Method and apparatus for continuous peritoneal cascade dialysis and hemofiltration (CPCD/H)

A method for carrying out continuous peritoneal dialysis comprising:

• providing a dialyzer element comprising a filter membrane for being exposed to fluid within said peritoneal cavity, said membrane having an interior dialysate passageway, and pores sufficient to allow diffusion of blood and plasma toxins therethrough,
• implanting said dialyzer element in the peritoneal cavity of a patient whereby the exterior surface of said filter membrane is exposed to peritoneal cavity fluid,
• infusing a transfer fluid into the patient's peritoneal cavity and allowing said transfer fluid to dwell in said peritoneal cavity for a period of time whereby blood and plasma toxins from peritoneal vasculative are diffused through the peritoneal membrane into said transfer fluid and exposing the transfer fluid to the exterior of the filter membrane,
• continuously supplying substantially fresh dialysate fluid into said interior dialysate passageway of said dialyzer element and directing said dialysate fluid along said dialysate passageway, diffusing blood and plasma toxins in said transfer fluid through said membrane into said dialysate fluid in said interior dialyzer passageway to form toxic dialysate fluid therein, and continuously removing said toxic dialysate fluid from said dialyzer element.