Abstract: The method of treatment called peritoneal membrane plasmapheresis for removal of plasma proteins is enhanced by specification of a sequence of two or three solutions for instilling into and draining from the peritoneal cavity. Solution 1 contains a vosodilator, solution 3 contains no vasoactive drug, and solution 2 contains a vasoconstrictor. Choice of the sequence of solutions to be instilled and drained according to the claimed methods results in sustained opening of peritoneal membrane pores and substantially elevated rates of plasma protein removal, avoiding the problem of declining rates due to local tissue compensatory mechanisms which are observed when only solution 1 is used. Resulting protein removal rates in an anticoagulated patient compare favorably with those attainable with extracorporeal phasmapheresis. An analogous process may be carried out to increase the pore size of any biological membrane accessible to the solutions.

Abstract: A method for implanting a catheter is disclosed. The method provides for catheter implantation in two stages. Initially, the entire catheter will be implanted in the living body. After sufficient time has passed for tissue in-growth into a portion of the catheter, generally the cuff, an adjacent or nearby portion of the catheter is brought outside the body to facilitate use of the catheter. The catheter preferred for implantation according to the method of the invention has two cuffs, one about 2 to 5 cm in length and the second about 1 to 2 cm in length, an arcuate bend of about 180 degrees, and a coiled tip with side holes.

Abstract: A process to remove large molecules from the body involves infusion of a plasmate solution containing a vasodialating drug into the peritoneal cavity and subseaquent drainage on a prescribed schedule combined with intravenous or subcutaneous administration of an anticoagulant (e.g., heparin).

Abstract: A process to remove large molecules from the body involves infusion of a plasmate solution containing a vasodialating drug into the peritoneal cavity and subsequent drainage on a prescribed schedule.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of hypoxia is provided. The process involves the infusion of highly oxygenated perfluoro-chemicals into the peritoneal cavity of a patient, for oxygen transport into the body and carbon dioxide transport out of the body. The oxygenated perfluorocarbons are subsequently removed from the peritoneal cavity. The infusion and removal can be on a continuous or intermittent basis.

Abstract: The incidence of peritonitis is reduced in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis by irradiating the peritoneum access tube connection with ultraviolet (UV) radiation so as to have an antimicrobial effect on the fluid flow path defined thereby prior to draining and infusion of dialysis fluid therethrough. The apparatus for effecting UV irradiation of the dialysis fluid flow path includes a housing for enclosing the tube connection. Contained inside the housing is a source of UV radiation for irradiating the tube connection. A UV radiation source control circuit establishes the irradiation cycle based on time of exposure. A UV radiation intensity measuring cirucit may also be used to maintain UV source output until a predetermined cumulative UV exposure has been attained.

Abstract: A connector valve for selectively permitting the transfer of fluids therethrough is described. Multiple-way valve means communicates with a plurality of conduits and selectively permits and prevents flow between the conduits. The multiple-way valve means comprises outer walls made of a substantially ultraviolet-transmissive material, with the outer walls of the multiple-way valve means preferably enclosing an elastomeric seal member defining rotatable channel means for communication with differing conduits at differing rotational positions, and also providing a rotatable seal against inner surfaces of the outer walls to maintain an antimicrobial seal of said conduits. The channel means is exposed along its entire length to an inner surface of an outer wall, to facilitate the anitmicrobial effect of ultraviolet radiation. Also, a novel method of practicing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and an ultraviolet light applicator, is disclosed.

Abstract: The incidence of peritonitis is reduced in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis by irradiating the peritoneum access tube connection with ultraviolet (UV) radiation so as to have an antimicrobial effect on the fluid flow path defined thereby prior to draining and infusion of dialysis fluid therethrough. The apparatus for effecting UV irradiation of the dialysis fluid flow path includes a housing for enclosing the tube connection. Contained inside the housing is a source of UV radiation for irradiating the tube connection. A UV radiation source control circuit establishes the irradiation cycle based on time of exposure. A UV radiation intensity measuring circuit may also be used to maintain UV source output until a predetermined cumulative UV exposure has been attained.

Abstract: A connector valve for selectively permitting the transfer of fluids therethrough is described. Multiple-way valve means communicates with a plurality of conduits and selectively permits and prevents flow between the conduits. The multiple-way valve means comprises outer walls made of a substantially ultraviolet-transmissive material, with the outer walls of the multiple-way valve means preferably enclosing an elastomeric seal member defining rotatable channel means for communication with differing conduits at differing rotational positions, and also providing a rotatable seal against inner surfaces of the outer walls to maintain an antimicrobial seal of said conduits. The channel means is exposed along its entire length to an inner surface of an outer wall, to facilitate the antimicrobial effect of ultraviolet radiation. Also, a novel method of practicing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and an ultraviolet light applicator, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the removal of toxins from the body in a continuous manner while the patient is totally ambulatory. The process involves the infusion of a dialysate fluid under prescribed conditions into the peritoneal cavity. The toxic solutes are transported across the peritoneum membrane into the dialysate fluid by the natural processes of diffusion and convection. The dialysate fluid and the toxins are then removed after a prescribed residence phase. Apparatus includes an indwelling balloon catheter surgically implanted within the peritoneal cavity of a patient, a dacron cuff surgically attached to the abdominal wall, and an external quick connect coupling attached to the catheter. Apparatus may also include a wearable microbiological filter unit for reducing the risk of peritonitis during infusion of dialysate fluid.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for continuously separating blood into plasma and cellular component fractions and returning the latter to the subject in admixture with a makeup fluid. The separation is effected by continuously ultrafiltering the subject's blood at specified shear stresses and pressures employing a membrane ultrafilter, preferably having a pore size of 0.45 microns, and a disclosed flow system.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for continuously separating blood into plasma and cellular component fractions and returning the latter to the subject in admixture with a makeup fluid. The separation is effected by continuously ultrafiltering the subject's blood at specified shear stresses and pressures employing a membrane ultrafilter, preferably having a pore size of 0.45 microns, and a disclosed flow system.