Patent ID: 8142383

Claim:
A fluid distribution module for causing and monitoring a circulation of fluids from and to a patient through an extracorporeal blood treatment device, comprising: a degassing device comprising: a first chamber having an inlet for a liquid; a second chamber having a lid including a vent, a hydrophobic membrane closing an opening of the second chamber within the lid, and an outlet for discharging the liquid, the hydrophobic membrane being allowed to deform under pressure until the membrane contacts a top wall of the lid, wherein the first chamber partially extends within the second chamber and communicates therewith by an upper passageway, and the second chamber comprises an upstream portion extending above the passageway and a downstream portion extending below the passageway; and a connecting structure having at least a first and a second conduits defined therein, wherein: the first conduit comprises a first end for connection to a discharge tube from the treatment device and a second end connected to the inlet of the first chamber of the degassing device, and the second conduit comprises a first end connected to the outlet of the second chamber of the degassing device and a second end for connection to a blood return tube to a patient.