Abstract: A catheter is described. In one embodiment, the catheter includes: a shaft segment including a shaft segment uptake lumen and a shaft segment return lumen; and a distal end segment coupled to the shaft segment, the distal end segment including a distal end segment uptake lumen and a distal end segment return lumen, where the distal end segment central axis forms a non-zero angle with the shaft segment central axis when the catheter is in its unstressed configuration. In a second embodiment, the catheter includes: a shaft segment; and a distal end segment coupled to the shaft segment; where the uptake lumen distal end is terminated by a closed surface, further where the uptake lumen distal segment includes only one side hole. In a third embodiment, the catheter includes: an uptake lumen; and a return lumen; where at least a portion of the return lumen distal segment is helically coiled around the uptake lumen distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing percutaneous needle biopsies under direct visualization by medical imaging technologies is provided. The apparatus is a biopsy needle comprised of a shaft, a tip which is flared in dimension with respect to the diameter of the shaft, and a longitudinal bevel which imposed on the tip. The shaft and flared tip with bevel are connected as a single unit and the shaft is adaptable for coupling to a needle hub. The flared tip of the needle causes the needle to travel naturally in an arc as the needle is pushed through tissue. This feature is advantageous because obstacles can be avoided and errors in positioning between the needle and the needle's target can be easily corrected by appropriate choice of arcs. The method for advancing the needle into a target or around an obstacle is comprised of combinations of both linear and arcing trajectories.

Abstract: A catheter is described. In one embodiment, the catheter includes: a shaft segment including a shaft segment uptake lumen and a shaft segment return lumen; and a distal end segment coupled to the shaft segment, the distal end segment including a distal end segment uptake lumen and a distal end segment return lumen, where the distal end segment central axis forms a non-zero angle with the shaft segment central axis when the catheter is in its unstressed configuration. In a second embodiment, the catheter includes: a shaft segment; and a distal end segment coupled to the shaft segment; where the uptake lumen distal end is terminated by a closed surface, further where the uptake lumen distal segment includes only one side hole. In a third embodiment, the catheter includes: an uptake lumen; and a return lumen; where at least a portion of the return lumen distal segment is helically coiled around the uptake lumen distal end.