Apparatus and method for peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

An apparatus and method for treatment of end stage renal decline and failure through peritoneal dialysis enabling ambulatory transfer of dialysate to and from the peritoneum of a renal patient, this in synthesis and coordination with normal physiological rhythms of the patient. The system remains unobtrusive and less restrictive of patient ambulation and orientation. The present invention includes expendables disposability of which facilitates safe reuse of more expensive portions and is sufficiently simple for use in a home care environment. It may be designed to incorporate real-time, interactive or remote monitoring and regulation and visual or audible indication of system pressures, chemical balances and other important variables.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of Ser. No. 09 / 962,027, filed Sep. 24, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which application claims the priority benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 234,681, filed Sep. 22, 2000, for “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERITONEAL DIALYSIS”, the content of both of which are incorporated by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to means for treatment of renal decline and failure. It is particularly directed to an improved system for ambulatory transfer of dialysate to and from the peritoneum. BACKGROUND [0003] State of the Art [0004] Medical practice has numerous applications for treatment of impaired renal function and ultimate decline and failure with peritoneal dialysis. The application of peritoneal dialysis, involves introduction of a dialysate solution to the peritoneal cavity outside the omentum, through an indwelling single lumen catheter entering the peritoneum through t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] In accordance with this method a selected volume of unused dialysate, which is in excess of the therapeutic volume and is sufficient to accomplish dialysis through an extended period of time during which the patient may be in a sleeping condition, may selectively be introduced to the peritoneum of the patient. This method may incorporate the distention-limiting structure within or arou

Problems solved by technology

Most devices require the patient to be tethered and confined and to be situated at a fixed location with a dialyzing bag hanging from an IV stand for gravity feed throughout the transfer of dialysate to and from the peritoneum of the patient and do not permit ambulation during transfer of dialysate.

Some systems utilize pumps that have the disadvantages of substantial cost, size and weight that are prohibitive of significant ambulation during dialysate transfer.

Irrespective of which paradigm has been used, heretofore, peritoneal dialysis procedures presuppose introduction and maintenance of a total of approximately three liters or twelve pounds of dialysate solution to and within the peritoneum for an extended period of time for the patient, with the epithelial tissues of the peritoneum acting essentially as an artificial kidney; the process uncomfortably expands and distends the abdomen of the patient and results in discomfort, disfigurement

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