Importance

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Abstract

An implanted single- or dual-lumen device for repeated accessing of a vessel within a body, especially for hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other fluid exchange therapy treatments. The device is characterized by having: no septum for sealing but uses a resilient material to form a seal; a smooth streamlined flowpath; low flow resistance; substantially no stagnation points, such that the device is easily and completely flushed; and a positive locking mechanism that accepts and retains a matching needle apparatus. The device is joined to a catheter, in most cases, such that fluids can be extracted from or injected into the vessel to be accessed. The device is designed for the high flowrates, on the order of 400 milliliters per minute, associated with hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other fluid exchange therapies. A corresponding straight-needle apparatus is designed to mate and lock with the access device, where alignment and open flowpath is ensured. The needle apparatus first penetrates the skin and then the access device via the seal. The access device is flexibly mounted to the body at the attached catheter allowing the access device itself to move under the skin so as to accommodate and align with the needle apparatus.

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First Claim