Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis: A new double lumen catheter

Continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) is a therapy originally utilized in the sixties. It was then abandoned because of technical reasons, but, today, a new interest in this technique is emerging, because of new technical solutions and new hardware capabilities. CFPD is a peritoneal dialysis technique in which a certain amount of fluid is maintained in the peritoneal cavity, while a continuous inflow and outflow is provided via twin catheters or through a double lumen catheter. In this paper a new double lumen catheter is presented. The catheter is characterized by the presence of a diffuser in the inflow lumen, while a standard coiled shape characterizes the outflow lumen. The diffuser allows the use of high dialysate flows without peritoneal damage and with an excellent distribution of the fluid. The other feature of the catheter is the removable hub which allows for an easy subcutaneous tunneling of the catheter with a subsequent connection to the y segment. The special shape also guarantees a minimum recirculation during treatment. Data obtained in the first implanted catheter showed a progressive increase in small solute clearances in relation to an increase of the flow and the tidal volume in the peritoneal cavity. In particular, urea clearances up to 48 ml/min and creatinine clearances up to 39 ml/min were obtained. No major complications were observed after one year of use of the catheter.