Procedure and device for flushing a catheter
First Claim
1. A procedure for in vivo flushing of an infusion channel in a catheter connected to an implanted medication infusion apparatus, said infusion channel normally being in fluid communication with a patient in whom said catheter is implanted, said procedure comprising the steps of:
- completely isolating said infusion channel in vivo from fluid communication from said patient in whom said catheter is implanted;
connecting said infusion channel, while isolated, to a fluid circuit separated from said patient; and
flushing said fluid circuit with cleaning fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a procedure for flushing a catheter, connected to an apparatus, implanted in a patient for infusing liquid medication, in particular insulin, through the catheter, the infusion channel in the catheter is isolated from the patient and connected in a circuit separated from the patient. Cleaning fluid is then flushed through the circuit. In a device for flushing a catheter according to this procedure, connected to an implanted apparatus for infusing fluid medication, in particular insulin, through the catheter, the catheter is at least of a double-lumen type. One channel is intended for the infusion of the medication through an outlet valve in the catheter, and a second valve is arranged in the tip of the catheter to interconnect the two channels. The second valve is openable, and the outlet valve is closable, either by pressure actuation or by an externally applied signal, so the catheter'"'"'s two channels are placed in fluid communication to form a circuit, isolated from the patient, for flushing the infusion channel.
100 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A procedure for in vivo flushing of an infusion channel in a catheter connected to an implanted medication infusion apparatus, said infusion channel normally being in fluid communication with a patient in whom said catheter is implanted, said procedure comprising the steps of:
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completely isolating said infusion channel in vivo from fluid communication from said patient in whom said catheter is implanted; connecting said infusion channel, while isolated, to a fluid circuit separated from said patient; and flushing said fluid circuit with cleaning fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. In a catheter having an infusion channel connected to an implanted medication infusion apparatus for infusing liquid medication through said catheter in vivo to a patient, the improvement of a device for in vivo flushing said catheter comprising:
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said catheter being at least a double-lumen catheter having a first channel forming said infusion channel, and a second channel and an outlet valve communicating said first channel with said patient; a further valve disposed at a tip of said catheter openable for interconnecting said first and second channels; and means for closing said outlet valve and opening said further valve for forming a fluid circuit separated from said patient, and means for introducing cleaning fluid into said fluid circuit for flushing said first channel of said catheter. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification