Controlling catheter flow

摘要

A catheter assembly includes an elongate member and a balloon. The elongate member defines at least one lumen and an outer surface. The outer surface defines at least one opening in fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The balloon is disposed within the at least one lumen. The balloon is inflatable such that a portion of the balloon expands from the at least lumen through the at least one opening. The expansion of the balloon increases the flow restriction through the at least one opening compared to the flow restriction through the at least one opening when the balloon is in a deflated condition. Methods for using a catheter assembly to remove occlusive material from a catheter are also described.

主权项

1. A method for removing occlusive material from a catheter, the method comprising:
delivering inflation fluid to a balloon disposed within at least one lumen defined by an elongate member of a catheter; and expanding the balloon via the inflation fluid to at least partially extend through at least one side opening and at least one distal end opening defined by an outer surface of the elongate member to clear occlusive material from each of the at least one side opening and the at least one distal end opening.