minimized, for example, by the reducing length of path, the blood circuit location on the cassette  200  with respect to the filter, patient, and/or inlet port, among others, or any combination thereof. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the inlet  211  and outlet  219  can be disposed on one side of the cassette  200  closest to the filter  130  so as to reduce the length of the path. In this, example, the length of the blood circuit path may therefore be the shortest path as compared to the other paths (e.g., ultrafiltrate, return, and/or dialysate). 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may include an ultrafiltrate circuit  220 . In some embodiments, the ultrafiltrate circuit  220  may have a path that extends between an inlet port  221 , disposed at the side  201 , that cart connect an outlet port  134  of the filter  130  (via a conduit) to receive the ultrafiltrate that was removed from the blood and an outlet port  229 , disposed at the side  203 , that can connect to the ultrafiltrate collection container  142  (via a conduit) to collect the filtered ultrafiltrate. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the ultrafiltrate fluid circuit  220  may extend along the length of the cassette  200  between the filter  130  and the container(s)  140 . In some embodiments, between the inlet  221  and the outlet  229 ,thc circuit  220  may also include one or more pressure sensors  222  to monitor the pressure of the ultrafiltrate flowing within the circuit  220 , a pump chamber  224  configured to mate with corresponding pump of the console  110 , and one or more valve receiving members  226  disposed on opposite sides of the pump chamber  224  to mate with corresponding components (e.g., pinch valves) of the console  110 , and one or more conduits  228  (e.g., tubing) disposed through and/or in between the components of the circuit. In some embodiments, the circuit  220  may include a pressure sensor  222  disposed on one or both sides of the pump chamber  224  to monitor the flow of the ultrafiltrate along the path. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may optionally include a dialysate circuit  230  (e.g., cassettes capable of CVVHD and/or CVVHDF therapies). The circuit  230  may have a path that extends between an inlet port  239 , disposed at the side  203 , that can connect to the dialysate fluid container  144  (via a conduit) and an outlet port  231 , disposed at the side  201 , that can connect to the inlet port  136  of the filter (via conduit)  130  to deliver a dialysate solution to the filter  130 . The dialysate solution can be used to remove the toxins from the blood disposed in the filter, for example, in the CVVHD and/or CVVHDF modes. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , live dialysate circuit  230  may extend along the length of the cassette  200  between the filter  130  and the containers)  140 . In some embodiments, between the inlet  239  and the outlet  231 , the circuit  230  may also Include a pump chamber  234  configured to mate with corresponding pump of the console  110 , and one or more valve receiving members  236  disposed on opposite sides of the pump chamber  234  to mate with corresponding components (e.g., pinch valves of the console  110 ), and one or more conduits  238  (e.g., tubing) disposed through and/or in between these components. In some embodiments, the dialysate circuit  230  may also include a bubble detector/trap  232  disposed between the inlet  239  and the pump  234 . The bubble filter/trap  232  may be configured to prevent bubbles originating in the dialysate fluid container  144  from reaching the pump  234 . 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may include a return fluid circuit  240 . In some embodiments, the circuit  240  may include two converging pail is  250  and  260  to deliver the filtered blood and/or replacement fluid to the patient (via the venous line  104 ). In some embodiments, the first path may be between an inlet port  251 . disposed at the side  203 , that can connect to the replacement fluid container  146  (via a conduit) and an outlet  259  disposed along the second path  260  at converging point  242  so that the replacement fluid may be returned with and/or will tout the filtered blood via the second path  260 . In some embodiments, between the inlet  251  and the outlet  259 , the path  250  may also include a pump chamber  254  configured to mate with corresponding pump of the console  110 , and one or more valve receiving members  256  disposed on opposite sides of the pump chamber  254  to mate with corresponding components (e.g., pinch valves of the console  110 ), and one or more conduits  258  (e.g., tubing) disposed through and/or in between these components. In some embodiments, the first path  250  may also include a bubble detector/filter/trap  252  disposed between the inlet  251  and the pump  254 . The bubble detector/filter/trap  252  may be configured to prevent bubbles and/or particles originating in the replacement fluid container  146  from reaching the pump  254 . 
