Patent ID: 6045530
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A catheter disposed for insertion into a fluid-containing cavity of a patient to drain fluid therefrom, said catheter comprising:an elongated body provided with proximal and distal ends and with an outer surface having a circular cross-section, said elongated body being further provided with first and second lumens contained within said outer surface and extending along said body, said first lumen disposed to serve as a fluid flow passage and said second lumen being proximate to a position on said elongated body determined by the depth to which said catheter is inserted into said cavity;a wire element inserted into said second lumen for establishing and maintaining a selected angular orientation between first and second segments of said elongated body, said first and second segments comprising the portions of said elongated body extending between said position and said proximal and distal ends, respectively; andan annular retaining structure of selected material positioned around said elongated body and surrounding said proximal end of said wire element, to retain said wire element within said elongated body.