| abstract |
An implantable dialysis connection assembly for connecting first and second catheters positioned with a vein to first and second terminals of a dialysis machine. The assembly includes a housing having first, second and third recesses extending into a face side thereof. A first port is positioned within the first recess for receiving the first terminal and retaining an end of the first terminal within the first recess. A second port is positioned within the second recess for receiving the second terminal and retaining an end of the second terminal within the second recess. A third port is positioned within the third recess for connecting to a supply of heparin for deposit within the third recess. The third port is connected to the first port for supplying heparin thereto by a first conduit and the third port is connected to the second port for supplying heparin thereto by a second conduit. First and second connection devices connect the first and second ports to the first and second conduits, respectively. In operation, the first terminal causes blood to be removed from the vein through the first catheter and first recess for delivery to and detoxification by the dialysis machine and the second terminal causes detoxified blood to be returned to the vein through the second recess and second catheter, said heparin being supplied to said first and second recesses during dialysis for preventing the blood passing through said first and second recesses from clotting and thereby clogging the first and second terminals. |