Abstract: A medical blood access system used for hemodialysis treatment to enable blood withdrawal for processing of blood by an external apparatus and return the same blood to a patient, comprising an interfacial fluid conduit between the machine and patient's blood supply which is repeatedly connectable along a guided pathway passing through epidermis and subcutaneous tissue via a naturally formed tissue tract to enter blood space, providing improved patient safely, convenience, effective prophylaxis, without bleeding or tissue trauma or pain, and is executable by the patient to precisely connect and disconnect with minimal disfigurement or life restrictions, and is useable on virtually all patients soon after placement and is robust and safe to high blood flow.

Abstract: A medical blood access system used for hemodialysis treatment to enable blood withdrawal for processing of blood by an external apparatus and return the same blood to a patient, comprising an interfacial fluid conduit between the machine and patient's blood supply which is repeatedly connectable along a guided pathway passing through epidermis and subcutaneous tissue via a naturally formed tissue tract to enter blood space, providing improved patient safely, convenience, effective prophylaxis, without bleeding or tissue trauma or pain, and is executable by the patient to precisely connect and disconnect with minimal disfigurement or life restrictions, and is useable on virtually all patients soon after placement and is robust and safe to high blood flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibiting or preventing infection and protecting against patency complications after a blood catheter has been inserted in a patient comprising administering to the device a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition comprising: (A) at least one taurinamide derivative, (B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of biologically acceptable acids and biologically acceptable salts thereof; and (C) heparin at a low concentration.

Abstract: An implantable single or dual-lumen or more lumen device for repeated accessing vessels within a body. The device uses a resilient material to form a seal, and has a smooth streamlined flowpath with no flow discontinuity. The device is joined to a catheter, in most cases, such that fluids can be extracted from or injected into the vessel to be accessed. The device is designed for the high flowrates, on the order of 150 and greater milliliters per minute, associated with hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other fluid exchange therapies. In such applications smooth flow streaming is important to minimize damage to the blood. A corresponding straight-needle apparatus is designed to mate and lock with the access device, where alignment and open flowpath is ensured. A valve seal incorporates opposing very hard surfaced guide elements that are retained and in intimate contact with the seal itself.

Abstract: A rechargeable infusate pump for implantation in the human body can be refilled periodically by injection through an inlet septum under the skin. A conduit from the pump outlet conducts fluid to an infusion site in the body. The needle penetrating the septum protrudes into an antechamber and discharges fluid and any foreign matter is trapped in the antechamber so that it cannot enter the pump chamber and possibly clog the pump outlet. This foreign material is removed by injecting a needle into the antechamber and drawing a vacuum to suck out the debris.The pump also has a special ring-like outlet filter in the fluid stream between the pump chamber and its outlet to provide a maximum amount of filter area in a minimum amount of space and the pump outlet includes a special flow controller which is able to very accurately meter the infusate to the selected body site.