Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for effective removal of emboli or harmful fluids during therapeutic and diagnostic vascular procedures, such as angiography, balloon angioplasty, stent deployment, laser angioplasty, atherectomy, and intravascular ultrasonography. A catheter with an occluder mounted at its distal end creates an occlusion proximal to the lesion and provides a pathway for introducing a treatment catheter. Prior to, during or subsequent to the procedure, suction is activated to establish retrograde flow to remove emboli from the site. Additionally, a thin catheter with a distal fluid ejection nozzle may be introduced distal to the treatment site to rinse emboli from the treatment site. The suction flow and/or ejected fluid flow may be varied in a pulsatile manner to simulate regular blood flow and/or perturb settled emboli into being captured that may otherwise not be collected. The method establishes a protective environment before any devices enter the treatment site.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling an inflammatory response in a subject. Extracorporeal devices, systems, and methods are provided that alter the functional structure of one or more inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of the subject. The device or system is useful in a method for treating an inflammatory disease or condition in the subject.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits on the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.

Abstract: Methods for delivering first and second fluid compositions to a target location of a subject include delivering the first composition from reservoir of an implantable infusion pump and delivering the second composition through a catheter access port of the implantable infusion device. The access port and reservoir are fluidly coupled to a catheter having a delivery region implanted in the target region. The methods more fully realize the therapeutic potential of infusion devices having both an access port and a reservoir. Strategic use of different agents that compliment the function of each other delivered via either the access port or the reservoir can result in enhanced therapeutic potential.

Abstract: Structurally supportive material is implanted or injected into cardiac veins as discrete masses at various sites in the cardiac venous system to reinforce the myocardium for the purpose of preventing, moderating, stopping or reversing negative cardiac remodeling due to various adverse cardiac conditions, both acute and chronic, or for the purpose of treating localize anomalies of the heart, or for both purposes. The sites may be arranged in a pattern about one or more chambers of the heart such that the masses cooperatively reduce stress in the chamber wall and reduce chamber size. Some patterns also cause a beneficial global reshaping of the chamber. These changes occur quickly and are sustainable, and have a rapid and sustainable therapeutic effect on cardiac function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for improving memory and/or cognitive function by brain delivery of compositions of small interfering RNA or vectors containing the DNA encoding for small interfering RNA. Such compositions can be administered using devices, systems and methods for direct delivery of the compositions to the brain, or using devices, systems, methods of delivery, and compositions that deliver small interfering RNA or vectors containing the DNA encoding the small interfering RNA across the blood-brain barrier. The present invention also provides valuable small interfering RNA vectors, and methods for reduction of BACE1 levels in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, or other regions of the brain that have beneficial effects on improving memory and/or cognitive function in a subject.

Abstract: An infusion catheter assembly has the ability to infinitely titrate the length of a porous fluid distribution section in situ. The infusion catheter assembly thereby provides a length of infusion that can be infinitely varied over a prescribed range, to control the effective infusion length and the rate of infusion. Using the infusion catheter assembly, a physician has the capability to treat only the length of the vessel desired, thereby preventing excessive drug/patient exposures. The porous fluid distribution section can include an array of spaced apart apertures that vary in size and/or density along the length of the porous fluid distribution section, such that the flow rate remains essentially constant for a given inlet pressure independent of the effective infusion length.

Abstract: A remote sensing catheter system including an injection catheter and a collection catheter. In one method of use, an external sensor of the system determines the timing of operation of the collection catheter. In another method of use, a sensor determines the volume of medium in the injection.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering a medical implant in a patient's vasculature includes an elongate catheter having a distensible and frangible cap mounted across the open distal end thereof. The cap is distendable by pressure within the catheter to provide a bumper tip for guiding the catheter through a patient's vasculature. At the desired site for deploying the medical implant, the cap is ruptured to permit the implant to be advanced through the distal opening. Methods of using the catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are an apparatus and methods to induce electromagnetic field in biologic tissue for thermal therapy. The apparatus comprises electromagnetic devices fitted to be releasably deployed inside a body, magnetic materials to be deployed in a body, and a magnetic centrifuge machine. An electromagnetic device includes a controllably flexible fiberoptic tubular device with a magnetic-flux-controlled electromagnetic assembly on its distal end. The electromagnetic device receives direct or alternating electric current. Implanted particulate magnetic materials in close proximity to said electromagnetic assembly form reversible magnetic vascular mold in target blood vessels by static magnetic field produced by direct electric current to said electromagnetic assembly. Implanted magnetic materials generate heat by alternating magnetic field induced by alternating electric current to said electromagnetic assembly.

Abstract: Partitioning devices that may be secured and sealed within a heart chamber for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion are described herein. The partitioning devices described herein may include a reinforced membrane with outwardly biased members. The reinforced membrane may have a central hub with a distally extending support stem with a plurality of feet which extend radially from a centerline axis and preferably have ends that are aligned in a common plane. These devices may be secured within the heart chamber by sealing them to the wall of the heart chamber, for example, by inflating an inflatable element on the periphery of the device. The non-productive portion may be filled with a material, including occlusive materials. Sealing and/or filling the non-productive portion formed by the devices described herein may help prevent leakage from the non-productive region.

Abstract: Methods and devices for successively advancing a plurality of catheters over a guide element to a body tissue are described. In some of the methods, the guide element may be attached to the body tissue, which may be accessible minimally invasively. In certain variations, the guide element may not be detached from the body tissue after the catheters have been advanced over the guide element. The methods may further comprise deploying at least one implant from at least one of the plurality of catheters. In some variations, a method may comprise advancing a first delivery catheter to a first region of a body tissue, deploying a first anchor from the first delivery catheter, where the first anchor is attached to a guide element, proximally withdrawing the first delivery catheter, advancing a second delivery catheter over the guide element, and deploying a second anchor from the second delivery catheter.

Abstract: A method of treating an intravascular site in a patient includes spraying jets of treatment fluid out of spray orifices formed in an elongate catheter body, and changing an impingement pattern of the treatment fluid on material within the intravascular site in response to a torque induced by a back pressure of the jets. A thrombolysis catheter includes an elongate catheter body having a plurality of spray orifices formed in a body wall, and communicating with a fluid lumen longitudinally extending in the elongate catheter body. The plurality of spray orifices define a torque inducing spray jet pattern, whereby a back pressure of spray jets exiting the spray orifices induces a torque on the elongate catheter body.

Abstract: A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.

Abstract: Described herein are partitioning devices for reducing ventricular volume that may be secured within a ventricle and separate it into a productive portion and a non-productive portion. The partitioning devices described herein may include a reinforced membrane and may be secured within the heart chamber by sealing them to the wall of the heart chamber, for example, by inflating an inflatable element on the periphery of the device. All or a region of the non-productive portion formed by these devices may be enclosed within a container or bag. The non-productive portion may be filled with a material, including occlusive materials (e.g., vasoclusive coils). Sealing and/or filling the non-productive portion formed by the devices described herein may help prevent leakage from the non-productive region. Also described herein are systems including these devices and methods of using them, which may be suitable for treating patients with heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems and methods for the minimally invasive treatment of heart tissue deficiency, damage and/or loss, especially in patients suffering from disorders characterized by insufficient cardiac function, such as congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction. In certain embodiments, a cell composition comprising autologous skeletal myoblasts and, optionally, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes and/or stem cells, is delivered to a subject's myocardium at or near the site of tissue deficiency, damage or loss, using an intravascular catheter with a deployable needle. Preferably, the cell transplantation is performed after identifying a region of the subject's myocardium in need of treatment. The inventive procedure, which can be repeated several times over time, results in improved structural and/or functional properties of the region treated, as well as in improved overall cardiac function.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic substance to a treatment site within a body lumen includes advancing a balloon catheter to the treatment site. A balloon of the balloon catheter is inflated and while the balloon is inflated, a primer that coats the treatment site and attracts the therapeutic substance thereto is delivered through a first fluid delivery lumen of the balloon catheter. The balloon of the balloon catheter is deflated for a predetermined period of time. The balloon of the balloon catheter is reinflated and while the balloon is reinflated, the therapeutic substance is delivered through a second fluid delivery lumen of the balloon catheter. The primer improves adherence of the therapeutic substance to the treatment site.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for transcervical access of the cerebral arterial vasculature and treatment of cerebral occlusions, including ischemic stroke. The methods and devices may include methods and devices which may provide aspiration and passive flow reversal, those which protect the cerebral penumbra during the procedure to minimize injury to brain, as well as distal catheters and devices to remove an occlusion. The methods and devices that provide passive flow reversal may also offer to the user a degree of flow control. Devices and methods which provide a way to securely close the access site in the carotid artery to avoid the potentially devastating consequences of a transcervical hematoma are also described.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a vascular system of a patient and for directing fluid flow includes a catheter body having a longitudinal axis and longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends with an intermediate catheter portion defined therebetween. An intermediate catheter outlet in the catheter body is located in the intermediate catheter portion and is spaced longitudinally from the proximal and distal catheter ends. A first lumen is defined within the catheter body and has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal first lumen ends with a reversing bend located therebetween, the first lumen providing fluid communication between the proximal catheter end and the intermediate catheter outlet. The reversing bend is located longitudinally between the intermediate catheter outlet and the distal catheter end. The reversing bend directs fluid flow to turn approximately 180° as the fluid flows through the first lumen. A method of using the catheter is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway, the apparatus comprising: a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lumen being sized to receive matter to be transported through the bodily passageway; and an external thread disposed over the distal end of the tube, the external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of the tube about the longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of the tube along said bodily passageway.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for containing and delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The apparatus generally comprises at least one container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source for facilitating delivery of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the pressure source may be placed in selective fluid communication with a proximal region of the container and fluid from the pressure source may flow through at least a portion of the container to urge the therapeutic agent through the container towards the target site. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure source may be selectively in fluid communication with either a first hollow tube and the container so that therapeutic agent is urged into a catheter, or with a second hollow tube and a catheter so that a fluid from the pressure source bypasses the container and enters the catheter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating pleural disease comprising a providing a low dosage of a sclerosing agent over a period of time. Certain examples include catheter with a sclerosing agent that is inserted into the pleural space. The sclerosing agent is released in a sustained-release manner over a period of time to achieve diffuse pleurodesis of the pleural layers.

