Patent ID: 7566316

Claim:
A dialysis catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a reduced diameter distal tip, a first longitudinally extending lumen configured to deliver blood to a patient, and a second longitudinally extending lumens configured to withdraw blood from a patient; a first blood delivery opening formed in the distal portion of the catheter body, the blood delivery opening being in fluid communication with the first lumen and configured for passage of blood therethrough; a second blood withdrawal opening formed in the distal portion of the catheter body, the blood withdrawal opening being in fluid communication with the second lumen and configured for passage of blood from a patient, wherein the second opening is positioned proximally of the first opening; a spacer extending from the catheter body to reduce contact of the catheter body with a vessel wall, wherein the spacer has a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end is positioned to terminate proximal of the reduced diameter distal tip of the catheter body and proximal of the first opening; and a stiffening member removably positionable within the catheter; wherein a proximal portion of the stiffening member has a series of threads for mounting the stiffening member to the catheter.