     In some embodiments, the second path  260  may extend between an inlet port  261 , disposed at the side  201 , that can connect to the outlet port  138  of the filter  130  (via a conduit) to receive the filtered blood and an outlet port  269 . disposed at the side  201 , that delivers the filtered blood/replacement fluid to the patient (via venous line  104 ). In some embodiments, the path  260  may include a pressure sensor  262  disposed between the replacement fluid connection  259  and the outlet port  269  to monitor the flow of the replacement fluid and/or the filtered blood along the circuit. 
     In some embodiments, the one or inure pressure sensors (e.g.,  212 ,  222 , and  262 ) may be configured to monitor the flow of the fluid through the respective path. For example, the pressure sensor(s) can detect whether there are disruptions, such as clogs, within the path in which the sensor(s) are disposed. In some embodiments, the one or more pressure sensor(s) may be the same and/or different sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors may be a strain-gauge based pressure sensor. In some embodiments, each of the pressure sensors may include a transmission member  272  configured to transmit the signals from the respective pressure sensor to an electrical communication interface  270  of the cassette  200 . By way of example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the transmission member  272  may be configured for wired transmission (e.g., any wires and/or cables). In this example, each transmission member  272  may extend from the respective pressure sensor to the communication interface  270  of the cassette. In some embodiments, the transmission member may be a wireless transmitter. The pressure signals from the all of the pressure sensors can thereby be gathered at a single location, the communication interface  270  of the cassette, for output to the console  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the pump chamber (e.g.,  214 ,  224 ,  234 , and  254 ) may include a flexible membrane configured to mechanically interface with respective pump disposed on the console  111 . In some embodiments, the housing  202  may include an interface section (e.g., cut-out, opening, etc.) for the flexible membrane of each pump chamber. 
       FIG. 3  shows an example of a pump chamber (e.g.,  214 ,  224 ,  234 , and  254 ) according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the pump chamber may be different.  FIG. 3  shows an enlarged view  300  of the pump chamber  310  with respect to a pump  320  of the console  110  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in live figure, the pump chamber  310  may include an inlet  312  and an outlet  314  that connects to the conduit(s) along the respective fluid circuit. In some embodiments, the pump chamber  310  may include a cap  316 . In some embodiments, an inlet and an outlet may be disposed on the cap  316 . In some embodiments, the cap  316  may be at least semi-rigid. In other embodiments, the cap  316  be may be made of other materials and rigidness. In some embodiments, the pump chamber  310  may include a bottom flexible membrane  318 . The cap  316  and the flexible membrane  318  may be attached along the circumference so as to define an area  317  in which fluid may be held and passed along the fluid path via the conduits. The cassette housing  200  may include an interface section (e.g., cut-out, opening, etc.) for the bottom flexible membrane  318  and the bottom flexible membrane  318  may be configured to face the pump  320  disposed in the console panel  111 . 
     In some embodiments, the pump chambers (e.g.,  214 ,  224 ,  234 , and  254 ) and/or conduits (tubing) disposed in the circuits may lie of the same size. It will be understood that the size of the pump chamber and conduits may depend on the patient population of the cassette. For example, for cassettes configured for pediatric patients, the pump chambers, the tubing, among others, may be smaller than the respective components disposed in cassettes configured for adult patients. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more valve receiving members (e.g.,  216 ,  226 ,  236 , and  256 ) may be an interface section (e.g., cut-out, opening, etc.) corresponding to a portion of the tubing on each side of the respective pump chamber. The one or more valve receiving members can be configured to be directly engaged by the console  110  via pinch valves disposed on tire console  110  to control the flow of the fluid through the respective pump chamber. In other embodiments, the cassette  200  may replace the one or more valve receiving members of each circuit with a different mechanism to control the flow through the respective pomp chamber. The different mechanism may include other valves including but not limited to other mechanically activated valves, electrically activated valves, among others, or any combination thereof. For example, the cassette  200  may include a valve disposed in the tubing on either side of each pump chamber. In this example, the cassette  200  may include (i) an inlet valve that can be configured to open when the pressure starts to drop and close when the pressure starts to increase and (ii) an outlet valve that can be configured to close when the pressure starts to drop and open when the pressure starts to increase. In another example, the cassette  200  may include mechanically activated pinch valve(s) that are attached to the cam shaft of the motor dun drives the pump. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid circuits may be disposed in the cassette  200  relative to the respective input/out let ports of the filter  130 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the circuits may be disposed in the following order from top to bottom: the blood circuit  210 , the ultrafiltrate circuit  220 , the dialysate circuit  230  (if included), and the return circuit  240 . In this way, the paths can be more compact and thereby the system can more effectively and efficiently deliver the medical treatment therapies. