Valves for extracorporeal blood treatment systems

The valve design with rotating body portions ensures smooth blood flow in extracorporeal systems, reducing hemolysis and thrombosis risks by maintaining continuous fluid communication paths, addressing manufacturing complexity and flow disruptions.

WO2025254756A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-12-11THE NEMOURS FOUND
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2025/027688
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-05
Filing Date
2025-05-05
Publication Date
2025-12-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing flow control valves in extracorporeal blood treatment systems are complex, difficult to manufacture, and cause changes in blood flow dynamics that can lead to clotting and blood cell damage.

Method used

A valve design with a first and second body portion that can rotate relative to each other, allowing for multiple fluid communication paths through overlapping passageways, minimizing disruptions and maintaining smooth blood flow.

Benefits of technology

The valve reduces the likelihood of hemolysis and thrombosis by ensuring continuous and uninterrupted blood flow, even during position changes, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of extracorporeal blood treatment systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A valve for an extracorporeal blood treatment system includes a first body portion having a first passageway and a second passageway. The valve further includes a second body portion that is movable relative to the first body portion from a first valve position to a second valve position. The second body portion includes a third passageway and a fourth passageway. In the first valve position the first passageway and the third passageway are in fluid communication and define a first substantially linear flow path and the second passageway and the fourth passageway are in fluid communication and define a second substantially linear flow path. In the second valve position the first passageway and the fourth passageway are in fluid communication and define a third substantially linear flow path and the second passageway and the third passageway are in fluid communication and define a fourth substantially linear flow path.
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Description

VALVES FOR EXTRACORPOREAL BLOOD TREATMENT SYSTEMSRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 656,268, filed June 5, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to valves for medical treatment systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hemolysis-reducing valves for extracorporeal blood treatment systems.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Various types of systems and methods are used to remove blood from the body of patient, treat the blood, and return the blood to the patient. For example, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems and methods treat severe cardiorespiratory failure and use an oxygenator to oxygenate the patient’s blood. As another example, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) systems and methods treat renal failure and use a filter to remove toxins from a patient’s blood. As yet another example, plasma exchange (PLEX) systems and methods replace a patient’s plasma with fresh donor plasma. However, typical flow control valves are complex and not easily manufacturable. Moreover, typical flow control valves can cause changes in blood flow dynamics that potentially lead to clotting and / or blood cell damage. Accordingly, improved valves for extracorporeal blood treatment systems would be beneficial.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a valve for an extracorporeal blood treatment system. The valve includes a first body portion having a first port and a second port, the first port having a first passageway and the second port having a second passageway. The valve further includes a second body portion coupled to the first body portion, and the second body portion is movable relative to the first body portion from a first valve position to a second valve position and vice versa. The second body portion includes a third port and a fourth port, the third port having a third passageway and the fourth port having a fourth passageway. In the first valve position the first passageway and the third passageway are in fluid communication and define a first substantially linear flow path through the valve and the second passageway and the fourth passageway are in fluid communication and define a second substantially linear flow path through the valve. In the second valve position the first passageway and the fourth passageway are in fluid communication and define a third substantially linear flow path through the valve and the second passageway and the third passageway are in fluid communication and define a fourth substantially linear flow path through the valve.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a valve for an extracorporeal blood treatment system. The valve includes a first body portion having a first port and a second port, the first port having a first longitudinal axis and the second port having a second longitudinal axis. The valve further includes a second body portion coupled to the first body portion, the second body portion being movable relative to the first body portion from a first valve position to a second valve position and vice versa. The second body portion includes a third port and a fourth port, and the third port has a third longitudinal axis and the fourth port has a fourth longitudinal axis. In the first valve position the first longitudinal axis is substantially colinear with the third longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is substantially colinear with the fourth longitudinal axis. In the second valve position the first longitudinal axis is substantially colinear with the fourth longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is substantially colinear with the third longitudinal axis.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a valve for anextracorporeal blood treatment system. The valve includes a first body portion having a first port and a second port, the first port having a first passageway and the second port having a second passageway. The valve further includes a second body portion coupled to the first body portion. The second body portion is movable relative to the first body portion from a first valve position to a second valve position and vice versa. The second body portion includes a third port and a fourth port, the third port having a third passageway and the fourth port having a fourth passageway. In the first valve position the first passageway and the third passageway substantially overlap at their interface and the second passageway and the fourth passageway substantially overlap at their interface. In the second valve position the first passageway and the fourth passageway substantially overlap at their interface and the second passageway and the third passageway substantially overlap at their interface.

