Abstract: A venous return catheter (30, 56, 60, 70) and method of use therefor having a semi-rigid support member (32) extending within a lumen (42) to prevent kinking thereof during insertion and use. The tubular walls of the catheter body (40,72) are sufficiently thin and flexible to provide maneuverability and allow clamping of the lumen (42) during use, but which outer diameter is sufficiently small and thus requires a smaller and less traumatic incision in the right atrium. The catheter is provided with a plurality of openings (34) along a length proximate the distal end of the catheter, and may have a second set of openings (74) in a two-stage catheter (70). The semi-rigid support member (32) is fixedly or selectively secured at a central location of the distal tip 44 free of the openings (34), but is free at the proximal end of the catheter to provide maneuverability. The semi-rigid support member may have a plurality of radially extending support members (57) to provide additional support.