Permanent catheter with an exterior balloon valve and method of using the same

摘要

An permanent indwelling catheter is provided with a selectively inflatable exterior balloon valve to to seal one or more orifices defined in the catheter wall or tip. The longitudinal lumen may either comprise a single central axial lumen or a plurality of subdivided lumens within the catheter body. The orifices may be defined through the side wall of the catheter at variable points along its length and/or may be defined in the tip of the catheter. In embodiment, the expansible membrane is disposed in the proximity of a distal tip orifice and is inflated to completely fill the space of the tip and extend into the tip orifice to seal it. In yet another embodiment, the membrane valve, is comprised of two or more separate membrane portions which are simultaneously inflated against each other and adjacent surfaces within the catheter to provide a sealing wall and means for sealing the orifice.