Abstract: A catheter for provides protection to the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries against embolic delivery associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). A catheter having two lumens is introduced into the radial artery and the distal end is delivered to the aorta and an intermediate end is delivered to the brachiocephalic artery. Blood is taken from the aorta and is delivered to the intermediate end via a pump. Fluid flow out of the brachiocephalic artery prevents embolic debris from entering the brachiocephalic artery; streamlines of blood flow into the aorta prevent embolic debris from entering the neighboring left common carotid artery.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis (e.g., a sleeve) can be used to deliver therapeutic agents to vascular dissections or perforations. The sleeve can have a tissue adhesive and a drug-eluting biodegradable substrate layer.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for use in passing fluids and medicines therethrough for use in the perfusion or reperfusion of blood or blood-fluid mixtures into the arteries, veins, tissues, conduits, or organs of a patient by selectively adjusting the flow rate of fluid supplied to a drug delivery lumen of the catheter based at least in part on the sensed systemic fluid pressure and the sensed fluid pressure at a distal end of the catheter is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a locking fluid in an implanted catheter including positioning a catheter assembly in a patient, the catheter assembly including a first lumen having a closed first distal end and a first proximal end, and a second lumen having a closed second distal end and a second proximal end and injecting the locking fluid into the first and second proximal ends at a low pressure such that the locking fluid enters each lumen without opening the respective closed distal end. A method of withdrawing the locking fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating lower leg ischemia includes advancing a wire guide upstream through a vascular access sheath extending into an artery, and increasing a downstream flow of blood at least in part by dilating a constriction in the artery with a treatment mechanism guided into the constriction via the wire guide. The method further includes withdrawing a catheter which is coupled with the treatment mechanism from the patient at the percutaneous entry point via sliding the catheter downstream through the vascular access sheath. A low profile balloon may be used as the treatment mechanism, and is advanced through the artery while the vascular access sheath protects the artery from irritation such that spasm of the artery is less likely to occur. Reduced risk of spasm advantageously enables retrograde access to chronic total occlusions such that multiple entry points into a patient's body are not necessary.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system is provided including a steerable, guide catheter, a delivery catheter adapted for deployment at a targeted tissue site using the steerable guide catheter, the delivery catheter including a proximal port, a distal port, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ports; a distal fixation element coupled to the delivery catheter so as to position the distal port adjacent the targeted tissue site; and a flexible hollow needle adapted to be advanced through the delivery catheter lumen, the flexible needle including a tissue-piercing distal tip for extending from the distal port of the delivery catheter for advancement into the targeted tissue site and a proximal end for extending from the proximal port of the delivery catheter through which a medical fluid is delivered.

