Device for dialysis treatment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for dialysis treatment, in particular a device for peritoneal dialysis, comprising a first and a second discontinuous pump, which are switchable by at least two valves, and comprising a controller for generating a continuous volumetric flow of dialysate, characterised in that the controller is designed to carry out at least one of the following steps: a) interruption of at least one pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves; b) calculated compensation of a portion, relating to apparatus properties, of a result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves; c) shifting of a valve switching time of the second pump so that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump; and d) adaptive shifting of a valve switching time of the second pump so that this valve switching time does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump, wherein the controller preferably uses an optimisation algorithm to determine a time to which the valve switching time of the second pump is shifted.

Description

[0001] Device for dialysis treatment

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for dialysis treatment, in particular a device for peritoneal dialysis, which is designed to provide a continuous volume flow of dialysate by means of two discontinuously operating pumps. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding method.

[0003] During the continuous pumping of dialysate using a device for extracorporeal blood treatment, in particular a device for peritoneal dialysis, by means of which dialysate is pumped directly into and out of a patient's abdominal cavity, it is essential that the specified hypotension or hypertension are always correctly maintained, as deviations from this are often accompanied by discomfort in the patient and can even cause injury to the peritoneum. Particularly in pediatric treatments, the pumping of dialysate into and out of a patient should be as gentle as possible and therefore, for example, with a lower negative pressure than in adult therapy. Furthermore, the transfer times of the dialysate to be pumped should be as short as possible so that the prescribed times for the run-in phase, the residence time and the drain phase are adhered to as precisely as possible.It is beneficial if an active pump is always operated at the highest possible flow rate.

[0004] Furthermore, disruptions to the pumping process of dialysate into and out of the patient should generally be avoided.

[0005] In practice, it has been found that, particularly during the phase-out of peritoneal dialysis treatment, the constant provision of a continuous volume flow of dialysate corresponding to the prescription is problematic.

[0006] Particularly during the phase-out of peritoneal dialysis treatment, high demands are placed on the patient, as the required negative pressures, for example, are at a level of -100 mbar, and this—as well as any undesirable deviations—can be clearly perceived by the patient. In pediatric peritoneal dialysis treatments, the specified pressures are further reduced to a minimum of -80 mbar, which further increases the demands.

[0007] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of mitigating or even completely eliminating the problems known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention is based on the object of creating a device and a method by means of which a continuous volume flow of dialysate can be reliably achieved even under the aforementioned high requirements.

[0008] This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0009] Accordingly, a device for extracorporeal blood treatment, in particular a device for peritoneal dialysis, is provided, comprising a first and a second discontinuous pump, which can be switched by means of at least two valves, and a control for generating a continuous volume flow of dialysate.

[0010] According to the invention, the controller is designed to carry out at least one of the following steps: a) suspending at least one pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves; b) computationally compensating a portion of a pressure measurement result during a switching time of at least one of the valves that is based on device properties; c) shifting a valve switching time of the second pump so that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump; and d) adaptively shifting a valve switching time of the second pump so that this valve switching time does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump, wherein the controller preferably uses an optimization algorithm to determine a time to which the valve switching time of the second pump is shifted.

[0011] In practice, pump cassettes are often used with two pump chambers, each of which is assigned to a first and a second pump and is fluidically connected to each other via at least one valve.

[0012] For example, if the first pump is active and delivering dialysate, the second pump is typically switched on while the first pump is still active. To do this, a valve that fluidically connects the first pump to the second pump is opened. However, as soon as the valve is opened, pressure equalization occurs between the first and second pumps, or rather, their pump chambers. This leads to a falsified measured delivery pressure of the first pump, whereupon the active first pump is stopped.

[0013] Due to the distortion of the delivery pressure of the first pump by the activation of the second pump, the continuous volume flow of dialysate achieved by the concerted action of the first and second pumps is undesirably interrupted.

[0014] With the present invention, the occurrence of such a falsification of the delivery pressure can preferably be prevented and / or a measured change in the delivery pressure can be recognized as a falsification of the delivery pressure by switching on the second pump and / or can then be compensated or ignored.

