DRAINAGE CATHETER

摘要

A drainage catheter (10) is adapted to drain fluid from the body cavity through a body conduit and includes an elongate tube (24) and a retention member (26) disposed at the distal end (41) of the elongate tube. (24) The retention member (26) is adapted for movement between a low-profile state facilitating insertion of the catheter (10) and a high-profile state facilitating retention of the catheter (10) in its operative position. A woven mesh forms at least a portion of one of the tube (24) and the retention member. (26) The woven mesh can be formed of filaments heat-settable so that the catheter (10) automatically moves to the high-profile state. Insertion of the catheter (10) can be facilitated using a stylet (50) which can be removed after insertion to permit the catheter (10) to automatically return to its high-profile state.