Apparatus and method for the treatment of acute and chronic renal disease by continuous passive plasma ultrafiltration

An apparatus for removing toxins from a patient's blood comprising:

• a single lumen catheter having a plasmapheresis filter element secured on or adjacent to an end thereof, said catheter and said filter capable of implantation in a patient's vena cava or jugular vein and for directing blood plasma to be discarded therefrom;
• a flexible tube secured to said catheter for receiving and directing blood plasma to be discarded from said catheter, and a one-way valve cooperating therewith along said flexible tube for preventing fluid flow of said plasma to be discarded from returning from said tube to said catheter;
• and
• a container cooperating with said tube for receiving and collecting blood plasma from said tube to be discarded.

An apparatus for removing toxins from a patient's blood comprising:

• a dual lumen catheter having a plasmapheresis filter element secured on or adjacent to a first end thereof, said catheter and said filter element capable of implantation in a patient's vena cava or jugular vein, said catheter having a first lumen for directing blood plasma to be discarded from said patient and a second lumen for directing fluid other than said blood plasma to be discarded to said patient;
• an infusion fluid flow directing means cooperating with said second lumen of said catheter for directing fluid other than said blood plasma to be discarded to said patient therethrough;
• a flexible tube cooperating with said first lumen for directing blood plasma to be discarded from said patient therethrough and a one-way valve cooperating therewith for preventing flow of said blood plasma to be discarded back to said patient;
• and
• a container for receiving and collecting blood plasma to be discarded from said tube.