DIALYSATE POTASSIUM CONTROL DURING A DIALYSIS SESSION
The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for controlling the concentration of potassium in dialysate in a closed loop potassium control system. The devices, systems, and methods can be compatible with any dialysis system including sorbent-based dialysis systems, single pass dialysis systems, or other multi-pass dialysis systems. The systems can use closed loop potassium control over potassium concentration in the dialysate to reduce the probability of patient arrhythmias. The potassium concentration can be controlled and personalized to a patient using certain predetermined patient parameters. Related systems, algorithms, and control systems are contemplated for optimizing the potassium concentration in the dialysate.
1 . A method, comprising the steps of:
a) initiating a dialysis session for a patient;
b) monitoring a potassium level using a sensor;
c) adjusting a dialysate potassium concentration during the dialysis session based on the monitored potassium level; wherein the dialysate potassium concentration is adjusted to result in a potassium level of the patient within 3.5-5.0 mmol/L.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the dialysis session is initiated on a closed loop potassium control system.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of monitoring a potassium level comprises monitoring a potassium level of the patient.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of monitoring a potassium level comprises monitoring a dialysate potassium concentration.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of monitoring a potassium level comprises monitoring a potassium gradient across a dialyzer.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of monitoring a potassium level of the patient prior to initiating the dialysis session, and setting an initial dialysate potassium concentration based on the monitored potassium level of the patient.
7 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the step of monitoring the potassium level of the patient uses an implanted sensor.
8 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the sensor is an ECG or an EGM sensor.
9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the implanted sensor is a potassium sensor.
10 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the step of monitoring a potassium level of the patient is performed by a sensor on any one of a dialysis machine, external medical device, or point of care component.
11 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the step of monitoring a potassium level of the patient is performed by any one of an implantable sensor, external sensor, subcutaneous sensor, surface sensor, and combinations thereof.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein adjusting the dialysate potassium concentration comprises adjusting a rate of addition of a potassium concentrate to a dialysate.
13 . The method of claim 3 , wherein monitoring the potassium level of the patient and adjusting the dialysate potassium concentration are repeated throughout the dialysis session.
14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is performed by a dialysis system.
15 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the dialysate potassium concentration is adjusted to maintain a rate of change of the potassium level of the patient below a predetermined threshold.
16 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of adjusting the dialysate potassium concentration comprises adjusting a rate of addition of a potassium concentrate from a potassium source into a dialysate flow path.
17 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the dialysate potassium concentration is adjusted to maintain a constant potassium gradient across a dialyzer.
18 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a concentration of at least one other solute in a dialysate based on the monitored potassium level of the patient.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the at least one other solute is either glucose or bicarbonate.
20 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising monitoring a dialysate potassium concentration with a potassium sensor in a dialysate flow path downstream of a dialyzer.