Technical Field

Peritoneal dialysis, particularly in the form of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,239,041, is a rapidly growing technique for the maintenance of patients who have lost kidney function. The technique exhibits great convenience of use compared with more conventional dialysis, because the patient can be free to move about during the entire day, while undergoing continuous diffusion exchange with peritoneal dialysis solution in the peritoneal cavity. Also, peritoneal dialysis procedures tend to be consider¬ ably less expensive than hemodialysis procedures. It is considered desirable by some experts to pass the fresh peritoneal dialysis solution through a bacteria blocking filter immediately prior to entry of the solution into the peritoneal cavity. However, as a problem with this technique, it has been found that after the peritoneal dialysis solution has resided in the peritoneum for a period of time, if it comes into contact with the filter it tends to quickly clog the filter, to interfere with further use thereof.

In some forms of peritoneal dialysis the filter can remain on the part of the peritoneal tube which communi¬ cates with the peritoneal catheter, being worn by the patient for a substantial length of time, i.e., several weeks. Thus, in the event that the peritoneal dialysis solution comes into contact with the filter after having resided in the peritoneal cavity, the filter can become obstructed prior to the expiration of the intended period of use.

By this invention, a structure is disclosed in which the filter can be protected from contact with spent

peritoneal dialysis solution, while at the same time a single bag may be used both to provide the solution to the peritoneal cavity, and also to receive spent soluti from the peritoneal cavity, without coming into contact with the filter to clog it.

Also, the same bag may be used to advantage in peritoneal dialysis without a filter, when the bag is r moved between exchanges, to reduce the incidence of peritonitis by reducing the required number of connecti made.

Description of Prior Art

French published Patent Application 2,455,462 (SMA discloses apparatus for peritoneal dialysis, for convey¬ ing dialysis solution between the peritoneal cavity and container. The apparatus defines a first passageway whi contains a filter, and a second bypass passageway which bypasses the filter so that dialysis solution from the peritoneal cavity can pass back to the container withou contact with the filter. However, it has been found th even a small amount of the spent peritoneal dialysis so tion, entering into contact with the filter, can degrad its capability to function. Those few drops of solutio can reside in the upstream portion of the set as the sp solution flows from the peritoneal cavity, so that the next aliquot of fresh peritoneal dialysis solution pass through the set and filter can carry the few drops of s peritoneal dialysis solution through the filter, with t result that over a period of use the filter is degraded in its functioning. By this invention, spent peritoneal dialysis soluti can be completely kept away from the filter despite its passage through the same tubular set back to a containe so that not even one drop of spent peritoneal dialysis solution comes into contact with the filter. Addi- tionally, with this invention, fewer and safer

connections can be made per peritoneal dialysis proce¬ dure.

Description of the Invention

In accordance with this invention a solution delivery system for peritoneal dialysis may include the following: A peritoneal tube is provided for flow communication to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, being typically attached to a peritoneal catheter through one end thereof. The tube carries a branched pair of tubular arms at its other end, one of the arms carrying a dialysis solution filter in flow communication therewith.

A solution bag defining separate chambers and prefer¬ ably formed of three plastic walls, sealed together about their peripheries to define a pair of separate chambers, is provided. Port tubes communicate with each of the chambers. One of the chambers is filled with dialysis solution and the other is empty, with the port tube of the one chamber connecting with the tubular arm which carries the filter, and the port tube of the empty chamber con- necting with the other tubular arm. Flow regulating means such as slide or other clamps are provided to control flow through the tubular arms.

As the result of this, fresh dialysis solution froni the one chamber may pass from the chamber through the filter and peritoneal tube into the peritoneal cavity.

The spent dialysis solution may pass from the peritoneal tube through the other tubular arm into the other chamber without entering into contact with the filter.

Since the spent peritoneal dialysis solution resides in the other chamber, there is no way that even a few drops can recycle into the port tube which is connected with the tubular arm which carries the filter. Thus the upstream portion of such filter-carrying port tube re¬ mains completely free of spent peritoneal dialysis solu¬ tion. The downstream portion of the port tube which

carries the filter may be sealed with the flow regulating means during the process.

Following this, the bag of solution may be discon¬ nected and disposed of, and a fresh bag of solution re¬ connected. Once again, the port tube of the bag communi¬ cating with the chamber filled with fresh dialysis solu¬ tion communicates with the tubular arm that carries the filter. Thus, when opened, fresh dialysis solution passe through the filter and washes any spent peritoneal dialysis solution in the lower end of that tubular arm into the peritoneal cavity. Thus the filter is completel protected from contact with spent peritoneal dialysis solution, making use of the double chamber bag and the branching connections of this invention. AS a further advantage of this structure, any bacter that are collected on the upstream side of the filter are completely isolated from the peritoneal cavity, despite the fact that the double chamber bag of this invention has another entry port for receiving spent peritoneal dialysis solution. There is no communication between the two entry ports of the bag since they lead to separate chambers. To the contrary, in the event that a bypass system is used so that the spent peritoneal dialysis solution may bypass the filter and be drained back into the same bag from which the fresh solution was obtained, it is possible for bacteria retained on the upstream side of the filter to migrate from the bag through the shunt tube, bypassing the filter to enter the peritoneal cavity. Alternatively, the invention of this application may be used in a system which does not carry a filter. A solution bag formed of three plastic walls, having its port tubes communicating with each of the chambers, may have port tubes that join together to a single tube, ter¬ minated at its end by a single connector which is adapted to connect with the peritoneal tube for flow communica¬ tion to the peritoneal cavity of the patient. Flow con¬ trol means may be provided for each of the port tubes,

for example, a slide clamp in the case of the port tube communicating with the empty bag chamber, and an internal breakaway member in the case of the port tube which communicates with the chamber of the bag which is filled with fresh peritoneal dialysis solution.

Accordingly, the bag may be connected to the peri¬ toneal tube of the patient through the connector when the patient is ready for an exchange of dialysis solution. The slide clamp may be opened, and the spent peritoneal dialysis solution may flow from the peritoneal cavity of the patient into the empty chamber of the bag, the bag being proportioned so that it is capable of carrying the spent peritoneal dialysis solution in one bag chamber, while the fresh peritoneal dialysis solution resides in the other bag chamber.

Following this, the slide clamp closes off the port tube that communicates with the formerly empty chamber of the bag, and the flow control means of the other port tube is opened, permitting the fresh peritoneal dialysis solution to flow into the patient's peritoneal cavity. By this means, a single bag can be used, with a single connection made to the peritoneal tube, to both receive the spent peritoneal dialysis solution and to provide the fresh peritoneal dialysis solution. After the fresh peritoneal dialysis solution has been administered, the bag may be disconnected; the end of the peritoneal tube capped with a bacteria-proof closure; and the patient can resume his normal activities without having to carry the flattened bag. Furthermore, this advantage can be achieved with only a single connection made between a bag and the peritoneal tube per replacement of peritoneal dialysis solution.

Other uses which can be made of the double compart¬ ment container of this invention are for the storage of two incompatible solutions which can be mixed together immediately before use, for example bicarbonate-

stabilized dialysis solution, where the bicarbonate solution is separately stored from the dialysis solution and added immediately before or during the administratio process. in other fields, one of the compartments of the two compartment bag may hold an amino acid solution, and the other compartment may contain glucose or other source of carbohydrate nutrition, optionally with saline and other electrolytes, for the purpose of dialysis or total paren teral nutrition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a solution bag o this invention, connected to a filter-carrying peritonea set which, in turn, communicates with the implanted peri toneal dialysis catheter in a patient.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 o Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken alon line 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a sectional view similar to that of Fig 3, but showing the chamber filled with liquid in Figure as being empty, and the empty chamber as shown in Figure being filled with liquid.

Figure 5 is an elevational view of another embodime of the system of this invention utilizing a double chamb bag, shown connected to a peritoneal set which, in turn, connects to an implanted catheter in the peritoneal cavi of the patient.

Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view, taken al line 6-6 of Figure 5, showing both chambers of the bag filled with peritoneal dialysis solution.

Description of Specific Embodiments

Referring to Figures 1-3, solution bag 10 is

disclosed, being formed of three flexible plastic walls 12, 14, 16 sealed together about their peripheries 18 to define a pair of separate chambers 20, 22. The construc¬ tion of bag 10 can be similar to the construction of presently sold polyvinyl chloride blood and solution bags, with the exception that three plastic walls are sealed about their peripheries rather than the customary two plastic walls, the result being that separate chambers 20, 22 are defined.

