Importance

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Abstract

A retention catheter comprises a length of flexible tubing having first and second ends, including first, second, and third axial lumens running therethrough. The first lumen includes first and second apertures located proximately to the first and second ends of said tubing, and is adapted to conduct fluid therethrough to or from a body cavity or vessel through the catheter. First and second inflatable balloons are circumferentially disposed about the outside of the tubing located proximate to a first end thereof. The first and second balloons are separated by a selected distance, and communicate with the second lumen through the tubing. The third lumen through the tubing terminates at a first end in a first aperture located on the outer wall of the tubing between the first and second balloons and at a second end in a vacuum aperture located proximate to the second end of the tubing opposite to the balloon end. The catheter is secured by a process which includes the steps of first inserting the catheter into a body cavity or vessel, inflating the balloons, and pulling a vacuum in the volume defined between the balloons and the inside of the wall of vessel or body cavity.

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First Claim