Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing audio, visual and/or tactile feedback during assembly of two mating medical fluid connectors and a retention force are provided. The invention includes a first connector defining a first lumen and a second connector defining a second lumen. The first and second connectors are threaded together to enable the first lumen to initially communicate fluidly with the second lumen after the first and second connectors are engaged. The first connector defines a first engaging member and the second connector defines a second engaging member, the engaging members mating to provide (i) feedback indicating that a mating of the first and second connectors is at least substantially complete and (ii) a retention force tending to hold the first and second connectors together. An improved apparatus for releasing a sealed disinfectant is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter suitable for use in performing peritoneal dialysis. The catheter is a dual lumen catheter which allows for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis. Dialysate flows through the catheter into the patient via one lumen and simultaneously flows through the catheter out of the patient via the second lumen. The dual lumen dialysis catheter has a flexible tube which has an implantable portion extending from an external patient portion. Both of the lumens have openings in the external patient portion for connecting to a supply and drain of dialysate, respectively. The implantable portion has a preformed curved segment which has an outlet for the first lumen to flow dialysate into the patient's peritoneal cavity. The implantable portion has an opening for the second lumen at the distal end to flow dialysate out of the peritoneal cavity and removal from the patient.

Abstract: A catheter connection adapter is provided which allows for a user-friendly and mistake-proof connection of a multiple lumen catheter from a dialysis patient to a source of dialysis fluid. The connection adapter contains at least two ports, e.g., one for inflow and one for outflow, and may have a tapered gap between the ports so that an interference fit is made when the ports are inserted into the catheter. In addition, the ports may have a unique key and lock configuration with the catheter such that a fit can only be made when the catheter lumens and the ports are in proper alignment, and the ports may be unconnected to one another so as to provide separate fluid paths for inflow or outflow. The connection adapters are advantageous in that they will allow a multiple lumen catheter to be manually connected to other dialysis equipment following implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A catheter suitable for use in performing peritoneal dialysis. The catheter is a dual lumen catheter which allows for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis. Dialysate flows through the catheter into the patient via one lumen and simultaneously flows through the catheter out of the patient via the second lumen. The dual lumen dialysis catheter has a flexible tube which has an implantable portion extending from an external patient portion. Both of the lumens have openings in the external patient portion for connecting to a supply and drain of dialysate, respectively. The implantable portion has a preformed curved segment which has an outlet for the first lumen to flow dialysate into the patient's peritoneal cavity. The implantable portion has an opening for the second lumen at the distal end to flow dialysate out of the peritoneal cavity and removal from the patient.

Abstract: A catheter suitable for use in performing peritoneal dialysis. The catheter is a dual lumen catheter which allows for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis. Dialysate flows through the catheter into the patient via one lumen and simultaneously flows through the catheter out of the patient via the second lumen. The dual lumen dialysis catheter has a flexible tube which has an implantable portion extending from an external patient portion. Both of the lumens have openings in the external patient portion for connecting to a supply and drain of dialysate, respectively. The implantable portion has a preformed curved segment which has an outlet for the first lumen to flow dialysate into the patient's peritoneal cavity. The implantable portion has an opening for the second lumen at the distal end to flow dialysate out of the peritoneal cavity and removal from the patient.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing audio, visual and/or tactile feedback during assembly of two mating medical fluid connectors and a retention force are provided. The invention includes a first connector defining a first lumen and a second connector defining a second lumen. The first and second connectors are threaded together to enable the first lumen to initially communicate fluidly with the second lumen after the first and second connectors are engaged. The first connector defines a first engaging member and the second connector defines a second engaging member, the engaging members mating to provide (i) feedback indicating that a mating of the first and second connectors is at least substantially complete and (ii) a retention force tending to hold the first and second connectors together. An improved apparatus for releasing a sealed disinfectant is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter connection adapter is provided which allows for a user-friendly and mistake-proof connection of a multiple lumen catheter from a dialysis patient to a source of dialysis fluid. The connection adapter contains at least two ports, e.g., one for inflow and one for outflow, and may have a tapered gap between the ports so that an interference fit is made when the ports are inserted into the catheter. In addition, the ports may have a unique key and lock configuration with the catheter such that a fit can only be made when the catheter lumens and the ports are in proper alignment, and the ports may be unconnected to one another so as to provide separate fluid paths for inflow or outflow. The connection adapters are advantageous in that they will allow a multiple lumen catheter to be manually connected to other dialysis equipment following implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A transfer set body for use in transferring dialysis fluid into and out of a patient using an implanted multiple lumen catheter is provided which has a generally cylindrical housing capable of receiving and containing multiple lumen tubing therein, a proximal clamping end which provides pressure so as to pinch off the tubing when it is desired to prevent flow through the tubing, and a distal connection end which allows the tubing to be connected to a source of dialysis fluid and to a drain or other device for collecting or recycling spent dialysate. The transfer set body also features an internal structure of a size and shape which positions the multiple lumen tubing in the body in proper orientation and alignment to allow efficient clamping of the tubing and to ensure that the inflow and outflow lumens are properly aligned.

Abstract: A catheter is provided which has been optimized so as to become mistake-proof, user-friendly, and manually connectable to a transfer device by which the patient may hook up the catheter to a source of dialysis fluid. The catheter of the invention preferably has an outer segment which is softer than the harder internal segment and affords greater comfort to the patient. In addition, the catheter has an enlarged outer portion to lower interference and allow the catheter to be manually connected to a suitable connection device, and contains overmolded segments that can have different diameters and cross-sections so that the catheter may be optimized to meet differing requirements in any specific peritoneal dialysis operation while maintaining the integrity and structure of a non-segmented catheter. The catheter can also be made with at least two lumens wherein the lumens have a unique geometric shape so as to fit in lock-and-key fashion to suitable connection devices.