Personal dialyzer, method for managing residual amount of chemical solution, and method for managing residual amount of concentrate

Abstract

Provided is a personal dialyzer that enables visual confirmation of a remaining amount of a chemical solution or a concentrate with a simple configuration while suppressing an increase in cost. A personal dialyzer (100) comprises: a chemical solution tank (95, 96) for storing a chemical solution for cleaning a pipe (5) and a chemical solution solenoid valve (81, 82), and / or a concentrate tank (93, 94) for storing a concentrate of a dialysis solution and a concentrate solenoid valve (83, 84); a chemical solution / concentrate usage determination unit (51) that determines the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate sucked by a pump (86); a chemical solution / concentrate remaining amount calculation unit (52) that calculates a chemical solution / concentrate remaining amount on the basis of the amount determined by the chemical solution / concentrate usage determination unit (51); a chemical solution / concentrate remaining amount determination unit (55) that determines whether the chemical solution / concentrate remaining amount is less than a prescribed reference amount; and a display unit (60) that displays a notification when the chemical solution / concentrate remaining amount is determined to be less than the prescribed reference amount.

Description

Personal dialysis device, method for managing remaining amount of chemical solution, and method for managing remaining amount of stock solution

[0001] The present invention relates to a personal dialysis device that purifies a patient's blood while circulating it extracorporeally, a method for managing the remaining amount of a chemical solution used in the personal dialysis device, and a method for managing the stock solution of the dialysate.

[0002] Proteins, bacteria, etc., may adhere to the pipes of the personal dialysis device. This adhesion occurs during dialysis treatment. Cleaning of the pipes of the personal dialysis device is performed for the purpose of removing this adherent. The liquid used for cleaning the pipes is called a chemical solution.

[0003] In the personal dialysis device, a tank may be attached to the personal dialysis device. Examples of the liquid filled in the tank are a chemical solution and the stock solution of the dialysate. Examples of the chemical solution are sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid, and peracetic acid. During pipe cleaning, a pump sucks the chemical solution. The pump sends the sucked chemical solution to the personal dialysis device. The sending is performed for the pipes of the personal dialysis device. By sending this chemical solution, the pipes are cleaned.

[0004] In order to appropriately perform the cleaning of the pipes of the personal dialysis device, a necessary amount of the chemical solution needs to be filled in the tank. In order to appropriately perform dialysis treatment, a necessary amount of the stock solution of the dialysate needs to be filled in the tank.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to the management of the remaining amount of a chemical solution. Patent Document 1 discloses placing the chemical solution in a machine room separate from the dialysis room in a medical institution such as a hospital. The remaining amount of the chemical solution placed in the machine room is detected in real time.

[0006] Japanese Patent No. 4975340

[0007] A technique for managing the remaining amount of the chemical solution in the tank or the remaining amount of the stock solution in the tank with simple equipment that can also be applied to the personal dialysis device has not been proposed so far. At least one of the remaining amount of the chemical solution and the remaining amount of the stock solution is called the remaining amount of the chemical solution stock solution.

[0008] Tanks are often located away from the patient, such as behind personal dialysis machines. It is difficult for healthcare professionals to visually check the remaining amount of concentrated dialysis solution in the tank. If the tank is colored, visually checking the remaining amount of concentrated dialysis solution becomes even more difficult.

[0009] It is possible to monitor the remaining amount of concentrated dialysis solution by placing sensors in the tank. However, sensors are not inexpensive. Using sensors would increase the cost of personal dialysis machines.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a personal dialysis device that allows for visual confirmation of the remaining amount of undiluted drug solution with a simple configuration, while suppressing cost increases.

[0011] The personal dialysis apparatus of the present invention is a personal dialysis apparatus used for dialysis treatment, and further comprises a pump, a chemical solution tank for storing a chemical solution for cleaning piping and a chemical solution solenoid valve disposed between the chemical solution tank and the pump, and a concentrate tank for storing a concentrate for dialysis fluid and a concentrate solenoid valve disposed between the concentrate tank and the pump, wherein the pump aspirates at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate, and the chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit determines the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate aspirated by the pump, and the chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit The system includes: a chemical concentrate remaining amount calculation unit that calculates the remaining amount of chemical concentrate, which is the remaining amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate in at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate tank, based on the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate that has been sucked up by the pump as determined by the unit; a chemical concentrate remaining amount determination unit that determines whether the remaining amount of chemical concentrate calculated by the chemical concentrate remaining amount calculation unit is less than a predetermined standard amount; and a display unit that displays that the remaining amount of chemical concentrate is less than a predetermined standard amount when the chemical concentrate remaining amount determination unit determines that the remaining amount of chemical concentrate is less than a predetermined standard amount.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a personal dialysis device that allows for visual confirmation of the remaining amount of undiluted drug solution with a simple configuration, while suppressing cost increases.

