| abstract |
A catheter for independent delivery and withdrawal of fluids has a smooth ellipsoidal distal end 10 to minimise stasis and, in close proximity to the tip, a port or ports evenly spaced along a helical path and along the length of each lumen, the most proximal port of one lumen being distanced from the most distal port of another. A coupling for connection to externally located infusion and withdrawal tubes comprises a generally L-shaped, implantable transition device 6 bonded to a percutaneous access device 42, 44, the overall conformation of the multi-lumen catheter being either a "U-shape" or an upright "Z-shape". Externally located tubes are in fluid connection with an epidermal end of the transition device and a multilumen tube fits snugly over nipples at a subcutaneous end of the device. <IMAGE> |