[0007] In any of the embodiments the second body portion may be rotatable relative to the first body portion from the first valve position to the second valve position. The second body portion may be rotatable relative to the first body portion about a rotation axis, the rotation axis being substantially parallel to the first substantially linear flow path, the second substantially linear flow path, the third substantially linear flow path, and the fourth substantially linear flow path.

[0008] At least one of the first body portion and the second body portion may include at least one stop for contacting the other of the first body portion and the second body portion and limiting relative rotation.

[0009] The valve may include a protrusion and an annular recess coupling the first body portion to the second body portion, the annular recess movably receiving the protrusion. The first body portion may include mounting features.

[0010] In any of the embodiments, at least one of the first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port may include a tapered or barbed tip shape.

[0011] The foregoing and other features of the invention and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various respects, all withoutdeparting from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For illustrative purposes, the drawings show an embodiment which is presently preferred. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a valve for an extracorporeal blood treatment system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the valve of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a first portion of the valve of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the first portion of the valve along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second portion of the valve of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the second portion of the valve along line 6- 6 of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the valve of FIG. 1 in a first valve position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the valve along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the valve of FIG. 1 in a second valve position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the valve along line 10-10 of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a valve 100 for an extracorporeal blood treatment system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described in further detail below, the valve 100 defines various substantially linear flow paths therethrough. As a result, the valve 100 advantageously facilitates relatively smooth blood flow therethrough, thereby reducing the likelihood of causing hemolysis and / or thrombosis. While the valve 100 is described herein for use in an extracorporeal blood treatment system, it should be readily apparent that the valve 100 may be used in any system where it is necessary to control flow from a plurality of inlets to a plurality of outlets, for example two inlets to two outlets.

[0024] The valve 100 generally includes a first body portion 102 and second body portion 104 movably coupled to the first body portion 102. More specifically, the second body portion 104 is rotatably coupled to the first body portion 102 and rotatable about a rotation axis 105 relative to the first body portion 102. The first body portion 102 includes a first port 106 that couples to a first conduit 200 of the extracorporeal blood treatment system and a second port 108 that couples to a second conduit 202 of the extracorporeal blood treatment system. The first port 106 and the second port 108 may be inlet ports (that is, the first port 106 and the second port 108 receive fluids, particularly a patient’s blood, from the first conduit 200 and the second conduit 202, respectively) or outlet ports (that is, the first port 106 and the second port 108 deliver fluids to the first conduit 200 and the second conduit 202, respectively). The first port 106 and / or the second port 108 may have tapered tip shapes or barbs to facilitate coupling to the first conduit 200 and the second conduit 202, respectively.

[0025] The second body portion 104 similarly includes a third port 110 that couples to a third conduit 204 of the extracorporeal blood treatment system and a fourth port 112 that couples to a fourth conduit 206 of the extracorporeal blood treatment system. The third port 110 and the fourth port 112 may be the opposite type of ports as the firstport 106 and the second port 108. That is, the third port 110 and the fourth port 112 may be outlet ports (that is, the third port 110 and the fourth port 112 deliver fluids to the third conduit 204 and the fourth conduit 206, respectively) or inlet ports (that is, the third port 110 and the fourth port 112 receive fluids from the third conduit 204 and the fourth conduit 206, respectively). The third port 110 and / or the fourth port 112 may have tapered tip shapes or barbs to facilitate coupling to the third conduit 204 and the fourth conduit 206, respectively. The third port 110 and the fourth port 112 are in selective fluid communication with the first port 106 and the second port 108, and thereby the third conduit 204 and the fourth conduit 206 are in selective fluid communication with the first conduit 200 and the second conduit 202.

