Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a cannula for use with a blood circulation device may include the cannula having a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal directions along the longitudinal axis. The cannula may also include a proximal portion having a wall extending around the longitudinal axis and having outer and inner faces, the inner face may define a bore, the proximal portion may have dimensions transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the dimensions may be constant in the proximal and distal directions. Also, the cannula may have a distal portion having an outer face, continuous with the outer face of the proximal portion. The outer face of the distal portion may extend around and along the longitudinal axis, and the outer face of the distal portion may taper distally toward the longitudinal axis. The distal portion may include at least two openings extending from the outer face of the distal portion, which may merge with one another within the distal portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for red blood collection and filtration is provided wherein a red blood cell collection assembly provides for leukoreduction filtration concurrent with or soon after the red blood cell collection procedure. The procedure preferably involves filtering the separated red blood cells in a high hematocrit (high-crit) state prior to addition of storage solution thereto. Preferably, a storage solution is passed through the leukoreduction filter after the RBCs have been filtered therethrough. The red blood cell collection filtration and storage assembly is preferably preconnected to a blood component separation disposable assembly, including, for example, a centrifuge vessel and a blood removal/return assembly for removing blood from a donor, passing the blood to the centrifuge vessel for separation of the blood into components for collection and providing for filtration of the separated red blood cell component, as described.

Abstract: The present application relates to a molecular exchange device (1) for use with an analysis and control apparatus and a method of manufacturing a molecular exchange device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a new type of needed for a subcutaneous port or for any use where blood is recycled, and more precisely to a needle with reduced friction openings for easing blood and its elements along a passageway made of a through bore in the body of a needle. The needle includes an oval shape opening for increased mechanical resistance of the needle while allowing a greater passage curvature of the blood cells at the greatest zone of passage. In other embodiments, a plurality of staggered openings is used to reduce the flow through any single opening where damage occurs, the openings can be made in a curved area, or a plurality of smaller openings or a grid made of openings can be used to further reduce the interference of the needle tip and the needle openings on blood.

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a first return lumen, a plurality of withdrawal lumens, a first clamping member and a plurality of intake extension tubes. Each intake extension tube communicates with an intake lumen of the catheter to provide fluid communication with the respective intake lumens. The intake extension tubes are positioned in a stacked arrangement, and the clamping member has a plurality of posts to receive the stacked tubes to limit lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for monitoring access to vessels during extracorporeal blood treatment. The invention forms a loop in the arterial and/or venous line and provides device for fixing a section of the line in a loop. When the line is stressed under tension, the loop contracts and the line finally kinks. The modification of the diameter of the line and the formation of a kink in the line leads to a rise of pressure in the line, which is monitored by a pressure monitoring device. If the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the aspirating cannula is in danger of slipping out of the vessel access or has partially or completely slipped out, thus allowing the threshold value to be determined for alarms.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a catheter is provided. The catheter includes a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body comprises a first element sealably interwoven with a second element to define a longitudinally extending lumen configured to pass fluid therethrough. The first element is wound in a clockwise direction and the second element is wound in a counterclockwise direction. The body further comprises a mechanism configured to cause the distal portion of the body to move toward the proximal portion causing the diameter of the lumen to increase.

Abstract: To monitor an extracorporeal blood circuit during extracorporeal blood treatment, the arterial pressure and venous pressure in the arterial branch and venous branch of the extracorporeal circuit are measured by pressure sensors, and the sum Ps and the difference ?P of the arterial pressure and/or venous pressure measured at the same time are calculated. A possible error state is indicated when the sum Ps and/or difference ?P lie outside predetermined limit value windows A and B. To reduce the susceptibility to error, a check is preferably also made to ascertain whether the two above conditions are satisfied for n successive measurements.

Abstract: A total massive air emboli protection safety valve during cardio pulmonary bypass to protect the massive air embolism without allowing any air into the arterial system by keeping a minimum level of blood into venous cordiatomy reservoir, keeping the patient's life very much safe. It will be in-built in the resent hard shell cordiatomy reservoirs and no need to attach and pay anything extra.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for extraction that can efficiently extract blood flowing in coronary sinus from coronary artery through coronary vein and has the same operability as catheters used in conventional PCI. The present invention also provides a catheter for extracorporeal circulation that can lessen an introduction number of devices for blood access as little as possible and reduce further the burden to a patient, in addition to the same operability as the catheters used in the conventional PCI. The catheter for extraction is equipped with blood extracting lumen in an inside and equipped with a hub at a proximal end portion, and when a minimum sectional area to a circumferential direction of the blood extracting lumen is referred to as S1 and immersion side length is referred to as L1, an equivalent diameter D1 satisfies the formula defined by D1=(4×S1)/L1 and the equivalent diameter D1 is at 1.80 mm.

