Importance

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Abstract

A catheter having a tip which is resistant to plugging by blood components or other body fluids when used as a long term implant within a living body. A check valve is incorporated in the tip that is exposed to the blood stream or other body fluids. The central bore within the catheter is closed at its downstream end. A cross bore or port is provided immediately upstream from the closed end. This cross bore is covered by a thin elastic sleeve to create a check valve. The pressure developed by injected infusate through the catheter opens the valve against the elastic force of the outer sleeve. Fluids cannot enter the catheter either by diffusion against the high velocity exit flow or by suction applied to the proximal end of the catheter.

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First Claim