Blood purification device

Abstract

A blood purification apparatus is provided which returns blood in a blood circuit to a body. The blood purification apparatus includes a blood circuit and a dialysate circuit connected via a blood purifier; an air introduction path connected to the dialysate circuit; an air introduction portion provided to the dialysate circuit or the air introduction path and introducing air into the dialysate circuit via the air introduction path to bring the dialysate circuit to a positive pressure; and a control device which controls the air introduction portion in a manner that dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit, and controls the blood circuit and the dialysate circuit in a manner that blood in the blood circuit and the blood purifier is returned to the body by causing the dialysate to flow from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a blood purification apparatus, and particularly relates to a blood purification apparatus that returns blood remaining in a blood circuit to a body using dialysate within a dialysate filter. BACKGROUND

[0002] If a kidney, which is a part of an internal organ of a person, does not function normally (renal failure), a function of changing excess water in the body into urine, and discharging a metabolic substance and the like that is not needed in the body cannot be performed. In order to cope with renal failure, a blood purification apparatus (dialysis apparatus) is used, which is used to perform a treatment (dialysis treatment) of circulating blood from a patient outside the body, and filtering a metabolic substance and water in the blood using a blood purifier.

[0003] The blood purification apparatus extracts blood from a patient, introduces the blood into the blood purifier (blood flow path) via a blood circuit, and introduces dialysate from a dialysate supply source (dialysate supply part) into the blood purifier (dialysate flow path) via a dialysate circuit. In addition, the blood purification apparatus exchanges components such as a metabolic substance and an electrolyte between blood and dialysate via the blood purifier, purifies the blood, and returns the purified blood to the body. Since blood remains in the blood circuit after the blood is introduced into the blood circuit by the dialysis treatment, an operation (blood return) of returning the remaining blood to the body by flowing physiological saline into the blood circuit is generally performed. Instead of the physiological saline, dialysate is sometimes used.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP Patent No. 5693890 SUMMARY

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses a blood purification apparatus that returns blood in a blood circuit to a body by supplying dialysate within a filter to the blood circuit. The blood purification apparatus described in Patent Document 1 introduces air into the filter using an air introduction line, and introduces the dialysate within the filter into the blood circuit by rotation of a blood pump that operates using a backup battery. With such a structure, blood return can be performed even in a case where power supply to the blood purification apparatus is stopped.

[0008] In the blood purification apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a front end of the air introduction line is opened, and the blood pump is rotated in order to extract the dialysate in the blood circuit. Due to the pressure generated in the rotation of the blood pump, the circuit portion on the inlet side of the blood pump can be in a negative pressure, which is not preferable in terms of blood return.

[0009] An object of the present application is to provide a blood purification apparatus that returns blood to a patient while preventing or mitigating a situation in which a blood circuit is under negative pressure.

[0010] The blood purification apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a blood circuit and a dialysate circuit connected via a blood purifier; an air introduction path connected to the dialysate circuit; an air introduction portion provided in the dialysate circuit or the air introduction path and introducing air into the dialysate circuit via the air introduction path to place the dialysate circuit under positive pressure; and a control device that controls the air introduction portion in a manner in which the dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit and controls the blood circuit and the dialysate circuit in a manner in which blood in the blood circuit and the blood purifier is returned to the body by causing the dialysate to flow from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit.

[0011] The method performed by the blood purification apparatus according to another embodiment involves a method performed by a blood purification apparatus including: a blood circuit and a dialysate circuit connected via a blood purifier; an air introduction path connected to the dialysate circuit; an air introduction portion provided in the dialysate circuit or the air introduction path and introducing air into the dialysate circuit via the air introduction path to place the dialysate circuit under positive pressure; and a control device, and the method includes: a step of controlling the air introduction portion in a manner in which the dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit; and a step of controlling the blood circuit and the dialysate circuit in a manner in which blood in the blood circuit and the blood purifier is returned to the body by causing the dialysate to flow from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit.

[0012] The blood purification apparatus according to the embodiment can prevent a situation in which the blood circuit is under negative pressure or can mitigate the negative pressure state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a blood purification apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between an air introduction portion and a chamber in a blood circuit;

[0015] Figure 3FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of dialysate in a reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) using dialysate in the (primary) dialysate filter;

[0016] Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of dialysate in a reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding reverse direction) using dialysate in the (primary) dialysate filter;

[0017] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of dialysate in a reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) using dialysate in the (primary) dialysate filter;

[0018] Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the blood purification apparatus of the second embodiment;

[0019] Figure 7 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of dialysate in a reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) using dialysate in the (primary) dialysate filter;

[0020] Figure 8 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of dialysate in a reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding reverse direction) using dialysate in the (primary) dialysate filter;

[0021] Figure 9 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the blood purification apparatus of the third embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of dialysate in a reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) using dialysate in the (primary) dialysate filter;

[0023] Figure 11 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of dialysate in a reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) using dialysate in the (primary) dialysate filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A blood purification apparatus (dialysis apparatus) of the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The blood purification apparatus of the embodiments returns blood remaining in a blood circuit to a body (blood return) using dialysate in a dialysate filter, for example, in a case where power supply from a main power source to the blood purification apparatus is stopped due to a power failure or the like. In order to perform the blood return, some of the constituent elements of the blood purification apparatus are caused to operate by power supply from a backup power source.

[0025] <1st Embodiment>

[0026] Figure 1A block diagram showing the structure of the blood purification device 100 of Embodiment 1 is shown. In the blood purification device 100, as main constituent elements, there are included the blood purification apparatus 1, the blood circuit 2, the dialysate circuit 3, the substitution fluid circuit 4, the blood pump 5, the dialysate supply section 6, the primary air introduction section 7, the secondary air introduction section 8, the double pump 9, the dialysate filter 10, the dialysate filter 11, the control device 12, and the backup power supply 13. Figure 1 The constituent elements shown represent only examples of the constituent elements for implementing the present embodiment, and in actuality, there are also provided a chamber for capturing air bubbles of blood flowing in the blood circuit 2, and a water removal line and a water removal pump for removing water from the blood of a patient, and the like.

[0027] The blood purification apparatus 1, also called a dialyzer, is used for purifying the blood of a patient. The blood purification apparatus 1 includes a blood inlet 1a for introducing blood from the blood circuit 2, and a blood outlet 1b for discharging purified blood. In addition, the blood purification apparatus 1 includes a dialysate inlet 1c for introducing dialysate from the dialysate circuit 3, and a dialysate discharge 1d for discharging dialysate (drainage). Furthermore, the blood purification apparatus 1 includes a blood purification membrane provided inside. The blood purification membrane is constituted by a bundle of hollow fibers (hollow fiber membrane) having holes in the side walls. The inner side of the blood purification membrane is a blood flow path (not shown in the figure), and the outer side of the blood purification membrane (hollow fiber) is a dialysate flow path (not shown in the figure).

[0028] Blood flowing through the blood purification apparatus 1 flows in the blood flow path, and by diffusion, ultrafiltration, or both, unwanted substances such as uremic toxin substances are removed through the holes of the blood purification membrane. Dialysate flowing through the blood purification apparatus 1 passes through the dialysate flow path, and only the substances necessary for the body, such as electrolytes, which the dialysate has, pass through the holes, whereby they are supplemented to the blood. In addition, the inner side of the blood purification membrane can function as a dialysate flow path, and the outer side of the blood purification membrane can function as a blood flow path.

[0029] The blood circuit 2 and the dialysate circuit 3 are connected via the blood purification membrane of the blood purification apparatus 1, so that blood and dialysate flow through each other. The blood circuit 2 is a flow path (blood flows in the direction shown by arrow A in the figure) for introducing blood separated from a patient into the blood purification apparatus 1 at the time of dialysis treatment, and returning blood (purified blood) discharged from the blood purification apparatus 1 to the body. The blood circuit 2 is constituted mainly of a tube through which blood passes. The blood circuit 2 includes a blood separation side circuit 2a and a blood return side circuit 2b. Figure 1

[0030] ​The blood withdrawal side circuit 2a is a flow path through which blood is guided into the blood purifier 1 while being separated from a patient. One end of the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a is attached to a blood withdrawal side puncture needle (not shown in the figure) that punctures a blood vessel of the patient, and the other end is connected to the blood guide inlet la. An on-off valve (solenoid valve) Vl is provided in the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a. The flow of blood in the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a is controlled by opening and closing of the on-off valve Vl. The blood return side circuit 2b is a flow path through which blood guided from the blood purifier 1 is returned to the body. One end of the blood return side circuit 2b is attached to a blood return side puncture needle (not shown in the figure) that punctures a blood vessel of the patient, and the other end is connected to the blood guide outlet lb. An on-off valve (solenoid valve) V2 is provided in the blood return side circuit 2b. The flow of blood in the blood return side circuit is controlled by opening and closing of the on-off valve V2.