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may include identification information. In some embodiments, the identification information may include but is not limited to identification number of the cassette, size of cassette (e.g., patient or pediatric), type of cassette (e.g., CVVH, CVVHD, CVVHDF, SCUF modes), among others, or any combination thereof in some embodiments, the identification information may be stored on a RFID tag or label disposed on the cassette  200 . In some embodiments, the console  110  may include an identification device (RFID reader) capable of receiving and/or reading the identification information from the cassette  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the electrical communication interface  270  configured to communicate with a complimentary electrical communication interface of the console  110  may be disposed above the fluid circuits. In other embodiments, the electrical communication interface  270  may be disposed at a different location. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may include different, more or less fluid circuits than those shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and the disposable set can be modified accordingly. For example, the cassette  200  may omit dialysate fluid circuit and its components if the cassette is intended for CVVM and/or SCUF modes and the disposable set may therefore omit the dialysate fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid circuits may include different sizes, different paths, arrangement and/or configuration of the components along tire respective paths. For example, the fluid circuits may include additional pumps, sensors, filters, among others; may include alternative pumps, sensors, filters, among others; may omit pumps, sensors, filters, among others; or any combination thereof. By way of another examples, the cassette(s) configured for pediatric patients may include components (such as the conduits and pump chambers; that are smaller than the cassette(s) configured for adult patients and can thereby more effectively and efficiently process smaller volumes. 
     Although not shown, the cassette  200  may also include one or more vents disposed within the housing configured to vent any particles that may be introduced into the system. The cassette  200  may also include additional and/or alternative components 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include components that are configured to control the fluid through the plurality of fluid paths included in the cassette  200 , monitor the sensors of the cassette  200  via the electrical communication interface  270 , monitor parameters of the fluid flow through the fluid circuits, among others, or a combination thereof when the cassette  200  is mated with the console  110 .  FIG. 6  shows an exemplary overview  600  of the components of the console  110  that electrically and/or mechanically interface with the components of the cassette  200  to control the medical fluid treatment therapy by controlling and monitoring operation of the fluid through the flow paths included in a cassette according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the console  110  and/or cassette  200  may include different components that are capable of interfacing to control the medical fluid treatment therapy. For example, the console  110  and/or the cassette  200  may omit one or more components, include additional and/or alternative components, among others, or a combination thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the console MO may include a main controller  612  configured to control and/or monitor the components of the console  110 , including the operations/interactions of some of the components of the console  110 , with respect to the cassette  200  and the fluids moving through the cassette  200  to control the delivery of the medical fluid treatment therapy. The main controller  612  may be a computing device. By way of example, the main controller  612  may be a processor (e.g., central processing unit, a processor, microprocessor, etc.) that is coupled directly or indirectly to memory (not shown). The memory may include but is not limited to random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), disk drive, tape drive, etc., or a combination thereof. The memory may be configured to store programs and data, for example, related to the different medical fluid treatment therapies. 
     Although not shown, the console  110  may include an input/output interface configured to receive information for one or more input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, and the like) and convey information to a display and other output devices. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include a power supply  642 , such as an electrical power supply. The console  110  may include and/or be connected to a display  650 . By way of example, the display  650  may be integrated with the console. In another example, the console  110  may be wired and/or wirelessly connected to a separate display  650 . In some embodiments, the display  650  may be touch-screen display. In some embodiments, the console  110  may include audible and/or visual alarms  624  based on the operation. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include a plurality of actuators  620  and a plurality of pairs of pinch valves  622  to control the flow of the fluid through the respective circuit. Each pump and pair of pinch valves may be configured to interface with a pump chamber and respective pair of valve receiving members, respectively. In some embodiments, the number of actuators and sets of pinch valves may correspond to the number of available fluid circuits to be included in the cassette. By way of example, the console  110  may include four pumps and four pairs of pinch valves. The console  110  may dispose an actuator and pair of pinch valves on the panel  111  to interface with each pump membrane and corresponding valve receiving members disposed within each fluid circuit. In some embodiments, the console  110  may include more or less pumps and/or pinch valves. 
