Patent ID: 6221059
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A flow directed catheter comprising:a proximal body segment having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen therethrough, a predetermined flexibility, a predetermined lumen diameter, and a predetermined outside diameter, said proximal segment having substantially constant lumen and outside diameter; anda distal body segment having a proximal end joined to the distal end joined to the distal end of the proximal body segment, a distal end, a lumen therethrough, a predetermined flexibility, a predetermined lumen diameter and a predetermined outside diameter said distal segment having substantially constant lumen and outside diameter;wherein the flexibility of the distal body segment is substantially greater than that of the proximal segment so that the distal segment is sufficiently flexible to follow blood flow and the proximal section is sufficiently rigid to provide column strength to manipulate the catheter from the proximal end thereof, and wherein an outer surface region of the distal body segment comprises surface irregularities which increase flow resistance between the outer surface region and liquid flow past said region.