[0031] The blood pump 5 is provided in the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a, and transports the liquid of the blood circuit 2 in the direction in which the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a advances toward the blood return side circuit 2b (hereinafter, referred to as the forward direction of liquid transport), or in the direction in which the blood return side circuit 2b advances toward the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a (hereinafter, referred to as the reverse direction of liquid transport). The blood pump 5 is constituted by a peristaltic type pump having a stator and a rotor, and is driven in a manner that the rotor rotates. The rotor is rotated by an actuator (not shown in the figure) such as an electric motor under the control of the control device 12. A rotary encoder (not shown in the figure) is provided in the blood pump 5. The rotary encoder detects the rotational speed of the rotor. By forward rotation of the blood pump 5, the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a gripped by the stator and the rotor is pinched, and the flow in the forward direction of liquid transport is generated. In addition, by reverse rotation of the blood pump 5, the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a is pinched, and the flow in the reverse direction of liquid transport is generated.

[0032] The dialysate circuit 3 is a flow path through which dialysate is supplied to the blood purifier 1 and / or the blood circuit 2, and through which the discharge of dialysate from the blood purifier 1 is discharged. The dialysate circuit 3 is constituted mainly by a tube through which dialysate can pass. The dialysate circuit 3 includes a dialysate guide-in circuit 3a, a dialysate discharge circuit 3b, a dialysate bypass circuit 3c, and a dialysate bypass circuit 3d.

[0033] The dialysate guide-in circuit 3a is a flow path from the dialysate supply part 6 to the dialysate guide-in port lc. Through the dialysate guide-in circuit 3a, dialysate flows in the blood purifier 1. An on-off valve (solenoid valve) V3, an on-off valve (solenoid valve) V4, and a dialysate port P are provided in the dialysate guide-in circuit 3a. By opening and closing of the on-off valves V3 and V4, the flow of dialysate to the blood purifier 1 is controlled. The dialysate port P takes out dialysate.

[0034] The dialysate discharge circuit 3b is a flow path from the dialysate discharge port Id to a dialysate discharge portion (not shown in the figure). The discharge liquid from the blood purification apparatus 1 is discharged into the dialysate discharge portion through the dialysate discharge circuit 3b. An on-off valve (solenoid valve) V6 is provided in the dialysate discharge circuit 3b. The flow of the discharge liquid to the dialysate discharge portion is controlled by the opening and closing of the on-off valve V6.

[0035] The dialysate bypass circuit 3c and the dialysate bypass circuit 3d are flow paths from the dialysate introduction circuit 3a to the dialysate discharge circuit 3b, respectively. An on-off valve (solenoid valve) V7 is provided in the dialysate bypass circuit 3c. Similarly, an on-off valve (solenoid valve) V8 is provided in the dialysate bypass circuit 3d. The flow of the dialysate from the dialysate introduction circuit 3a to the dialysate discharge circuit 3b is controlled by the opening and closing of the on-off valves V7 and V8.

[0036] The dialysate bypass circuit 3c and the dialysate bypass circuit 3d are flow paths for preventing the flow of inappropriate dialysate in the blood circuit 2. For example, a heater (not shown in the figure) for heating the dialysate is provided in the blood purification apparatus 100, and in the case where the dialysate exceeds a prescribed temperature by the heater in the dialysis treatment, in order to prevent the flow of the high-temperature dialysate into the blood circuit 2, the dialysate flows into the dialysate discharge circuit 3b via the dialysate bypass circuit 3c and / or the dialysate bypass circuit 3d. In this case, the on-off valves V7 and / or V8 are opened.

[0037] The replacement fluid circuit 4 is a connection flow path that connects the blood circuit 2 and the dialysate circuit 3 while bypassing the blood purification apparatus 1. Specifically, the replacement fluid circuit 4 is a flow path from the dialysate port P to the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a for supplying the dialysate from the dialysate circuit 3 to the blood circuit 2 while bypassing the blood purification apparatus 1. An on-off valve (solenoid valve) V5 is provided in the replacement fluid circuit 4. The flow of the dialysate to the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a is controlled by the opening and closing of the on-off valve V5.

[0038] The dialysate supply portion 6 introduces the dialysate into the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. Furthermore, the dialysate supply portion 6 receives the supply of pure water from a pure water manufacturing device (RO water manufacturing device) not shown in the figure, which is provided outside the blood purification apparatus 100, and receives (sucks in) the supply of a raw liquid from a raw liquid tank not shown in the figure, which is attached to the blood purification apparatus 100 in an external manner. Next, the dialysate supply portion 6 manufactures the dialysate by mixing the raw liquid and the pure water of the dialysate at a predetermined ratio, and introduces the dialysate into the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the blood purification apparatus 100 has the dialysate supply portion 6, but is not limited thereto, and the dialysate supply portion 6 can be provided as a dialysate supply device outside, and the blood purification apparatus can receive the supply of the dialysate from the dialysate supply device.

[0039] The dialysate supply section 6 generates dialysate and introduces it into the dialysate introduction circuit 3a at ordinary times (e.g., during dialysis treatment), but the generation of new dialysate is sometimes limited in the event of a power outage or the like. In this case, the supply of dialysate from the dialysate supply section 6 to the dialysate circuit 3 is stopped, and instead, dialysate stored in the dialysate filter 10 and / or the dialysate filter 11 is introduced into the dialysate circuit 3. Details will be described later.

[0040] The primary air introduction section 7 introduces air to the (primary) dialysate filter 10 described later. Air is introduced to the dialysate filter 10 by the primary air introduction section 7. If air is introduced to the dialysate filter 10, the dialysate filter 10 is under positive pressure, and dialysate stored in the dialysate filter 10 flows to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate port P). That is, the primary air introduction section 7 functions to squeeze dialysate stored in the dialysate filter 10 into the dialysate circuit 3 and cause it to flow in the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2.

[0041] The primary air introduction section 7 includes an air pump 7a, an air introduction path 7b, an on-off valve (solenoid valve) 7c, an air filter 7d, and an air filter 7e. The air pump 7a has a rotor inside and is driven in a manner that the rotor rotates. The rotor rotates by an actuator (not shown in the figure) such as a motor under the control of the control device 12. A rotary encoder (not shown in the figure) is provided in the air pump 7a. The rotary encoder detects the rotational speed of the rotor. Air is introduced to the dialysate filter 10 via the air introduction path 7b by the rotation of the air pump 7a.

[0042] Air introduced to the dialysate filter 10 by the driving of the air pump 7a causes dialysate to flow to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2. The flow of air to the dialysate filter 10 is controlled by the opening and closing of the on-off valve 7c provided between the air pump 7a and the dialysate filter 10. The air filters 7d and 7e remove garbage from the air.

[0043] The secondary air introduction section 8 introduces air to the (secondary) dialysate filter 11 described later. Air is introduced to the dialysate filter 11 by the secondary air introduction section 8. If air is introduced to the dialysate filter 11, the dialysate filter 11 is under positive pressure, and dialysate stored in the dialysate filter 11 flows to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate port P). That is, the secondary air introduction section 8 functions to squeeze dialysate stored in the dialysate filter 11 into the dialysate circuit 3 and cause it to flow in the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2.

[0044] The secondary air introduction section 8 includes an air pump 8a, an air introduction path 8b, an on-off valve (solenoid valve) 8c, an air filter 8d, and an air filter 8e. The air pump 8a has a rotor in the inside thereof, and is driven in a manner that the rotor rotates. The rotor is rotated by an actuator (not shown in the figure) such as an electric motor under the control of the control device 12. A rotary encoder (not shown in the figure) is provided in the air pump 8a. The rotary encoder detects the rotation speed of the rotor. By the rotation of the air pump 8a, air is introduced into the dialysate filter 11 via the air introduction path 8b.

[0045] With the air introduced into the dialysate filter 11 by the driving of the air pump 8a, the flow of the dialysate to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2 is generated. The flow of the air to the dialysate filter 11 is controlled by the opening and closing of the on-off valve 8c provided between the air pump 8a and the dialysate filter 11. The air filter 8d and the air filter 8e remove the garbage in the air.

[0046] The primary air introduction section 7 (air pump 7a) and / or the secondary air introduction section 8 (air pump 8a) are used, for example, for adjusting the liquid level of the liquid in the chamber provided in the blood circuit 2 during the dialysis treatment. With respect to this liquid level adjustment, it will be described later.

[0047] In addition, in the primary air introduction section 7, the on-off valve 7c, the air filter 7d, and the air filter 7e are not necessarily provided. Likewise, in the secondary air introduction section 8, the on-off valve 8c, the air filter 8d, and the air filter 8e are not necessarily provided.

[0048] The duplex pump 9 is provided across the dialysate introduction circuit 3a and the dialysate discharge circuit 3b. The duplex pump 9 causes the dialysate to be introduced to the downstream side in the liquid feeding direction of the dialysate introduction circuit 3a, and on the other hand, causes the dialysate to be discharged to the downstream side in the liquid feeding direction of the dialysate discharge circuit 3b. That is, the duplex pump 9 functions as a dialysate supply pump for supplying the dialysate into the blood circuit 2, and a dialysate discharge pump for discharging the dialysate from the dialysate discharge section. Further, a plunger (not shown in the figure) is provided in the housing of the duplex pump 9. The plunger is gripped, and divides the volume on the dialysate introduction circuit 3a side and the volume on the dialysate discharge circuit 3b side, and by the reciprocating movement of the plunger, the introduction of the dialysate and the discharge of the dialysate are linked.