     In some embodiments, each actuator  620  may be configured to interface with the respective pump membrane. In some embodiments, each actuator  620  may have a shape complimentary to the pump membrane. In some embodiments, the actuator  620  may include a driving piston controlled by a motor. The actuator  620  may be a linear actuator. In some embodiments, the motor(s) controlling the actuator may include an accurate position determining mechanism configured to provide precision pumping action to achieve very low flow and precise pumping rates. In some embodiments, the pump may include different components. In some embodiments, the gearing ratios and speed for each motor may be configured to achieve the above given flow rates and range of operation. 
     By way of example, the actuator  620  may be disposed in the console  110  so to be substantially flush with the panel  111  when in resting position and configured to protrude from the panel  111  when in driving position. In the resting position, the actuator  620  may be configured to have substantially no contact with the respective pump membrane. In some embodiments, the actuator for the replacement fluid circuit and tire actuator for the ultrafiltrate circuit may be coupled to deliver substantially equal quantities of the replacement fluid and ultrafiltrate fluid, respectively. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show examples  300  and  400  of the pump  320  with respect to a pump membrane  318  according to some embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows the pump  320  in the driving position. As shown in  FIG. 4 . the pump  320  may be configured to directly contact and push against tire pump membrane  318  when in the driving position. The pump can be configured to cause the fluid to be pumped out of the pump chamber when in the driving position and to cause the fluid to fill the pump chamber when in the resting position. 
     In some embodiments, the flow direction in the circuit can be controlled through use of pinch valves on the inlet and outlet ports of each pump membrane to maintain the flow direction to be unidirectional. In some embodiments, the pinch valves may be precisely controlled based on the direction required and position of the actuator (e.g., motor rotor). In some embodiments, the pinch valves may be made of a sterile, biocompatible material, such as polished acrylic.  FIG. 5  shows an example  500  of a pinch valve  502  with respect to the corresponding pinch valve receiving member  556  (e.g., an area of exposed tubing adjacent to a pump membrane).  FIG. 5  shows the pinch valve  562  in a dosed position. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  612  may be configured to control the movement of each actuator  620  (e.g., via a motor drive/motors) and pair of pinch valves  622  to cause fluid to flow through the respective circuit. In some embodiments, the flow direction can be controlled through the use of pinch valves disposed at the inlet and outlet ports of each pump to maintain the flow direction to be unidirectional. 
     By way of example, the controller  612  may synchronously control each actuator pump and pair of pinch valves  622  to cause the filling and expulsion of the fluid into and out of the respective pump chamber. For example, when the valve prior to the pump chamber is open and the valve alter the pump membrane is closed (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5 ), the controller  612  may cause the actuator  620  to downstroke to the resting position to remove any mechanical pressure from the pump chamber thereby causing the pump chamber to return to its initial position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 4 ). Once the actuator is in the resting position, the pump chamber can fill with a fluid for a period of time. After which, the controller  612  may cause the valve prior to the pump chamber to close and the valve after the pump to open and the actuator to upstroke to the driving position (e.g., shown in  FIG. 4 ) to cause the fluid to be expelled from the chamber. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include a plurality of fluid sensors and/or detectors configured to directly and/or indirectly engage one or more portions of the paths (e.g., tubing) of the cassette  200  to detect or measure the fluid characteristics of the fluid(s) along dial respective flow path. The fluid characteristics include but are not limited to temperature (e.g., sensors  630 ), air bubbles (e.g., sensor  632 ), leaks (e.g., sensor  634 ), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, live console may include additional sensors, include alternative sensors, omit any of the sensors, among others, or any combination thereof. The sensors may be configured to interlace with the cassette when the cassette is properly mated with the console. In some embodiments, the sensors may be configured to directly or indirectly sense the fluid conduits of the cassette. For example, the sensors may be disposed on the console so as to surround and contact a portion of the tubing along a specific portion of a circuit. By way of another example, the sensors may be disposed so as to be in proximity to a portion of the tubing along a specific portion of the circuit. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  612  may cause one of the pinch valves to move to a closed position to stop the flow of fluid in a circuit if the respective sensor detects hubbies and/or leaks. In some embodiments, the console  110  may also include an additional pinch valve to be paired with each sensor to stop the flow of fluid when bubbles and/or leaks are detected in the respective circuit. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  612  may also alert the operator by causing the appropriate visual and/or audible alarms  624  to be activated when the controller detects a malfunction and/or improper operation of the cassette  200 , the fluid delivery, and/or the console  110  is detected. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include one or more air bubble detectors  632  to interface with one or more the fluid circuits to detect any air bubbles in the fluids flowing through the paths. In some embodiments, one or more bubble detectors  632  to detect the presence of air bubbles in the blood entering the cassette  200  (e.g., from the patient via the line  102 ) and in the filtered blood and/or replacement fluid exiting the cassette  200  (e.g., to the patient via line  104 ). In some embodiments, the detectors may be capable of any non-invasive detector capable of detecting the presence of micro-air bubbles sized (0.3 ul to 0.5 ul). In some embodiments, the sensor parameters may depend on the size of the cassette due to the difference in tube size. 
