Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical catheter including an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall, and first and second internal lumens. The outer wall of the catheter member includes a first opening in fluid communication with the first internal lumen to facilitate the establishment of a first flow stream, and a second opening in fluid communication with the second internal lumen to facilitate the establishment of a second flow stream. Each of the first and second openings includes proximal and distal tapered portions that are connected by an intermediate portion having a constant transverse dimension. The configurations, dimensions, and positioning of the first and second openings optimizes separation of the first flow stream from the second flow stream in order to reduce the likelihood of recirculation between the first and second internal lumens.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal end portions defining a longitudinal axis, and first and second tip segments. The elongate shaft and the first and second tip segments define respective first and second lumens. Each tip segment includes a proximal portion fixed relative to the distal end of the elongate shaft, and a distal portion. Each tip segment defines a side opening in fluid communication with a respective one of the first and second lumens. Each tip segment is movable between a straight configuration in which each respective tip segment is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a curved configuration in which each tip segment has a concave portion with respect to the longitudinal axis. The side openings face each other along the concave portions.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal end portions defining a longitudinal axis, and first and second tip segments. The elongate shaft and the first and second tip segments define respective first and second lumens. Each tip segment includes a proximal portion fixed relative to the distal end of the elongate shaft, and a distal portion. Each tip segment defines a side opening in fluid communication with a respective one of the first and second lumens. Each tip segment is movable between a straight configuration in which each respective tip segment is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a curved configuration in which each tip segment has a concave portion with respect to the longitudinal axis. The side openings face each other along the concave portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter is provided which includes a catheter body having a proximal and a distal end and defining at least one lumen. The at least one lumen includes a distal opening and a side opening formed through a sidewall of the catheter body. The side opening communicates with the at least one lumen, and includes guiding structure positioned adjacent a distal side of the side opening configured to smoothly redirect blood flow into the at least one lumen. The guiding structure may be defined by a raised wall, or in the alternative, an angled distal wall of the side opening.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separated tip catheter having a separated tip configuration includes the steps of: extruding an extrusion material through a die to form a catheter including a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a first lumen and a second lumen, the catheter body having a septum positioned between the first and second lumens; and feeding a strip into the die so that the strip is positioned between the first lumen and the second lumen along a length of the catheter, the strip having a first proximal section formed of a first material capable of bonding with the extrusion material and a second distal section formed of a second material incapable of bonding with the extrusion material.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter is provided which includes a catheter body having a proximal and a distal end and defining at least one lumen. The at least one lumen includes a distal opening and a side opening formed through a sidewall of the catheter body. The side opening communicates with the at least one lumen, and includes guiding structure positioned adjacent a distal side of the side opening configured to smoothly redirect blood flow into the at least one lumen. The guiding structure may be defined by a raised wall, or in the alternative, an angled distal wall of the side opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separated tip catheter includes the following steps: positioning first and second cores in a cavity of a mold, the cavity having a substantially elongated shape and including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first and second cores are oriented substantially parallel to each other; placing a sheet of material having a higher melting temperature than a molding material across the first end portion of the cavity; and injecting the molding material into the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: A luer adapter includes a body including an inner surface defining a lumen and first and second ends. Each end is adapted to connect to a medical device. An antimicrobial material is positioned at least on a portion of the inner surface. A barrier is positioned between the lumen and the antimicrobial material and permits the passage of the antimicrobial material therethrough upon exposure to moisture. The barrier may include hydrophilic material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separated tip catheter includes the following steps: positioning first and second cores in a cavity of a mold, the cavity having a substantially elongated shape and including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first and second cores are oriented substantially parallel to each other; placing a sheet of material having a higher melting temperature than a molding material across the first end portion of the cavity; and injecting the molding material into the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separated tip catheter includes the following steps: positioning first and second cores in a cavity of a mold, the cavity having a substantially elongated shape and including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first and second cores are oriented substantially parallel to each other; placing a sheet of material having a higher melting temperature than a molding material across the first end portion of the cavity; and injecting the molding material into the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical catheter including an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall, and first and second internal lumens. The outer wall of the catheter member includes a first opening in fluid communication with the first internal lumen to facilitate the establishment of a first flow stream, and a second opening in fluid communication with the second internal lumen to facilitate the establishment of a second flow stream. Each of the first and second openings includes proximal and distal tapered portions that are connected by an intermediate portion having a constant transverse dimension. The configurations, dimensions, and positioning of the first and second openings optimizes separation of the first flow stream from the second flow stream in order to reduce the likelihood of recirculation between the first and second internal lumens.

Abstract: A single or multiple lumen catheter is disclosed which includes an expandable lumen. The expandable lumen is movable from a collapsed or sealed configuration to an open or expanded configuration. In the open configuration, the expandable lumen is dimensioned to receive a guidewire or stylet or facilitate the introduction of fluids into a patient.