[0049] The dialysate filter 10 purifies the dialysate by capturing substances such as endotoxins contained in the dialysate supplied from the dialysate supply section 6. The dialysate filter 10 is provided in the dialysate circuit 3 and includes a primary chamber 10a and a secondary chamber 10b. In addition, the dialysate filter 10 is internally provided with a dialysate purification membrane. The dialysate purification membrane is constituted by a bundle of hollow fibers having holes in the side walls (hollow fiber membrane). The dialysate filter 10 is constituted in such a manner that the dialysate flows from the primary chamber 10a (the inside of the dialysate purification membrane) to the secondary chamber 10b (the outside of the dialysate purification membrane). The dialysate filter 10 has a property of not passing air by utilizing the surface tension of water molecules.

[0050] The primary chamber 10a and the secondary chamber 10b are capable of storing the dialysate supplied from the dialysate supply section 6. That is, during the dialysis treatment, the dialysate to be purified is stored in the primary chamber 10a and the purified dialysate is stored in the secondary chamber 10b. As described later, the stored dialysate is supplied to the dialysate circuit 3 through the primary air introduction section 7. In addition, the primary chamber 10a can be the outside of the dialysate purification membrane and the secondary chamber 10b can be the inside of the dialysate purification membrane.

[0051] The dialysate filter 11 purifies the dialysate by capturing substances such as endotoxins contained in the dialysate supplied from the dialysate supply section 6. The dialysate filter 11 is provided in the dialysate circuit 3 and includes a primary chamber 11a and a secondary chamber 11b. In addition, the dialysate filter 11 is internally provided with a dialysate purification membrane. The dialysate purification membrane is constituted by a bundle of hollow fibers having holes in the side walls (hollow fiber membrane). The dialysate filter 11 is constituted in such a manner that the dialysate flows from the primary chamber 11a (the inside of the dialysate purification membrane) to the secondary chamber 11b (the outside of the dialysate purification membrane). The dialysate filter 11 has a property of not passing air by utilizing the surface tension of water molecules.

[0052] The primary chamber 11a and the secondary chamber 11b are capable of storing the dialysate supplied from the dialysate supply section 6. That is, during the dialysis treatment, the dialysate to be purified is stored in the primary chamber 11a and the purified dialysate is stored in the secondary chamber 11b. As described later, the stored dialysate is supplied to the dialysate circuit 3 through the secondary air introduction section 8. In addition, the primary chamber 11a can be the outside of the dialysate purification membrane and the secondary chamber 11b can be the inside of the dialysate purification membrane.

[0053] The filters such as the dialysate filter 10 and the dialysate filter 11 are generally provided in the blood purification device to remove impurities contained in the dialysate at the time of dialysis treatment. In the present embodiment, by providing the two dialysate filters 10 and 11 in the dialysate circuit 3, the dialysate is purified even in the case where one of them does not function, and the like.

[0054] The control device 12 is a processing device that controls the entire blood purification device 100 including the air pumps 7a and 8a, and the like described above. The control device 12 includes an arithmetic device and a storage device (a storage device such as a RAM and a ROM). The arithmetic device can also be installed by a processor such as a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), but the form thereof is not limited.

[0055] The backup power source 13 is a power source device that supplies electric power to a part of the constituent elements of the control device 12 and the like in the case where the supply of electric power from a main power source (not shown in the figure) to the blood purification device 100 is stopped, such as at the time of a power failure. By the backup power source 13, the control device 12, the primary air introduction portion 7, and the secondary air introduction portion 8, and the like function as described later, and it is possible to return the blood remaining in the blood circuit 2 to the body.

[0056] In the blood purification device 100 described above, at the time of dialysis treatment, the compound pump 9 operates, and thereby the dialysate from the dialysate supply portion 6 is introduced into the dialysate introduction circuit 3a, and flows through the blood purification apparatus 1 from the dialysate circuit 3 through the replacement fluid circuit 4. Next, the dialysate is discharged from the dialysate discharge portion through the dialysate discharge circuit 3b from the blood purification apparatus 1. In addition, at the time of dialysis treatment, the blood flows in the liquid delivery positive direction by the forward rotation of the blood pump 5. By the flow of the dialysate during the dialysis treatment described above, the purified dialysate is stored in the dialysate filters 10 and 11.

[0057] Next, the relationship between the primary air introduction portion 7 and the secondary air introduction portion 8 and the chambers provided in the blood circuit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Figure 2 As described above, either one or both of the primary air introduction portion 7 and the secondary air introduction portion 8 are used to adjust the liquid level of the liquid in the chambers provided in the blood circuit 2 during dialysis treatment, for example. That is, the air pumps 7a and / or 8a also function as a liquid level adjustment pump (a liquid level adjustment pump is not generally used for blood return). Figure 2Indicates the state when the air pumps 7a and 8a function as liquid level adjustment pumps. In addition, the air pumps 7a and 8a can not be used as liquid level adjustment pumps, but the air pumps 7a and 8a and the liquid level adjustment pumps can be provided independently.

[0058] In the blood circuit 2, a blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c is provided in the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a, and a blood return side air trapping chamber 2d is provided in the blood return side circuit 2b. The blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c is provided mainly for the purpose of trapping air flowing into the blood purifier 1 without causing air lock. The blood return side air trapping chamber 2d is provided mainly for the purpose of trapping air so that air does not flow into the patient's body through the blood circuit 2. For the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c and the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d, it is not necessarily necessary to provide both, and either one can be provided. That is, the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c and the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d function as chambers that receive blood inside the blood circuit 2.

[0059] The blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c is connected to the secondary air introduction portion 8, and an on-off valve (solenoid valve) V9 is provided therebetween. By opening and closing the on-off valve V9, the flow of air from the secondary air introduction portion 8 to the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c is controlled (the secondary air introduction portion 8 causes air to flow to the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c). The blood return side air trapping chamber 2d is connected to the primary air introduction portion 7, and an on-off valve (solenoid valve) V10 is provided therebetween. By opening and closing the on-off valve V10, the flow of air from the primary air introduction portion 7 to the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d is controlled (the primary air introduction portion 7 causes air to flow to the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d).

[0060] The blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c and the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d are each two layers of a blood layer and an air layer, and if air accumulates in the chamber, the liquid level drops, and it is possible that air enters the hollow fibers of the blood purifier 1 to cause air lock. In the example shown in the drawing, the primary air introduction portion 7 (air pump 7a) introduces air into the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d by forward rotation to lower the liquid level, and discharges air from the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d by reverse rotation to raise the liquid level. Similarly, the secondary air introduction portion 8 (air pump 8a) introduces air into the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c by forward rotation to lower the liquid level, and discharges air from the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c by reverse rotation to raise the liquid level. Figure 2 In the example shown in the drawing, the primary air introduction portion 7 (air pump 7a) introduces air into the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d by forward rotation to lower the liquid level, and discharges air from the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d by reverse rotation to raise the liquid level. Similarly, the secondary air introduction portion 8 (air pump 8a) introduces air into the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c by forward rotation to lower the liquid level, and discharges air from the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c by reverse rotation to raise the liquid level.

[0061] In the example shown in the drawing, the primary air introduction portion 7 (air pump 7a) introduces air into the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d by forward rotation to lower the liquid level, and discharges air from the blood return side air trapping chamber 2d by reverse rotation to raise the liquid level. Similarly, the secondary air introduction portion 8 (air pump 8a) introduces air into the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c by forward rotation to lower the liquid level, and discharges air from the blood withdrawal side air trapping chamber 2c by reverse rotation to raise the liquid level. Figure 2In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the air trapping chamber 2c on the blood withdrawal side is connected to the secondary air introduction portion 8, and the air trapping chamber 2d on the blood return side is connected to the primary air introduction portion 7, but this connection is merely exemplary. For example, it can also be that the air trapping chamber 2c on the blood withdrawal side is connected to the primary air introduction portion 7, and the air trapping chamber 2d on the blood return side is connected to the secondary air introduction portion 8, or it can also be that both the air trapping chamber 2c on the blood withdrawal side and the air trapping chamber 2d on the blood return side are connected to the primary air introduction portion 7 or the secondary air introduction portion 8.

[0062] Next, the processing of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5 In the first embodiment, an example is explained in which, for example, when the supply of power from the main power source to the blood purification device 100 is stopped due to a power outage or the like, the blood remaining in the blood purification device 1 and the blood circuit 2 is returned to the body using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 and the dialysate filter 11 (air is sequentially introduced into the dialysate filter 10 and the dialysate filter 11). If the supply of power from the main power source to the blood purification device 100 is stopped, only the following-described part of the constituent elements functions by the supply of power from the backup power source 13 in the blood purification device 100, but the generation and supply of dialysate by the dialysate supply portion 6 is stopped. At this time, the air pump 7a does not adjust the liquid level in the air trapping chamber 2d on the blood return side, but functions to cause the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 to flow to the blood circuit 2. Similarly, the air pump 8a functions to cause the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11 to flow in the blood circuit 2, rather than adjusting the liquid level in the air trapping chamber 2c on the blood withdrawal side.

