Abstract: In a multiple-lumen catheter having multiple guidewires for treatment of vascular blockages, the catheter comprising a proximal-end assembly, a distal-end portion and a multi-lumen medial portion therebetween, the improvement wherein: (1) the multiple guidewires are preloaded in the catheter, each guidewire in its own single-guidewire lumen extending from its own guidewire entry port in the proximal-end assembly to a lumen convergence portion; and (2) the distal-end portion includes: (a) the lumen convergence portion along which the multiple lumens merge into a single output lumen sized to match the largest-diameter lumen of the multiple lumens, (b) an intermediate distal-end section connected to the lumen convergence portion and surrounding the single output lumen continuing therethrough, and (c) a tapered tip surrounding the single output lumen continuing therethrough.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter having a guidewire for each lumen, the catheter having a proximal-end assembly and an elongate tube including a multi-lumen medial portion and a distal-end portion. Each guidewire extends from the proximal end assembly through the medial portion to a lumen convergence portion which merges the lumens into a single output lumen. The distal-end portion includes (a) the lumen convergence portion, (b) an intermediate section surrounding the output lumen, and (c) a tapered tip surrounding the output lumen, with the diameter of each lumen of the multiple lumens other than the output lumen being sized to match the guidewire therein such that the guidewire is able to move therealong while being constrained laterally and remaining substantially coaxial with its lumen, and the diameter of the single output lumen being equal to the diameter of the largest diameter lumen of the multiple lumens.

Abstract: In a multiple-lumen catheter having multiple guidewires for treatment of vascular blockages, the catheter comprising a proximal-end assembly, a distal-end portion and a multi-lumen medial portion therebetween, the improvement wherein: (1) the multiple guidewires are preloaded in the catheter, each guidewire in its own single-guidewire lumen extending from its own guidewire entry port in the proximal-end assembly to a lumen convergence portion; and (2) the distal-end portion includes: (a) the lumen convergence portion along which the multiple lumens merge into a single output lumen sized to match the largest-diameter lumen of the multiple lumens, (b) an intermediate distal-end section connected to the lumen convergence portion and surrounding the single output lumen continuing therethrough, and (c) a tapered tip surrounding the single output lumen continuing therethrough.

Abstract: Catheter systems with multiple inner lumens that converge at the catheter distal tip are preloaded with at least two guidewires. The catheters offers sequential probing with two or more guidewires, therefore improving on procedural speed and accuracy. The catheters comprise proximal and distal regions enabling angled lumens to merge into a common lumen with a diameter slightly larger to the largest of the two proximal lumens. The confluence of the two proximal lumens comprises a single lumen with a reduced profile and cross sectional area. The lumens merge with the larger lumen at an angle greater than zero degrees, and the distal tip has a diameter equal to the diameter of the smaller proximal lumen. The proximal region serves as a directed passageway for different guidewires that enter the catheter through two proximal lumens and which may be reoriented through a convergence region for sequential exiting of the catheter tip.