[0013] This figure shows an overview of dialysis treatment using the personal dialysis machine of this embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tank and the personal dialysis machine. This figure shows the external appearance of the personal dialysis machine. This figure shows the external appearance of the personal dialysis machine. This is a functional block diagram of the control unit and the display unit. This is a flowchart showing the flow of managing the remaining amount of concentrated drug solution. This figure shows the display of the display unit. This figure shows an example of a notification from the notification unit. This figure shows an example of a notification from the notification unit. This figure shows an example of a notification from the notification unit. This figure shows an example of a notification from the notification unit. This figure shows an example of a notification from the notification unit. This figure shows an example of a reset button. This figure shows an example of a setting change button. This is a block diagram showing other configurations of the tank and the personal dialysis machine.

[0014] Embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described based on the drawings. The personal dialysis machine 100 of this embodiment is a device used for dialysis treatment. In the personal dialysis machine 100, the piping can be cleaned.

[0015] Figure 1 shows an overview of dialysis treatment using hemodialysis 1. Hemodialysis 1 includes a dialyzer 10, a blood circuit 20, a dialysate circuit 30, and a personal dialysis machine 100 (or a dialysis monitoring device).

[0016] The blood circuit 20 includes an arterial blood line 21 and a venous blood line 22. The arterial blood line 21 is the line for drawing blood from the patient 200. The venous blood line 22 is the line for returning blood to the patient 200. A blood pump 23 is located in the arterial blood line 21. The blood pump 23 is installed in the personal dialysis machine 100.

[0017] The dialysate circuit 30 includes a dialysate chamber 31, a dialysate supply line 32, a dialysate inlet line 33, a dialysate outlet line 34, and a dialysate discharge line 35. The piping that is cleaned during pipe cleaning includes the RO water (or dialysate) supply line 32, the dialysate inlet line 33, the dialysate outlet line 34, and the dialysate discharge line 35.

[0018] The personal dialysis machine 100 includes a control unit 50 and a display unit 60. The control unit 50 controls each part of the personal dialysis machine 100. The display unit 60 displays various information related to dialysis treatment. The display unit 60 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 60 may also include a touch panel. The touch panel enables input of set values ​​and the like from the display unit 60 to the control unit 50.

[0019] Blood from the arterial blood line 21 is drawn into the blood pump 23 and introduced into the dialyzer 10. Dialysis fluid is introduced into the dialyzer 10 from the dialysate introduction line 33.

[0020] Inside the dialyzer 10, solutes and water move between the blood and the dialysate, separated by the dialysate membrane. This movement allows for hemodialysis.

[0021] Dialysis fluid flows through the dialysate outlet line 34. The dialysate fluid contains water and solutes that have moved from the blood. The dialysate fluid is discharged outside the personal dialysis machine 100 through the dialysate discharge line 35.

[0022] The control unit 50 controls the flow of blood and dialysate during dialysis treatment. The control unit 50 also controls the flow of chemicals during pipe cleaning.

[0023] The configuration of the personal dialysis machine 100 will be explained based on Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tank and the personal dialysis machine 100.

[0024] In the personal dialysis machine 100, the stock solutions for the dialysate are Agent A and Agent B. Agents A and B are mixed with RO water and used as dialysate. The chemicals are sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid. Sodium hypochlorite is sometimes referred to as "hypochlorite". Hypochlorite and acetic acid are usually diluted with RO water and used for washing at a predetermined concentration.

[0025] The personal dialysis machine 100 includes a solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite, a solenoid valve 82 for acetic acid, a solenoid valve 83 for concentrate A, a solenoid valve 84 for concentrate B, an RO water solenoid valve 85, a pump 86, and piping 5. The solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite and the solenoid valve 82 for acetic acid are drug solution solenoid valves. The solenoid valve 83 for concentrate A, the solenoid valve 84 for concentrate B, and the RO water solenoid valve 85 are concentrate solenoid valves. The solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite, the solenoid valve 82 for acetic acid, the solenoid valve 83 for concentrate A, the solenoid valve 84 for concentrate B, and the RO water solenoid valve 85 are connected to the pump 86. The solenoid valve 83 for concentrate A, the solenoid valve 84 for concentrate B, and the RO water solenoid valve 85 are combined into a single line and then connected to the pump 86. The pump 86 is connected to piping 5. The pump 86 draws in at least one of agent A, agent B, RO water, sodium hypochlorite, and acetic acid.

[0026] The hypochlorite solenoid valve 81 is connected to the hypochlorite chemical tank 95. The acetic acid solenoid valve 82 is connected to the acetic acid chemical tank 96. The concentrated solution A solenoid valve 83 is connected to the concentrated solution A tank 93. The concentrated solution B solenoid valve 84 is connected to the concentrated solution B tank 94. The RO water solenoid valve 85 is connected to the RO water tank 97. The RO water tank 97 may be an RO water supply device. The hypochlorite chemical tank 95 and the acetic acid chemical tank 96 are chemical solution tanks. The concentrated solution A tank 93 and the concentrated solution B tank 94 are concentrated solution tanks.