[0063] In addition, in the first embodiment, a blood return method is adopted in which dialysate is introduced from the dialysate circuit 3 to the blood circuit 2 via the blood purification membrane of the blood purification device 1, and the dialysate presses the blood in the blood purification device 1 and the blood circuit 2, thereby returning the blood to the body. Hereinafter, this blood return method will be referred to as a reverse filtration type blood return step. In the reverse filtration type blood return step, the dialysate flows through the dialysate circuit 3, and passes through the blood purification device 1 from the dialysate circuit 3. By this flow of the dialysate, the dialysate passes through the dialysate flow path of the blood purification device 1, and presses the blood through the pores of the blood purification membrane, thereby returning the blood to the body.

[0064] Figure 3 The flow of the dialysate when the reverse filtration type blood return step is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 is shown. In the reverse filtration type blood return step, the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 is introduced from the dialysate circuit 3 to the blood circuit 2 via the blood purification membrane of the blood purification device 1, and the dialysate presses the blood in the blood purification device 1 and the blood circuit 2, thereby returning the blood to the body. Figure 3In the example shown, during the reverse filtration blood return step, blood is returned to the body in the forward direction of fluid delivery. In the following diagrams, the valves (V1-6, 7c, and 8c) are shaded when open and hollow when closed.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, in the reverse filtration blood return step (forward flow of fluid), valves 7c, V3, V4, and V2 are open. Additionally, air pump 7a rotates in the forward direction. The opening of these valves and the rotation of air pump 7a are controlled by instructions from control device 12. Specifically, control device 12 is configured to control the rotational speed of air pump 7a per unit time in a manner that generates the flow of dialysate to dialysate circuit 3 (dialysis fluid inlet circuit 3a) and blood circuit 2. That is, control device 12 controls the flow rate of air from the primary air inlet 7. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, Figure 2 The shown on / off valve V10 is closed.

[0066] Driven by air pump 7a and with the opening of on / off valve 7c, air is introduced into dialysate filter 10, creating positive pressure in the primary chamber 10a of dialysate filter 10. Consequently, the dialysate in primary chamber 10a reaches secondary chamber 10b and flows through dialysate inlet circuit 3a. That is, control device 12 ensures that the dialysate... Figure 3 The flow pattern shown controls the dialysate circuit 3 and the blood circuit 2.

[0067] Through the opening and closing of valves V3, V4, and V2, dialysate flows through dialysate inlet circuit 3a, blood purifier 1 (blood purification membrane), and return blood side circuit 2b. Figure 3 In the diagram, a thick dashed arrow indicates the flow of the dialysate. Furthermore, the dialysate flows within the blood purifier 1 in the order of dialysate flow path, blood purification membrane, and blood flow path. Through this flow of dialysate, the dialysate compresses the blood remaining in the blood purifier 1 and the blood circuit 2 (return blood side circuit 2b), returning the blood to the body.

[0068] Power is supplied from backup power source 13, at least only control device 12, on / off valve 7c, on / off valve V3, on / off valve V4, on / off valve V2, and air pump 7a are activated, thereby performing... Figure 3 The reverse filtration blood return step (forward flow of fluid) is described in the text. On the other hand, components such as blood pump 5 and duplex pump 9, which are used to allow dialysate to flow into dialysate circuit 3 during dialysis treatment, can also be stopped to allow blood to flow into blood circuit 2.

[0069] When the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 flows, the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11 is switched. That is, in the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction), the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11. This switching is performed by the control device 12, the details of which will be described later. Figure 4 indicates the flow of the dialysate when the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4 When the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11, the on-off valve 7c is closed and the air pump 7a is stopped from rotating. On the other hand, the air pump 8a is forwardly rotated and the on-off valve 8c is opened. The opening and closing of these on-off valves and the stopping and rotating of the air pumps 7a and 8a are controlled by the instruction of the control device 12. In particular, the control device 12 controls the number of rotations per unit time of the air pump 8a in such a manner that the flow of the dialysate to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2 is generated. That is, the control device 12 controls the flow rate of the air from the secondary air introduction portion 8. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the on-off valve V9 shown in Figure 2 is closed.

[0071] By the driving of the air pump 8a and the opening of the on-off valve 8c, the air is introduced to the dialysate filter 11 and the primary chamber 11a of the dialysate filter 11 is under positive pressure. Thereby, the dialysate in the primary chamber 11a reaches the secondary chamber 11b and flows in the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. Then, the dialysate flows through the same flow path as that shown in Figure 3 . That is, the control device 12 controls the dialysate circuit 3 and the blood circuit 2 in such a manner that the dialysate flows through the flow path shown in Figure 4 . In Figure 4 , the flow of the dialysate is indicated by a thick dotted line arrow.

[0072] The reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) explained in Figure 4 is performed by the power supply from the backup power source 13, at least only the control device 12, the on-off valve 8c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, the on-off valve V2, and the air pump 8a are operated. On the other hand, the blood pump 5 and the double pump 9 and the like can be stopped.

[0073] To perform the switching of the dialysate supply source, the control device 12 determines that the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 is introduced (pressurized) into the dialysate circuit 3. This determination can be made by detecting that the primary chamber 10a has been brought to a positive pressure. In this case, for example, a pressure gauge is provided in the primary chamber 10a, which detects the pressure of the air. The detected pressure value is sent to the control device 12. The control device 12 determines whether the pressure value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0074] In addition, the above determination can also be made by detecting that air bubbles are generated in the dialysate in the primary chamber 10a. The reason for this is that if air is introduced into the primary chamber 10a, air is sometimes mixed into the dialysate in the primary chamber 10a to generate air bubbles. In this case, for example, an ultrasonic sensor is provided in the primary chamber 10a, which detects a voltage corresponding to the vibration of the dialysate. The decay rate of air bubbles is higher than that of the dialysate, and therefore, by determining whether the voltage value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to detect the generation of air bubbles. The detected voltage value is sent to the control device 12. The control device 12 determines whether the voltage value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0075] Furthermore, the above determination can also be made by measuring the temperature of the air introduced from the primary air introduction portion 7 and the temperature of the flow path of the dialysate introduction circuit 3a (from the primary air introduction portion 7 to the dialysate filter 10), and determining whether the temperature of the dialysate introduction circuit 3a is within a predetermined range based on the temperature of the introduced air. The reason for this is that if a predetermined amount of air is introduced into the dialysate filter 10, the temperature of the flow path approaches the temperature of the introduced air. In this case, for example, a thermometer is provided at the inlet of the primary air introduction portion 7, and the thermometer detects the temperature of the air introduced from the primary air introduction portion 7. In addition, a thermometer is also provided in the flow path between the primary air introduction portion 7 and the dialysate filter 10, which detects the temperature of the flow path. The detected temperature values are sent to the control device 12. The control device 12 determines whether the temperature values are within a predetermined range.

[0076] Furthermore, the above determination can also be made by determining whether the dialysate flowing in the dialysate introduction circuit 3a reaches a predetermined amount (e.g., the volume of the dialysate filter 10 (the primary chamber 10a and the secondary chamber 10b)). In this case, for example, a flow meter is provided in the dialysate introduction circuit 3a, which detects the flow rate of the dialysate flowing in the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. The detected flow rate value is sent to the control device 12. The control device 12 determines whether the flow rate value reaches a predetermined amount.

[0077] In the present embodiment, blood return is performed using the dialysate within the two dialysate filters (dialysate filter 10 and dialysate filter 11). For example, in a case where sufficient blood return cannot be performed using only the dialysate within the dialysate filter 10, the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11. In addition, from the viewpoint of fail safety, the two dialysate filters (dialysate filter 10 and dialysate filter 11) are provided in the dialysate circuit 3 and designed in a manner that the amount of dialysate remaining in the two dialysate filters corresponds to the amount of blood remaining in the blood circuit 2. Therefore, by introducing air into the two dialysate filters, blood return of a desired amount can be performed. Furthermore, the number of dialysate filters is not limited to two, and for example, it can be designed in a manner that the amount of dialysate remaining in one dialysate filter corresponds to the amount of blood remaining in the blood circuit 2, and the same blood return is performed by introducing air into only one dialysate filter.

[0078] As explained above, in the first embodiment, reverse filtration blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) is performed using the dialysate within the dialysate filter 10 and dialysate filter 11. In the blood purification device described in Patent Literature 1, air is introduced into the filter using the air introduction line, the dialysate within the filter is drawn out to the blood circuit without causing the dialysate to flow to the blood circuit, and the dialysate is drawn out to the blood circuit using the drive of the blood pump. Thus, in the blood purification device described in Patent Literature 1, the blood pump must be driven.

