Patent ID: 7879003
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A multichannel catheter useful for delivering extracorporeal blood to a mammal in need thereof by insertion into a blood vessel of the mammal, which catheter has a defined length with distal and proximal ends and comprises a central, first channel defined by a surrounding wall extending substantially the length of the catheter, which channel is closed at its distal end, wherein the first channel has a noncircular cross section; a second channel (i) extending substantially the length of the catheter parallel to the first channel but independent thereof, (ii) being integrated into the wall of the first channel, and (iii) being open at its distal end; a plurality of openings for the outflow of blood in the wall of the catheter communicating only with said first channel; an inflatable bladder integrated into the distal end of the catheter between the openings for the outflow of blood and the second channel distal opening; a third channel (i) extending substantially the length of said catheter integrated into the wall of the first channel; (ii) being parallel to the first and second channels but independent thereof, and (iii) having a distal opening in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable bladder; and an obturator with a flexible shaft slidably engageable into the first channel, wherein the shaft has a noncircular cross section substantially conforming to the noncircular cross section of the first channel, such that, when the shaft is inserted into the first channel, the shaft blocks blood flow through at least a portion of the plurality of openings in the wall of the catheter communicating with the first channel.