High flow rate dialysis catheters and related methods
View Patent ↗High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.
1. A method of delivering fluid to a patient, the method comprising:
placing a catheter within a vessel of the patient, the catheter comprising:
a hub; and
a flexible conduit comprising an outer wall and an internal divider defining at least a first and second lumen, the conduit further comprising:
a cylindrical proximal section;
a frusto-conical middle section; and
a cylindrical distal section;
wherein the frusto-conical middle section includes a transition zone extending from a first point to a second point and having a first cross-sectional area at the first point and a second cross-sectional area at the second point, wherein the first point is proximal of the second point, and wherein the first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area;
wherein a thickness of the outer wall smoothly increases in a distal to proximal direction over the transition zone with a concomitant increase in cross-sectional area in a distal to proximal direction of each of the first and second lumens over the transition zone;
at least one connecting tube to the hub, whereby the at least one connecting tube is in communication with at least one of the lumens; and
wherein the cylindrical proximal section is in direct contact with the hub;
attaching a fluid source to the at least one connecting tube; and
delivering fluid to the patient through the at least one connecting tube.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein a surface of the flexible conduit is treated to inhibit association of materials with the conduit.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein a surface of the flexible conduit is treated with heparin.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the flexible conduit is reinforced to prevent kinking.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the flexible conduit is reinforced by the change in cross-sectional area along the length of the flexible conduit, without adding a wire to the flexible conduit.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first lumen and second lumen are in constant open fluid communication with the hub.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising at least two connecting tubes connected to and in fluid communication with the hub.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the hub contains a void that links the first lumen and the second lumen to one of the connecting tubes.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the cross-section of one end of the first lumen and the second lumen are semi-circular, circular, round, or oval.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the distal most end of the first lumen and the second lumen are smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the proximal most end of the first lumen and the second lumen.