Abstract: A novel implantable, peritoneal injection catheter apparatus and method, the apparatus including an enlarged target surface, fluid-receiving reservoir mounted to one end of a hollow stem. The hollow stem is configured to extend into the peritoneal cavity and includes a retaining ring system for retaining the hollow stem in relationship to the peritoneal cavity. A penetrable membrane covers the enlarged target surface of the receiving reservoir and serves as an injection site for inserting a hollow needle into the receiving reservoir. A substantial portion of the injection catheter is covered with a velour coating to accommodate tissue ingrowth and further securement of the catheter in the tissue of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A composition and method for use with peritoneal dialysis patients for preventing or treating dialysis induced peritonitis. The method utilizes a flush solution of normal saline to prepare the peritoneal cavity for infusion of a dilute iodine solution which operates to kill pathogenic organisms contained therein. The dilute iodine solution has a combination I.sub.2 and HIO concentration in the approximate range of 0.1 ppm to 15 ppm and requires residence time of less than five minutes to provide an effective kill. The serial application of flush and dilute iodine solutions may be applied as part of a regular peritoneal dialysis program to prevent peritonitis or may be used with greater frequency as treatment for existing dialysis induced peritonitis.

Abstract: A bioelectrode for non-invasive and inotophoretic delivery of chemical species (such as ions, polar molecules, etc.) into the skin of a person. The bioelectrode includes a pouch having flexible walls, at least a portion of which is composed of a microporous, permeable or semipermeable membrane. The pouch holds fluid which contains the chemical species to be delivered through the skin. An electrode is attached to the pouch so that when the pouch is placed against the skin, with the membrane portion in contact with the skin, and an electric potential is applied to the electrode, chemical species in the pouch are caused to migrate through the membrane and into the skin.

Abstract: A composition and method for use with peritoneal dialysis patients for preventing or treating dialysis induced peritonitis. The method utilizes a flush solution of normal saline to prepare the peritoneal cavity for infusion of a dilute iodine solution which operates to kill pathogenic organisms contained therein. The dilute iodine solution has a combination I.sub.2 and HIO concentration in the approximate range of 0.1 ppm to 15 ppm and requires residence time of less than five minutes to provide an effective kill. The serial application of flush and dilute iodine solutions may be applied as part of a regular peritoneal dialysis program to prevent peritonitis or may be used with greater frequency as treatment for existing dialysis induced peritonitis.

Abstract: Metabolic waste products from the blood of a patient are removed by pumping dialysis solution into the peritoneal cavity of the patient, and then (a) removing a portion of the dialysis solution from the peritoneal cavity which portion may vary from 1 percent to 90 percent of the total amount of dialysis solution administered to the peritoneal cavity and, (b) "cleaning" (removing metabolic waste products) this solution either through a dialyzer or by means of sorbent modules and then returning this same (cleansed) fluid into the peritoneal cavity. This cycle is repeated again and again until the desired amount of metabolic waste products are removed.Another subcutaneous peritoneal catheter is shown in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 594,374 filed July 9, 1975, since abandoned in favor of Continuation-in-part Application Ser. No. 768,520 filed Feb. 14, 1977.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow catheter for insertion into the body of a patient for the simultaneous introduction into and withdrawal therefrom of fluid. The catheter includes a primary tube having open distal and proximal ends, and a pair of branching tubes, each of which branch from a different side of the primary tube. The primary tube also has an opening in one side thereof to allow introduction of fluid. An elongate trocar/valve member is disposed in the primary tube and is movable longitudinally therein between an insert position and a flow position. One end of the trocar/valve member tapers to a cutting edge which protrudes from the opening in the distal end of the primary tube when the member is in the insert position. The trocar/valve member is formed to prevent communication between the side opening and the opening in the distal end of the primary tube, and to cover the passageways between the primary tube and respective ones of the branching tubes when the member is in the insert position.

Abstract: A dry-state bioelectrode having a self-sealing receptacle for receiving electrolyte and/or medicament fluid contents. The receptacle is attached at its opening to a sheet-like flexible base member having an opening in common with the receptacle opening, the bottom of the base member being adapted for fixation at a skin surface. A portion of the skin surface is exposed to the fluid contents of the receptacle through the common opening. An injection site communicates through the wall of the receptacle and provides controlled access for filling. Upon completion of filling, the receptacle self seals, retaining the fluid contents therein for application of iontophoresis treatment or other procedures requiring use of a potential gradient. An electrode plate is supported at an interior surface of the receptacle for supplying the desired electric potential.

Abstract: An improved iontophoresis device for topical administration of ionic drugs or chemicals through epidermal tissue for anesthetizing or sterilizing local tissue or for applying various medicaments without mechanical penetration. An ionic form of drug is conducted through the epidermal tissue by means of direct current generated from a battery powered current source. Pulse-width modulated DC current is regulated by feedback circuitry which varies the pulse duration and adjusts and stabilizes the average current at a desired level. A high voltage capability together with feedback control enables maintenance of a constant current through the highly resistive epidermal tissue. To prevent excessive voltage buildup and the accompanying dangers of shock and burns, a comparator circuit monitors current flow and voltage across the electrodes and automatically triggers an SCR shutdown circuit when impedance readings are outside predetermined limits.