[0027] Sodium hypochlorite is filled into chemical tank 95. Acetic acid is filled into chemical tank 96. Agent A is filled into concentrate tank A3. Agent B is filled into concentrate tank B4. RO water is filled into RO water tank 97.

[0028] This section describes the operation of the A concentrate solenoid valve 83, the B concentrate solenoid valve 84, and the RO water solenoid valve 85 during dialysis treatment. Agents A and B are liquids. When agents A and B are mixed, calcium carbonate crystals are formed. These calcium carbonate crystals may adversely affect components in the personal dialysis machine 100. The water flow should be controlled to prevent the mixing of agents A and B.

[0029] The order of water flow is Agent A, RO water, Agent B, RO water. The A concentrate solenoid valve 83, the B concentrate solenoid valve 84, and the RO water solenoid valve 85 open one by one in the order of A concentrate solenoid valve 83, RO water solenoid valve 85, B concentrate solenoid valve 84, and RO water solenoid valve 85, and the rest close. One of the A concentrate solenoid valve 83, B concentrate solenoid valve 84, and RO water solenoid valve 85 opens at the same time. The pump 86 operates at least while one of the A concentrate solenoid valve 83, B concentrate solenoid valve 84, and RO water solenoid valve 85 is open. During dialysis treatment, the hypochlorite solenoid valve 81 and the acetic acid solenoid valve 82 are closed.

[0030] This section describes the operation of the solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite and the solenoid valve 82 for acetic acid during pipe cleaning. The target of pipe cleaning is pipe 5. Pipe cleaning is performed using either sodium hypochlorite alone or a combination of sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid alternately. During pipe cleaning, the solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite and the solenoid valve 82 for acetic acid open. Pump 86 operates. When pump 86 operates, the chemical solution is sent from the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95 or the chemical solution tank acetic acid 96 to pipe 5. The sent chemical solution is diluted with RO water (not shown) to clean pipe 5 at the desired concentration. When sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid are mixed, chlorine gas is generated. Since inhalation of this gas can cause serious injury, the solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite and the solenoid valve 82 for acetic acid do not open simultaneously. During pipe cleaning, the solenoid valve 83 for concentrated solution A, the solenoid valve 84 for concentrated solution B, and the solenoid valve 85 for RO water close. Alternatively, by connecting piping, the A concentrate solenoid valve 83, B concentrate solenoid valve 84, and RO water solenoid valve 85 can be opened to flush the A concentrate solenoid valve 83, B concentrate solenoid valve 84, and RO water solenoid valve 85 (additional piping is not shown).

[0031] The personal dialysis machine 100 will be described based on Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 show the external appearance of the personal dialysis machine 100. Figure 3 shows the front and one side of the personal dialysis machine 100. Figure 4 shows the rear and the other side of the personal dialysis machine 100.

[0032] The personal dialysis machine 100 is equipped with an operation unit 57 and a display unit 60. Drug solution tank A material 93 and drug solution tank B material 94 are located on the side of the personal dialysis machine 100, and concentrate tank hypochlorite 95 and concentrate tank acetic acid 96 are located on the rear of the personal dialysis machine 100. An RO water tank 97 (not shown) is located near the personal dialysis machine 100. The locations of drug solution tank A material 93, drug solution tank B material 94, concentrate tank hypochlorite 95, concentrate tank acetic acid 96, and RO water tank 97 may be rearranged, and Figures 3 and 4 also show the appearance with concentrate tank hypochlorite 95 and concentrate tank acetic acid 96 located on the side.

[0033] This section describes the management of the remaining amount of concentrated drug solution. Managing the remaining amount of concentrated drug solution includes detecting the remaining amount and providing notification when the amount of concentrated drug solution becomes low. In the personal dialysis machine 100 of this embodiment, medical personnel can easily visually recognize when the amount of concentrated drug solution is insufficient. Therefore, during dialysis treatment, it is possible to know in advance that insufficient drug solution will result in inadequate cleaning of the personal dialysis machine 100 after dialysis, and to prepare the drug solution for cleaning during dialysis. Furthermore, the personal dialysis machine 100 does not use a liquid level sensor or a weight sensor to detect the remaining amount of concentrated drug solution. Therefore, the cost of the personal dialysis machine 100 is reduced.

[0034] The control unit 50 and the display unit 60 will be described based on Figure 5. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 50 and the display unit 60. The control unit 50 includes a drug concentrate usage determination unit 51, a drug concentrate remaining amount calculation unit 52, a storage unit 53, a drug concentrate required amount calculation unit 54, and a drug concentrate remaining amount determination unit 55.

[0035] The chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit 51 is the part that determines whether or not at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate has been used. The chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit 51 also determines the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate that has been drawn up by the pump 86. The chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit 51 determines whether or not at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate has been used by sensing the rotation of the pump 86. The chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit 51 determines the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate that has been drawn up by the pump 86 by sensing the rotation of the pump 86.

