Co-axial catheter and method of implanting same

Abstract

A co-axial catheter assembly ( 100 ) including a first lumen ( 110 ) having a first distal end ( 114 ) and a first proximal end ( 112 ), and a second lumen ( 120 ) having a second distal end ( 124 ) and a second proximal end ( 122 ). The second lumen ( 120 ) extends co-axially with the first lumen ( 110 ), wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen and the second distal end extends distally of the first distal end. The second distal end ( 124 ) includes a distal tip ( 130 ) and a bulbous projection ( 240 ) disposed between the distal tip and the first distal end. A method of inserting the catheter is also disclosed.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A co-axial catheter comprising:
 a first lumen having a first distal end, a first proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough; and   a second lumen having a second distal end, a second proximal end, and extending co-axially with the first lumen, wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen;   wherein the second distal end extends distally of the first distal end, wherein the second distal end includes a distal tip and a bulbous projection disposed between the distal tip and the first distal end.   
   
   
       12 . The co-axial catheter according to  claim 11 , further comprising at least one spacer disposed between the first distal end and the second lumen. 
   
   
       13 . The co-axial catheter according to  claim 11 , wherein the first lumen has a first outer diameter and the bulbous portion has a second outer diameter, wherein the first outer diameter is approximately the same size as the second outer diameter. 
   
   
       14 . The co-axial catheter according to  claim 12 , wherein the first distal end includes at least one opening therein. 
   
   
       15 . The co-axial catheter according to  claim 11 , wherein the bulbous portion tapers from larger to smaller in a proximal to distal direction. 
   
   
       16 . The co-axial catheter according to  claim 11 , wherein the first lumen includes a generally U-shaped bend between the first distal end and the first proximal end. 
   
   
       17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . A method of inserting a catheter comprising:
 providing a catheter having:
 a first lumen having a first distal end, a first proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough; and 
 a second lumen having a second distal end, a second proximal end, and extending co-axially with the first lumen, wherein the second lumen is at least partially disposed within the first lumen; 
 wherein the second distal end extends distally of the first distal end, wherein the second distal end includes a distal tip and a bulbous projection disposed between the distal tip and the first distal end; 
   inserting the distal tip into a blood vessel; and   oscillating the distal tip in a generally circular motion while advancing the distal tip into the vessel.   
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 18 , further comprising advancing the catheter distally into the vessel such that the bulbous projection is inserted into the vessel, and oscillating the bulbous projection in a generally circular motion while advancing the bulbous projection into the vessel. 
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 18 , further comprising, prior to inserting the distal tip into the blood vessel, inserting the distal tip over a guide wire. 
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 18 , further comprising, prior to inserting the distal tip into the vessel, subcutaneously tunneling the catheter. 
   
   
       22 - 30 . (canceled)