[0026] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first body portion 102 may include one or more mounting features 114, illustratively two mounting flanges, to facilitate coupling the valve 100 to a mounting structure (not shown - for example, another structure of the extracorporeal blood treatment system, a support surface, or the like). The second body portion 104 includes a coupler 116, illustratively a blind aperture (FIG. 1 ), for coupling to a prime mover, such as a servo motor’s output shaft 118. Accordingly, the prime mover is energized to move (more specifically, rotate) the second body portion 104 relative to the first body portion 102. In certain embodiments, the prime mover may be controlled using pulse width modulation or similar well known control mechanisms from rotating a device a predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the prime mover may alternatively or additionally include a transmission, such as a gear-based transmission or may be a linear actuator or similar device.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first body portion 102 of the valve 100 is further illustrated. The first body portion 102 generally includes a first base portion 120 from which the first port 106, the second port 108, and the mounting features 114 extend. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the first body portion 102 may be constructed as a monolithic component. In other embodiments, one or more features of first body portion 102, such as the first base portion 120, the first port 106, the second port 108, and / or the mounting features 114, may be constructed as separate components and coupled to each other. The first body portion 102 may be constructedof various medical grade materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polycarbonate, titanium, stainless steel, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or the like.

[0028] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first base portion 120 includes a chamber 122, more specifically a generally cylindrical shaped chamber 122, that receives at least part of the second body portion 104 of the valve 100. The chamber 122 is coupled to a first passageway 126 (FIG. 4) of the first port 106 and a second passageway 128 (FIG. 4) of the second port 108. The first passageway 126 extends along a first longitudinal axis 130 of the first port 106, and the second passageway 128 similarly extends along a second longitudinal axis 132 of the second port 108. Illustratively, the first longitudinal axis 130 and the second longitudinal axis 132 are substantially parallel to each other (as used herein, “substantially parallel” being understood to mean parallel ± 5 degrees), however, they need not be. In certain embodiments, the first longitudinal axis 130 and / or the second longitudinal axis 132 are substantially parallel to the rotation axis 105. Opposite the first port 106 and the second port 108, the first base portion 120 includes a first stop 134 near the opening of the chamber 122. The first stop 134 contacts and limits rotating movement of the second body portion 104 relative to the first body portion 102. In certain embodiments and as illustrated, the first stop 134 extends over an angle of about 90 degrees. Although a single stop 134 is shown it should be readily apparent that there may be two stops that protrude upward at separate prescribed circumferential locations on the first base portion 120.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second body portion 104 of the valve 100 is further illustrated. The second body portion 104 generally includes a second base portion 136 from which the third port 110 and the fourth port 112 extend. In some embodiments and as illustrated, the second body portion 104 may be constructed as a monolithic component. In other embodiments, one or more features of second body portion 104, such as the second base portion 136, the third port 110, and / or the fourth port 112, may be constructed as separate components and coupled to each other. The second body portion 104 may be constructed of various medical grade materials, such as PTFE, polycarbonate, titanium, stainless steel, PEEK, or the like.

[0030] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second base portion 136 includes a generally cylindrical shape and is configured to be received in the chamber 122 of the first body portion 102 of the valve 100. In some embodiments, the chamber 122 of the first body portion 102 includes a first coupler 124, such as an annular recess as illustrated, for coupling to a second coupler 138, such as one or more protrusions positioned in the annular recess as illustrated, of the second base portion 136. The first coupler 124 and the second coupler 138 inhibit the second body portion 104 from detaching from the first body portion 102, once the two components are attached to one another. The third port 110 includes a third passageway 140 (FIG. 6) that extends into the second base portion 136 and the fourth port 112 includes a fourth passageway 142 that extends into the second base portion 136. The third passageway 140 extends along a third longitudinal axis 144 of the third port 110, and the fourth passageway 142 similarly extends along a fourth longitudinal axis 146 of the fourth port 112.Illustratively, the third longitudinal axis 144 and the fourth longitudinal axis 146 are preferably substantially parallel to each other. In certain embodiments, the third longitudinal axis 144 and / or the fourth longitudinal axis 146 are substantially parallel to the rotation axis 105. Adjacent the third port 110 and the fourth port 112, the second base portion 136 includes a second stop 148. The second stop 148 contacts the first stop 134 of the first body portion 102 and thereby limits rotating movement of the second body portion 104 relative to the first body portion 102. In certain embodiments and as illustrated, the second stop 148 extends over an angle of about 90 degrees. As with the first stop 134, the second stop 148 may be formed as two stops that protrude radially outward at separate prescribed circumferential locations on the second base portion 136.

