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US 4,995,865 AGranted
Multi-lumen catheters
AssigneeWorldwide Medical Plastics Inc.
InventorsWilliam J. Gahara, Thomas R. Johnson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Catheters having three lumens for injection and removal of fluids comprise an elongated tube having an integrally formed septum which extends throughout the length of the tube and defines the three lumens which may have the same or different cross-sectional areas. A smooth conical tapered tip is provided at the distal end of the tube and one of the lumens extends continuously through the tip to an opening at the apex of the tip. The other lumens extend continuously from the proximal end of the tube to openings in their sidewalls at a location axially spaced from the tip at the distal end. These catheters permit higher rates of fluid transfer in dialysis and like procedures than do double lumen catheters and are less prone to occlusion.
Claims15
A three-lumen catheter comprising:
- an elongated unitary tube having an integral septum extending within the entire length of said tube and dividing the interior of said tube into first, second and third lumens, said integral septum having an approximately T-shaped cross-section;
- the outer circumference of said tube converging smoothly at its distal end to form a conical tapered tip;
- said first lumen extending from the proximal end of said tube continuously through said conical tapered tip to an opening at the apex of said tip, said first lumen for introducing fluid to a body cavity;
- each of said second and third lumens extending continuously from the proximal end of said tube to at least one opening in the sidewall thereof at a location axially spaced from said conical tip, both said second and third lumens for withdrawing fluid from a body cavity;
- and
- each of said second and third lumens having no opening through the apex of said conical tip.
3 more elements
A three-lumen catheter comprising:
- an elongated unitary tube having an integral septum extending within the entire length of said tube and dividing the interior of said tube into first, second and third lumens;
- the outer circumference of said tube converging smoothly at its distal end to form a conical tapered tip;
- said first lumen extending from the proximal end of said tube continuously through said conical tapered tip to an opening at the apex of said tip, said first lumen for introducing fluid to a body cavity;
- each of said second and third lumens extending continuously from the proximal end of said tube to at least one opening in the sidewall thereof at a location axially spaced from said conical tip, both said second and third lumens for withdrawing fluid from a body cavity;
- each of said second and third lumens having no opening through the apex of said conical tip;
- and
- said first lumen having at least one opening in the sidewall thereof at its distal end at a location axially spaced from said conical tip a distance less than the openings in the sidewalls of said second and third lumens.
4 more elements
A three-lumen catheter comprising:
- an elongated unitary tube having an integral septum extending within the entire length of said tube and dividing the interior of said tube into first, second and third lumens;
- the outer circumference of said tube converging smoothly at its distal end to form a conical tapered tip;
- said first lumen extending from the proximal end of said tube continuously through said conical tapered tip to an opening at the apex of said tip, said first lumen for introducing fluid to a body cavity;
- each of said second and third lumens extending continuously from the proximal end of said tube to at least two said openings in the sidewall thereof at a location axially spaced from said conical tip, said openings being aligned on a path parallel to that of the axis of said elongated tube, both said second and third lumens for withdrawing fluid from a body cavity;
- and
- each of said second and third lumens having no opening through the apex of said conical tip.
3 more elements
A three-lumen catheter comprising:
- an elongated unitary tube having an integral septum extending within the entire length of said tube and dividing the interior of said tube into first, second and third lumens;
- the outer circumference of said tube converging smoothly at its distal end to form a conical tapered tip;
- said first lumen extending from the proximal end of said tube continuously through said conical tapered tip to an opening at the apex of said tip, said first lumen for introducing fluid to a body cavity;
- each of said second and third lumens extending continuously from the proximal end of said tube to at least two said openings in the sidewall thereof at a location axially spaced from said conical tip, said openings being located on a path which is positioned spirally with respect to the axis of said elongated tube, both said second and third lumens for withdrawing fluid from a body cavity;
- and
- each of said second and third lumens having no opening through the apex of said conical tip.
3 more elements
A three-lumen catheter comprising:
- an elongated unitary tube having an integral septum extending within the entire length of said tube and dividing said tube into first, second and third lumens;
- the outer circumference of said tube converging at its distal end to form a conical tapered tip;
- said first lumen extending from the proximal end of said tube continuously through said conical tapered tip to an opening at the apex of said tip;
- at least one opening in sidewall of said first lumen;
- each of said second and third lumens extending continuously from the proximal end of said tube to a location axially spaced from said tip;
- and
- each of said second and third lumens having at least two openings in the sidewall of said tube, said openings for each of said lumens being located on a path which is positioned spirally with respect to the axis of said tube.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.