Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A technique for providing a fluid lock in an indwelling catheter, such as is used in hemo-dialysis; the catheter having an annular lumen surrounding a central lumen. The annular lumen, whether used for infusion or aspiration, has a set of ports which are aligned with each other along a circular circumference so that they intersect a common plane. That common plane is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the annular lumen. The catheter is implanted into a patient's cardio-vascular system. There are substantial down times between the blood cleaning procedures for which the catheter is implanted. Fluid is injected into the annular lumen which displaces any blood in the annular lumen proximal of the set of ports. This fluid is maintained in the annular lumen displacing blood throughout the down time of the catheter thereby providing fluid lock and avoiding blood clot within the annular lumen proximal of the set of ports. The ports in the annular lumen face radially outward to assure that the port edges do not snag on tissue when the catheter is inserted.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim