Patent ID: 6126631
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A multi-lumen catheter comprising:a) an elongated, soft and flexible catheter tube having a distal end insertable into a patient with an opposed proximal end extending from the patient, and a non-diametral transverse septum extending along the length of the catheter tube; andb) at least three lumens extending longitudinally through the catheter tube with each lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the lumens including a pair of withdrawal lumens for removing blood from the patient and having a flow resistance, wherein the pair of withdrawal lumens of generally wedge or pie-shaped cross-sections are separated by a supporting septum which resists vertical displacement, and have a combined flow resistance less than or equal to the flow resistance of the return lumen path so that the total flow rate for blood flowing through the pair of withdrawal lumens and out of the patient does not create a pressure differential sufficient to cause the lumens to collapse.