[0036] The remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution calculation unit 52 is the part that calculates the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution when at least one of the chemical solution and the undiluted solution has been used. The remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution calculation unit 52 calculates the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution based on the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the undiluted solution that the pump 86 has drawn up, as determined by the undiluted chemical solution usage determination unit 51.

[0037] The memory unit 53 is a part that stores setting values ​​such as the cleaning conditions for the piping 5.

[0038] The drug solution concentrate required amount calculation unit 54 is the part that calculates the amount of drug solution required for a predetermined number of washes. The drug solution concentrate required amount calculation unit 54 reads a set value stored in the storage unit 53 from the storage unit 53. Based on the read set value, the drug solution concentrate required amount calculation unit 54 calculates the required amount of drug solution. The drug solution concentrate required amount calculation unit 54 may also calculate the amount of concentrate required for dialysis treatment.

[0039] The drug solution concentrate remaining amount determination unit 55 is responsible for determining whether the remaining amount of drug solution concentrate is less than a predetermined standard amount. The determination is made based on the amount of at least one of the drug solution and concentrate used. The drug solution concentrate remaining amount determination unit 55 transmits the determination result to the display unit. An example of the standard amount of drug solution remaining is the amount of drug solution required for one wash. An example of the standard amount of concentrate remaining is the amount of concentrate required for a unit of time, for example, 0.5 hours of dialysis treatment.

[0040] The display unit 60 includes a notification unit 61. A user is defined as a patient 200 or a medical professional using the personal dialysis machine 100. The notification unit 61 is the part that notifies the user of the remaining amount of the drug solution concentrate. The notification unit 61 may also notify the user that the remaining amount of the drug solution concentrate has fallen below a predetermined standard amount.

[0041] The content of the notification from the notification unit 61 varies depending on the determination result of the drug concentrate remaining amount determination unit 55. If the determination result is that "the amount of drug concentrate remaining is less than a predetermined standard amount," the notification unit 61 will provide the user with a notification that differs from the normal notification of the amount of drug concentrate remaining. The notification unit 61 will notify the user that the amount of drug concentrate remaining is less than a predetermined standard amount through this different notification.

[0042] The exchange of information between the control unit 50 and the display unit 60 is not only from the control unit 50 to the display unit 60. There is also information that goes from the display unit 60 to the control unit 50. An example of this is when the information input to the display unit 60 via the touch panel is input to the storage unit 53.

[0043] The operations of the control unit 50 and the display unit 60, as well as each part included therein, may be controlled by software.

[0044] An example of detecting the remaining amount of the stock solution of the chemical solution will be described. The description will take the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95 as an example. The same applies to other tanks.

[0045] The size of the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95 to be used is set. The setting is performed by input from the display unit 60. The size of the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95 means the capacity of the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95.

[0046] The user can select the capacity of the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95. The user stores the selected capacity of the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95 in the storage unit 53. Hereinafter, the capacity of the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95 is set to 2000 mL.

[0047] The storage unit 53 stores the chemical solution tank hypochlorite 95, the chemical solution filling amount, the dialysis fluid flow rate, the chemical solution dilution rate, the cleaning time, etc. The chemical solution filling amount is the amount of chemical solution required to fill the pipe 5 to be cleaned with the chemical solution. The dialysis fluid flow rate is the flow rate at which the dialysis fluid flows during dialysis treatment. As an example, the flow rate at which the chemical solution flows during cleaning is the same as the dialysis fluid flow rate. The chemical solution and the dialysis fluid flow through the pipe 5 via the same pump 86. The pump 86 operates under the same conditions during dialysis treatment and during cleaning, but may also operate under different conditions.

[0048] The pump 86 may be a metering pump. If the pump 86 is a metering pump, precise control of the flow rate based on the rotation of the pump 86 becomes possible. An example of the control is 1 mL / rotation.

[0049] When the solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite opens and the pump 86 rotates 100 times, 100 mL of sodium hypochlorite is used. The capacity of the chemical tank hypochlorite 95 is 2000 mL, and it is assumed that the chemical tank hypochlorite 95 was filled with 2000 mL of sodium hypochlorite. The remaining amount of sodium hypochlorite is 2000 mL - 100 mL = 1900 mL.

[0050] The calculated remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution is displayed on the display unit 60. The undiluted chemical solution remaining amount determination unit 55 compares the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution with the amount of chemical solution required for one wash stored in the memory unit 53. Based on this comparison, the undiluted chemical solution remaining amount determination unit 55 determines whether or not the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution is insufficient. The result of the determination is displayed on the display unit 60. The display is especially performed when the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution is insufficient.

[0051] Based on Figure 6, the flow of managing the remaining amount of concentrated chemical solution will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the flow of managing the remaining amount of concentrated chemical solution. In Figure 6 and the explanation below, S1 means Step 1. The same applies to S2 and subsequent steps.