Abstract: A flexible container incorporating flexible front and rear sheets and one or more container ports disposed in between the sheets are discussed. The one or more container ports each has a pliable attachment flange and an integrally molded nozzle. The pliable attachment flange has a first configuration whereby the attachment flange collapses to enable heat sealing the attachment flange to the sheets and thereafter substantially recovers its shape to provide a fluid pathway with the port. Various terminal ports, terminal caps, and rubber septums may be useable with the one or more container ports.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for placement within a vessel of a patient. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body, a septum extending longitudinally through the interior of the catheter body from the dividing the interior of the catheter body into a first lumen and a second lumen. Each lumen has curved or angled internal walls at the distal end of the catheter that terminate at ports located on opposing sides of the catheter body. The invention also provides a method for exchanging fluids in a patient comprising the step of positioning the catheter of the present invention in communication with a fluid-containing vessel of a patient. The method is particularly well-suited for hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other therapies which require removal and return of blood from a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.

Abstract: A connector system includes an engagement mechanism is provided that includes an engagement feature and a braided reinforcement coupled with a proximal portion of a catheter. The engagement feature can include one, two, or two or more barbs.

Abstract: An apparatus for circulatory isolation and treatment of a part of a patient's body includes a fluid circulation loop having a first end and a second end, a flow obstructer adapted for obstructing blood flow in a patient's blood vessel such that a body part or organ becomes circulatorily isolated from the circulation of the rest of the body, and a flow-through arrangement including first and second flow-through members respectively connected to the first and second ends of the fluid circulation loop, for providing the isolated part of the patient's body with a fluid connection to the fluid circulation loop, allowing circulation of a therapeutic fluid through the isolated body part.

Abstract: A catheter for introduction and removal of fluids from a body and tunneling device therefor, the catheter has a body having a first conduit for removing fluid from the body and a second conduit for delivering fluid to the body wherein at least a part of each of the conduits is integrally formed within a first end of the body and extends along side one another. The first conduit extends beyond the second conduit and forms a terminal point of the first end and defines a first opening thereat and the second conduit extends to a point short of the terminal point defining a second opening. A bumper portion is adjacent the second opening extending toward the terminal point. Another part of each the first and the second conduits are disjoined and form part of a second Y-shaped end. The tunneling device has a channel to removably receive the catheter.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter which includes a first tube having a first tube distal end with an intake port and a second tube that extends parallel to and is connected to the first tube, with the second tube having a second tube distal end with a discharge port is provided. A cover is located on the first tube that it movable from a first position, in which it blocks the intake port, to a second position, which the intake port is unblocked. A longitudinally extending control wire hole is defined in a wall of the first tube. A control wire extends through the hole, with the control wire having a first end that is fixed to the cover. The second end of the control wire is connected to a switch that is moveable in order to move the cover between the first and second positions. This arrangement helps to prevent blockage of the arterial intake port due to thrombosis and fibrin buildup.

Abstract: A blood treatment catheter pre-assembled with a stiffening tube is provided. The catheter includes a withdrawal lumen and a supply lumen each having distal split tube unjoined segments and an intermediate joined segment. The split tube segment of the supply lumen is provided with a sidewall aperture. The stiffening tube extends through the withdrawal split tip tube, out the distal end of the withdrawal tube, through the aperture of the supply split tip tube and through the split tip supply tube distal of the aperture, out the distal end of the split tip supply tube. When the stiffening tube is positioned inside the catheter, the aperture is adjacent to the withdrawal tube distal opening so as to minimize stiffening tube exposure and to provide a smooth exterior profile. In a preferred design, the tubes and their lumens, over their common length, are semi-circular to provide a circular profile for the catheter.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheter devices having at least one split-tipped end are disclosed, together with methods of forming such split tip catheters. In one aspect of the invention, the manufacturing methods can include the steps of: providing a catheter body having at least a first and a second internal lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter body; removing a distal portion of the catheter body to form a first distal tip segment such that the first lumen extends longitudinally within this tip segment beyond the second lumen; and joining a second lumen tip segment to the catheter body in communication with the second lumen. The second tip segment can be joined to the catheter body such that it is at least partially separated from the first tip segment and, in some embodiments, preferably diverges at an angle relative to the first tip segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for monitoring a patient access, in particular a vascular access in extracorporeal blood treatment. The device is used to establish a substantially parallel connection between the arterial and venous tubes, or the arterial and venous puncture needles. If the venous needle slips out of the vascular access, the arterial cannula is forcibly withdrawn. This incident is reliably detected by the known protection systems which monitor the pressure in the arterial tube and/or an air intake. In addition, the present invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment device and to a method for monitoring a patient access, wherein the venous and arterial tubes or the puncture needles are connected to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for placement within a vessel of a patient. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body, a septum extending longitudinally through the interior of the catheter body from the dividing the interior of the catheter body into a first lumen and a second lumen. Each lumen has curved or angled internal walls at the distal end of the catheter that terminate at ports located on opposing sides of the catheter body. The invention also provides a method for exchanging fluids in a patient comprising the step of positioning the catheter of the present invention in communication with a fluid-containing vessel of a patient. The method is particularly well-suited for hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other therapies which require removal and return of blood from a patient.