Port tubes 24, 26 are also provided, with port tube 24 communicating with chamber 20, and port tube 26 communi¬ cating with chamber 22. This is simply accomplished by inserting the port tubes, prior to sealing of periphery 18, in such a manner that they project into the bag on oppo- site sides of inner wall 14, followed by customary heat sealing of the periphery 18 so that the port tubes 24, 26 are positioned through the heat seal in accordance . with customary technology.

Each of port tubes 24, 26 are terminated by connectors 28 which may be of a design, for example, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,294,250.

Frangible, internal breakaway seal member 30 may be provided in the interior of port tube 24, for sealing of chamber 20 until access is desired. While any desired design of seal member 30 may be used, one particularly preferred design is as disclosed in U.S. Application Serial No. 086,102, filed October 18, 1979, and entitled "Breakaway Valve". Such a seal may also be used for port tube 26 also, if desired, but slide clamp 31 is specifi- cally shown for flow control through port tube 26.

Compartment 20 may be filled with fresh peritoneal dialysis solution in this particular embodiment, while compartment 22 is initially empty, so that inner wall 14 rests against outer wall 12 of the container along much of its extent. In the drawings, however, inner wall 14 is shown spaced from the outer walls for clarity of dis¬ closure.

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Connectors 28 of bag 10 are, in turn, connected wit a pair of mating connectors 32 of a peritoneal tube 34 which typically may be a peritoneal set terminating with conventional connector means 35, attachable to a connect 5 37 of peritoneal catheter 36 implanted in a patient.

Connector 37 may be a conventional titanium connector po tioned on the end of catheter 36, while connector means 35 may be a double seal plastic connector. This connect system 35, 37 is presently sold for continuous ambulator ° peritoneal dialysis by Travenol Laboratories, Inc. of Deerfield, Illinois.

Connectors 32 may be the mating connectors to conne tors 28, of the design disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,294,250. ⁵ Peritoneal set 34 defines a pair of branched tubula arms 38, 40, one of which carries a filter 42, typically a 0.22 micron hydrophobic bacteria filter.

Slide clamps 43, 44 (or other clamps or valves as desired) are also provided on arms 38, 40 to selectively ⁰ control the flow therethrough. Conventional Y site 46 may optionally be provided in tubular arm 38 for the ap¬ plication of antiseptic, while clamp 43 is closed, to sterilize the connection between connectors 28, 32 befor opening clamp 43 for outflow of spent dialysis solution. It should be noted that the term "sterile" as used herein also includes the concept of substantial sterilit in which the population of microorganisms has been reduc to such a level that they do not cause the patient to exhibit significant symptoms of infection. For use of the structure of Figures 1-4, the connec tion is made between port tubes 24, 26 and tubular arms 38, 40. The patient typically carries tubular set 34 in connection with the peritoneal catheter 36 for a substan tial length of time, perhaps a month, with bag 10 being switched with every peritoneal dialysis procedure.

Bag 10 is thus connected, making use of a sterile procedure to avoid contamination of connectors 28, 32, and optionally making use of a sterilizing procedure with ultraviolet radiation or another sterilizing agent.

After the sterile connection has been made, the breakaway seal 30 in port tube 24 is opened, with clamp 44 being open and clamp 43 being closed, to permit the fresh peritoneal dialysis solution in chamber 20 to flow through filter disc 42 and through catheter 36 into the peritoneal cavity, to prevent any contamination passing into the peritoneal cavity.

This, of course, presupposes that any peritoneal dialysis solution previously in the peritoneal cavity has been already removed.

In the alternative, it may be desired for the patient to proceed through a dwell period in which the peritoneal dialysis solution resides in the peritoneal cavity with tubular set 34 being unconnected to a bag. In that in¬ stance, bag 10 may then be connected in sterile manner between the respective connectors 28, 32, and, as a first step, slide clamps 31 and 43 may be opened, with clamp 44 being closed, and the spent peritoneal dialysis solution is drained through set 34 and port tube 26, to fill bag chamber 22 prior to draining chamber 20 of its fresh dialysis solution. In this event, bag 10, of course, must be proportioned to simultaneously hold both the fresh and the spent peritoneal dialysis solution.

After removal of the spent peritoneal dialysis solu¬ tion from the peritoneal cavity, whether drained into the present bag, or previously drained into another bag prior to connection of bag 10, the fresh dialysis solu¬ tion is passed through tubular port 24, filter disc 42, and. catheter 36 into the peritoneal cavity.

