Multi-lumen catheter with protective sheath

• US 20040249337A1
• Filed: 06/24/2004
• Published: 12/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: DiFiore, Attilio
• Granted Patent: US 7,615,034 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/40
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/16 with membranes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3653 Interfaces between patient blood circulation and extra-corporal blood circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3659 Cannulae pertaining to extracorporeal circulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3661 for haemodialysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0031 characterized by lumina for withdrawing or delivering, i.e. used for extracorporeal circuit treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0034 characterized by elements which are assembled, connected or fused, e.g. splittable tubes, outer sheaths creating lumina or separate cores
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0037 characterized by lumina being arranged side-by-side
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0081 Soft tip
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0023 by the form of the lumen, e.g. cross-section, variable diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/003 characterized by features relating to least one lumen located at the distal part of the catheter, e.g. filters, plugs or valves catheter tips A61M25/0067
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0032 characterized by at least one unconventionally shaped lumen, e.g. polygons, ellipsoids, wedges or shapes comprising concave and convex parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0068 Static characteristics of the catheter tip, e.g. shape, atraumatic tip, curved tip or tip structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0069 Tip not integral with tube
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/008 Strength or flexibility characteristics of the catheter tip

Abstract

A catheter apparatus for delivery of fluids to and/or withdrawal of fluids from a blood vessel in a body includes a catheter having at least two lumens and a sheath attached to the proximal end of the catheter. The sheath is positionable over an entire length of the catheter while the catheter is within the blood vessel and is adapted for direct attachment to the body. The sheath may provide protective and/or sterilization functions for the multi-lumen catheter.

Claims

1. A catheter apparatus for delivery of fluids to and/or withdrawal of fluids from a vessel within a body, comprising:

a catheter comprising at least two lumens and having a proximal and distal end; and

a sheath attached to said proximal end of said catheter and being positionable over an entire length of said catheter while said catheter is within said vessel, said sheath being adapted for direct attachment to said body.

2. The catheter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sheath comprises a self-sealing cap, said distal end of said catheter being movable into and out of said sheath through said cap.

3. The catheter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a proximal portion of said sheath comprises a material different than a main portion of said sheath.

4. The catheter apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said main portion comprises a material having a higher durometer than said proximal portion.

5. The catheter apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second catheter positioned coaxially around said catheter, wherein a proximal end of said second catheter is within said sheath.

6. A catheter apparatus for delivery of fluids to and/or withdrawal of fluids from a vessel within a body, comprising:

a catheter comprising at least two lumens, having an outer wall; and

a sheath positionable over an entire length of said catheter while said catheter is within said vessel, said sheath being adapted for direct attachment to said body, wherein said sheath comprises a sealed region at a proximal end thereof.

7. The catheter apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said sealed region comprises an O-ring and a stay positioned a length L from one another, wherein L is the length of said sealed region.

8. The catheter apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a damper attached to said outer wall of said catheter, wherein said damper is positioned between said O-ring and said stay.

9. The catheter apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said damper is porous.

10. The catheter apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an antibacterial agent is disposed within said sealed region.