Abstract: A system for perfusing a localized site within a body includes a catheter assembly having a venous access line that is adapted to deliver perfusate to the localized site, a venous or arterial drainage line adapted to drain perfusate from the localized site, and an occlusion device adapted to prevent some or substantially all physiological blood flow between the localized site and the systemic circulation of the body during and in the course of perfusing and draining perfusate to and from the localized site. The system may include a blood circuit associated with the catheter assembly to facilitate blood conditioning for use as the perfusate, in the course of a controlled perfusion and/or drainage of untreated, treated, or inactivated treated blood to and from the localized site.

Abstract: A method including introducing a treatment agent at a treatment site within a mammalian host; and introducing a bioerodable gel material at the treatment site. An apparatus including a first annular member having a first lumen disposed about a length of the first annular member and a first entry port at a proximal end of the first annular member, and a second annular member coupled to the first annular member having a second lumen disposed about a length of the second annular member and a second entry port at a proximal end of the second annular member, wherein the first annular member and the second annular member are positioned to allow a combining of treatment agents introduced through each annular member at the treatment site.

Abstract: A method of assisting in regenerating a patient's liver includes fluidly coupling a first end of a conduit with a first blood vessel of the patient that carries oxygenated blood. A second end of the conduit is fluidly coupled with a second blood vessel of the patient that carries blood to the patient's liver. Oxygenated blood is allowed to flow from the first blood vessel, through the conduit and to the liver via the second blood vessel of the patient.

Abstract: A catheter-based deployment system for deploying cellular material (22) into the heart muscle (25). The deployment system includes a guiding catheter (19) and a needle assembly (31) capable of sliding within the guiding catheter. The needle assembly (31) terminates in a tip (34) having at least one side with an opening (43) in communication with a lumen (20) disposed within the needle assembly (31). Once the guiding catheter (19) is positioned, the needle assembly (31) is advanced until the tip (34) penetrates the muscle wall (25). At a predetermined depth the cellular material (22) may be deployed into the muscle wall (25) via a push rod (46) disposed through the lumen of the needle assembly (31).

Abstract: Methods and devices for selectively removing an agent from a physiological site, e.g., a physiological efferent fluid collection site, are provided. Aspects of the invention include fluid removal (e.g., aspiration) devices having a fluid removal element and a flow modulator positioned at a distal end of the fluid removal element. The flow modulator is configured to converge intersecting fluid flow paths into the fluid removal element. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including the selective removal of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents from a variety of different physiological sites.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits on the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.

Abstract: Clot disruption and dissolution are achieved using a catheter having the ability to infuse a thrombolytic agent, aspirate clot and fluid, and allow passage of a guidewire. Optionally, the catheter may also include a mechanical agitator for further disrupt clot in the presence of the thrombolytic agent. A flow resistor in the catheter provides for infusion and/or aspiration to be concentrated primarily at a clot treatment area in a blood vessel while also providing optional infusion and/or aspiration distal to the treatment area. In some embodiments, infusion, aspiration and guidewire passage occur through a common lumen. The thrombolytic agent, such as tPA, streptokinase, or urokinase, is directly released into the clot at the point where the agitator is engaging the clot. In this way, the thrombolytic activity of the agent is enhanced and the dissolution of the clot is improved.

Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheter systems and methods for preparing and using such systems wherein a reservoir or fluid bag is connected to the catheter system and used for at least priming of the system with a heat exchange fluid.

Abstract: A system for engaging heart tissue includes an engagement catheter defining a first lumen therethrough and having a suction port at or near a distal end and a vacuum port at or near a proximal end, a delivery catheter defining a delivery catheter lumen therethrough and configured for slidable insertion into the first lumen of the engagement catheter, and an implantable device capable of insertion into the delivery catheter lumen such that at least part of the implantable device extends from a delivery catheter distal end upon implantation into a patient, where the suction port is operable to removably attach to a targeted tissue on an interior wall of a heart of the patient after the engagement catheter has been advanced through a blood vessel and into the heart, thereby forming a reversible seal with the targeted tissue when a vacuum source is operatively coupled to the vacuum port.

Abstract: Methods for installing a flexible spinal needle assembly and methods of delivering a fluid may include inserting a distal end of a flexible spinal needle assembly into a subject and, thereafter, disposing an anti-restriction member at least partially within an inner flow path of the flexible spinal needle to substantially prevent fluid occlusion caused by bending or kinking of the flexible spinal needle.