Abstract: A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment and an arterial segment. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening, is separate from the venous segment, and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment. In one embodiment, the distal region is un-split, but includes symmetrically opposed lateral openings, as well as distal openings, in communication with the first and second lumens for providing a functional stagger for blood flow in both forward and reverse catheter flow directions.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter comprising a first portion having a first dianeter, an elongated distal portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition region between the first portion and distal portion. A first longitudinally extending central lumen configured to deliver blood terminates in an opening in the distal portion. At least two independent longitudinally extending lumens are positioned radially of the first lumen, configured to withdraw blood from a patient, and terminate in a longitudinally directed opening in the transition portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appliance for cannulation of a blood vessel with a cannula which, after introduction into the vessel, is in fluidic communication with the vessel. At least one means is also provided to permit a controlled division of the blood into a first subsidiary stream which leaves the vessel through the cannula, and a second subsidiary stream which continues to flow through the vessel.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient during renal replacement or other therapies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and includes a distal-facing portion. The distal tip region further includes an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen, includes a distal-facing portion, and is substantially un-staggered with respect to the venous lateral opening. A distal end opening is defined on the distal tip region and is sized to pass a fluid therethrough. In one embodiment, the distal end opening is in fluid communication with a third lumen of the catheter body that can withstand high fluid flow rates associated with power injection of contrast media.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter, including an elongate body with an outer wall enclosing an arterial lumen and a venous lumen, and a method of making same. A loop extends from a distal end of the body and defines an enclosed opening. An arterial inlet in fluid communication with the arterial lumen, and a venous outlet in fluid communication with the venous lumen, are positioned on the loop.

Abstract: A perfusion system is so formed that enclosed areas may be formed in the artery system related to the pancreas and the venous system related to the pancreas, respectively, by using balloon catheters, the blood inside the venous system in the enclosed area may be extracted outside the human body, and that, after injecting a pharmaceutical such as anticancer agent into the extracted blood, the extracted blood including pharmaceutical may be returned to the artery system in the enclosed area again.

Abstract: An autotransfusion device having: a first line and a first pump, the first line being connected to the inlet of a blood centrifugation cell, and branches of the first line being (i) connected to a red blood cell container, (ii) provided with a coupling, and (iii) being suitable to be connected to the patient; a second line connected to the outlet of a blood centrifugation cell and two branches of the second line being provided with two couplings; and a third line and a second pump, the third line being connected to the first line in an intermediate position between the first pump and the blood centrifugation cell, and branches of the third line (i) being connected to a physiological solution container and (ii) being provided with a coupling.

Abstract: A device for exchanging and/or docking functional modules (1, 2), and used for the extracorporeal circulation of bodily fluids, is provided. Each functional module (1, 2) includes at least one conduit (3; 4) comprising an inlet (5; 7) and an outlet (6; 8). The aim of the invention is to exchange the functional modules of an extracorporeal circuit as rapidly as possible, without detaching tubular connections and without having to establish a new connection. The invention is provided with elements (9, 10; 11, 12) for connecting the conduit (3) of a first functional module (1) to the inlet (5) and the outlet (6) of a second functional module (2). The connection is established in such a way that the first functional module (1) is bypassed by means of the second functional module (2) to maintain the flow and the bodily fluid is diverted through the second functional module (2).