[0015] Preferably, the present invention avoids as far as possible the influence of a falsification of the delivery pressure of the first pump by the connection of the second pump on a measurement of a delivery pressure (for example by suspending the pressure measurement during the connection or a computational compensation of a pressure change occurring due to the connection) and / or on an operation of the first and / or second pump (for example an undesired shutdown of the first pump due to the falsification of a measured delivery pressure of the first pump).

[0016] A device according to the invention thus preferably makes it possible to avoid disturbing pressure pulses due to the switching of at least one valve which is assigned to the first or second pump.

[0017] The present invention is not limited to a specific delivery system or pump system, but can be used in any configuration with two discontinuous pumps in which a continuous volume flow of dialysate is to be achieved.

[0018] For example, in a device according to the invention, an active pressure measurement can take place in a measuring section which could be disturbed by valve or patient clamp circuits. The invention thus encompasses a case in which the delivery pressure of the first pump and / or the second pump takes place in a measuring section. In other words, the present invention can represent a possibility for avoiding and / or compensating for pressure fluctuations (e.g. pressure pulses) in a device for dialysis treatment, with a focus of the invention preferably being on the inclusion of the components (valves) acting on the fluid and their circuitry. According to the invention, the actuators of the flow paths are thus preferably acted upon, such as valves, clamps or any other elements suitable for regulating the fluid flow, and not on the delivery system (e.g. pump) itself.

[0019] The method steps which a controller of a device according to the invention can carry out are described in more detail below.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller is designed to perform at least the following step: a) suspending at least one pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves.

[0021] In other words, a measurement of the discharge pressure of the first pump is preferably interrupted during a valve switching period of the first and / or second pump. In this way, distortions or artifacts of a measured discharge pressure resulting from the valve switching are not included in the discharge pressure measurement.

[0022] The measurement of the discharge pressure is preferably suspended until a system stabilization is detected.

[0023] An advantage of this approach is that this process step is easy to implement.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller is designed to carry out at least the following step: b) computational compensation of a component of a result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves, which component is based on device properties.

[0025] In this embodiment, the controller preferably detects that a switching of at least one valve fluidically connecting the first and second pumps, for example for coupling or switching on the second pump, is pending, and compensates for the effect of the switching on a measurement of a delivery pressure of the first pump, preferably by recourse to a stored or learned characteristic or a stored or learned pressure profile.

[0026] For the learning process, for example, at the end of a setup procedure while filling the cassette, the first or second pump can be actuated at different speeds. During this movement, the relevant valve paths are established and the resulting pressure fluctuations are recorded. From this recording, the time, switching speed, and pressure pulse can be determined. These parameters can be used throughout the further course of treatment.

[0027] An advantage of this approach is that the pressure measurement does not have to be interrupted, but the discharge pressure of the pump(s) can be measured continuously.

[0028] This advantage can also be achieved if, according to one embodiment of the invention, the controller is designed to perform at least the following step: c) shifting a valve switching time of the second pump so that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump. In other words, the valve switching time of the second pump should preferably coincide in time with a valve switching time of the first pump.

[0029] Preferably, control is carried out in such a way that the first pump completes its pumping stroke and the second pump is switched on with a delay after the pumping stroke. The second period can be switched on, for example, after a fixed delay period, for example, a few milliseconds.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller is designed to carry out at least the following step: d) adaptively shifting a valve switching time of the second pump so that this valve switching time does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump, wherein the controller preferably uses an optimization algorithm to determine a time to which the valve switching time of the second pump is shifted.

[0031] The term "adaptive" shifting preferably means that a time period by which a valve switching time of the second pump is delayed or shifted relative to a valve switching time of the first pump and / or the termination of a pump stroke of the first pump is not fixed or constant, but is determined individually for the conditions prevailing at a given time. The duration of the determination of the time period is thus preferably individually adjusted or adapted to the conditions prevailing at a given time.