     In some embodiments, the air bubble detector(s) may be configured to directly engage the cassette  200 . By way of example, each air bubble detector may be disposed and protrude from the panel  111  to at least partially surround and/or clamp a specific portion of the tubing along a path of the cassette  200 . By way of example, the housing  202  may include an interface section (e.g., cut-out, opening, etc.) that corresponds to each specific portion for engagement by the respective air bubble detector. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the console  110  may include a first bubble detector  112  disposed to interface with the blood flow circuit  210  of the cassette  200 , a second bubble detector  118  disposed to interface with the return circuit  240  of the cassette, among others, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first air bubble detector  112  may be disposed on lire panel  111  to interface with a portion of the path (tubing)  218  between the inlet port  211  and the pressure sensor  212  of the cassette  200 . In some embodiments, the second air bubble sensor  118  may be disposed on the panel  111  to interface with a portion of the path (tubing)  268  between the pressure sensor  262  and the outlet port  269 . The first and second bubble detectors may be configured to detect the presence of air bubbles in the blood. 
     In some embodiments, tire console  110  may include a third bubble detector  116  to detect the presence of air bubbles in the dialysate fluid entering the cassette  200  (e.g., from the container  144 ). In some embodiments, the third air bubble detector  116  may be disposed on the panel  111  to interface with a portion the path (tubing)  218  between the input port  239  and the bubble trap  232  of Use cassette  200 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the console  110  may include a blood leak detector  124  disposed to interface with the ultrafiltrate circuit  220  of the cassette  200  to detect any blood cells exiting with lire ultrafiltrate from live fiber  130 . In some embodiments, the blood leak detector  124  may be disposed on the panel  111  to interface with a portion of Ute path (tubing)  228  between the inlet port  221  and the pressure sensor  222  of the cassette  200 . In some embodiments, the blood leak detector  124  may be disposed and protrude from the panel  111  to at least partially surround and/or clamp a specific portion of the tubing at an interface section along a path of the cassette  200 . The blood leak detector  124  can be any blood leak detector. By way of example, the blood leak detector may be a non-invasive optical sensor to detect the presence of red blood cells in the ultrafiltrate circuit  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the console lit) may include a temperature sensor  126  disposed to interface with the return circuit  240  to ensure that the dialysate is maintained at the substantially the same temperature as the returned circuit (e.g., returned blood). In some embodiments, the sensor  126  may be disposed on the panel  111  to interface with a portion of the path (tubing)  258  between the bubble detector/filter/trap  252  and the pump chamber  254  of the cassette  200 . In some embodiments, the temperature sensor  126  may be in proximity of a portion of the tubing of the circuit  230 . 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may also include one or more heaters. In some embodiments, the heater may be disposed on the dialysate fluid circuit before the temperature sensor. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include a plurality of communication interfaces  644 . The communication interface  644  may include and is not limited to an Ethernet interface, usb interface, serial interface, wireless interface (e.g., wi-fi), among others, or any combination thereof. The communication interfaces  644  may include an electrical communication interface that is complimentary to the electrical communication interface  270  of the cassette  200 . By way of example, one electrical communication interface may be a spring loaded connector (e.g., pogo pin), USB, among others, and the Other electrical communication interlace may be the complimentary port. In operation, through the electrical communication interfaces, the console  110  may receive the pressure measurements form the pressure sensors  662  (e.g., pressure sensors  212 ,  222 , and  262 ) disposed on the cassette  200 . In this way, the main controller  612  may monitor the pressure and cause the alarms to sound when a pressure error is detected 
     In some embodiments, the system  109  may include an identification device to aid in authentication, identification, and tracking of the medical therapy treatment procedure. In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may include identification information  666  and the console  110  may include a complimentary reading device  644  (e.g., a RFID reading device). In some embodiments, the identification information may include but is not limited to identification number of the cassette, size of cassette (e.g., patient or pediatric), type of cassette (e.g., CVVH, CVVHD, CVVHDF, SCUF modes), among others, or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may automatically configure the treatment parameters based on the identification information (e.g., the size and type of cassette). For example, the console  110  may automatically configure the upper and lower limits, for example, for flows and pressures, for the fluid Circuits included in that type of cassette based on the indicated size. By including the identification information, the system can allow for a safer and faster setup of the CRRT procedure. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may include a human machine interface (HMI)  640 . In some embodiments, the instructions for the may be programmed and stored in the memory of the console  110 . The HMI may be programmed to control or provide instructions to control the system  100  based on inputs entered by (he user and/or provided by the cassette  200 .  FIGS. 8-12  show examples of interfaces. 
