APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC RENAL DISEASE BY CONTINUOUS PASSIVE PLASMA ULTRAFILTRATION

摘要

An apparatus for treatment of acute and chronic renal disease by continuous passive plasma ultrafiltration includes a plasmapheresis element comprising a catheter and a plasmapheresis filter element secured to the end of the catheter for being implanted in a patient's vena cava or jugular vein, a tube secured to the catheter for receiving and directing blood plasma, a one-way valve for preventing fluid flow from the tube to the catheter, and a container for receiving and collecting the blood plasma. The treatment of the patient is performed by implanting the catheter and plasmapheresis filter element in a patient's vena cava, passing of blood plasma containing the toxins to be removed from the patient's blood supply through the filter element and along the catheter, and collecting and discarding the collected blood plasma.