[0032] Preferably, when determining the duration of the time period, at least one of the following parameters is preferably taken into account by the optimization algorithm:

[0033] • Flow rate (pump speed) of the preferably active pump

[0034] • Patient fill level (volume of dialysate in the patient)

[0035] • a pump chamber volume last pumped preferably by the active pump

[0036] Treatment type (adult or pediatric therapy) This embodiment also makes it possible to avoid interruptions in pressure measurement and to continuously record measured values ​​of the delivery pressure of the first and / or second pump.

[0037] In addition, a maximum flow rate (pump speed) of the first and / or second pump can preferably be achieved.

[0038] Even at relatively low flow rates (pump speed), the measurable fluid shifts and pressure pulses, in other words the undesirable distortions of the measured discharge pressure, are reliably eliminated.

[0039] Overall, the following advantages can be achieved by means of the present invention: Improved provision of a continuous volume flow of dialysate, particularly during the run-off phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment; reduced error messages due to falsified pressure measurements; improved adaptation of the pump control to the patient's individual run-off behavior; and higher performance of dialysis machines in pediatric therapy.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller is designed to carry out at least one of the steps in a run-in phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment and / or a run-out phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the controller is designed to open a valve fluidically connecting the first pump to the second pump only when the second pump has completely completed its last pump stroke and / or is inactive. This prevents pressure equalization caused by the valve opening from distorting measurements of the discharge pressure of the first pump. Examples of such a valve fluidically connecting the first pump to the second pump are, for example, valves V1 and V3 in Figures 1 and 2.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first and the second pump each cooperate with a pump chamber formed in a disposable article (also disposable article or “disposable”) to deliver fluid, and the at least two valves are preferably each part of the disposable article.

[0043] According to one embodiment, within the scope of the computational compensation, a pressure profile from a database associated with the device properties, in particular with a valve switching, is used in order to identify and compensate for the part of the result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves that is based on the device properties.

[0044] The pressure profile can be created using a learning process as described above.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the controller is designed to use the optimization algorithm to determine or pre-calculate a point in time to which the valve switching point of the second pump is to be or is to be shifted, wherein the optimization algorithm takes into account at least one of the following parameters at a given point in time: flow rate of the first and / or second pump, preferably flow rate of the pump active at that time from the first and second pumps; last pumped pump chamber volume of the first and / or second pump, preferably flow rate of the pump active at that time from the first and second pumps; volume in the patient and type of treatment performed.

[0046] After pre-calculating the desired valve switching time of the second pump by means of the controller or the optimization algorithm, the controller preferably controls the second pump in such a way that its valve switching time falls on the pre-calculated time.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the optimization algorithm is designed to minimize a time delay between a valve switching time of the second pump for starting a pumping stroke of the second pump and a valve switching time of the first pump when ending a pumping stroke of the first pump. Step c) can include shifting the valve switching time of the second pump by a fixed delay period starting from a valve switching time of the first pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with the valve switching time of the first pump, but rather differs in time from it. The fixed delay period can be stored, for example, in a database.

[0048] Furthermore, step d) may include shifting the valve switching time of the second pump by a variable delay period, preferably determined individually by the optimization algorithm for a specific or each valve switching process, starting from a valve switching time of the first pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with the valve switching time of the first pump.

[0049] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for generating a continuous volume flow of dialysate by means of a device for dialysis treatment, preferably a device for dialysis treatment according to the present invention, having a first and a second discontinuous pump which can be switched by means of at least two valves, wherein the method comprises at least one of the following steps: a) suspending at least one pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves; b) computationally compensating a portion of a result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves, said portion being based on device properties; c) shifting a valve switching time of the second pump so that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump;and d) adaptively shifting a valve switching time of the second pump so that this valve switching time does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump, preferably using an optimization algorithm to determine a time to which the valve switching time of the second pump is shifted. All features disclosed above in the context of a device according to the invention are equally applicable to a method according to the invention, even if they are not explicitly stated again to avoid redundancies, and vice versa.