Abstract: A delivery device for a bifurcated stent-graft includes a first catheter portion with a first tip and a second catheter portion with a second tip. The first and second tips each include a generally curved and tapered outer surface and complementary surfaces that face each other. The first and second tips together form a generally continuous substantially smooth shaped outer surface, for example a bullet-shaped combined tip. An outer sleeve is disposed around the first catheter portion and the second catheter portion such that at least a portion of the first tip and a portion of the second tip extend distally beyond a distal end of the outer sleeve. An inner sleeve maintains the stent-graft in a compressed configuration during delivery to the target site. The delivery device is tracked over two guidewires to the target location with the tips acting as a unit.

Abstract: A split-tip catheter for placement within the vasculature of a patient and for use in hemodialysis or other suitable procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the split-tip catheter includes a catheter body that defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The catheter body further comprises a split distal region, including a venous segment and an arterial segment. The venous segment includes a recess extending proximally of a nose portion; and a lateral opening in fluid communication with the first lumen. The arterial segment also includes a lateral opening, is separate from the venous segment, and is removably seatable in the recess provided by the venous segment. In one embodiment, the distal region is un-split, but includes symmetrically opposed lateral openings, as well as distal openings, in communication with the first and second lumens for providing a functional stagger for blood flow in both forward and reverse catheter flow directions.

Abstract: A method for treating an occlusion in a coronary artery of a patient includes percutaneously advancing an occlusion treatment tool (such as an angioplasty balloon or stent delivery device) through the vasculature of the patient and into a coronary artery to a site of the occlusion. Following the treatment of the occlusion, a therapeutic agent is admitted into the first coronary artery. The therapeutic agent is selected to treat microvasculature obstructions at a target cardiac tissue site distal to the site of the occlusion.

Abstract: There is provided a microcatheter having a proximal solution lumen and a distal tip portion with a guidewire lumen. The microcatheter and methods of use thereof allows for introduction of solution into a vessel while manipulating the guidewire and/or the microcatheter itself. The solution may be a contrast solution, for viewing of the vessel, a therapeutic or diagnostic solution, or any other type of solution.

Abstract: Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques.

Abstract: A method of delivering an arteriogenic factor. The factor is delivered in a medically effective manner to structurally enlarge blood vessel. A distal portion of a catheter can be advanced to an existing blood vessel to deliver the arteriogenic factor.

Abstract: Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein fluid connection means is provided between the distal portions of two adjacent, thin-walled, high strength fluid lumens to define a closed loop fluid circulation system capable of controlled delivery of thermal energy to or withdrawal of thermal energy from remote internal body locations.

Abstract: A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge.

Abstract: A catheter for introduction and removal of fluids from a body and tunneling device therefor, the catheter has a body having a first conduit for removing fluid from the body and a second conduit for delivering fluid to the body wherein at least a part of each of the conduits is integrally formed within a first end of the body of the catheter and extends along side one another. The first conduit extends beyond the second conduit and forms a terminal point of the first end and defines a first opening thereat and the second conduit extends to a point short of the terminal point defining a second opening. A bumper portion is adjacent the second opening extending toward the terminal point. Another part of each the first and the second conduits are disjoined and form part of a second Y-shaped end. The tunneling device has a channel to removably receive the catheter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for removing thrombus outside of a hemodialysis. The hemodialysis catheter comprises an elongate shaft comprising a plurality of lumens. A first lumen has a first distal port. The first lumen is configured for the flow of a fluid in a first direction. A second lumen has a second distal port proximal to the first distal port. The second lumen is configured for the flow of the fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A third lumen has a third distal port proximal to the second distal port. An elongate device is disposed through the third lumen. The elongate device has an operable member on a distal end or a device to connect to an operable member disposed on the elongate shaft. The operable member is configured to engage and remove thrombus from an exterior surface on the elongate shaft.

Abstract: Removable cardiac implants, applicators for inserting, repositioning and/or removing them, and methods of using them are described. In particular, removable or repositionable ventricular partitioning devices are described. Systems including removable implants and applicators for inserting and/or removing them are also described.

Abstract: A multiple catheter assembly (100) including a first catheter (110) having a first proximal end region (112), a first distal end region (114) terminating in a first distal tip (116), and an outer surface (120) defining at least a first lumen (122) extending longitudinally therethrough between a first distal and a first proximal opening. The assembly (100) also includes a second catheter (130) having a second proximal end region (132), a second distal end region (134) terminating in a second distal tip (136), and a second outer surface (140) defining at least a second lumen (142) extending longitudinally therethrough between a second distal and a second proximal opening. The first (122) and second (142) lumens are independent from each other for facilitating simultaneous flow in opposite directions.