Sorbent pouch

Abstract

A sorbent pouch for use in sorbent dialysis. The sorbent pouch allows for fluid to freely pass into and through the sorbent materials, while keeping the sorbent materials inside the sorbent pouch.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A sorbent pouch, comprising:
 a porous material forming in-part a sorbent containing a material consisting essentially of alumina, the porous material retaining at least 98% by weight of the alumina.   
     
     
         2 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , the porous material allowing dissolved urease to pass through the porous material. 
     
     
         3 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , the porous material preventing undissolved urease from passing through the porous material. 
     
     
         4 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the porous material is selected from the group consisting of bolting cloth, porous polymer, porous metal, cotton, ashless filter paper, Dacron, and polyethylene terephthalate. 
     
     
         5 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the sorbent pouch has a shape selected from the group consisting of a circular shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, and a disc shape. 
     
     
         6 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the sorbent pouch is shaped to be adapted into an internal cavity defined by a sorbent cartridge in which the sorbent pouch is housed. 
     
     
         7 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the sorbent pouch has a semi-rigid structure. 
     
     
         8 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the sorbent pouch has a rigid structure. 
     
     
         9 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the sorbent pouch has a flexible structure. 
     
     
         10 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , further comprising side portions constructed from a fluid impermeable material. 
     
     
         11 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 10 , further comprising an elastomeric material disposed on a side portion of the sorbent pouch. 
     
     
         12 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the porous material is impregnated with an antimicrobial substance and/or an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         13 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the sorbent pouch further comprises an o-ring seal member disposed on an outer periphery of the sorbent pouch. 
     
     
         14 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein the sorbent pouch can be opened and re-sealed. 
     
     
         15 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 14 , further comprising one or more engagement members on a top portion and a bottom portion of the sorbent pouch for sealing the sorbent pouch. 
     
     
         16 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 14 , further comprising a hinge connecting a top portion and bottom portion of the sorbent pouch for opening and resealing the sorbent pouch. 
     
     
         17 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 14 , further comprising an interior or exterior ring around a top portion or bottom portion of the sorbent pouch. 
     
     
         18 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , the sorbent pouch comprising an extra layer of the porous material in a center of a bottom of the sorbent pouch. 
     
     
         19 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , wherein a top portion and bottom portion of the sorbent pouch are sealed by any one of: heat sealing, adhesive, or woven fibers. 
     
     
         20 . The sorbent pouch of  claim 1 , further comprising glass beads in the sorbent pouch.