Importance

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Abstract

A venous catheter device includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having a proximal end and a longitudinally extending the distal end portion with a catheter tube distal terminus for insertion into and capable of being fed longitudinally through a vein. A plurality of independent lumens extend through the catheter tube, preferably including a distal lumen, a middle lumen and a proximal lumen, each of the lumens having a wall, a proximal end, and a lumen distal terminus adjacent to the catheter tube distal terminus. Each lumen distal terminus spaced longitudinally from each other so as to include a distal lumen terminus, a middle lumen terminus, and a proximal lumen terminus, respectively. At least two of the lumen termini have a fluid flow enhancement structure for maximizing fluid flux rate through each lumen by directing flow through the distal terminus of each lumen in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the distal end portion. Each of the proximal ends of the lumens include lumen adaptors for connection to independent fluid devices. It is preferable that the fluid flow enhancement structure includes longitudinal grooves located in the outer wall of the distal end portion and axially aligned with the respective lumens.

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First Claim