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Abstract

Vascular access catheters that include a catheter body having one or a plurality of lumens longitudinally extending therethrough. The lumens have cross-sectional shapes that enhance kink resistance, support reliable slit valve operation, and couple securely with the outlet stem of a multiple reservoir implantable access port. In a dual lumen catheter disclosed, each of the lumens are defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending generally linear inner wall surfaces. The inner wall surfaces when viewed in a transverse cross section of the catheter body taken normal to the longitudinal access have trapezoidal shapes. Other cross-sectional shapes are also illustrated. A generally planar septum separates the pair of lumens. The lumens effect a fluid-tight mechanical engagement between the D-shaped outlet prongs of a conventional outlet stem of an implantable dual reservoir access port, highly reliable two-way, three-position slit valves may be associated with each of the lumens. The valve for each lumen has a closed position thereof in which fluid communication is precluded between the lumen and the exterior of the catheter body, but the valve is selectively operable under the influence of appropriate pressure differentials between the lumens and the exterior of the catheter from the closed position into either an inwardly or an outwardly open position.

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First Claim