Procedure and device for flushing a catheter

Abstract

In a procedure for flushing a catheter, connected to an apparatus, implanted in a patient for infusing liquid medication, in particular insulin, through the catheter, the infusion channel in the catheter is isolated from the patient and connected in a circuit separated from the patient. Cleaning fluid is then flushed through the circuit. In a device for flushing a catheter according to this procedure, connected to an implanted apparatus for infusing fluid medication, in particular insulin, through the catheter, the catheter is at least of a double-lumen type. One channel is intended for the infusion of the medication through an outlet valve in the catheter, and a second valve is arranged in the tip of the catheter to interconnect the two channels. The second valve is openable, and the outlet valve is closable, either by pressure actuation or by an externally applied signal, so the catheter's two channels are placed in fluid communication to form a circuit, isolated from the patient, for flushing the infusion channel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.