[0050] In a method according to the invention, at least one of the steps can be carried out in a run-in phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment and / or a run-out phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a method according to the invention provides that a valve fluidically connecting the first pump to the second pump is only opened when the second pump has completely completed a last pump stroke and / or is inactive and / or a measurement of the delivery pressure of the first pump has ended.

[0052] According to one embodiment, a method according to the invention provides that, within the scope of the computational compensation, a pressure profile associated with the device properties, in particular with a valve switching, is accessed from a database in order to identify and compensate for the portion of the result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves that is based on the device properties. For example, the computational compensation can comprise subtracting the pressure profile associated with a valve switching from a measured pressure profile.

[0053] According to one embodiment, in a method according to the invention, the optimization algorithm is used to determine or pre-calculate a point in time to which the valve switching point of the second pump is shifted, wherein the optimization algorithm takes into account at least one of the following parameters at a given point in time: flow rate of the first and / or second pump, preferably flow rate of the pump active at that time from the first and second pumps; last pumped pump chamber volume of the first and / or second pump, preferably flow rate of the pump active at that time from the first and second pumps; volume in the patient and type of treatment carried out.

[0054] The optimization algorithm may be configured to minimize a time delay between a valve switching time of the second pump for starting a pump stroke of the second pump and a valve switching time of the first pump when ending a pump stroke of the first pump.

[0055] According to one embodiment of a method according to the invention, step c) includes shifting the valve switching time of the second pump by a fixed delay period starting from a valve switching time of the first pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with the valve switching time of the first pump or differs in time from it.

[0056] According to one embodiment of a method according to the invention, step d) includes shifting the valve switching time of the second pump by a variable delay period, preferably determined individually by the optimization algorithm for each valve switching operation, starting from a valve switching time of the first pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with the valve switching time of the first pump.

[0057] At this point, it should be noted that the present disclosure is to be understood to mean that features disclosed within the scope of a specific feature combination or embodiment can also be claimed in isolation or in other feature combinations, and that the disclosure is in no way limited to the explicitly mentioned feature combinations. Merely for the sake of brevity and conciseness, not all feature combinations encompassed by the present disclosure are explicitly disclosed.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be noted that if an element is referred to in the singular with the article “a” or “an”, this should not be interpreted as “exactly one”, but rather an embodiment with the element in question in the plural is also included in the disclosure, and vice versa.

[0059] Further advantages, effects, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures, in which like reference numerals designate like or similar components. Herein:

[0060] Fig. 1 shows a pump cassette designed as a disposable component according to a first embodiment, which can be used within the scope of the present invention;

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a pump cassette designed as a disposable component according to a second embodiment, which can be used within the scope of the present invention;

[0062] Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing the method steps performed by a first pump and a second pump in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0063] Fig. 4 shows an example of an optimization algorithm which is used in the context of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a cassette. This comprises a hard part 1 made of plastic, in which the fluid paths and coupling areas are incorporated as corresponding recesses, chambers and channels. The hard part can be manufactured, for example, as an injection-molded part or as a deep-drawn part. The coupling plane of the hard part 1 is covered by a flexible film 2, which is welded to the hard part in an edge area. By pressing the cassette with a coupling surface of the dialysis machine, the flexible film 2 is pressed onto the hard part. By pressing the flexible film with the web areas of the hard part, the fluid paths within the cassette are separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner. The cassette has connections for connecting the cassette to the other fluid paths. On the one hand, a connection 3 is provided for connection to a drain and a connection 4 for connection to the connector.Corresponding tubing elements, which are not shown in Figure 1, can be provided at these connections. Furthermore, the cassette has a plurality of connections 5 for connecting dialysate containers. The connections 5 are designed, for example, as connectors to which corresponding connector elements can be connected.

[0065] The ports are each connected to fluid paths within the cassette. Valve areas are provided in these fluid paths. In these valve areas, the flexible film 2 can be pressed into the hard part 1 via machine-side valve actuators so that the corresponding fluid path is blocked. The cassette initially has a corresponding valve for each port, via which this port can be opened or closed. Valve V10 is assigned to port 3 for the drain, and valve V6 to port 4 for the patient connector. Valves V11 to V16 are assigned to ports 5 for the dialysate containers 10.

