Method and system for treating tissue swelling

Abstract

A system and related methods and components for treating a tissue site exhibiting interstitial hypertension, including tissue swelling, and particularly swelling associated with cerebral edema, compartment syndrome, and congestive heart failure, by the use of water removal therapy, in order to remove only water from biological fluids. Included also is a system for such use that incorporates one or more monitors, optionally in addition to the use of water removal therapy. By removing only water, all other biologic agents, including essentially all solutes and formed blood elements (such as cells) are increased in concentration in the remaining bodily fluid(s). WRT can be applied to several clinical conditions in which there is an excess of water, and is ideally used in an extracorporeal fashion, in combination with other functions and related components as well, including ultrafiltration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for addressing situations in which interstitial hypertension (elevated tissue pressure) occurs within the body, including in situations of tissue swelling and the hypertension associated with formation of solid and semisolid tumors. In another aspect, the invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and apparatuses that include the placement of semipermeable catheters and membranes within the body, for use in removing water and / or fluid components from the tissue site and / or for delivering agents such as bioactive agents to sites exhibiting interstitial hypertension. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and apparatuses adapted to monitor various physiologic parameters in the course of tissue swelling, as well as methods and apparatuses adapted to deliver media, including gases and liquids, to catheters positioned within a tissue, including t...

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