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided with a flexible tubular body having two lumens. A solid slidable member with a sharp distal end is disposed within one of the lumens. The slidable member is capable of sliding within the lumen of the tubular body between an exposed position in which the sharp distal end of the slidable member protrudes from the distal end of the tubular body and a shielded position in which the distal end of the slidable member is within the tubular body. One advantage is that the sharp distal end of the slidable member may be withdrawn into the tubular body in order to shield a patient from unintentional cutting or irritation from the sharp distal end of the slidable member.

Abstract: A blood flow reversal valve useful in hemodialysis having rotational detent features enabling audible and tactile feedback to a clinician and alignment features such as visible indicators associated with the blood lines on either side of the valve to confirm normal or reverse flow.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly for use in the extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid of a patient. The catheter assembly includes an elongated catheter body having a pair of lumens extending therethrough, and a septum separating the lumens. The catheter body has an aspiration port in communication with a first lumen for transporting fluid withdrawn from a body vessel to a treatment unit, and an infusion port in communication with a second lumen for return of treated fluid to the vessel. The infusion port is positioned distal of the aspiration port along a length of the catheter body. A flexible member is provided, wherein the flexible member has an end receivable in the first lumen and another end engaged with the catheter body distal of the aspiration port. The flexible member is structured and arranged to maintain a spacing between the aspiration port and a wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A catheter for use in extracorporeal treatment of a bodily fluid includes an elongated tubular member having a pair of lumens extending therein, and a septum separating the lumens. A first lumen comprises a withdrawal lumen, and a second lumen comprises an infusion lumen. A withdrawal port disposed along a length of the tubular member communicates with the withdrawal lumen for receiving fluid from a body vessel for transport to a treatment unit, such as a dialyzer. An infusion port disposed along a length of the tubular member communicates with the infusion lumen for returning treated fluid to the vessel. A passageway is formed in an outer wall of the tubular member adjacent the infusion lumen and extends through the septum. A generally tubular conduit extends through the passageway such that the withdrawal lumen communicates with an environment exterior of the tubular member outer wall.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid comprises a catheter body having a plurality of lumens extending therein. The catheter body has an aspiration port in communication with a first lumen for transporting fluid withdrawn from a body vessel to a treatment instrument, such as a dialyzer, and an infusion port in communication with a second lumen for return of treated fluid to the vessel. The catheter body includes a wing-like flap portion extending radially from the catheter body and defining the aspiration port. The flap portion is configured and arranged to space the aspiration port from a wall of the body vessel.

Abstract: A connector system is provided for use in priming a fluid circuit. The system includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is configured to couple with one end of a conduit. The first connector has a gas permeable membrane, a main lumen extending from the gas permeable membrane, and a second lumen. The second lumen has a first end configured to couple with a fluid source and a second end in fluid communication with the main lumen. The second connector is configured to couple with an end of a cannula. The second connector has an end configured to be inserted through the gas permeable membrane into the first connector, whereby fluid communication can be established between the main lumen of the first connector and the cannula lumen.

Abstract: A bolus tip for a multi-lumen catheter includes a first channel terminating distally in a first opening, and a second channel terminating distally in a second opening. The first opening may be positioned proximal the second opening along a longitudinal axis of the bolus tip and may be positioned on a side of the bolus tip opposite that of the second opening. The first and second openings may extend through an outer wall of the bolus tip to a dividing section. The bolus tip may also include a third channel sized for accommodating a guidewire.

Abstract: A device (A) can be used to create a new channel to conduct fluid from a fluid-conducting catheter to a blood vessel without contact between the device or the catheter and the blood flow in the blood vessel. The device includes an outer and an inner tube-like part; in use, the tube-like parts are joined with essentially parallel axes, The outer tube-like part has a lengthwise slit along part of its length to let part of the blood vessel enter and, with the inner tube-like part, to form the new channel. The inner tube-like part is in part to be connected to the catheter. The device may be used to connect a CSF conducting catheter to the deep neck vein of a human. Also, an applicator device and a support instrument used to facilitate a surgical procedure of applying the device are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, system, and method of use of a simple, less invasive, self-expandable percutaneous double lumen cannula assembly for VV ECMO that overcomes the limitations and obstacles of the techniques described above. The present invention achieves near theoretical total venous blood drainage, total extracorporeal gas exchange, and prevents recirculation and multiple cannulation, thereby simplifying VV ECMO, decreasing surgical and blood trauma, and expanding its application.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically retroperfusing a coronary vein. The apparatus includes an intraluminal graft having a tubular body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is for fluidly connecting to an artery to automatically supply retrograde blood for retroperfusion. The tubular body and the distal end are extendable into a vein that is fluidly connected with the coronary vein to be retroperfused. The distal end includes an expandable stent for securing the distal end in the coronary vein.