       FIG. 7  shows a method  700  of operation of the system  100  with respect to a treatment of a patient. After the console  110  is powered on, tire method  700  may include a step of patient set-up  710 . In some embodiments, the console  110  via a touch-screen display may prompt the user to obtain the supplies necessary for tire treatment. In some embodiments, the console  110  may request a plurality of patient information to determine the appropriate cassette.  FIG. 8  shows an example  800  of a new patient-set up screen. Based on tire patient information inputted (e.g. weight of patient and desired treatment mode), the console  110  will determine the type of cassette (e.g., size (e.g., pediatric or adult) and treatment mode) to be inserted, for example, by identifying the type and other indicia (e.g., color). 
     Next, the method  700  may include a step  720  of inserting a cassette onto tire console  110 . The system may then include a step of confirming the cassette. In some embodiments, the method  700  may include a step  730  confirming proper cassette/console alignment. For example, the sensors of the console may check to see if they receive the default electrical signal. In this example, if the cassette is not properly aligned, then the conduits of the cassette may not properly mate with the sensor so the sensors may not receive the default electrical signals. If the controller  612  of the console  110  determines that any of the sensors did not send the default electrical signal, then console  110  can issue an error message regarding the cassette misalignment and request that the cassette to be adjusted/re-inserted. 
     After the controller  612  of the console lift confirms that the cassette  200  is properly aligned with the panel  111 , the console  110  may then confirm whether tire correct cassette has been inserted (step  740 ). In some embodiments, the identification device of the console  110  may read the identification information provided on the cassette. For example, an RFID receiver provided on the console  110  may read the RFID chip provided on the cassette to determine the type of cassette inserted. The console  110  then can compare the cassette-type indicated by the identification information on the cassette to the console-suggested cassette type based on the patient information (step  710 ). For example, the console  110  determines that the inserted cassette docs not correspond to the console suggested cassette, the console  110  may prompt the user to: change the treatment selections by either overriding the size different (e.g., override the weight) and/or changing the therapy mode; and/or to insert another cassette. 
     In some embodiments, the sensors disposed on the cassette can be configured to generate a signal to determine whether the correct cassette is mated with the console. For example, if the user indicates the CVVHD mode in the patient set-up but inserts a cassette configured for the CVVH mode, at least one sensor can receive a signal indicating that the corresponding conduit (tubing) is missing and the console  110  can prompt the user accordingly. 
     After the console  110  confirms that the correct cassette is inserted and/or receives an override from the user, the method  700  may include the initiation of the prime mode and/or confirmation that the cassette has been primed (step  750 ). The prime mode can prepare the system for the medical fluid delivery by confirming that there are no bubbles in any of the fluid circuits of the cassette. 
     To initiate the priming mode, the system can prompt the user to attach a specific size of priming fluid and initiate by pushing start on the display. In some embodiments, the system  100  operates similarly during the priming mode as the treatment mode. After the priming mode is initiated, the console  111  will cause the priming fluid to flow through all the fluid-circuit lines included in the cassette (e.g., dialysate, replacement fluid and blood) by causing the actuators and valves to engage the pump membrane and valve receiving members disposed in those lines at a rate that can be faster than the treatment mode. The controller can process the signals generated by the respective bubble detectors to monitor the progress of the priming mode and provide an estimated time to complete the priming mode. After the controller of the console receives a “no bubble” signal from the bubble detectors, the console will indicate that the priming mode has been completed. 