[0066] Furthermore, pump chambers 6 and 6' are provided in the cassette, which can be actuated by corresponding pump actuators of the dialysis machine. The pump chambers 6 and 6' are concave recesses in the hard part 1, which are covered by the flexible film 2. The film can then be pressed into the pump chambers 6 and 6' or pulled out of these pump chambers by the pump actuators of the dialysis machine. This, in conjunction with the valves V1 to V4, which switch the inlets and outlets of the pump chambers 6 and 6', can generate a pumping current through the cassette. The pump chambers can be connected to all connections of the cassette via corresponding valve circuits.The pump chambers 6 and 6' can be fluidically coupled to each other via the valves V1 to V4, which can lead to pressure equalization in an active pump chamber and thus to the problem of falsification of a measured value of the discharge pressure described above.

[0067] Furthermore, in this example, a heating area 7 is integrated into the cassette. In this area, the cassette is brought into contact with heating elements of the dialysis machine, which heat the dialysate flowing through this area of ​​the cassette. The heating area 7 has a channel for the dialysate, which extends spirally over the heating area 7. The channel is formed by webs of the hard part, which are covered by the flexible film 2. The heating area can be provided on both sides of the cassette or just on one side of the cassette.

[0068] Furthermore, embodiments of the cassette are possible in which a heating element is integrated into the cassette. In particular, an electrical heating element, such as a heating coil, can be cast into the hard part of the cassette. This eliminates the need for a machine-side heating element and integrates the flow-through heating system into the cassette. Electrical contacts for connecting the electrical heating element are arranged on the cassette. The cassette also has sensor areas 8 and 9, through which, for example, temperature sensors of the dialysis machine can be coupled to the cassette.

[0069] The second embodiment of a cassette shown in Figure 2 again has fluid paths that can be opened and closed via valve areas, which are also numbered V1 to V16. The cassette also has connections for connection to other components of the fluid system. Connection 3 is again provided for connection to the drain, and connection 4 is provided for connection to the connector to the patient. Furthermore, connections 5 are provided for connecting dialysate containers. In this embodiment, each of the pump chambers 6 and 6' is assigned a pressure sensor 10, by means of which a delivery pressure of the associated pump chamber can be measured. In contrast to the cassette in Fig. 1, the cassette shown in Fig. 2 has a further connection 11 for connecting a heating bag. To heat the fluid from the dialysate containers, the fluid can be pumped into a heating bag via connection 11.This heating bag rests on a heating element, allowing the fluid inside to be heated. The fluid is then pumped from the heating bag to the patient.

[0070] To achieve a continuous volume flow of dialysate, dialysate is pumped alternately by pump chambers 6 and 6'. For example, while pump chamber 6 draws (suctions) fluid from the patient, pump chamber 6' pumps the balanced volume into the drainage and then reconnects to the patient's connecting line, allowing the second pump to continue the next suction stroke without delay. This process is repeated until the prescribed treatment volume has been drawn from the patient.

[0071] As described above, this immediate reconnection of the emptied pump chamber 6' leads to measurable fluid shifts and pressure pulses, which can falsify the measurement results of the pressure sensors 10. The movements of the pump actuators of the dialysis machine, which push the film 2 into the pump chambers 6 and 6' and pull it out of these pump chambers, result in volume shifts inside the cassette, which can be detected by the pressure sensors 10. These movements of the pump actuators of the dialysis machine can thus cause disruptive pump effects, which, in addition to physical effects, can falsify pressure measurements using the pressure sensors 10.

[0072] Examples of pump effects include friction, pump play, and breakaway torque. Examples of physical effects include the inertia of the dialysis solution, the flow resistance of the tubing, or a potential taper in the patient line. All or at least a number of these disruptive effects can be avoided or reduced by means of the present invention. Fig. 3 illustrates the method steps carried out by a first pump (left side) and a second pump (right side) within the scope of an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 3, a time axis runs from top to bottom. The delay periods between the valve switching times of the first pump and the valve switching times of the second pump are shown in Fig. 3 as Δt. Even at first glance, it is therefore clear that the valve switching times of the first and second pumps differ in time.