Thereafter, if bag 10 is completely empty it may be worn by the patient without disconnection during the dwell period in which the solution resides in the peritoneal cavity, and then used to receive spent dialysis solution.

Alternatively, it may be disconnected, with connectors 32 being capped with sealing caps.

Figure 4 shows bag 10 after the fresh dialysis solu¬ tion has been drained from chamber 20 and the spent dialysis solution has passed into chamber 22, immediately prior to disconnection thereof from connectors 32. It can be seen that inner wall 14 has moved to the other sid of the bag, to be generally in contact with outer bag wal 16. A major advantage of this procedure is that, when properly performed, no spent peritoneal dialysis solution can get into contact with filter 42 to degrade its per¬ formance. Thus filter 42 can be repeatedly used for a substantial length of time, providing increased assurance of sterile conditions, since any contamination which migh come from the peritoneal dialysis solution or from the connection of connector 32 will be retained by filter 42. A filter is less necessary on tubular arm 38, because tha tubular arm only receives outflowing, spent peritoneal dialysis solution rather than inflowing solution. Clamp

44 prevents any upstream migration of the spent peritonea dialysis solution into tubular arm 40, while the double chamber characteristic of bag 10 prevents any migration of spent peritoneal dialysis solution into tubular arm 24, to be driven through filter 42 upon the next admini¬ stration of fresh dialysis solution.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, another embodiment of this invention using a similar bag is disclosed.

Solution bag 10a may be of similar construction to solution bag 10, with the exception that port tubes 24a, 26a join together in a Y connection to form a single con¬ nector tube 50, terminating in a connector 52 which may be of a design similar to that shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,294,250. As shown in Figure 6, bag 10a carries three layers

12a, 14a, 16a sealed together at their peripheries in the manner of the previous embodiment. Port tubes 24a, 26a are similarly related in their connection through the sealed periphery 18a into the respective chambers 20a, 22a defined by bag 10a. A breakaway internal seal 30a may seal port tube 24a while, if desired, a slide clamp or other reclosable clamp 31a may seal port tube 26a.

As shown in Figure 5, connector 52 may be in connect¬ ing relation with a connector 56. Connector 56 communi¬ cates with a peritoneal dialysis set 58 which may be of conventional design, having a connector member 60 on its end opposed from connector 56 communicating with peritoneal dialysis catheter 36a.

In use, peritoneal dialysis bag 10a is connected through its connector 52 to connector 56, taking the usual precaution to avoid contamination during the connec¬ tion process. Clamp 31a may then be opened, along with slide clamp 57 (or the like) of set 58, to allow the spent peritoneal dialysis solution to flow from the peritoneal cavity through set 58 and port tube 26a into chamber 22a of bag 10a.

At the termination of this step, bag 10a can appear as it does in Figure 6, with chamber 22a being filled with spent peritoneal dialysis and chamber 20a filled with fresh dialysis solution. Typically, the amount of fresh dialysis solution in chamber 20a is about two liters, while the amount of spent solution in chamber 22a may be somewhat more than that because of the water added to the solution by ultrafiltration. Bag 10a should, of course, be proportioned to permit it to hold the amount of liquid which it is expected to receive.

After draining of the peritoneal cavity, clamp 31a may be closed, and internal frangible seal 30a may be broken open to permit fresh peritoneal dialysis solution to flow through tubular port 24a, set 58, and implanted catheter 36a into the peritoneal cavity. After this has

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been accomplished, clamp 57 may be closed again and con¬ nectors 52, 56 separated. Connector 56 may be capped with a sealing cap member, and bag 10a, carrying the spe peritoneal dialysis solution, may be discarded. One added advantage of this technique is that the outflow of spent peritoneal dialysis solution can take place immediately after the initial coupling between con nectors 52, 56. This can tend to wash away any contamin tion that might have entered the system during the conne tion process, despite the efforts to keep the system sterile, so that the subsequent flow of fresh dialysis solution through connectors 52, 56 is less likely to was contamination into the peritoneal cavity. Also, the connection may be sterilized with ultraviolet radiation or the like during the outflow or drain phase, so the connection is reliably sterilized prior to infusion of t fresh solution without any delay.

The above has been offered for illustrative purpose only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the in- vention, which is as defined in the claims below.