Catheter with open faced end portion

A method of inserting a vascular access catheter into a vessel, wherein the method comprises:

• a. providing a vascular access catheter, wherein the catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion has a distal end portion, and wherein the distal end portion has a distal tip and is substantially sloped with a sloped face;
• and at least two lumens, wherein each lumen has at least one aperture that communicates between the lumen and the exterior of the lumen:
• and a first lumen aperture, wherein the first lumen aperture exits the distal portion adjacent the distal tip, and wherein the first lumen aperture is substantially completely open in the sloped face;
• and a third lumen located at least in the region of the distal portion, wherein the third lumen is capable of receiving a guidewire, and wherein the third lumen has a proximal aperture and a distal aperture, and wherein the distal aperture of the third lumen exits the distal portion distally of the first lumen aperture;
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• b. inserting the guidewire into a vessel in a patient body;
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• c. inserting a guidewire into the distal aperture of the third lumen;
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• d. advancing the guidewire through the third lumen and into the first lumen;
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• e. inserting the catheter into a vessel in a patient body over the guidewire;
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• f. positioning the distal portion of the catheter at a desired location;
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• g. removing the guidewire from the third lumen.