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Abstract

Equipment for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in which a solution container is coupled via flexible tubing to a patient's tube that communicates with the patient's peritoneal cavity by means of a catheter, usually a surgically implanted catheter. The equipment includes a flexible, foldable plastic dialysis solution container having a transfer port. A flexible tube having a luer connector at its distal end extends from the transfer port, for connecting to a luer connector carried by the patient's tube. The flexible tube carries a frangible member which normally blocks fluid flow but permits fluid flow after the frangible member is broken. A particulate filter and a manually-operable clamp are in series with the flexible tube. Peritoneal dialysis is accomplished by connecting the luer connector from a fresh dialysis solution bag to the patient's tube luer connector, breaking the frangible member, and opening the clamp on the flexible tubing. After the dialysis solution is introduced into the patient's peritoneal cavity and remains there for a predetermined time, the solution is drained back into the flexible bag, the luer connectors are disconnected and the foregoing steps are repeated. If desired, once the dialysis solution has been introduced into the patient's peritoneal cavity, the luer connections may be disconnected and the patient's tube luer connector may be capped.

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First Claim