[0052] (S1) A chemical solution tank 95 filled with sodium hypochlorite is installed. Alternatively, sodium hypochlorite is filled into the chemical solution tank 95. The memory unit 53 stores the capacity of the chemical solution tank 95, or the amount of sodium hypochlorite filled into the chemical solution tank 95.

[0053] (S2) The solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite is opened. The pump 86 is turned on. As a result, sodium hypochlorite is sent into the piping 5.

[0054] (S3) The chemical solution undilution usage determination unit 51 determines how many rotations the pump 86 makes with the hypochlorite solenoid valve 81 open. The memory unit 53 stores the number of rotations.

[0055] (S4) The chemical solution undilution usage determination unit 51 calculates the amount of sodium hypochlorite that has been aspirated based on the rotation speed. The chemical solution undilution remaining amount calculation unit 52 calculates the remaining amount of chemical solution undilution by subtracting the amount of sodium hypochlorite that has been aspirated from the amount of sodium hypochlorite that was filled in the chemical solution tank 95.

[0056] (S5) The drug concentrate remaining amount determination unit 55 determines whether the remaining amount of drug concentrate is less than a predetermined standard amount. The predetermined standard amount is calculated by the drug concentrate required amount calculation unit 54 based on information stored in the storage unit 53.

[0057] (S6) If the determination in S5 is "no", the notification unit 61 displays the normal remaining amount of undiluted drug solution. This is because the remaining amount of undiluted drug solution is equal to or greater than the standard amount.

[0058] (S7) If the result of S5 is "yes", the notification unit 61 displays the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution in case of shortage. The flow is now complete.

[0059] The detection of the remaining amount of undiluted drug solution and the display on the display unit 60 will be explained. Figure 7A shows the display contents of the display unit 60. A notification unit 61 is located within the display unit 60. The notification unit 61 occupies a portion of the display contents of the display unit 60. The notification unit 61 may be located in a separate part from the display unit 60.

[0060] The notification unit 61 displays the remaining amount of the undiluted chemical solution. In the example in Figure 7A, it displays "2.0 L, Acid 2.0 L". This indicates that the remaining amount of sodium hypochlorite is 2.0 L and the remaining amount of acetic acid is 2.0 L. For example, if it is the undiluted solution, it will display "A 11.0 L, B 11.0 L". This indicates that the remaining amount of agent A is 11.0 L and the remaining amount of agent B is 11.0 L.

[0061] In the following explanation, the capacity of chemical tank hypochlorite 95 and chemical tank acetic acid 96 shall both be 2000 mL. Pump 86 shall be a metering pump. The flow rate of pump 86 shall be 1 mL / revolution.

[0062] Figures 8A to 8D show examples of notifications from the notification unit 61. Figures 8A and 8B show the normal display of the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution. The normal display of the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution is shown when the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution is not below a predetermined standard amount. Figures 8C and 8D show the display of the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution when there is a shortage. The display of the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution when there is a shortage is shown when the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution is below a predetermined standard amount.

[0063] When chemical tanks 95 (hypochlorite) and 96 (acetic acid) are filled with 2000 mL of sodium hypochlorite or acetic acid, the notification from the notification unit 61 will be as shown in Figure 8A. The notification shown in Figure 8A indicates that chemical tank 95 is filled with 2000 mL of sodium hypochlorite and chemical tank 96 is filled with 2000 mL of acetic acid.

[0064] Let's consider the case where cleaning is performed. Assume that during cleaning, the solenoid valve 81 for hypochlorite is open and the pump 86 rotates 100 times. 100 mL of sodium hypochlorite is used. The remaining amount of sodium hypochlorite in the chemical tank 95 is 2000 mL - 100 mL = 1900 mL.

[0065] Assume that the solenoid valve 82 for acetic acid is open and the pump 86 rotates at 1000 revolutions per minute. 1000 mL of acetic acid is used. The remaining amount of acetic acid in the chemical tank acetic acid 96 is 2000 mL - 1000 mL = 1000 mL.

[0066] The amount of chemical solution required for cleaning is explained. The amount of chemical solution required for cleaning is determined based on the information stored in the memory unit 53.

[0067] For one wash cycle, assuming a drug solution filling volume of 50 mL, a dialysate flow rate of 500 mL / min, a dilution ratio of 120 times, and a wash time of 30 minutes, the required amount of drug solution is 50 + 500 / (120 × A) × 30 = 206.25 mL. A is a coefficient. The coefficient A is set to 0.8. The coefficient A can be set appropriately according to the configuration of the personal dialysis machine 100. The appropriate value for coefficient A is between 0.6 and 1.0.

