Variable Profile Implantable Catheter

Abstract

Catheters having an expanded configuration define a catheter lumen to provide fluid communication during fluid delivery. However, in between fluid delivery events, the catheter occupies a cross-sectional area within a vessel reducing the patency thereof and increasing the risk of occlusion formation. Embodiments include a catheter tube configured to collapse radially inward in between fluid delivery events to reduce the impact on the patency of the vessel and mitigate thrombosis formation. A fluid pressure within the catheter tube can transition the catheter to the expanded configuration. Catheter systems can further include an inflatable stiffening member configured to impart rigidity on the catheter tube to facilitate placement. Further, the catheter tube can include a reinforcement member configured to provide longitudinal strength while still allowing radial transition to the collapsed configuration. The reinforcement member can be inflatable to further reduce a cross-sectional area in between fluid delivery events.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.