Patent ID: 7935092
Filing Date: 2011-05-03
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter, comprising: a. a hollow member comprising a lumen, an outer surface, a distal end having a sharpened distal tip, and at least one opening through the hollow member allowing fluid communication between the lumen and the outer surface of the hollow member, the hollow member being sufficiently sharp and rigid to allow the catheter to be inserted through a patient's skin and underlying tissue without the use of another device; and b. a semi-permeable membrane attached to the hollow member and covering the at least one opening, the semi-permeable membrane defining a pore structure allowing fluid communication between the lumen and an area outside the semi-permeable membrane; and c. a fluid collection chamber between the outer surface of the hollow member and the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the catheter is adapted to move fluid through the fluid collection chamber under positive pressure and under neutral or less pressure.