[0079] In addition, in the blood purification device described in Patent Literature 1, due to the pressure generated by the rotation of the blood pump for drawing out the dialysate in the blood circuit, the circuit portion on the inlet side of the blood pump can be under negative pressure. If the blood circuit is under negative pressure, there is a possibility that the blood cell components of the blood inside are broken (hemolysis) and / or the discharge accuracy of the blood pump deteriorates.

[0080] In the structure of the first embodiment, the dialysate within the dialysate filter 10 flows in the dialysate circuit 3 and blood circuit 2 by the drive of the air pump 7a, and thus the blood pump 5 does not need to be driven for drawing out the dialysate. In addition, in the structure of the first embodiment, in the blood circuit 2, the pressure for drawing out the dialysate is not generated, and the blood circuit 2 is not under negative pressure. The same is true in the case where the dialysate within the dialysate filter 11 is used. Therefore, according to the structure of the first embodiment, even when the generation and supply of dialysate by the dialysate supply portion 6 is stopped, blood return can be performed more favorably compared to the related art.

[0081] In addition, in the structure of the first embodiment, only the control device 12, the on-off valve 7c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, the on-off valve V2, and the air pump 7a are operated. Thereby, in particular, even in the case where the power supply from the main power source to the blood purification device 100 is stopped, the blood return can be performed by the power supply from the backup power source 13 to the minimum constituent elements.

[0082] Further, the blood pump 5 can also be driven by the power supply from the backup power source 13 to the blood pump 5. In this case, since the flow in the positive direction of the blood and dialysate is generated in the blood circuit 2, the blood pump 5 rotates in the positive direction. That is, the pressure for extracting the dialysate is generated in the blood circuit 2. The pressure in the dialysate circuit 3 generated by the introduction of the air into the dialysate filter 10 (or the dialysate filter 11) is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined threshold value, so that the blood circuit 2 is not in a negative pressure. The threshold value can also be a value obtained by experiment for the blood circuit 2 not to be in a negative pressure (or the blood in the blood circuit 2 not to be hemolyzed). Instead, the control can be performed in such a manner that the pressure in the dialysate circuit 3 generated by the introduction of the air into the dialysate filter 10 (or the dialysate filter 11) is higher than the pressure in the blood circuit 2 generated by the driving of the blood pump 5.

[0083] The above control can also be performed in such a manner that, for example, the pressure in the dialysate circuit 3 does not exceed the threshold value (or is higher than the pressure in the blood circuit 2), the air pump 7a and the blood pump 5 rotate at predetermined revolutions per unit time (for example, the air pump 7a rotates at more revolutions per unit time than the blood pump 5). The predetermined revolutions can also be a value obtained by experiment. In this case, the encoder detects the revolutions of the air pump 7a and the revolutions of the blood pump 5. The detected revolutions are transmitted to the control device 12. The control device 12 controls the air pump 7a and the blood pump 5 in such a manner that they rotate at predetermined revolutions in accordance with the detected revolutions.

[0084] Likewise, the above control can also be performed in such a manner that, for example, the pressure in the dialysate circuit 3 does not exceed the threshold value (or is higher than the pressure in the blood circuit 2), the air pump 8a and the blood pump 5 rotate at predetermined revolutions per unit time (for example, the air pump 8a rotates at more revolutions per unit time than the blood pump 5). In this case, the encoder detects the revolutions of the air pump 8a and the revolutions of the blood pump 5. The detected revolutions are transmitted to the control device 12. The control device 12 controls the air pump 8a and the blood pump 5 in such a manner that they rotate at predetermined revolutions in accordance with the detected revolutions.

[0085] Further, the above control can be performed by controlling the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 7a (or the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 8a) and the number of revolutions per unit time of the blood pump 5 in accordance with the pressure in the dialysate circuit 3 and the pressure in the blood circuit 2. In this case, a pressure gauge is provided in the dialysate circuit 3, which detects the pressure in the dialysate circuit 3. Further, a pressure gauge is provided in the blood circuit 2, which detects the pressure in the blood circuit 2. The detected pressure values are transmitted to the control device 12. The control device 12 controls both in such a manner that the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 7a (or the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 8a) is increased and / or the number of revolutions per unit time of the blood pump 5 is decreased, based on the detected pressure values.

[0086] Instead of the blood return step explained in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , or on the basis thereof, a reverse filtration type blood return step in which blood is returned to the body in the reverse direction of the liquid transfer (reverse direction of liquid transfer) can be performed. Figure 5 The flow of dialysate when the reverse filtration type blood return step (reverse direction of liquid transfer) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 is shown.

[0087] As shown in Figure 5 , in the reverse filtration type blood return step (reverse direction of liquid transfer), the on-off valve 7c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, and the on-off valve Vl are opened. Further, the air pump 7a is rotated in the forward direction. In addition, the blood pump 5 is rotated in the reverse direction. The opening of these on-off valves, the rotation of the air pump 7a, and the rotation of the blood pump 5 are controlled by the instruction of the control device 12. In particular, the control device 12 controls the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 8a (controls the flow rate of air of the secondary air introduction portion 8) in such a manner that the flow of dialysate to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2 is generated.

[0088] By the driving of the air pump 7a and the opening of the on-off valve 7c, air is introduced to the dialysate filter 10, and the primary chamber 10a of the dialysate filter 10 is under positive pressure. Thus, the dialysate in the primary chamber 10a reaches the secondary chamber 10b and flows through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. That is, the control device 12 controls the dialysate circuit 3 and the blood circuit 2 in such a manner that the dialysate flows in the flow path shown in Figure 5 .

[0089] By the opening of the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, and the on-off valve Vl, the dialysate passes through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a, the blood purifier 1 (blood purification membrane), and the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a. In Figure 5In the middle, the flow of the dialysate is indicated by thick dotted arrows. In addition, the dialysate flows in the order of the dialysate flow path, the blood purification membrane, and the blood flow path inside the blood purifier 1. By the flow of the dialysate, the dialysate presses the blood remaining in the blood purifier 1 and the blood circuit 2 (the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a) to return the blood to the body.

[0090] In Figure 5 The reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed forward direction) described in the above is performed by the power supply from the backup power source 13, and at least only the control device 12, the on-off valve 7c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, the on-off valve Vl, the air pump 7a, and the blood pump 5 are controlled to operate. On the other hand, the constituent elements such as the double pump 9 for flowing the dialysate in the dialysate circuit 3 during the dialysis treatment can also be stopped.

[0091] When the dialysate flows in the dialysate filter 10, the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11. Regarding the switching of the dialysate supply source, the details are described in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , and thus the detailed description is omitted. When the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11, the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed reverse direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11.

[0092] In the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed reverse direction), the air pump 7a (or the air pump 8a) and the blood pump 5 are controlled in such a manner that the pressure in the dialysate circuit 3 is higher than the pressure in the blood circuit 2 due to the driving of the blood pump 5. Regarding the control, the details are described in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , and thus the detailed description is omitted.

[0093] In addition, both the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed forward direction) and the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed reverse direction) can be performed. For example, the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed forward direction) can be initially performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10, and when the dialysate supply source is switched, the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed reverse direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11. Alternatively, the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed reverse direction) can be initially performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10, and when the dialysate supply source is switched, the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed forward direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11. By performing both the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed forward direction) and the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feed reverse direction), the blood remaining in both the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a and the blood return side circuit 2b can be returned to the body.

[0094] <2nd Embodiment>

[0095] Figure 6 is a configuration block diagram of the blood purification device 200 of the second embodiment. The blood purification device 200 is different from the blood purification device 100 of the first embodiment in the structure of the replacement fluid circuit 4, and is the same as the blood purification device 100 in other structures. The replacement fluid circuit 4 of the blood purification device 100 is a flow path from the dialysate port P to the withdrawal side circuit 2a, but the replacement fluid circuit 4 of the blood purification device 200 includes a withdrawal side replacement fluid circuit 4a and a return side replacement fluid circuit 4b. The withdrawal side replacement fluid circuit 4a corresponds to the replacement fluid circuit 4 of the blood purification device 100.

[0096] The return side replacement fluid circuit 4b is a flow path from the dialysate port P to the return side circuit 2b for returning blood in the blood circuit 2 to the body by the replacement fluid type return step (liquid feeding reverse direction) to be described later. An on-off valve (solenoid valve) V11 is provided in the return side replacement fluid circuit 4b. The flow of the dialysate to the return side circuit 2b is controlled by the opening and closing of the on-off valve V11.

[0097] Next, the processing of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the second embodiment, only an example in which blood remaining in the blood purification device 1 and the blood circuit 2 is returned to the body using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 will be described. However, in the second embodiment, the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11 can also be used as in the first embodiment. That is, when the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 flows, the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11. In the blood purification device 200, only some of the components to be described later function by being supplied with power from the backup power source 13.

[0098] In the second embodiment, a return method is used in which the dialysate is introduced into the blood circuit 2 via the replacement fluid circuit 4, and the dialysate presses the blood in the blood circuit 2, thereby returning the blood to the body. Hereinafter, this return method will be referred to as the replacement fluid type return step. In the replacement fluid type return step, the dialysate flows through the dialysate circuit 3, and from the dialysate circuit 3, through the replacement fluid circuit 4 and the blood circuit 2. By this flow of the dialysate, the dialysate flows through the blood flow path of the blood purification device 1, presses the blood remaining in the blood circuit 2 and the blood purification device 1, and returns the blood to the body.

