CATHETER HAVING A COMPLIANT MEMBER CONFIGURED TO REGULATE ASPIRATION RATES

摘要

The present invention is directed to a catheter that is configured to self-regulate aspiration rates through a working lumen of the catheter. The catheter comprises a compliant member in communication with the working lumen that is configured to transition from an open position to a closed position when a predetermined aspiration threshold is exceeded. In the closed position, the compliant member is temporarily drawn inward to at least partially occlude flow through the working lumen, thereby mitigating the rate of aspiration imposed upon a patient's vessel. When the rate of aspiration is reduced below the threshold level, the compliant member returns to the open position.