Inventors:
Jack Work - Atlanta GA, US
Claudio Ronco - Vicenza, IT
Angela Gloukhoff - Harleysville PA, US
International Classification:
A61M001/00
Abstract:
Continuous flow catheters, diffusers for catheters, catheters having a diffuser, and methods for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis are provided. The continuous flow catheter includes at least two lumens, of which one is short and the other is long. The long lumen is coiled and contains a plurality of openings. Another similar continuous flow catheter also includes a diffuser for the dispensing of fluid in a diffused manner. The catheters are used for peritoneal dialysis. The diffuser, for use with a catheter, has a plurality of openings for the dispensing of matter in a diffused manner. One method for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis includes creating an incision in the body of the user and separating the anatomical layers, making a circular suture in the peritoneal membrane, making an incision in the peritoneal membrane, inserting the catheter, and tightening the parietal peritoneum. Another method additionally includes anesthetizing the skin and peritoneal surface, making a lateral incision in the skin of the user, creating a skin tunnel, passing the catheter through the skin tunnel, connecting attachments to the catheter, and suturing the skin incision. The methods also include providing a catheter having a diffuser.