Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis catheter comprises a distal tubular section and a proximal tubular section, connected together by a nonintegral tubular connector so that the respective sections are connected together in sealed flow relation. Such a catheter may be surgically implanted in the peritoneal cavity, extending to the chest of the patient with an end thereof protruding from the chest. The respective ends of the catheter section may be connected to each other through the tubular connector as the tubular sections are surgically implanted, and typically after such implantation is substantially complete.

Abstract: A peritoneal catheter comprises a flexible catheter tube carrying porous cuff means to facilitate permanent securance of the catheter to the abdominal wall. The catheter tube defines, in its natural, unstressed condition, a bent segment adjacent the porous cuff means. This permits the catheter to be mounted in a tunnel formed through the abdominal wall in relatively unstressed configuration with both ends pointing downwardly.

Abstract: A peritoneal catheter comprises a flexible catheter tube carrying porous cuff means to facilitate permanent securance of the catheter to the abdominal wall. The catheter tube defines, in its natural, unstressed condition, a bent segment adjacent the porous cuff means. This permits the catheter to be mounted in a tunnel formed through the abdominal wall in relatively unstressed configuration, with both ends pointing downwardly toward the feet of the patient. In one embodiment, the catheter includes a flange extending circumferentially outwardly of the catheter tube adjacent to the porous cuff means. The flange extends at a nonperpendicular angle relative to the axis of the catheter tube, and the slope of the flange extends transverse the direction of the bent segment. The angled flange, when sutured to the posterior rectus sheath, maintains the catheter tube in the desired tunnel direction within the abdominal wall, with the distal end of the catheter tube pointed properly downwardly toward the pelvic cavity.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis solution may have an osmotic agent as a partial or complete substitute to the conventional dextrose. The osmotic agent is gelatin chemically cross-linked to suppress gelation.

Abstract: Various polymers are added to peritoneal dialysis solutions to provide preferred alternatives to dextrose. The added polymers serve as the osmotic agents in the peritoneal dialysis solutions and provide adequate ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis solution containing the vasodilating drug nitroprusside which is effective to increase peritoneal clearances and thereby permit a significant reduction in the time devoted to the performance of a dialysis procedure.