Patent ID: 8728020

Claim:
An infusion apparatus comprising: at least a batch container containing an infusion fluid; an infusion line having a first end which is connected to the batch container and a second end which is configured to supply the infusion fluid, the second end of the infusion line being directly connected to a blood withdrawal line or a blood return line; an infusion pump operating on the infusion line and configured for circulation of the infusion fluid from the first end of the infusion line to the second end of the infusion line; a first valve designed to open and close the infusion line between the pump and the second end; a gas-liquid separator arranged in an intermediate tract of the infusion line extending between the infusion pump and the first valve; a vent line having a first end which is connected to the gas-liquid separator and a second discharge end which is opposite the first end, the second discharge end of the vent line being directly connected to an element selected from the group of elements consisting of: the batch container of the infusion fluid, an initial tract of the infusion line comprised between the batch container and the infusion pump, an aspiration device, a fluid transport line connected to a fluid chamber of a blood treatment device having a semipermeable membrane which separates the fluid chamber from a blood chamber, and a used fluid discharge line of a hemo(dia)filtration apparatus; a second valve designed to open and close the vent line; a first pressure sensor configured for emitting a first signal indicative of pressure in the intermediate tract; a control unit programmed to: close the first valve and the second valve, activate the infusion pump, receive the first signal, determine at least one pressure change value based on the first signal, compare the pressure change value with at least one reference value, and open either the first valve or the second valve depending upon the outcome of the comparison.