[0099] Figure 7 The flow of the dialysate when the replacement fluid type return step is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 is shown in FIG. 8. In the replacement fluid type return step, the dialysate flows through the dialysate circuit 3, and from the dialysate circuit 3, through the replacement fluid circuit 4 and the blood circuit 2. By this flow of the dialysate, the dialysate flows through the blood flow path of the blood purification device 1, presses the blood remaining in the blood circuit 2 and the blood purification device 1, and returns the blood to the body. Figure 7In the example shown, in the liquid-supplementing blood-returning step, blood is returned to the body in the liquid-feeding positive direction. In the following figures, the on-off valve shown in the figure is indicated by a hatched line in the case where the on-off valve is open, and is indicated by a hollow line in the case where the on-off valve is closed.

[0100] As shown in Figure 7 the liquid-supplementing blood-returning step (liquid-feeding positive direction), the on-off valve 7c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V5, and the on-off valve V2 are opened. In addition, the air pump 7a is rotating in the positive direction. Furthermore, the blood pump 5 is rotating in the positive direction. The opening of these on-off valves, the rotation of the air pump 7a, and the rotation of the blood pump 5 are controlled by the instruction of the control device 12. In particular, the control device 12 controls the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 7a (controls the flow rate of air from the primary air introduction portion 7) in such a manner that the dialysate is caused to flow to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a), the liquid-supplementing circuit 4, and the blood circuit 2.

[0101] By the driving of the air pump 7a and the opening of the on-off valve 7c, air is introduced to the dialysate filter 10, and the primary chamber 10a of the dialysate filter 10 is under positive pressure. Thereby, the dialysate in the primary chamber 10a reaches the secondary chamber 10b, and flows through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. That is, the control device 12 controls the dialysate circuit 3, the liquid-supplementing circuit 4, and the blood circuit 2 in such a manner that the dialysate flows in the flow path shown. Figure 7

[0102] By the opening of the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V5, and the on-off valve V2, the dialysate passes through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a, the blood-withdrawing-side liquid-supplementing circuit 4a, the blood-withdrawing-side circuit 2a, the blood purifier 1 (blood flow path), and the blood-returning-side circuit 2b. In Figure 7 , the flow of this dialysate is indicated by a thick dotted line arrow. By the flow of this dialysate, the dialysate presses the blood remaining in the blood purifier 1 and the blood circuit 2 (blood-returning-side circuit 2b), and returns the blood to the body.

[0103] In Figure 7 the liquid-supplementing blood-returning step (liquid-feeding positive direction) explained in, the operation is performed by the power supply from the backup power source 13, at least only the control device 12, the on-off valve 7c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V5, the on-off valve V2, the air pump 7a, and the blood pump 5. On the other hand, the constituent elements such as the duplex pump 9 for causing the dialysate to flow to the dialysate circuit 3 and the blood to flow to the blood circuit 2 in the dialysis treatment can also be stopped.

[0104] ​When the dialysate flows in the dialysate filter 10, the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11. As for the switching of the dialysate supply source, the explanation is made in the first embodiment, and thus the detailed explanation is omitted. When the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11, the replenishment type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11.

[0105] As explained above, in the second embodiment, the replenishment type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10. Also in the structure of the second embodiment, in the blood circuit 2, the pressure for extracting the dialysate is not generated, and the blood circuit 2 does not form a negative pressure. The same is true in the case where the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11 is used. Therefore, according to the structure of the second embodiment, even when the generation and supply of the dialysate by the dialysate supply portion 6 are stopped, the blood return can be performed more favorably compared with the prior art.

[0106] In addition, in the structure of the second embodiment, only the control device 12, the on-off valve 7c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V5, the on-off valve V2, the air pump 7a, and the blood pump 5 are operated. Thereby, in particular, even in the case where the electric power supply from the main power source to the blood purification device 200 is stopped, the blood return can be performed by the electric power supply from the backup power source 13 to the minimum constituent elements.

[0107] Further, in the replenishment type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction), since the dialysate passes through the blood pump 5, the blood pump 5 must be driven. Thereby, the pressure for extracting the dialysate is generated in the blood circuit 2. In order to prevent the negative pressure in the blood circuit 2, the air pump 7a (or the air pump 8a) and / or the blood pump 5 are controlled in such a manner that the pressure generated in the dialysate circuit 3 by introducing the air into the dialysate filter 10 (or the dialysate filter 11) does not exceed a predetermined threshold value (or is higher than the pressure generated in the blood circuit 2 by driving the blood pump 5). As for the control, the explanation is made in the first embodiment, and thus the detailed explanation is omitted.

[0108] Instead of the blood return step explained in Figure 7 , in the replenishment type blood return step, the replenishment type blood return step (liquid feeding reverse direction) in which the blood is returned to the body in the liquid feeding reverse direction is performed. Figure 8 The dialysate flow when the replenishment type blood return step (liquid feeding reverse direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 is shown.

[0109] As Figure 8As shown, in the blood return step by fluid replacement (liquid delivery in the reverse direction), the on-off valve 7c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve Vll, and the on-off valve VI are opened. In addition, the air pump 7a is rotating in the forward direction. Furthermore, the blood pump 5 is rotating in the reverse direction. The opening of these on-off valves, the rotation of the air pump 7a, and the rotation of the blood pump 5 are controlled by the instruction of the control device 12. In particular, the control device 12 controls the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 7a (controls the flow rate of air from the primary air introduction portion 7) in such a manner that the flow of dialysate to the dialysate circuit 3 (the dialysate introduction circuit 3a), the fluid replacement circuit 4, and the blood circuit 2 is generated.

[0110] By the driving of the air pump 7a and the opening of the on-off valve 7c, air is introduced to the dialysate filter 10, and the primary chamber 10a of the dialysate filter 10 is under positive pressure. Thereby, the dialysate in the primary chamber 10a reaches the secondary chamber 10b and flows through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. That is, the control device 12 controls the dialysate circuit 3, the fluid replacement circuit 4, and the blood circuit 2 in such a manner that the dialysate flows through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a, the blood return side fluid replacement circuit 4b, the blood return side circuit 2b, the blood purifier 1 (blood flow path), and the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a. Figure 8

[0111] By the opening of the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve Vll, and the on-off valve VI, the dialysate passes through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a, the blood return side fluid replacement circuit 4b, the blood return side circuit 2b, the blood purifier 1 (blood flow path), and the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a. In this case, the flow of the dialysate is indicated by a thick dotted line arrow. By the flow of the dialysate, the dialysate presses the blood remaining in the blood purifier 1 and the blood circuit 2 (blood withdrawal side circuit 2a) and returns the blood to the body. Figure 8

[0112] In the blood return step by fluid replacement (liquid delivery in the reverse direction) described in the above, at least only the control device 12, the on-off valve 7c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V7, the on-off valve VI, the air pump 7a, and the blood pump 5 are operated by the power supply from the backup power source 13. On the other hand, the constituent elements such as the duplex pump 9 for flowing the dialysate in the dialysate circuit 3 in the dialysis treatment can also be stopped. Figure 8 When the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 flows, the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11. As for the switching of the dialysate supply source, the description is made in the first embodiment, and thus the detailed description is omitted. When the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11, the blood return step by fluid replacement (liquid delivery in the reverse direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11.

[0113]

[0114] ​​​In the replenishment blood return step (forward direction), since the dialysate passes through the blood pump 5, the blood pump 5 needs to be driven. Thus, a pressure for drawing the dialysate is generated in the blood circuit 2. In order to prevent a negative pressure in the blood circuit 2, the air pump 7a (or the air pump 8a) and / or the blood pump 5 are controlled in such a manner that the pressure in the dialysate circuit 3 does not exceed a predetermined threshold value (or is higher than the pressure in the blood circuit 2). As to this control, the explanation is made in the first embodiment, so the detailed explanation is omitted.

[0115] Further, both the replenishment blood return step (forward direction) and the replenishment blood return step (reverse direction) can be performed. For example, the replenishment blood return step (forward direction) can be initially performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10, and the replenishment blood return step (reverse direction) can be performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11 at the time of switching the dialysate supply source. Alternatively, the replenishment blood return step (reverse direction) can be initially performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10, and the replenishment blood return step (forward direction) can be performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11 at the time of switching the dialysate supply source. By performing both the replenishment blood return step (forward direction) and the replenishment blood return step (reverse direction), the blood remaining in both the blood withdrawal side circuit 2a and the blood return side circuit 2b can be returned to the body.

[0116] <Third Embodiment>

[0117] Figure 9 A configuration block diagram of a blood purification device 300 according to the third embodiment is shown. The blood purification device 300 is different from the blood purification device 100 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the air introduction portion (the primary air introduction portion 7 and the secondary air introduction portion 8), and is the same as the blood purification device 100 according to the first embodiment in other structures. The blood purification device 300 includes an air introduction portion 14 instead of the primary air introduction portion 7 and the secondary air introduction portion 8.

