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 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 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.

Abstract: A protective helmet made from a resilient shell. The shell has a plurality of slits. Each slit has a first end located at a lower edge of the shell and has an adjustable width effective for adjusting the size of the shell. The helmet also has an energy absorbing liner disposed inside the shell. The shell is very stiff to effectively distribute an impact force.