CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER HAVING A SOFT TIP AND FIBER OPTICS

摘要

A multiple lumen catheter having a soft, tapered multiple lumen distal tip for insertion into a body vessel. At least one medical implement lumen is used for placement or positioning of a biomedical sensor or other medical implement. The tip may be made of a softer material than the catheter body, or can be configured with thinner walls or a higher air-to-material ratio cross-section. Various geometrical configurations and combinations of materials can be used to decrease the resistance of the tip to an applied load. One particular application for the catheter of the present invention is as a central venous catheter equipped with fibers for measuring oximetry. The fibers extend to the distal end of the tip and are preferably secured therein with minimal adhesive so as to limit the stiffness added to the tip.