Patent ID: 8079973

Claim:
A catheter for insertion into a blood vessel at a vessel insertion site for delivering blood after dialysis to a location downstream of the vessel insertion site, the catheter comprising: an elongate body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, the elongate body being flexible and having an inner surface surrounding the lumen and an outer surface surrounding the inner surface; and a braided structure having a proximal end and a distal end, the braided structure being embedded within the elongate body such that the outer surface of the elongate body completely surrounds the braided structure, the braided structure extending from the proximal portion of the elongate body toward the distal portion thereof; wherein the proximal portion of the elongate body and the braided structure are configured to respond to an axial force by expanding such that the lumen is enlarged along the longitudinal axis for advancement over an engagement feature and for coupling with another blood conduit, the proximal portion of the elongate body and the braided structure also are configured to provide an enhanced connection of the elongate body to the engagement feature by applying a compressive force to the engagement feature when the proximal portion and the braided structure are placed over the engagement feature.