Patent ID: 6951555
Filing Date: 2005-10-04
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter comprising: a catheter body, wherein the catheter body is elongated and hollow, the catheter body having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the catheter body comprises a rigid member with a proximal and a distal end, and; a hollow support member coupled to the catheter body having a distal and proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the support member is coupled to the distal end of the catheter body and wherein the proximal end of the support member is coupled to the distal end of the rigid member; and a collapsible lumen having a distal and proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the lumen is coupled to the distal end of the support member, wherein the lumen is flexible relative to the catheter body and has a plurality of openings to allow fluid to flow through the lumen such that the velocity of the fluid flow through the lumen is minimized.