Catheter design for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis

A new catheter for continuous flow peritoneal dialysis is presented. One of the main issues in this field is the safety and good clinical tolerance of the catheter. In this case, the size and diameter of the cannula has not been increased in comparison to previous PD catheters. Furthermore, the materials utilized are designed for maximum comfort of the patient and minimal traumatisation of the peritoneal membrane. Nevertheless, the two compartments of the catheter allow for high dialysate flows without creating high resistance and the rate of recirculation is minimal in conditions of simulated continuous flow PD. Furthermore, the characteristic of the new catheter is the presence in the inflow branch of a special diffuser designed like a shower cap that is intended to improve the dialysate inflow distribution in the peritoneal cavity and to increase the contact of the peritoneal membrane with the solution. At the same time, the diffuser prevents a traumatic effect of the inflow dialysate due to high speed infusion or jet flow conditions. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel