Patent ID: 8221392

Claim:
A method of minimizing formation of bacterial biofilm or tissue proliferation in implantable fluid management systems comprising: a. providing an implant comprising an antimicrobial or drug-eluting catheter having a proximal and distal end; b. providing a flow distribution enhancing tip at the distal end of the catheter, wherein the flow distribution enhancing tip includes at least three inlet apertures that progressively increase in cross-sectional area from the most proximal inlet aperture to the most distal inlet aperture; c. providing a filter inserted in or around the flow distribution enhancing tip; d. inserting the distal end of the catheter into an area to be drained; e. placing the proximal end of the catheter in a selected area inside or outside of the human body; and f. draining fluid from the area to be drained to the selected area through the catheter.