Abstract: A medication discharge assembly useful in patient systems includes a tubular element and a stylet. In a first, closed position, the stylet is seated within the tubular element and may provide a piercing point facilitating insertion of the tubular element to a treatment site. In a second, open position, the stylet is removed from the tubular element, and the tubular element provides a travel pathway for a drug introduced to the tubular element at a proximal connection port for specific interstitial and subcutaneous diffusion and dispersion of medication along the tubular element's length near a distal discharge port through disparate perforations, which may be formed as striations of increasing length nearer the distal discharge port. The stylet in the first position may be oriented to seal this travel pathway. Depth-finding features associated with the tubular element, visually perceptible and particularly useful for placement of the assembly, may be included.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of end stage renal decline and failure through peritoneal dialysis enabling ambulatory transfer of dialysate to and from the peritoneum of a renal patient, this in synthesis and coordination with normal physiological rhythms of the patient. The system remains unobtrusive and less restrictive of patient ambulation and orientation. The present invention includes expendables disposability of which facilitates safe reuse of more expensive portions and is sufficiently simple for use in a home care environment. It may be designed to incorporate real-time, interactive or remote monitoring and regulation and visual or audible indication of system pressures, chemical balances and other important variables.

Abstract: A medical filter (11) is constructed as a container with an interior volume in open fluid communication with a patient connection element (31) and a transport connection element (39). Filter support structure (13) mounted within the interior is structured as a thin, perforated member (14) carrying hydrophilic filter medium (17). A first flow path directs spent dialysate from the patient across the surface of the filter medium (17) to the transport connection (39). A second flow path directs fresh dialyalysate from the transport connection (39) through the filter medium (17) and the perforated support structure (13) to the patient connection (31).

Abstract: The pressure rollers of a peristaltic tube positive displacement pump are incorporated as an element of a reduction system connecting a drive shaft to the rollers.

Abstract: A pump assembly for ambulatory peritoneal dialysis transfer procedures includes a portable power supply geared to drive a high-volume peristaltic pump. A cassette of the pump comprises an encasement; tubing including an inner portion positioned within the encasement, a patient-side portion for connection to an indwelling peritoneal dialysis catheter and an opposing portion connectable to a system for containment and communication of a peritoneal dialysis solution which may be one single-compartment bag assembly; a safety valve for selectively occluding and permitting the communication of the solution through the inner portion; and a filter preferably interposed along the patient-side portion which filters air and particles from peritoneal dialysate that is flowing toward a patient and which allows peritoneal dialysate to flow substantially freely and unfiltered away from the patient.

Abstract: A pump assembly for ambulatory peritoneal dialysis transfer procedures includes a portable power supply geared to drive a high-volume peristaltic pump. A cassette of the pump comprises an encasement; tubing including an inner portion positioned within the encasement, a patient-side portion for connection to an indwelling peritoneal dialysis catheter and an opposing portion connectable to a system for containment and communication of a peritoneal dialysis solution which may be one single-compartment bag assembly; a safety valve for selectively occluding and permitting the communication of the solution through the inner portion; and a filter preferably interposed along the patient-side portion which filters air and particles from peritoneal dialysate that is flowing toward a patient and which allows peritoneal dialysate to flow substantially freely and unfiltered away from the patient.

Abstract: A ventilated skin guard apparatus for protecting areas of sensitive skin is disclosed. The apparatus has two longitudinal end support members to which are connected a series of laterally placed arcuate members. Single arcuate members may be removed from the apparatus without removing the entire apparatus from the portion of the user's body having the sensitive area of skin.