Clinical Trials of the Column Disc Peritoneal Catheter (Lifecath Tm)

Abstract

The column-disc catheter is a peritoneal access device which is affixed to the lower anterior abdominal wall. A large peripheral port allows inflow and outflow of peritoneal fluid with a fluid velocity 20 times less than that of the Tenckhoff catheter. The location and shape of the column-disc catheter completely prevents migration. Forty-six such catheters have been placed in a variety of patients at six institutions. Most of the patients were at “high risk” for Tenckhoff catheter failure, as defined by Ponce et al (3). Total experience is over 250 patient-months; six catheters have been in place for longer than 17 months. Of seven early catheter failures, five were related to faulty placement technique and the other two were in “high risk” patients. Late catheter failures have not been encountered. In three cases the catheter was removed because of peritonitis which failed to clear. No instances of exit site erosion have occurred. Monthly outflow studies have indicated consistent outflow. During each outflow, the deceleration of flow occurred at a later time in each outflow, than with Tenckhoff catheters. The Life Cath TM is an effective alternative to the Tenckhoff catheter, especially indicated for patients at high risk for failure of Tenckhoff catheters.