VENOUS ACCESS CATHETERS AND METHODS FOR PORTAL VENOUS SYSTEM CATHETERIZATION

摘要

The present invention contemplates devices and methods to administer nutritional compositions and/or therapeutic drugs directly into a portal venous system. For example, total parenteral nutrition therapy may be administered directly into the hepatic portal venous system thus circumventing known side effects of conventional parenteral administration. Alternatively, hepatic diseases and disorders may be treated using locally administered therapeutic drugs. Devices capable of direct portal venous system administration include, but are not limited to, a direct portal access catheter or a transjugular access catheter.