Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a catheter having a main body extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends and including a tip structure at the distal end, a transition portion extending from the tip structure, and a shaft extending from the transition portion to the proximal end. The main body defines first, second and third lumens, the first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the transition portion, and the third lumen extending from the proximal to the distal end. The side lumens are separated from the central lumen by parallel walls. In a preferred embodiment for use in dialysis, the side lumens are coupled to one another at the proximal end so that both side lumens receive intake blood and the treated blood is returned through the central lumen. Because the first and second lumens have intakes at different locations about the periphery of the main body, there is less likelihood that these lumens will be occluded by engagement with the wall of a blood vessel.

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First Claim