[0068] The chemical solution concentrate remaining amount determination unit 55, when determining whether the amount of chemical solution remaining is sufficient, uses a standard amount equivalent to one wash. The remaining amount of sodium hypochlorite concentrate is 1900 mL. The remaining amount of acetic acid concentrate is 1000 mL. The remaining amount of sodium hypochlorite concentrate (1900 mL) is 206.25 mL or more. The remaining amount of acetic acid concentrate (1000 mL) is 206.25 mL or more. The determination is that there is sufficient chemical solution remaining for washing.

[0069] The notification from the notification unit 61 is shown in Figure 8B. The notification shown in Figure 8B indicates that 1900 mL of sodium hypochlorite is filled into the hypochlorite tank 95, and 1000 mL of acetic acid is filled into the acetic acid tank 96. The remaining amounts of sodium hypochlorite and acetic acid are greater than or equal to the amount of chemical solution required for one cleaning cycle. The notification only displays the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution. The notification does not include any alarm (notification) displays.

[0070] In typical notifications, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the background color of the display is white. The text color for the remaining amount of undiluted drug solution is black.

[0071] Assume that dialysis treatment and pipe cleaning have been repeated. The remaining amount of sodium hypochlorite is 200 mL. The remaining amount of acetic acid is 500 mL. The remaining amount of sodium hypochlorite (200 mL) is less than the amount of chemical solution required for one cleaning cycle (206.25 mL).

[0072] The notification from the notification unit 61 is shown in Figure 8C. In the notification shown in Figure 8C, "Hypochlorite 200 mL" is displayed in red. By changing the color of the text from that of a normal notification, the fact that the remaining amount of undiluted drug solution is insufficient is emphasized. Red is an example. The text color may be any other color. The text may also be emphasized by making it bold or by flashing.

[0073] The background color of the notification may be changed from that of a normal notification. Figure 8D shows a notification with a changed background color. When the remaining amount of concentrated chemical solution is insufficient, the background color may be yellow. The background color may be highlighted by alternating white and yellow lighting. The reason why the remaining amount of concentrated acetic acid solution is 2000 mL in the notification example shown in Figure 8D will be explained later.

[0074] The notification examples shown in Figures 8A to 8D are illustrative. The content of the notification unit 61 can be changed as appropriate. When making changes, the size of the notification unit 61 and the visibility of the notification content may be considered. Figure 7B shows another notification example. In the notification example shown in Figure 7B, the notification content is displayed as an icon. Sodium hypochlorite is abbreviated as "the following." Acetic acid is abbreviated as "acid." By abbreviating, the numerical display becomes larger. Also, the visibility of the notification content is improved. Notification is not limited to notification via the notification unit 61. Notification by at least one of sound and light may be used in combination with notification via the notification unit 61.

[0075] A button for resetting the remaining amount of concentrated drug solution may be provided. Suppose the user has refilled the tank with drug solution. The user presses the button for resetting the remaining amount of concentrated drug solution, for example, by long-pressing it. When the button is pressed, the remaining amount of drug solution stored in the memory unit 53 is reset to (for example, 2000 mL).

[0076] Figure 9A shows a button for resetting the remaining amount of the chemical concentrate. A button may be provided for each chemical and concentrate. Multiple buttons may be provided. If two buttons are provided, Chemical Solution 1 Reset 62 and Chemical Solution 2 Reset 63, Chemical Solution 1 Reset 62 may correspond to resetting the remaining amount of sodium hypochlorite concentrate. Chemical Solution 2 Reset 63 may correspond to resetting the remaining amount of acetic acid concentrate.

[0077] Suppose the user replenishes the acetic acid in the chemical solution tank acetic acid 96. The user then presses and holds the chemical solution 2 reset button 63. As a result, the remaining amount of concentrated acetic acid is reset.

[0078] Examples of locations where the buttons for resetting chemical solution 1 (62) and resetting chemical solution 2 (63) are located are the display unit (60) or the operation unit (57). Alternatively, instead of resetting, the user may be able to directly input the amount of chemical solution refilled into the tank as a numerical value.

[0079] Figure 8D shows the notification from the notification unit 61 after the drug solution 2 reset button 63 is pressed and the remaining amount of acetic acid drug solution concentrate is reset. In the notification from the notification unit 61, the remaining amount of acetic acid drug solution concentrate is 2000 mL.

[0080] The reference amount used to determine the remaining amount of undiluted chemical solution can be changed as appropriate. For example, the reference amount of undiluted chemical solution may be changed from the amount of chemical solution required for one wash to the amount of chemical solution required for two or more washes. This change is made by modifying the setting value stored in the memory unit 53.

[0081] A dedicated button for changing settings may be provided. Figure 9B shows an example of a setting change button 64. The setting change button 64 changes the standard amount for determining insufficient chemical solution from one wash to two washes. By pressing and holding the setting change button 64, the standard amount for determining insufficient chemical solution is changed. The setting change button 64 may be located on the display unit 60 or the operation unit 57. Alternatively, for example, if using undiluted solution, it may be a button to change from 0.5 hours to 1 hour, or the user may be able to directly input the time numerically. For example, it may be in units of one minute.

