Abstract: A multi-path catheter includes an elongate tubular member and a withdrawal pathway along which unfiltered fluid is withdrawn in a distal to proximal direction. The withdrawal pathway originates at a distal point and is at least partially defined by the elongate tubular member. The elongate tubular member also defines, at least partially, at least one infusion pathway along which filtered fluid is returned in a proximal to distal direction. The at least one infusion pathway extends distally beyond the withdrawal pathway. First and second legs of the elongate tubular member are positioned on opposing sides of the withdrawal pathway at the distal point, and the at least one infusion pathway is at least partially defined by one of the first and second legs. The first and second legs have outer walls that are unattached to one another at distal ends thereof.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a catheter for insertion into a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion. A lumen is formed through the proximal and distal portions. The elongated member is formed of a polymeric material including shape memory polymers having a first phase transition temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about room temperature. The elongated member has a first configuration at about room temperature for insertion into the patient's body and self-configures to a second configuration at a first temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for fluid communication with the patient's body. At least a portion of the lumen has a larger flow area in the second configuration than in the first configuration.

Abstract: A multi-path catheter includes an elongate tubular member and a withdrawal pathway along which unfiltered fluid is withdrawn in a distal to proximal direction. The withdrawal pathway originates at a distal point and is at least partially defined by the elongate tubular member. The elongate tubular member also defines, at least partially, at least one infusion pathway along which filtered fluid is returned in a proximal to distal direction. The at least one infusion pathway extends distally beyond the withdrawal pathway. First and second legs of the elongate tubular member are positioned on opposing sides of the withdrawal pathway at the distal point, and the at least one infusion pathway is at least partially defined by one of the first and second legs. The first and second legs have outer walls that are unattached to one another at distal ends thereof.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a catheter for insertion into a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion. A lumen is formed through the proximal and distal portions. The elongated member is formed of a polymeric material including shape memory polymers having a first phase transition temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about room temperature. The elongated member has a first configuration at about room temperature for insertion into the patient's body and self-configures to a second configuration at a first temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for fluid communication with the patient's body. At least a portion of the lumen has a larger flow area in the second configuration than in the first configuration.