[0031] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the valve 100 in a first valve position. In the first valve position the first passageway 126 (FIG. 8) of the first port 106 and the third passageway 140 of the third port 110 are in fluid communication and define a first substantially linear flow path 150 through the valve 100 and, similarly, the second passageway 128 of the second port 108 and the fourth passageway 142 of the fourth port 112 are in fluid communication and define a second substantially linear flow path 152 through the valve 100 (as used herein, a “substantially linear flow path” includes no angles less than 175degrees and / or radii of curvature less than 12 inches). In some embodiments, in the first valve position the first substantially linear flow path 150 and / or the second substantially linear flow path 152 are substantially parallel to the rotation axis 105. In certain embodiments, in the first valve position the first longitudinal axis 130 of the first port 106 is substantially colinear with the third longitudinal axis 144 of the third port 110 and the second longitudinal axis 132 of the second port 108 is substantially colinear with the fourth longitudinal axis 146 of the fourth port 112 (as used herein, “substantially colinear” and variations thereof being understood to mean that two lines are as offset by no more than 0.1 inches and angled by no more than 5 degrees). In certain embodiments, a first side 154 of the second stop 148 contacts a first side 156 of the first stop 134.

[0032] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the valve 100 in a second valve position. In certain embodiments, the second body portion 104 of the valve 100 rotates relative to the first body portion 102 of the valve 100 to reconfigure the valve 100 from the first valve position to the second valve position and vice versa. The second body portion 104 may rotate by about 180 degrees relative to the first body portion 102. In the second valve position the first passageway 126 (FIG. 10) of the first port 106 and the fourth passageway 142 of the fourth port 112 are in fluid communication and define a third substantially linear flow path 158 through the valve 100 and, similarly, the second passageway 128 of the second port 108 and the third passageway 140 of the third port 110 are in fluid communication and define a fourth substantially linear flow path 160 through the valve 100. In some embodiments, in the second valve position the third substantially linear flow path 158 and / or the fourth substantially linear flow path 160 are substantially parallel to the rotation axis 105. In certain embodiments, in the second valve position the first longitudinal axis 130 of the first port 106 is substantially colinear with the fourth longitudinal axis 146 of the fourth port 112 and the second longitudinal axis 132 of the second port 108 is substantially colinear with the third longitudinal axis 144 of the third port 110. In certain embodiments, a second side 162 of the second stop 148 contacts a second side 164 of the first stop 134.

[0033] In some embodiments, the valve 100 causes substantially no disruptions to flow therethrough. More specifically, the valve 100 only disrupts flow for a brief timeperiod (for example, a few milliseconds or less) when the valve 100 reconfigures from the first position to the second position and vice versa. In contrast, other valves including ports that open and close may include areas of stagnation, which can potentially lead to clotting.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the valve 100 provides substantial overlap of the passageways at their interfaces. That is, in the first valve position (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8), the first passageway 126 of the first port 106 and the third passageway 140 of the third port 110 substantially overlap at their interface, and the second passageway 128 of the second port 108 and the fourth passageway 142 of the fourth port 112 substantially overlap at their interface. Similarly, in the second valve position (for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), the first passageway 126 of the first port 106 and the fourth passageway 142 of the fourth port 112 substantially overlap at their interface, and the second passageway 128 of the second port 108 and the third passageway 140 of the third port 110 substantially overlap at their interface. As used herein, “substantial overlap” and variations thereof are understood as meaning that the cross-sectional sizes of two passageways differ by at most 5 percent, and the centers of the two passageways are aligned within 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the valve 100 provides substantial overlap of the passageways at their interfaces without having substantially linear flow paths and / or aligned longitudinal axes of the ports. That is, in some embodiments the ports may be angled relative to each other and include flow paths with relatively large angles (for example, up to 135 degrees) and relatively tight radii of curvature (for example, radii of curvature as small as the internal flow path length).

