摘要 |
<p>CATHETER ASSEMBLY A catheter assembly comprises a cannula having proximal and distal end portions and a longitudinal duct having an initial inner cross-section. The duct increases in cross-section when at least a part of the distal end portion of the cannula is inserted into a body of a living subject and maintained in contact with the body, and/or when the duct is contacted by an aqueous liquid, fox a period of time sufficient for an enlarged duct cross-section to form. A hub has a passageway from a first to a second end thereof. The passageway has a cross-sectional area throughout at least substantially equal to 125% of the initial inner cross-section of the duct. A proximal end portion of the cannula is attached to the first end of the hub with a passageway through the hub in flow communication with the duct in the proximal and portion of the cannula. The attaching is such that the cross-section of the duct adjacent the proximal end portion, following formation of the enlarged duct cross-section, is throughout at least substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the passageway. Increased flow is provided through the hub whereby advantage can be taken of the expansion of the duct.</p> |