Apparatus and method for the dialysis of blood
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A subcutaneous port and catheter assembly for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said assembly comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
- said connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element adapted for implantation within the body of the patient, said subcutaneous port element comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the inlet port of a dialysis machine; and
said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising;
a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and
a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth;
said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient, said suction line mouth and said return line mouth being disposed different distances from said connector portion.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Improved apparatus and method for the dialysis of blood. The improved apparatus comprises a subcutaneous port and catheter assembly comprising a connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element, and a catheter portion comprising a catheter element. The improved apparatus also comprises a novel percutaneous catheter assembly comprising a catheter portion comprising a catheter element, and a connector portion comprising an extracorporeal connector element.
-
Citations
66 Claims
-
1. A subcutaneous port and catheter assembly for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said assembly comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element adapted for implantation within the body of the patient, said subcutaneous port element comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the inlet port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient, said suction line mouth and said return line mouth being disposed different distances from said connector portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal, end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; said suction line having a length facilitating the disposition of said suction line mouth in a first portion of the vascular system of the patient, the first portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) a right atrium portion, and (2) an inferior vena cava portion; and said return line having a length facilitating the disposition of said return line mouth in a second portion of the vascular system of the patient, the second portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) an internal jugular vein portion, and (2) a superior vena cava portion. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; said suction line having a length facilitating the disposition of said suction line mouth in a first portion of the vascular system of the patient, the first portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) a right atrium portion, (2) an inferior vena cava portion, and (3) a superior vena cava portion; and said return line having a length facilitating the disposition of said return line mouth in the right ventricle of the heart. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein said return line comprises a flange adjacent said return line mouth, and said apparatus further comprises a locking collar for capturing a wall of the vascular system of the patient between said flange and said locking collar. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein said apparatus further comprises a support member interconnecting the distal end of said suction line and an inside wall of the vascular system of the patient so as to position said suction line mouth substantially centrally of the inside wall of the vascular system of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
-
-
25. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of said distal end of said suction line and said distal end of said return line includes a relatively stiff portion to help maintain that line in a selected position within the vascular system of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
-
-
29. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of said distal end of said suction line and said distal end of said return line includes projections extending radially therefrom so as to keep that line'"'"'s mouth spaced some distance away from an inside wall of the vascular system of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
-
-
32. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of the central lumen of said suction line and the central lumen of said return line is gradually diametrically increased in a flared manner, with that central lumen having a maximum diameter at that line'"'"'s distal mouth. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34)
-
-
35. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of said distal end of said suction line and said distal end of said return line includes at least one side opening adjacent that line'"'"'s mouth whereby fluid may enter that line even if that line'"'"'s mouth should be occluded. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37)
-
-
38. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein said catheter element is constructed so that said suction line mouth is spaced from said return line mouth such that said suction line mouth is further from said connector portion than said return line mouth; and a sleeve having a first portion disposed around an intermediate portion of said suction line and said distal end of said return line, and a second portion disposed around said suction line distally of said return line, said sleeve second portion being integral with and an extension of said sleeve first portion, said sleeve being made of elastic material such that when said apparatus is not in operation, said sleeve second portion contracts around said suction line and blocks off said return line mouth, and when said apparatus is in operation, said sleeve second portion is opened by outflow from said return line mouth. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40)
-
-
41. A subcutaneous port and catheter assembly for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said assembly comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element adapted for implantation within the body of the patient, said subcutaneous port element comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; said return line being formed out of an elastomeric material such that said return line will collapse down when said apparatus is not in use and expand outward when said apparatus is in use. - View Dependent Claims (42)
-
-
43. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of the central lumen said suction line and the central lumen of said return line is tapered along its length, with the inner diameter of that line being larger at the proximal end of that line than at the distal end of that line. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45)
-
-
46. Apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein said catheter element comprises a proximal section and a distal section, said proximal section and said distal section being connected together by a coupling element adapted to be positioned at the point where the catheter element enters the vascular system of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50)
-
-
51. A subcutaneous port and catheter assembly for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said assembly comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion;
-
said connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element adapted for implantation within the body of the patient, said subcutaneous port element comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; at least one of the suction line and the return line incorporating a coiled spring therein such that the line will not kink when the line is subjected to significant bending.