[0035] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by this specific language, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0037] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.

[0038] The recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0039] Terms such as “about” or “approximately”, unless otherwise defined or restricted in the specification, should be understood to define a variance of plus or minus 5%-10% to the numerical term referred to.

[0040] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. The various embodiments and elements can be interchanged or combined in any suitable manner as necessary.

[0041] The use of directions, such as forward, rearward, top and bottom, upper and lower are with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings and, thus, should not be taken as restrictive. Reversing or flipping the embodiments in the drawings would, of course, result in consistent reversal or flipping of the terminology.

[0042] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 02 September 2025 (02.09.2025)1 . A valve for an extracorporeal blood treatment system, the valve comprising: a first body portion comprising a first port and a second port, the first port comprising a first linear passageway with a first longitudinal axis extending through the entire first port, and the second port comprising a second linear passageway with a second longitudinal axis extending through the entire second port, wherein the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel to one another; and a second body portion rotationally coupled to the first body portion, the second body portion being rotatable relative to the first body portion from a first valve position to a second valve position and vice versa, the second body portion comprising a third port and a fourth port, the third port comprising a third linear passageway with a third longitudinal axis extending through the entire third port, and the fourth port comprising a fourth linear passageway with a fourth longitudinal axis extending through the entire fourth port, wherein the third and fourth longitudinal axes are parallel to one another; wherein in the first valve position the first passageway and the third passageway are in fluid communication with their respective longitudinal axes being colinear and define a first substantially linear flow path completely through the valve to minimize any disruptions in blood flow therethrough, and the second passageway and the fourth passageway are in fluid communication with their respective longitudinal axes being colinear and define a second substantially linear flow path completely through the valve to minimize any disruptions in blood flow therethrough, and in the second valve position the first passageway and the fourth passageway are in fluid communication with their respective longitudinal axes being colinear and define a third substantially linear flow path completely through the valve to minimize any disruptions in blood flow therethrough, and the second passageway and the third passageway are in fluid communication with their respective longitudinal axes being colinear and define a fourth substantially linear flow path completely through the valve to minimize any disruptions in blood flow therethrough; and wherein the second body portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion about a rotational axis, the rotational axis being substantially parallel to the firstsubstantially linear flow path, the second substantially linear flow path, the third substantially linear flow path, and the fourth substantially linear flow path.

2. Cancelled.

3. Cancelled.

4. The valve of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion comprises at least one stop for contacting the other of the first body portion and the second body portion and limiting relative rotation.

5. The valve of claim 1 , further comprising at least one protrusion formed on an outside surface of one of the first body portion and the second body portion, and an annular recess formed in an inside surface of the other of the first body portion and the second body portion, the annular recess movably receiving the at least one protrusion for coupling the first body portion to the second body portion.

6. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the first body portion comprises mounting features.

7. The valve of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port comprises a tapered or barbed tip shape that protrudes outward from the first body portion or the second body portion as applicable.

8. A valve for an extracorporeal blood treatment system, the valve comprising: a first body portion comprising a first port and a second port, the first port having a first longitudinal axis extending through the entire first body portion from an outer tip of the first port through a first linear passageway, and the second port having a second longitudinal axis extending through the entire first body portion from an outer tip of the second port through a second linear passageway, wherein the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to one another; and a second body portion rotationally coupled to the first body portion, the second body portion being movable relative to the first body portion from a first valve position to a second valve position and vice versa, the second body portioncomprising a third port and a fourth port, and the third port having a third longitudinal axis extending through the entire second body portion from an outer tip of the third port through a third linear passageway, and the fourth port having a fourth longitudinal axis extending through the entire second body portion from an outer tip of the fourth port through a fourth linear passageway, wherein the third and fourth longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to one another; wherein in the first valve position the first longitudinal axis is substantially colinear with the third longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is substantially colinear with the fourth longitudinal axis so as to define a first and second continuous linear flow paths through the first and second body portions to minimize any disruptions in blood flow therethrough, and in the second valve position the first longitudinal axis is substantially colinear with the fourth longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is substantially colinear with the third longitudinal axis so as to define a third and fourth continuous linear flow paths through the first and second body portions to minimize any disruptions in blood flow therethrough; and wherein the second body portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion about a rotational axis, the rotational axis being substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis, the third longitudinal axis, and the fourth longitudinal axis.

