Multi-lumen catheter with protected tip

Abstract

A multilumen catheter assembly ( 100 ) including a catheter ( 102 ) having an elongated body ( 108 ) having a proximal end ( 104 ) and a distal end ( 106 ) and a first lumen ( 122 ) with a first distal opening ( 126 ) disposed at its distal end, and a second lumen ( 124 ) connected to the first lumen but extending distally therebeyond to a second distal opening ( 130 ). A protector ( 120 ) is adjoined to the second lumen ( 124 ) distally of the first distal opening ( 126 ) and extends radially and proximally to a free proximal edge ( 134 ) to engage the vessel walls radially about the first distal opening to center the catheter ( 102 ) within the vessel to prevent occlusion of the first distal opening ( 126 ). A plurality of openings ( 136 ) extend through the protector ( 120 ) to permit blood flow therethrough.

1 . A multilumen catheter assembly comprising:
 an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end;   a first lumen having a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end and a first distal opening disposed at the distal end; and   a second lumen connected to the sidewall and extending between the proximal end and a second distal end, distal of the first distal end, wherein the second lumen includes a second distal opening disposed distally of the first distal opening; and   a protector adjoining the second lumen distally of the first distal opening, the protector adapted to extend from the distal end outwardly and proximally to a free proximal edge that engages the vessel wall under spring bias and radially about the catheter proximate the first distal opening, thereby centering the catheter and facilitating prevention of occlusion of the first distal opening by the vessel wall.   
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the protector is pleated and is adapted to be compressed radially toward the catheter during catheter insertion and removal. 
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the protector's free proximal edge is rounded and continuous to facilitate being slid along the vessel wall during insertion and removal of the catheter into and from the vessel. 
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the protector includes a plurality of through openings that permit blood flow through the protector. 
   
   
       5 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the through openings have diameters of from about 0.01 in to about 0.10 in. 
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the through openings have diameters of from about 0.03 in to about 0.07 in. 
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the through openings are at least about 0.02 in from the proximal edge and the distal tip. 
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first distal opening opens laterally of the catheter. 
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first lumen includes at least one side port proximate the first distal opening. 
   
   
       10 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second lumen, distally of the first lumen distal tip section, includes a transition portion that transitions the cross-section of the second lumen from a generally noncircular cross section shape to a generally circular cross section shape. 
   
   
       11 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the protector has a thickness of from about 0.0010 in to about 0.0035 in. 
   
   
       12 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the protector has a thickness of from about 0.0015 in to about 0.0025 in.