Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for delivering iron to an iron-deficient patient, more particularly, to methods whereby an iron complex comprising divalent or trivalent ionic iron complexed with one or more low molecular weight anions is administered to a patient by transfer from dialysate. A complex selected according to the invention is non-polymeric; soluble in an aqueous medium; chemically stable, thereby preventing the dissociation of iron ions from the anions under conditions according to the invention; and can be well absorbed into blood and the living body. Also provided are dialysate compositions including therein an iron complex selected according to the invention, and dialysate concentrates which may be diluted to yield an inventive dialysate composition.

Abstract: A multiple lumen catheter assembly and methods for inserting the same are provided. The assembly includes a splittable membrane joining a first catheter and a second catheter for allowing the catheters to be at least partially longitudinally split from each other. Each catheter has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter. One method for inserting the assembly includes making an incision near the area to be catheterized, at least partially splitting the distal end regions of the catheters from each other by splitting apart the splittable membrane, and inserting the distal end regions of the catheters in a juxtaposed relation through the incision and into the area to be catheterized. In another method, the catheters are first tunnelled subcutaneously by pulling the distal end regions of the catheters in the assembly through a tunnel and outwardly from the tunnel near the area to be catheterized, leaving proximal end regions at least partially within the tunnel.

Abstract: A multiple lumen catheter assembly and methods for inserting the same are provided. The assembly includes a splittable membrane joining a first catheter and a second catheter for allowing the catheters to be at least partially longitudinally split from each other. Each catheter has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter. One method for inserting the assembly includes making an incision near the area to be catheterized, at least partially splitting the distal end regions of the catheters from each other by splitting apart the splittable membrane, and inserting the distal end regions of the catheters in a juxtaposed relation through the incision and into the area to be catheterized. In another method, the catheters are first tunnelled subcutaneously by pulling the distal end regions of the catheters in the assembly through a tunnel and outwardly from the tunnel near the area to be catheterized, leaving proximal end regions at least partially within the tunnel.

Abstract: Disclosed are preferred devices and methods which provide extracorporeal treatment of blood or other fluids for effective plasmafiltration or hemofiltration alone or in combination with dialysis. Preferred devices combine plasmafiltration and dialysis devices, and are designed to circulate separate sorbent suspensions through the respective devices and minimize clogging in sorbent circulation loops, including the provision of a shaker or vibrator device operable to vibrate the suspension used in the plasmafiltration device.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for delivering iron to an iron-deficient patient, more particularly, to methods whereby an iron complex comprising divalent or trivalent ionic iron complexed with one or more low molecular weight anions is administered to a patient by transfer from dialysate. A complex selected according to the invention is non-polymeric; soluble in an aqueous medium; chemically stable, thereby preventing the dissociation of iron ions from the anions under conditions according to the invention; and can be well absorbed into blood and the living body. Also provided are dialysate compositions including therein an iron complex selected according to the invention, and dialysate concentrates which may be diluted to yield an inventive dialysate composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are preferred devices and methods which provide extracorporeal treatment of blood or other fluids for effective plasmafiltration or hemofiltration alone or in combination with dialysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are preferred devices and methods which provide extracorporeal treatment of blood to effectively and consistently remove toxins therefrom and from patients over extended periods of time.