[0118] The air introduction portion 14 functions as the primary air introduction portion 7 and the secondary air introduction portion 8, and introduces air to the dialysate filter 10 and the dialysate filter 11. The air introduction portion 14 includes an air pump 14a, an air introduction path 14b, an on-off valve (solenoid valve) 14c, an on-off valve (solenoid valve) 14d, an air filter 14e, and an air filter 14f. The air pump 14a has a rotor inside, and is driven in such a manner that the rotor rotates. The rotor is rotated by an actuator (not shown in the figure) such as a motor under the control of the control device 12. A rotary encoder (not shown in the figure) is provided in the air pump 14a. The rotary encoder detects the rotation speed of the rotor. Air is introduced into the dialysate filter 10 and the dialysate filter 11 by the rotation of the air pump 14a via the air introduction path 14b.

[0119] Although not shown in the drawings, the air introduction portion 14 is connected to the blood withdrawal-side air trapping chamber 2c and the blood return-side air trapping chamber 2d, like the primary air introduction portion 7 and the secondary air introduction portion 8 shown in FIG. 1. Figure 2 The air pump 14a also functions as a liquid level adjustment pump that adjusts the liquid levels in the blood withdrawal-side air trapping chamber 2c and the blood return-side air trapping chamber 2d, for example, in a dialysis treatment.

[0120] The air introduced into the dialysate filter 10 and the dialysate filter 11 by driving of the air pump 14a causes the dialysate to flow to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2. The flow of air to the dialysate filter 10 is controlled by opening and closing of the on-off valve 14c provided between the air pump 14a and the dialysate filter 10. Similarly, the flow of air to the dialysate filter 11 is controlled by opening and closing of the on-off valve 14d provided between the air pump 14a and the dialysate filter 11. The air filters 14e and 14f remove garbage in the air. Note that the air filters 14e and 14f are not essential structures in the air introduction portion 14.

[0121] In the third embodiment, in place of the configuration including the two air pumps 7a and 8a, only the air pump 14a is included, for example. Similarly, in place of the two air introduction paths 7b and 8b, only the air introduction path 14b is included. In this way, the configuration of the entire apparatus is further simplified.

[0122] Next, the processing in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the third embodiment, only an example in which the blood remaining in the blood purification apparatus 1 and the blood circuit 2 is returned to the body by the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 and the dialysate filter 11 will be described. However, in the third embodiment, the blood return can be performed by any one of the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding reverse direction), the liquid supplement type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction), and the liquid supplement type blood return step (liquid feeding reverse direction). In the blood purification apparatus 300, only some of the components described later are supplied with electric power from the backup power supply 13 to function.

[0123] Figure 10 The flow of dialysate when the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10 is shown. In the following drawings, the on-off valves shown in the drawings are indicated by hatching in the case where the on-off valves are open, and indicated by a hollow in the case where the on-off valves are closed.

[0124] As Figure 10 shown, in the reverse filtration type blood returning step (liquid feeding positive direction), the on-off valve 14c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, and the on-off valve V2 are opened. In addition, the air pump 14a is rotated in the positive direction. The opening of these on-off valves and the rotation of the air pump 14a are controlled by the instruction of the control device 12. In particular, the control device 12 controls the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 14a (controls the flow rate of air from the air introduction portion 14) in such a manner that the flow of the dialysate to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2 is generated.

[0125] By the driving of the air pump 14a and the opening of the on-off valve 14c, air is introduced to the dialysate filter 10, and the primary chamber 10a of the dialysate filter 10 is under positive pressure. Thereby, the dialysate in the primary chamber 10a reaches the secondary chamber 10b and flows through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. That is, the control device 12 controls the dialysate circuit 3 and the blood circuit 2 in such a manner that the dialysate flows through the flow path shown by the solid line arrow. Figure 10

[0126] By the opening of the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, and the on-off valve V2, the dialysate passes through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a, the blood purifier 1 (blood purification membrane), and the blood returning side circuit 2b. In Figure 10 , the flow of the dialysate is indicated by the thick dotted line arrow. Further, the dialysate flows in the order of the dialysate flow path, the blood purification membrane, and the blood flow path inside the blood purifier 1. By the flow of the dialysate, the dialysate presses the blood remaining in the blood purifier 1 and the blood circuit 2 (blood returning side circuit 2b) and returns the blood to the body.

[0127] By the supply of electric power from the backup power source 13, at least the control device 12, the on-off valve 14c, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, the on-off valve V2, and the air pump 14a are operated, and thereby the reverse filtration type blood returning step (liquid feeding positive direction) explained in Figure 10 is performed. On the other hand, the blood pump 5 and the like used for flowing the dialysate to the dialysate circuit 3 and the blood to the blood circuit 2 in the dialysis treatment can also be stopped.

[0128] When the dialysate flows in the dialysate filter 10, the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11. As for the switching of the dialysate supply source, the explanation is made in the first embodiment, and thus the detailed explanation is omitted. Figure 11 The flow of the dialysate when the reverse filtration type blood returning step (liquid feeding positive direction) is performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11 is indicated.

[0129] As Figure 11 ​As shown, when the dialysate supply source is switched from the dialysate filter 10 to the dialysate filter 11, the on-off valve 14c is closed. On the other hand, the on-off valve 14d is opened. The opening and closing of this on-off valve is controlled by the instruction of the control device 12. In particular, the control device 12 controls the number of revolutions per unit time of the air pump 14a (controls the flow rate of air from the air introduction portion 14) in such a manner that the flow of dialysate to the dialysate circuit 3 (dialysate introduction circuit 3a) and the blood circuit 2 is generated.

[0130] By the driving of the air pump 14a and the opening of the on-off valve 14d, air is introduced to the dialysate filter 11, and the primary chamber 11a of the dialysate filter 11 is under positive pressure. Thereby, the dialysate in the primary chamber 11a reaches the secondary chamber 11b and flows through the dialysate introduction circuit 3a. Then, the dialysate flows through the same flow path as shown. That is, the control device 12 controls the dialysate circuit 3 and the blood circuit 2 in such a manner that the dialysate flows in the flow path shown. Figure 11 Figure 11 Figure 11 In the flow path shown, the flow of dialysate is indicated by a thick dotted line arrow.

[0131] By the supply of electric power from the backup power source 13, at least only the control device 12, the on-off valve 14d, the on-off valve V3, the on-off valve V4, the on-off valve V2, and the air pump 14a are operated, and thereby the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding positive direction) explained in the Figure 11 In the flow path shown, the flow of dialysate is indicated by a thick dotted line arrow.

[0132] As explained above, in the third embodiment, the dialysate supply source is switched by the single air introduction portion 14. In the structure of the third embodiment, it is also not necessary to drive the blood pump 5. In addition, in the structure of the third embodiment as well, in the blood circuit 2, the pressure for extracting dialysate is not generated, and the blood circuit 2 is not under negative pressure. Therefore, according to the structure of the third embodiment, even when the generation and supply of dialysate by the dialysate supply portion 6 are stopped, compared with the prior art, it is possible to more favorably perform blood return.

[0133] ​​In the above-described first to third embodiments, two dialysate filters (dialysate filter 10 and dialysate filter 11) are used, but a single dialysate filter or three or more dialysate filters can also be used. That is, the remaining blood of the liquid purifier 1 and the blood circuit 2 is returned to the body using the dialysate in the n dialysate filters (n is an integer of 1 or more). For example, in the case where three or more dialysate filters are used, the dialysate supply source is switched in three stages according to the above-described determination method. Although the blood return is performed using the dialysate stored in the dialysate filters 10 and 11, a dedicated chamber for storing the dialysate can also be provided.

[0134] In addition, in the first to third embodiments, the primary air introduction portion 7 can also be a structure including a compressed air tank in which compressed air is enclosed instead of including the air pump 7a. In the case of this structure, air is introduced from the compressed air tank to the dialysate filter 10 via the air introduction path 7b by opening the on-off valve 7c. With respect to the secondary air introduction portion 8 and the air introduction portion 14, similarly, a structure including a compressed air tank instead of including the air pump 8a and the air pump 14a can also be used. In addition to the above, the rotation of the air pumps 7a, 8a, 14a, and the blood pump 5 is controlled using a rotary encoder, but the rotation of the air pumps 7a, 8a, 14a, and the blood pump 5 can also be controlled in other ways. The rotation of the air pumps 7a, 8a, 14a, and the blood pump 5 can be performed, for example, based on open-loop control using a pulse motor.

[0135] Furthermore, any combination of the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction and liquid feeding reverse direction) and the replacement fluid type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction and liquid feeding reverse direction) can also be performed. For example, the replacement fluid type blood return step (liquid feeding forward direction) can be initially performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 10, and the reverse filtration type blood return step (liquid feeding reverse direction) can be performed using the dialysate in the dialysate filter 11 at the time of switching the dialysate supply source.