9. Cancelled.

10. Cancelled.11 . The valve of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion comprises at least one stop for contacting the other of the first body portion and the second body portion and limiting relative rotation.

12. Cancelled.

13. The valve of claim 8, further comprising at least one protrusion formed on an outside surface of one of the first body portion and the second body portion, and an annular recess formed in an inside surface of the other of the first body portion andthe second body portion, the annular recess movably receiving the at least one protrusion for coupling the first body portion to the second body portion.

14. The valve of claim 8, wherein the first body portion comprises mounting features.

15. The valve of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port comprises a tapered or barbed tip shape that protrudes outward from the first body portion or the second body portion as applicable.

16. A valve for an extracorporeal blood treatment system, the valve comprising: a first body portion comprising a first port and a second port, the first port comprising a first linear passageway with a first longitudinal axis extending through the entire first port, and the second port comprising a second linear passageway with a second longitudinal axis extending through the entire second port, wherein the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to one another; and a second body portion coupled to the first body portion so that the second body portion rotates within a chamber of the first body portion, the second body portion being rotatable relative to the first body portion from a first valve position to a second valve position and vice versa, the second body portion comprising a third port and a fourth port, the third port comprising a third linear passageway with a third longitudinal axis extending through the entire third port, and the fourth port comprising a fourth linear passageway with a fourth longitudinal axis extending through the entire fourth port, wherein the third and fourth longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to one another; wherein in the first valve position the first passageway and the third passageway substantially overlap at their interface with their respective longitudinal axes being colinear, and the second passageway and the fourth passageway substantially overlap at their interface with their respective longitudinal axes being colinear, and in the second valve position the first passageway and the fourth passageway substantially overlap at their interface with their respective longitudinal axes being colinear, and the second passageway and the third passageway substantially overlap at their interface with their respective longitudinal axes being colinear; andwherein the second body portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion about a rotational axis, the rotational axis being substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis, the third longitudinal axis, and the fourth longitudinal axis.

17. Cancelled.

18. The valve of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion comprises at least one stop for contacting the other of the first body portion and the second body portion and limiting relative rotation.

19. The valve of claim 16, further comprising at least one protrusion formed on an outside surface of one of the first body portion and the second body portion, and an annular recess formed in an inside surface of the other of the first body portion and the second body portion, the annular recess movably receiving the at least one protrusion for coupling the first body portion to the second body portion.

20. The valve of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port comprises a tapered or barbed tip shape that protrudes outward from the first body portion or the second body portion as applicable.21 . The valve of claim 5, wherein the at least one protrusion is at least two spaced apart protrusions formed on the outside surface of the second body portion and the annular recess is formed on an inside wall of a cylindrical chamber formed in the first body portion.

22. The valve of claim 1 , further comprising a coupler formed in or attached to the second body portion and configured to engage with a motor for rotating the second body portion relative to the first body portion about the rotational axis.

23. The valve of claim 13, wherein the at least one protrusion is at least two spaced apart protrusions formed on the outside surface of the second body portionand the annular recess is formed on an inside wall of a cylindrical chamber formed in the first body portion.

24. The valve of claim 8, further comprising a coupler formed in or attached to the second body portion and configured to engage with a motor for rotating the second body portion relative to the first body portion about the rotational axis.

25. The valve of claim 19, wherein the at least one protrusion is at least two spaced apart protrusions formed on the outside surface of the second body portion and the annular recess is formed on an inside wall of a cylindrical chamber formed in the first body portion.

26. The valve of claim 15, further comprising a coupler formed in or attached to the second body portion and configured to engage with a motor for rotating the second body portion relative to the first body portion about the rotational axis.

Citation Information

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