     In some embodiments, the console  110  may configured to confirm that the cassette has been primed. The RFID chip on the cassette may indicate that the priming mode was performed. For example, the RFID receiver provided on the console  110  may read the RFJD chip provided on the cassette to determine whether the priming mode has been performed and/or whether a priming mode needs to be performed (step  750 ). The cassette may include additional valves that are configured to prevent the draining (leaking) of the priming-fluid from the cassette while it is transferred/stored. 
     In some embodiments, the priming mode for a cassette may be performed on another console before being loaded into the console  110  for treatment (step  720 ). This way, a cassette may be ready for treatment for a patient and can avoid the delay associated with the priming step, before the beginning of CVVH (or CVVHD or CVVHDF) on the patient. In some embodiments, the other console may be configured for only the priming mode. Temperature controls may be enabled to make sure that the priming fluid inside the cassette is maintained within correct temperature range before being used on the patient. 
     In some embodiments, the cassette may be packaged with the priming fluid inside the tubes in the cassette. For example, the cassette may be primed at the manufacturing facility. The packaged cassette may be loaded into the console  110  for treatment (step  720 ). 
     Next, the user may be prompted to input one or more treatment parameters (step  760 ). The one or more treatment parameters may include but are not limited to flow rates (e.g., blood circuit, ultrafiltrate circuit, and/or dialysate circuit), pressure thresholds (e.g., for the blood circuit, return circuit and/or ultrafiltrate circuit), among others, or any combination thereof. In some embodiment, the console  110  may store default parameters for any or all of the treatment parameters.  FIGS. 9 and 10  show examples of user interfaces in which treatment parameters con be inputted. 
     In some embodiments, based on the inputted flowrates, the controller of the console  110  may determine the operation parameters for the actuator and corresponding pair of pinch of valves for each circuit line. Based on the inputted flow rates, the console  110  may determine the revolutions per minute (RPM). In some embodiments, the console  110  can operate the replacement fluid circuit using the same treatment and operation parameters for the ultrafiltrate circuit. In this way the console  110  can deliver substantially equal quantities of replacement fluid and ultrafiltrate. 
     After the treatment information is inputted, the console  110  may prompt the user to connect the patient to the cassette (via the arterial input and the venous output lines). Then, the treatment mode may be initiated (step  770 ). During the treatment mode, the console  110  can cause each actuator and corresponding pair of pinch valves to move according to the determined operation parameters to cause the fluids to flow through the respective fluid circuits at the desired flow rate. In some embodiments, the actuators and pair of pinch valves for the blood circuit may move according to the operation parameters for a short period of time before the actuators and pinch valves move other circuits start to move. 
     Also, during the treatment mode, the console  110  may monitor the fluid treatment for certain conditions. By way of example, the console  110  may monitor the console&#39;s sensors and the pressure signals from the pressure sensors of the cassette for the pressure, temperature, and flow rates. The console  110  may automatically operate according to specific operation protocols when the detected values are outside a sale limit. The operation protocols may be inputted by the user and/or default to the console  110 . For example, if the console  110  determines that a sensor value is outside a safe limit, the console  110  may pause the machine and provide an error display. The error display may prompt the user to a specific location or potential error. By way of example, if the console  110  determines that one of the pressure sensors on the cassette reads a value beyond the safe limit, the console  110  may cause the machine to pause and stop any fluid motion to or from the patient, for example, by locking the pinch vales in place and stop the rotation of all motors. 
     During the end of the treatment mode, the user may be prompted regarding whether the blood disposed in the system should be returned to the patient or circulated before the cassette is disconnected. Tire user can also specify the volume of fluid to be returned to the patient. 
     After the treatment mode is completed, the cassette  200  may be removed (step  780 ). In some embodiments, the cassette  200  may be ejected from the console by inputting a button on the display. 
     In some embodiments, the system  100  may include a service cassette to run diagnostics, for example, for troubleshooting, repairing, and/or calibration the components of the console  110 . The service cassette may include the same components as the treatment cassette. When the service cassette is inserted, the console  110  may operate according to a service mode. During the service mode, the user can view the error history, preventive maintenance history, calibration history, calibration schedules for different sensors, among others, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the console  110  may cause signals to be sent to the pressure, temperature, bubble, blood-leak sensors, so that their responses can be recorded.  FIG. 12  shows art example of a service mode interface. 
     While the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as series forth in the appended claims. For example, elements and/or features of different exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.