[0082] Based on Figure 10, other components of the personal dialysis machine 100 will be described. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the tank and other components of the personal dialysis machine 100. In the personal dialysis machine 100 shown in Figure 2, both the dialysis fluid concentrates A and B were liquids. In the personal dialysis machine 100 shown in Figure 10, concentrate B is a powder. The personal dialysis machine 100 shown in Figure 10 will be described focusing on the differences from the personal dialysis machine 100 shown in Figure 2.

[0083] Agent B may also be in powder form. If Agent B is in powder form, RO water is passed through it. A saturated solution of Agent B is prepared using the RO water. Dialysis is performed using this saturated solution.

[0084] In the personal dialysis machine 100 shown in Figure 10, the configuration related to agent B differs from that of the personal dialysis machine 100 shown in Figure 2. The personal dialysis machine 100 shown in Figure 10 is equipped with a concentrate tank for agent B powder 98 instead of a concentrate tank for agent B 94. The concentrate tank for agent B powder 98 stores powdered agent B. In addition, the personal dialysis machine 100 shown in Figure 10 is equipped with a solenoid valve for agent B 87 in addition to the solenoid valve for concentrate B 84.

[0085] During dialysis treatment, the solenoid valve 87 for agent B opens. When the solenoid valve 87 for agent B opens, RO water flows from the RO water tank 97 through the solenoid valve 87 for agent B to the concentrate tank agent B powder 98. In the concentrate tank agent B powder 98, a saturated solution of agent B is prepared with RO water. The concentrate tank agent B powder 98 is constantly filled with a saturated solution of agent B.

[0086] Once a saturated solution of agent B is prepared and stored, the A concentrate solenoid valve 83, the B concentrate solenoid valve 84, and the RO water solenoid valve 85 operate in the same manner as the personal dialysis machine 100 described with reference to Figure 2. Specifically, the saturated solution of agent B stored in the concentrate tank agent B powder 98 is drawn in by the pump 86 via the B concentrate solenoid valve 84. Furthermore, if the dialysis fluid concentrate is in powder form, the remaining amount of the saturated concentrate is managed in the same manner as described above.

[0087] In the personal dialysis machine 100, as described above, the remaining amount of drug concentrate is managed by software control without the use of sensors. Because sensors are unnecessary, the cost of the personal dialysis machine 100 does not increase. Furthermore, when the remaining amount of drug concentrate becomes insufficient, the user is notified by a change in the screen display or by sound. Therefore, the user can reliably understand when the remaining amount of drug concentrate is insufficient.

[0088] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications, variations, and combinations are possible in the present invention.

[0089] Acetic acid was used as the chemical solution. However, the chemical solution is not limited to acetic acid. Peracetic acid or other chemicals may also be used.

[0090] The technique for managing the remaining amount of concentrated drug solution can be applied to dialysate. For either drug A or drug B, the remaining amount of concentrated drug solution can be managed in the same way as the drug solution itself.

[0091] (1) A personal dialysis machine used for dialysis treatment, comprising a pump, a chemical solution tank for storing a chemical solution for cleaning the piping and a chemical solution solenoid valve disposed between the chemical solution tank and the pump, and a concentrate tank for storing a concentrate for dialysis fluid and a concentrate solenoid valve disposed between the concentrate tank and the pump, wherein the pump aspirates at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate, a chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit for determining the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate aspirated by the pump, a chemical solution concentrate remaining amount calculation unit for calculating the remaining amount of the chemical solution concentrate, which is the remaining amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate in at least one of the chemical solution tank and the concentrate tank, based on the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate aspirated by the pump as determined by the chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit, and a chemical solution concentrate remaining amount determination unit for determining whether the chemical solution concentrate remaining amount calculated by the chemical solution concentrate remaining amount calculation unit is less than a predetermined standard amount. A personal dialysis machine comprising: a display unit that displays a statement indicating that the remaining amount of the drug solution is less than a predetermined standard amount when the drug solution concentrate determination unit determines that the remaining amount of the drug solution is less than a predetermined standard amount.

[0092] (2) The personal dialysis apparatus according to (1), wherein the pump aspirates a certain amount of at least one of the drug solution and the stock solution each time the pump rotates once, and the drug solution stock solution usage determination unit determines the amount of at least one of the drug solution and the stock solution aspirated based on the number of rotations of the pump.

[0093] (3) The personal dialysis apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the predetermined standard amount of the drug solution is the amount of the drug solution required to clean the piping once, and the apparatus is equipped with a storage unit for storing a set value, and a drug solution concentrate required amount calculation unit for calculating the amount of the drug solution required to clean the piping once from the set value stored in the storage unit.

[0094] (4) The personal dialysis apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the predetermined standard amount of the stock solution is the amount of stock solution required for dialysis treatment per unit time, and the apparatus is equipped with a storage unit for storing a set value, and a drug stock solution required amount calculation unit for calculating the amount of stock solution required for dialysis treatment per unit time from the set value stored in the storage unit.