[0073] In a first step S1, the valve on the first pump is switched to connect the pump to a patient access. The first pump then pumps the solution out of the patient in step S2. After the first pump has pumped the solution out of the patient in step S2, the solution is checked for air in step S3. Then, in step S4, the valves on the first pump are switched so that the first pump is connected to a drainage or outflow and, in a subsequent step, pumps the solution into the outflow.

[0074] The second pump first pumps the solution out of the patient in step S5. Then, in step S6, it checks whether the solution is free of air. In step S7, the valves of the second pump are switched so that the second pump is connected to the drainage or outflow, and in the subsequent step S8, it pumps the solution into the outflow.

[0075] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the valve switching times of the first pump in step S1 and the second pump in step S7 are offset in time and therefore diverge. The valve switching time of the second pump in step S7 is thus shifted by a delay period Δt relative to the valve switching time of the first pump in step S1.

[0076] In step S9, the valve is switched on the second pump to connect it to a patient access port. The second pump then pumps solution from the patient in step S10. The valve switching times of the first pump in step S4 and the second pump in step S9 are also staggered in time, as shown in Fig. 3, and therefore differ in time.

[0077] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of an optimization algorithm using a decision tree. Such an optimization algorithm can be executed, for example, by a controller of a device according to the invention. Using the decision algorithm shown, it is possible to logically determine for a specific point in time whether the second pump should be connected at that point in time. Initially, the algorithm starts at "Start."

[0078] Then, at diamond #1, a check is made to determine whether a final pump stroke has occurred. Such a final pump stroke can occur, for example, at the end of a phase, such as a run-down phase, when no more dialysate volume is contained in the patient. If a final pump stroke has occurred, the second pump is not coupled (for example, because no further dialysate is to be pumped during the run-down phase) and the algorithm is terminated. If no final pump stroke has occurred, the optimization algorithm proceeds to diamond #2.

[0079] At diamond 2, a check is made to determine whether a specific treatment type, such as pediatric, is present. If, for example, a pediatric treatment is present, the second pump is not connected and the algorithm is terminated. If no pediatric treatment is present, the optimization algorithm proceeds to diamond 3.

[0080] Diamond #3 checks whether a pumping pump, for example the first pump, has completed its movement. If the check shows that the pump has completed its movement, the second pump can be coupled. The check according to diamond #3 has the advantage that if a stroke of the first pumping pump was completed more quickly than expected, the second pump can be coupled directly as soon as the movement of the first pump has finished. This avoids unnecessary time delays and the activation time of the second pump can be individually adapted to the circumstances. If the check at diamond #3 shows that the pumping pump has not yet completed its movement, the optimization algorithm proceeds to diamond #4.

[0081] At diamond #4, a check is made to determine whether the pump speed of the delivering pump is high or above a certain threshold, above which valve switching only has a negligible impact on the pressure measurement. Such a threshold could be, for example, 100 ml / min. If the pump speed of the delivering pump exceeds the specified threshold, the second pump is connected. If the pump speed of the delivering pump is below the specified threshold, the optimization algorithm proceeds to diamond #5.

[0082] At diamond #5, a check is made to see whether the pumping pump, for example, the first pump, has finished its movement. If the check shows that the pump has finished its movement, the second pump can be connected. In this step, the second pump is therefore not connected until it is expected that the connection of the second pump will no longer have a disruptive effect on the operation of the first pump.

[0083] If the test at diamond #5 shows that the pump has not yet finished its movement, the test at diamond #5 is repeated until the pump has finished its movement.