Abstract: A disposable fluid circuit kit for extracorporeal blood treatment systems that supply replacement fluid to a patient is described. The circuit has a blood portion that carries blood and subjects it to some treatment, such as dialysis or hemofiltration. A portion carries filtrate or dialysate. A replacement fluid portion that carries fluid used to compensate for fluid loss is connectable to a supply of replacement fluid. a sterilizing filter in the replacement fluid portion sterilizes the replacement fluid before introduction into the patient acting as a guard against touch contamination of the connected replacement fluid container. Preferably, the filter has a pore size effective to eliminate pyrogens.

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a first return lumen, a plurality of withdrawal lumens, a first clamping member and a plurality of intake extension tubes. Each intake extension tube communicates with an intake lumen of the catheter to provide fluid communication with the respective intake lumens. The intake extension tubes are positioned in a stacked arrangement, and the clamping member has a plurality of posts to receive the stacked tubes to limit lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: A venovenous expandable dialysis apparatus includes a blood feeding needle component configured to introduce blood at a position of a first peripheral vein and a blood withdrawal needle component configured to withdraw blood at another position from a second peripheral vein located, where the first position is located away from the second position. The expandable dialysis apparatus further includes a guide wire having a central axis, an expanding sheath configured circumferentially around the guide wire to form an annular lumen between a distal blood withdrawal position and a proximal extracorporeal position; and a needle disposed around the expandable sheath.

Abstract: A method for preventing contrast associated nephropathy includes the steps of providing a multi-lumen dual balloon catheter and inserting the catheter into a patient's coronary sinus. The method also includes the steps of inflating the two balloons to block blood flow from the coronary sinus into the right atrium and draining blood containing contrast solution from between the two balloons through the catheter while the blood flow is blocked. A hemo filtration unit is used to remove contrast solution from the drained blood and the filtered blood returned to the right atrium. A multi-lumen dual balloon catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter device and a method of treatment using the indwelling catheter device are provided. The indwelling catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first lumen extending longitudinally therethrough and an inflation lumen extending at least partially through the shaft. The distal portion of the shaft includes a first opening connected to the first lumen. The catheter device further includes a balloon operably connected to an outer surface of the shaft proximal to the first opening wherein the balloon at least partially surrounds the shaft. The inflation lumen is connected to the balloon for selective inflation and deflation of the balloon for disrupting migration of the occluding material and inhibiting the material from occluding the first opening when the catheter device is indwelling.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: A single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.

Abstract: A dialysis fistula graft comprising a valve mechanism with a valve member which is substantially flush with blood flowing in a blood vessel in the closed configuration and allows for blood flow into the fistula graft when the valve member is in the open position. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous access to the valve is provided in which the valve can be opened or closed by applying force through the skin of a patient.

Abstract: A connector system is provided for use in priming a fluid circuit. The system includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is configured to couple with one end of a conduit. The first connector has a gas permeable membrane, a main lumen extending from the gas permeable membrane, and a second lumen. The second lumen has a first end configured to couple with a fluid source and a second end in fluid communication with the main lumen. The second connector is configured to couple with an end of a cannula. The second connector has an end configured to be inserted through the gas permeable membrane into the first connector, whereby fluid communication can be established between the main lumen of the first connector and the cannula lumen.

Abstract: A transition device for placement at the opening of the tip of a cannula body for the purpose of controlling the shape of the cannula tip opening under various loads such as might be encountered during device placement.

Abstract: In general, this invention relates to methods and devices for introducing and/or draining fluids into and/or from a patient's body. Methods and devices are provided for rendering conventional tubing sets, or fluid flow sets, which are normally coupleable with only specific complementary patient access devices, compatible with other access devices also. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, methods and devices are provided which render conventional extracorporeal tubing sets to be interchangeably connectable with other specific transcutaneous catheters. In yet another aspect of the invention, non-conventional tubing sets and corresponding non-conventional access devices for use in hemodialysis, or hemofiltration, are provided such that specific tubing sets and access devices can be used interchangeably.