[0095] (5) A method for managing the remaining amount of chemical solution in a chemical solution tank that stores chemical solution for cleaning piping connected to a dialysis chamber, comprising the steps of: filling the chemical solution tank with chemical solution; aspirating the chemical solution from the chemical solution tank by rotating a pump; determining the amount of chemical solution aspirated from the chemical solution tank based on the rotation speed of the pump; calculating the remaining amount of chemical solution in the chemical solution tank from the amount of chemical solution aspirated; comparing the calculated remaining amount of chemical solution with a predetermined standard amount; and, if the remaining amount of chemical solution is less than the predetermined standard amount, displaying on the display unit that the remaining amount of chemical solution is less than the predetermined standard amount.

[0096] (6) A method for managing the remaining amount of dialysis fluid in a stock tank in which stock solution is stored, comprising: filling the stock tank with stock solution; aspirating the stock solution from the stock tank by rotating a pump; determining the amount of stock solution aspirated from the stock tank based on the rotation speed of the pump; calculating the remaining amount of stock solution in the stock tank from the amount of stock solution aspirated; comparing the calculated remaining amount of stock solution with a predetermined standard amount; and, if the remaining amount of stock solution is less than the predetermined standard amount, displaying on the display unit that the remaining amount of stock solution is less than the predetermined standard amount.

[0097] 1. Hemodialysis 3. Pump 5. Piping 31. Dialysis fluid chamber 51. Drug concentrate usage determination unit 52. Drug concentrate remaining amount calculation unit 55. Drug concentrate remaining amount determination unit 60. Display unit 100. Personal dialysis machine

Claims

1. A personal dialysis machine used for dialysis treatment, comprising: a pump, a chemical solution tank for storing a chemical solution for cleaning piping and a chemical solution solenoid valve disposed between the chemical solution tank and the pump; and a concentrate tank for storing a concentrate for dialysis fluid and a concentrate solenoid valve disposed between the concentrate tank and the pump, wherein the pump aspirates at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate; a chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit for determining the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate aspirated by the pump; a chemical solution concentrate remaining amount calculation unit for calculating the remaining amount of the chemical solution concentrate, which is the remaining amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate in at least one of the chemical solution tank and the concentrate tank, based on the amount of at least one of the chemical solution and the concentrate aspirated by the pump as determined by the chemical solution concentrate usage determination unit; and a chemical solution concentrate remaining amount determination unit for determining whether the chemical solution concentrate remaining amount calculated by the chemical solution concentrate remaining amount calculation unit is less than a predetermined standard amount. A personal dialysis machine comprising: a display unit that displays a statement indicating that the remaining amount of the drug solution is less than a predetermined standard amount when the drug solution concentrate determination unit determines that the remaining amount of the drug solution is less than a predetermined standard amount.

2. The personal dialysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pump aspirates a fixed amount of at least one of the drug solution and the stock solution each time the pump rotates once, and the drug solution stock solution usage determination unit determines the amount of at least one of the drug solution and the stock solution aspirated based on the number of rotations of the pump.

3. The personal dialysis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined standard amount of the drug solution is the amount of drug solution required to clean the piping once, and the apparatus includes a storage unit for storing a set value, and a drug solution concentrate required amount calculation unit for calculating the amount of drug solution required to clean the piping once from the set value stored in the storage unit.

4. The personal dialysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined standard amount of the stock solution is the amount of stock solution required for dialysis treatment per unit time, and the apparatus includes a storage unit for storing a set value, and a drug solution stock solution required amount calculation unit for calculating the amount of stock solution required for dialysis treatment per unit time from the set value stored in the storage unit.

5. A method for managing the remaining amount of chemical solution in a chemical solution tank that stores chemical solution for cleaning piping connected to a dialysis chamber, comprising the steps of: filling the chemical solution tank with chemical solution; aspirating the chemical solution from the chemical solution tank by rotating a pump; determining the amount of chemical solution aspirated from the chemical solution tank based on the rotation speed of the pump; calculating the remaining amount of chemical solution in the chemical solution tank from the amount of chemical solution aspirated; comparing the calculated remaining amount of chemical solution with a predetermined standard amount; and, if the remaining amount of chemical solution is less than the predetermined standard amount, displaying on the display unit that the remaining amount of chemical solution is less than the predetermined standard amount.

6. A method for managing the remaining amount of dialysis fluid in a stock tank where stock solution is stored, comprising: filling the stock tank with stock solution; aspirating the stock solution from the stock tank by rotating a pump; determining the amount of stock solution aspirated from the stock tank based on the rotation speed of the pump; calculating the remaining amount of stock solution in the stock tank from the amount of stock solution aspirated; comparing the calculated remaining amount of stock solution with a predetermined standard amount; and, if the remaining amount of stock solution is less than the predetermined standard amount, displaying on the display unit that the remaining amount of stock solution is less than the predetermined standard amount.

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