-
-
52. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing a subcutaneous port and catheter assembly for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said assembly comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element adapted for implantation within the body of the patient, said subcutaneous port element comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient, said suction line mouth and said return line mouth being disposed different distances from said connector portion; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
53. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; said suction line having a length facilitating the disposition of said suction line mouth in a first portion of the vascular system of the patient, the first portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) a right atrium portion, and (2) an inferior vena cava portion; and said return line having a length facilitating the disposition of said return line mouth in a second portion of the vascular system of the patient, the second portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) an internal jugular vein portion, and (2) a superior vena cava portion; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient so that said suction line mouth is disposed in a first portion of the vascular system of the patient, the first portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) a right atrium portion, and (2) an inferior vena cava portion; and
so that said return line is disposed in a second portion of the vascular system of the patient, the second portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) an internal jugular vein portion, and (2) a superior vena cava portion;(3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
54. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; said suction line having a length facilitating the disposition of said suction line mouth in a first portion of the vascular system of the patient, the first portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) a right atrium portion, (2) an inferior vena cava portion, and (3) a superior vena cava portion; and said return line having a length facilitating the disposition of said return line mouth in the right ventricle of the heart; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient so that said suction line mouth is disposed in a first portion of the vascular system of the patient, the first portion being selected from a group of portions consisting of (1) a right atrium portion, (2) an inferior vena cava portion, and (3) a superior vena cava portion; and
so that said return line is disposed in the right ventricle of the heart;(3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
55. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein said return line comprises a flange adjacent said return line mouth, and said apparatus further comprises a locking collar for capturing a wall of the vascular system of the patient between said flange and said locking collar; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
56. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein said apparatus further comprises a support member interconnecting the distal end of said suction line and an inside wall of the vascular system of the patient so as to position said suction line mouth substantially centrally of the inside wall of the vascular system of the patient; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
57. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of said distal end of said suction line and said distal end of said return line includes a relatively stiff portion to help maintain that line in a selected position within the vascular system of the patient; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
58. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of said distal end of said suction line and said distal end of said return line includes projections extending radially therefrom so as to keep that line'"'"'s mouth spaced some distance away from an inside wall of the vascular system of the patient; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
59. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of the central lumen of said suction line and the central lumen of said return line is gradually diametrically increased in a flared manner, with that central lumen having a maximum diameter at that line'"'"'s distal mouth; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
60. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of said distal end of said suction line and said distal end of said return line includes at least one side opening adjacent that line'"'"'s mouth whereby fluid may enter that line even if that line'"'"'s mouth should be occluded; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
61. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein said catheter element is constructed so that said suction line mouth is spaced from said return line mouth such that said suction line mouth is further from said connector portion than said return line mouth; and a sleeve having a first portion disposed around an intermediate portion of said suction line and said distal end of said return line, and a second portion disposed around said suction line distally of said return line, said sleeve second portion being integral with and an extension of said sleeve first portion, said sleeve being made of elastic material such that when said apparatus is not in operation, said sleeve second portion contracts around said suction line and blocks off said return line mouth, and when said apparatus is in operation, said sleeve second portion is opened by outflow from said return line mouth; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
62. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing a subcutaneous port and catheter assembly for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said assembly comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element adapted for implantation within the body of the patient, said subcutaneous port element comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; said return line being formed out of an elastomeric material, such that said return line will collapse down when said apparatus is not in use and expand outward when said apparatus is in use; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
63. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of an dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein at least one of the central lumen of said suction line and the central lumen of said return line is tapered along its length, with the inner diameter of that line being larger at the proximal end of that line than at the distal end of that line; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
-
64. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing apparatus for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said apparatus comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a line connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said connector portion and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition relative to the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; and further wherein said catheter element comprises a proximal section and a distal section, said proximal section and said distal section being connected together by a coupling element adapted to be positioned at the point where the catheter element enters the vascular system of the patient; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine. - View Dependent Claims (65)
-
-
66. A method for effecting the dialysis of blood, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(1) providing a subcutaneous port and catheter assembly for use in the dialysis of the blood of a patient, said assembly comprising a connector portion and a catheter portion; said connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element adapted for implantation within the body of the patient, said subcutaneous port element comprising an inlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the output port of a dialysis machine, and an outlet adapted for communication with a percutaneous needle connected to the input port of a dialysis machine; and said catheter portion comprising a catheter element comprising; a suction line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said suction line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said outlet, and said distal end of said suction line terminating in a suction line mouth; and a return line having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said return line being connected to said subcutaneous port element and in communication with said inlet, and said distal end of said return line terminating in a return line mouth; said suction line and said return line being adapted for disposition within the body of the patient so that said suction line mouth and said return line mouth are both disposed in the vascular system of the patient; at least one of the suction line and the return line incorporating a coiled spring therein such that the line will not kink when the line is subjected to significant bending; (2) placing said suction line mouth and said return line mouth in the vascular system of the patient; (3) connecting said outlet to the input port of a dialysis machine, and connecting said inlet to the output port of a dialysis machine; and (4) operating the dialysis machine.
-
Specification