Reduction of recirculation in catheters

摘要

A catheter tip designed to reduce the outflow velocity and/or directional momentum of fluid being infused by a catheter having such a tip. In one variation, a plurality of channels is provided at the distal portion of the catheter to increase the outflow cross-sectional area. In another variation, the diameter of the catheter at its distal portion where the fluid exits is increased. In yet another variation, a bullet-shaped nose is implemented which may decrease turbulence at the distal end of catheter tip. The low velocity outflow catheter tip may also be implemented on a dual lumen catheter, such as a hemodialysis catheter, to reduce recirculation rate. Various device configurations and methods for such implementations are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of performing a hemodialysis procedure, comprising:
providing a catheter including:
a primary channel extending along a primary portion from a proximal end of the catheter to a distal section of the catheter, the primary portion having a first outer diameter;a plurality of secondary channels branching from a terminal end of the primary channel in the distal section, each of the plurality of secondary channels in fluid communication with one of a plurality of openings in the distal section, the distal section having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter; infusing a fluid through the primary channel; reducing the velocity of the fluid in the distal section when the fluid moves through the secondary channels; and directing the fluid through the plurality of openings such that the fluid exits the catheter in different directions away from the distal section of the catheter.