Abstract: In a hemodialysis unit the container for the reception of the total supply of dialysate is constructed thermoinsulated with respect to the environment. The dialysate need not be heated during the dialysis process and through maintenance of a stable vertical temperature gradient between the fresh dialysate removed from the upper end of the container and the used dialysis fluid returned at the lower end of the container a stable stratification is obtained. Mixing of used and fresh dialysis fluid is thereby avoided. A further development provides for an ultraviolet radiator for the sterilization of the dialysate in a tube arranged centrally in the container, serving for the return of the dialysate. For the control of ultrafiltration, there is an overflow and measurement of the excess amount of liquid on the return line to the container and an adjustment of flow resistance on the return line of at least one of the two flow paths through the dialyzer.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting tubes is provided with an integrally formed clamp which may be manually manipulated from an open to a closed position to at least constrict a tube. The adapter further includes integral latch means, which is manually movable to a closed position by cam action, and which is releasably held in the closed position by the inherent elastic nature of the adapter body.

Abstract: An improved dialysis cannula includes an obliquely sharpened point formed by an oblique ground surface. The point includes a front portion which is disposed at an obtuse angle to the remainder of the ground surface, thereby providing a lancet-like front portion which facilitates proper insertion of the cannula into the blood vessel of a patient.

Abstract: A double lumen catheter for use in haemodialysis, which comprises ducts for blood streams flowing into and respectively out of the body, an inner cannula providing an inner duct, an outer cannula surrounding the inner cannula and providing between the inner cannula and the outer cannula an outer duct, a front end of at least the inner cannula being inclined obliquely to the longitudinal cannula axis and sharply ground to facilitate puncture of a blood vessel, the front end of the inner cannula projecting beyond a front end of the outer cannula and the cross-section of the catheter changing progressively from the outer diameter of the inner cannula to the outer diameter of the outer cannula, the outer duct when in an operative state having at its front end an opening of cross-sectional area equal to the cross-sectional area of the outer duct, so that the total cross-section of the outer duct is available to a blood stream entering or leaving the outer duct.