Claims

Patent claims Device for dialysis treatment, in particular a device for peritoneal dialysis, with a first and a second discontinuous pump, which can be switched by means of at least two valves, and a control for generating a continuous volume flow of dialysate, characterized in that the control is designed to carry out at least one of the following steps: a) suspending at least one pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves; b) computational compensation of a portion of a result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves, which portion is based on device properties; c) shifting a valve switching time of the second pump so that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump;and d) adaptively shifting a valve switching time of the second pump so that this valve switching time does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump, wherein the controller preferably uses an optimization algorithm to determine a time to which the valve switching time of the second pump is shifted.; Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control is designed to carry out at least one of the steps in a run-in phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment and / or a run-out phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control is designed to only open a valve fluidically connecting the first pump to the second pump when the second pump has completely finished a last pump stroke and / or is inactive. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second pump each interact with a pump chamber formed in a disposable article in order to convey fluid, around the at least two valves are preferably each part of the disposable article.Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, within the scope of the computational compensation, a pressure profile associated with the device properties, in particular with a valve switching, is accessed from a database in order to identify and compensate for the portion of the result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves that is based on device properties. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller is designed to access the optimization algorithm for determining or pre-calculating a point in time to which the valve switching time of the second pump is shifted, wherein the optimization algorithm takes into account at least one of the following parameters at a given point in time: flow rate of the first and / or the second pump, preferably flow rate of the pump active at that time. Pump from the first and second pumps; last pumped pump chamber volume of the first and / or second pump, preferably flow rate of the pump active at that time from the first and second pumps; volume in the patient and type of treatment performed. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the optimization algorithm is designed to minimize a time delay between a valve switching time of the second pump for starting a pump stroke of the second pump and a valve switching time of the first pump upon completion of a pump stroke of the first pump.Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step c) involves shifting the valve switching time of the second pump by a fixed delay period starting from a valve switching time of the first pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with the valve switching time of the first pump. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step d) involves shifting the valve switching time of the second pump by a variable delay period, preferably determined individually for each valve switching operation by the optimization algorithm, starting from a valve switching time of the first pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with the valve switching time of the first pump.Method for generating a continuous volume flow of dialysate by means of a device for extracorporeal blood treatment, preferably a device for extracorporeal blood treatment according to one of claims 1 to 9, with a first and a second discontinuous pump which can be switched by means of at least two valves, the method comprising at least one of the following steps: a) suspending at least one. Pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves; b) computational compensation of a component of a result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves, said component being based on device properties; c) shifting a valve switching time of the second pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump; and d) adaptively shifting a valve switching time of the second pump such that this valve switching time does not coincide with a valve switching time of the first pump, wherein an optimization algorithm is preferably used to determine a time to which the valve switching time of the second pump is shifted.Method according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the steps is carried out in a run-in phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment and / or a run-down phase of a peritoneal dialysis treatment. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a valve fluidically connecting the first pump to the second pump is only opened when the second pump has completely completed a last pump stroke and / or is inactive. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, within the scope of the computational compensation, a pressure profile associated with the device properties, in particular with a valve switching, is used from a database in order to identify and compensate for the portion of the result of a pressure measurement during a switching time of at least one of the valves that is based on device properties.Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the optimization algorithm is used to determine or precalculate a point in time to which the valve switching point of the. second pump, wherein the optimization algorithm takes into account at least one of the following parameters at a given time: flow rate of the first and / or the second pump, preferably flow rate of the pump active at that time from the first and second pumps; last pumped pump chamber volume of the first and / or the second pump, preferably flow rate of the pump active at that time from the first and second pumps; volume in the patient and type of treatment performed. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the optimization algorithm is designed to minimize a time delay between a valve switching time of the second pump for starting a pump stroke of the second pump and a valve switching time of the first pump when ending a pump stroke of the first pump.Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that step c) includes shifting the valve switching time of the second pump by a fixed delay period starting from a valve switching time of the first pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with the valve switching time of the first pump. Method according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that step d) includes shifting the valve switching time of the second pump by a variable delay period, preferably determined individually for each valve switching operation by the optimization algorithm, starting from a valve switching time of the first pump such that the valve switching time of the second pump does not coincide with the valve switching time of the first pump.

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