Importance

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Abstract

The invention is a combination device for long-term intravenous therapy comprising an outer sheath 11 and an inner catheter 15. The outer sheath 11 is permanently implanted in the patient allowing repeated or continuous access to the venous system. Inner catheter 15 is inserted into the outer sheath and comprises several conventional configurations such as single lumen, dual lumen, depending on the particular therapy. When therapy is complete, or when needed to avoid blockage by clotting or infection resulting from contamination, the inner catheter may be removed. When the inner catheter 15 is not in place, the sheath 11 is sealed at the proximal or skin-surface end by cap 16. The cap provides a flat, inconspicuous surface which may be covered with a small bandage. In this configuration, the patient is also protected from injury in that the likelihood of physical damage to protruding hardware is minimized. The present invention permits home therapy, including insertion and removal of catheters (using sterile techniques) by non-medical assistants.

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First Claim