[0136] Furthermore, the above-described first to third embodiments are mainly applied to the blood return step, but are not limited to such examples. The above-described processing can also be applied to a replacement fluid step or the like for preventing a decrease in blood pressure that occurs due to a decrease in the patient's blood resulting from a water removal step for removing excess water from the blood. In the replacement fluid step, dialysate is injected into the blood circuit to supplement the blood in the body.

[0137] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the scope of the embodiments is not limited to the examples described. Additional processes and / or components can be added to the processes and components described, or some of the processes and / or components can be changed, omitted, or replaced without departing from the spirit of the present application. Furthermore, the order of the processes described can be changed.

[0138] In addition, the blood purification device of the embodiments is installed by a computer program executed by the control device 12, but the computer program can also be stored in a non-transitory storage medium. Examples of the non-transitory storage medium include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a register, a cache memory, a semiconductor memory device, a built-in hard disk, a removable magnetic disk device, a magnetic medium, a magneto-optical medium, an optical medium such as a CD-ROM disk and a digital versatile disk (DVD), and the like.

[0139] Explanation of Reference Signs:

[0140] Reference sign 1 denotes a blood purification device;

[0141] Reference sign 1a denotes a blood introduction port;

[0142] Reference sign 1b denotes a blood discharge port;

[0143] Reference sign 1c denotes a dialysate introduction port;

[0144] Reference sign 1d denotes a dialysate discharge port;

[0145] Reference sign 2 denotes a blood circuit;

[0146] Reference sign 2a denotes a blood withdrawal side circuit;

[0147] Reference sign 2b denotes a blood return side circuit;

[0148] Reference sign 2c denotes a blood withdrawal side air trap chamber;

[0149] Reference sign 2d denotes a blood return side air trap chamber;

[0150] Reference sign 3 denotes a dialysate circuit;

[0151] Reference sign 3a denotes a dialysate introduction circuit;

[0152] Reference sign 3b denotes a dialysate discharge circuit;

[0153] Reference sign 4 denotes a replacement fluid circuit;

[0154] Reference sign 4a denotes a blood withdrawal side replacement fluid circuit;

[0155] Reference sign 4b denotes a blood return side replacement fluid circuit;

[0156] Reference numeral 5 denotes a blood pump;

[0157] Reference numeral 6 denotes a dialysate supply section;

[0158] Reference numeral 7 denotes a primary air introduction section;

[0159] Reference numeral 7a denotes an air pump;

[0160] Reference numeral 7b denotes an air introduction path;

[0161] Reference numeral 7c denotes an on-off valve;

[0162] Reference numeral 7d denotes an air filter

[0163] Reference numeral 7e denotes an air filter;

[0164] Reference numeral 8 denotes a secondary air introduction section;

[0165] Reference numeral 8a denotes an air pump;

[0166] Reference numeral 8b denotes an air introduction path;

[0167] Reference numeral 8c denotes an on-off valve;

[0168] Reference numeral 8d denotes an air filter;

[0169] Reference numeral 8e denotes an air filter;

[0170] Reference numeral 9 denotes a duplex pump;

[0171] Reference numeral 10 denotes a dialysate filter;

[0172] Reference numeral 10a denotes a primary chamber;

[0173] Reference numeral 10b denotes a secondary chamber;

[0174] Reference numeral 11 denotes a dialysate filter;

[0175] Reference numeral 11a denotes a primary chamber;

[0176] Reference numeral 11b denotes a secondary chamber;

[0177] Reference numeral 12 denotes a control device;

[0178] Reference numeral 13 denotes a backup power supply;

[0179] Reference numeral 14 denotes an air introduction section;

[0180] Reference numeral 14a denotes an air pump;

[0181] Reference numeral 14b denotes an air introduction path;

[0182] Reference numeral 14c denotes an on-off valve;

[0183] Reference numeral 14d denotes an on-off valve;

[0184] Reference numeral 14e denotes an air filter;

[0185] Reference numeral 14f denotes an air filter;

[0186] Reference numeral 100 denotes a blood purification device;

[0187] Reference numeral 200 denotes a blood purification device;

[0188] Reference numeral 300 denotes a blood purification device;

[0189] Reference symbol P denotes a dialysate port;

[0190] Reference symbols V1 to V11 denote on-off valves.

Claims

1. A blood purification device, characterized by, The blood purification device includes: a blood circuit and a dialysate circuit connected via a blood purifier; a chamber provided in the blood circuit and receiving blood in the blood circuit; an air introduction path connected to the dialysate circuit; an air introduction portion provided in the dialysate circuit or the air introduction path and introducing air into the dialysate circuit via the air introduction path to place the dialysate circuit in a positive pressure, wherein the air introduction portion is connected to the chamber and adjusts a liquid level in the chamber by flowing air to the chamber; and a control device that controls the air introduction portion so that dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit, and controls the blood circuit and the dialysate circuit so that blood in the blood circuit and the blood purifier is returned to a body by flowing the dialysate from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit, wherein the control device controls the air introduction portion so that air is not caused to flow in the chamber while the blood in the blood circuit and the blood purifier is returned to the body.

2. The blood purification device of claim 1, wherein, The blood purification device further includes: a dialysate filter provided in the dialysate circuit and purifying and storing dialysate flowing through the dialysate circuit; and the air introduction portion introduces air into the dialysate filter to press the dialysate stored in the dialysate filter to the dialysate circuit.

3. The blood purification device of claim 2, wherein, The dialysate filter includes at least a first dialysate filter and a second dialysate filter. The control device controls the air introduction portion so that air is introduced to the second dialysate filter when it is determined that the dialysate stored in the first dialysate filter is pressed to the dialysate circuit.

4. The blood purification device of claim 3, wherein, The blood purification device further includes: a first on-off valve provided between the air introduction portion and the first dialysate filter; and a second on-off valve provided between the air introduction portion and the second dialysate filter; The control device controls so that the first on-off valve is closed and the second on-off valve is opened when it is determined that the dialysate stored in the first dialysate filter is pressed to the dialysate circuit.

5. The blood purification device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The control device controls the dialysate circuit and the blood circuit so that the dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit, through the blood purifier, and through the blood circuit.

6. The blood purification device according to claim 5, wherein: the blood circuit includes a blood return side circuit; the control device controls the dialysate circuit and the blood circuit so that the dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit, through the blood purifier, and through the blood return side circuit.

7. The blood purification device according to claim 5, wherein the blood circuit includes a blood-outlet side circuit; the control device controls the dialysate circuit and the blood circuit in such a manner that the dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit, through the blood purification apparatus, and through the blood-outlet side circuit.

8. The blood purification device of claim 1, wherein, the control device controls the flow rate of air from the air introduction portion in such a manner that the dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit to the blood circuit.

9. The blood purification device of claim 1, wherein, the blood purification device further includes a blood pump that is driven to convey liquid in the blood circuit; the control device controls the blood pump in such a manner that the blood pump is not driven.

10. The blood purification device of claim 8, wherein, the control device controls the air introduction portion in such a manner that the pressure in the dialysate circuit resulting from the introduction of air into the dialysate circuit does not exceed a predetermined threshold value.

11. The blood purification device of claim 1, wherein, the blood purification device further includes a blood pump that is driven to convey liquid in the blood circuit; the air introduction portion and / or the blood pump are controlled in such a manner that the pressure in the blood circuit resulting from the driving of the blood pump is exceeded.

12. The blood purification device according to claim 1, wherein the air introduction path includes a first air introduction path that is connected to the dialysate circuit and a second air introduction path that is connected to the dialysate circuit at a position different from the first air introduction path; the air introduction portion includes a single pump; the single pump is shared between a case where the air introduction portion introduces air through the first air introduction path and a case where the air introduction portion introduces air through the second air introduction path.

13. A method performed by a blood purification apparatus, the blood purification apparatus comprising: a blood circuit and a dialysate circuit that are connected via a blood purification apparatus; a chamber that is provided in the blood circuit and that receives blood in the blood circuit; an air introduction path that is connected to the dialysate circuit; an air introduction portion that is provided in the dialysate circuit or the air introduction path and that introduces air into the dialysate circuit via the air introduction path to bring the dialysate circuit to a positive pressure, wherein the air introduction portion is connected to the chamber and adjusts a liquid level in the chamber by causing air to flow to the chamber; and a control device that controls pressures in the blood circuit and the dialysate circuit, wherein the blood circuit includes a blood-outlet side circuit that is a flow path through which blood is introduced into the blood purification apparatus and a blood-return side circuit that leads blood out of the blood purification apparatus; the control device performs a step that includes: a step of controlling the air introduction portion in such a manner that dialysate flows from the dialysate circuit to the blood-return side circuit. The blood circuit and the dialysate circuit are controlled in the following manner: by causing the dialysate to flow from the dialysate circuit to the blood return side circuit, the blood in the blood withdrawal side circuit and the blood purifier is guided to the blood return side circuit; and The air introduction portion is controlled in the following manner: when the blood in the blood withdrawal side circuit and the blood purifier is guided to the blood return side circuit, air is not caused to flow in the chamber, but is guided to the inside of the dialysate circuit.

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